KOTA KINABALU: Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology must be used responsibly to strengthen and celebrate democracy in the 17th Sabah state election, not to undermine it, said Borneo Election and Geopolitical Studies (GeoPES) researcher Azizan H Morshidi.
Azizan added that while AI poses a threat to routine jobs, it also has the potential to either enhance or disrupt democratic participation, depending on how it is employed.
"Political parties and candidates have the opportunity to set higher standards for digital campaigning in this election. A public pledge could require every candidate to commit to zero tolerance for AI-generated misinformation and disclose their use of AI tools.
“Candidates using AI for legitimate innovations, such as local chatbots answering voter queries about election logistics or automated platforms collecting constituency feedback on infrastructure priorities, should be recognised and encouraged," the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) senior lecturer in social research told Bernama.
He warned that AI-driven manipulation threatens the integrity of the upcoming state election.
Azizan cited the use of AI-generated fake videos in campaigns, which falsely depict infrastructure projects in Sabah as non-functional, leading to public dissatisfaction, particularly regarding water supply, roads, and electricity.
"Social media algorithms, which curate content based on previous interactions, may unintentionally trap voters - especially younger generations, in an echo chamber of false political information," he said.
He added that this “echo chamber” amplifies sensational claims about infrastructure failures or exaggerated campaign promises, benefiting certain parties while stifling fact-based discussions.
Azizan stressed the urgent need to improve AI literacy, as young voters in Sabah often rely on online political news and campaign materials for their information.
"However, their skills in AI and media literacy, particularly in distinguishing AI-generated fakes from authentic content - remain underdeveloped," he said.
Azizan emphasised that if Sabah’s youth are to be true guardians of democracy, rather than passive consumers of data, the education system must integrate digital citizenship modules. These should cover AI ethics, fact-checking techniques, and scientific literacy.
"When voters go to the polls, they are not just voting on infrastructure plans or political platforms; they are also deciding how Sabah will address 21st-century challenges, including automation, misinformation, digital inclusion, and, most importantly, AI," he said.
"It is now up to the people, leaders, educators of Sabah to decide whether AI will be a divisive wedge or a unifying bridge. Will our state be torn apart by technocratic fears, or strengthened by a collective commitment to democracy?" he asked.
Azizan added that the outcome will not only shape the election results but also determine the future of democracy and opportunities in East Malaysia.
The Sabah state election will see candidates vying for 73 state seats, with the updated electoral roll as of Oct 5 showing a total of 1,784,843 electors, comprising 1,760,417 ordinary voters, 11,697 military personnel and their spouses, as well as 12,729 police personnel and their spouses.
Polling is fixed for Nov 29, with early voting on Nov 25.
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