By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 3: Artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to process data at lightning speed, but it can never replace the authenticity, empathy, and emotional depth that human journalists bring to storytelling, stressed Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
“Even if it takes a human 24 hours to complete a task, what they deliver has genuine ‘feel’—rooted in reality and lived emotion. That is the strength of humans which no machine can replicate,” he emphasised.
Speaking at the dinner held in conjunction with National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 and the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 at a local hotel here last night (July 2), Abdullah acknowledged that AI, though powerful, lacks the emotional intelligence and moral compass drawn from human experience.
“AI can process data fast, but it has no feelings or values. It does not understand the human narrative on a deep level,” he said.
As AI continues to shape work processes across industries, including media, he urged journalists to adapt to this technological wave without compromising the principles that form the backbone of journalism—integrity, ethics, and empathy.
“There should be no conflict between human and AI. AI is just a tool in the hands of humans. If used by someone with integrity, there will be no destruction,” he pointed out.
He reminded media practitioners that while openness to technology is important, it should never come at the expense of the noble values and trust that underpin the profession.
“What matters is that we strike a balance. Let AI enhance human capabilities—not replace or erase our humanity,” he added.
Abdullah also reiterated the importance of journalism in giving a voice to the voiceless, especially in the age of social media where loud and popular opinions often overshadow the stories of marginalised groups.
“In a digital era saturated with information and loud voices, the media must not merely echo the popular or sensational. Ethical journalists must dig deep, seek truth, and shed light on the realities often left in the shadows,” he said.
He called on the media to play their role responsibly, not just publishing what people want to hear, but what they need to know.
“This is the true essence of responsible journalism—one that speaks for those unheard, highlights needs that are neglected, and brings real understanding to public discourse,” he said. — DayakDaily
