KOTA KINABALU: Courts in Kota Kinabalu will be the first in the country to use data analysis by artificial intelligence (AI) application in deciding on sentences, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong said.
He said AI application would be used in a criminal case hearing on Feb 17.
According to Liew the use of the application was launched on Jan 17 after opening of the legal year in Sabah and Sarawak by Chief Judge Tan Sri David Wong Kah Wah in Kuching.
For a start he said, AI would be used for drug possession offences under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and rape offences under Section 376 of the Penal Code.
"The technology will be able to analyse information to help judges and magistrates determine appropriate sentences on the accused.
"With AI there will be less disparity and inconsistency when sentences are meted out," he told reporters after a briefing on the use of AI application at the Kota Kinabalu Court today.
The AI application would only serve as a guideline for judicial officials in making their decisions.
Before sentencing he said, the judge or magistrate would inform the defence lawyers and prosecutors on the result of the AI analysis.
"However, the discretion of the judges or magistrates in imposing an appropriate sentence will not be affected with the implementation of this technology,.
“The application will analyse data for offences gathered from cases registered in Sabah and Sarawak,” he added. -- BERNAMA