KUALA LUMPUR: Teresa Kok says that an inaccurate translation by artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT led to a misunderstanding over her statement on halal certification.
The Seputeh member of Parliament told Mingguan Malaysia that during police questioning, she explained her original Mandarin statement had been translated into Malay by a colleague before being posted on Facebook.
However, due to time constraints, the translation, Teresa said, was not properly reviewed before being shared and was then picked up by the media.
"My colleague, who is fluent in Mandarin, usually handles translations, but since they were rushing for an overseas assignment, they used ChatGPT for speed. Unfortunately, some words were mistranslated, and we didn't double-check the text," she said.
Teresa said the controversy began when a news portal published a sensational and inappropriate headline that stemmed from the use of the word "memalukan" (to embarrass).
"I meant to say the government's enforcement of halal certification on restaurant operators could provoke negative reactions, both locally and internationally, not 'embarrass' the country. ChatGPT translated the word incorrectly."
Kok pointed out that the mistranslation was picked up by the media before it could be corrected, and the report was sensationalised.
"You know how the media can use shocking headlines that grab attention, sometimes giving readers 'heart attacks,'" she added.
While Kok said she trusts her staff, she admitted she was undergoing acupuncture treatment at the time and couldn't thoroughly review the translation.
Addressing claims that she was blaming the media, Kok said, "I understand that the media often picks up key phrases, and it depends on the editor's discretion. I don't hold them responsible for this, but the mistranslation certainly didn't help."
She added that media outlets with differing views of her have occasionally published unflattering images or reports, citing past experiences with Utusan Malaysia. However, she said that she accepts what has happened, saying, "I have faced many challenges, and I will take this in stride."
The police investigation followed Teresa's remarks on halal certification, which she said were about reviewing the process, not opposing it.
"I want to be clear — I have never opposed halal certification. When I was part of the Selangor state government and the cabinet, I actively promoted halal certification," she said after a two-hour questioning session with police on Sept 10.
She said her statement was a response to a proposal by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, which would require all food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certification.