AI and Public Governance in Malaysia: A Literature Review on Ethical, Legal, and Operational Challenges

Abstract

This literature review intends to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) has affected governance in the public sector, focusing on Malaysia with comparison to various global perspectives. AI is increasingly perceived to be a tool for enhancing efficiency in the processes of governance and decision-making, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability. Its adoption, however, is far from problem-free. Issues that have remained in debates are data privacy, biased algorithms, outdated legal frameworks, and the need for more inclusive and transparent AI systems. By comprehending the studies from 2019 to 2024, this review dives into both the opportunities and challenges of AI in governance, examining its ethical and regulatory implications. A review of the several studies in the current literature highlights several trends, points out deficiencies in the methodologies applied, and indicates the directions of further research. This review demonstrates how AI can change the art of governance but also underlines the urgent need for a robust legal framework, rigorous ethical overview, and measures to ensure data protection for citizens.