Well-Being as an Ethical Filter: Balancing Madani Policy in the Age AI and Technology

Abstract

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence and digital technology has created new challenges for values, justice and ethical balance in public policy. Within this context the Malaysia Madani framework introduced in 2023 places well-being as one of its six central pillars. This article aims to examine how the pillar of well-being can function as an ethical filter in policy making especially in an era where decisions are increasingly driven by data and algorithms. The study adopts a qualitative content analysis based on Malaysia Madani policy documents classical Islamic texts including the Qur’an and authentic hadith and contemporary writings on technology ethics. The analysis is guided by the framework of maqasid al-shariah focusing on justice, trust and public interest. The findings show that well-being should not be treated only as a policy goal but also as a mechanism for value-based checks and balances that safeguard human dignity in governance, social welfare and the digital economy. This study contributes to the integration of Islamic ethics with modern policy frameworks and proposes practical guidelines for embedding value-oriented narratives in technological development.