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The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Books are a source of true knowledge, not social media, says Anwar
Anwar delivering his speech at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2025 on June 1. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is urging Malaysians to read more, lamenting a less-than-ideal reading culture in the country. "Reading has not yet become a culture in our country, and that to me is disheartening. When we speak of a Madani nation, it is one that is rooted in conviction and love for knowledge," he said. How can we claim to love knowledge if we only rely on speeches, opinions... sometimes filled with insults but not grounded in knowledge? "Reading just four lines or listening to two-minute rants on social media and forming conclusions, this world is challenging and it demands individuals with deep knowledge," he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 here on Sunday (June 1). Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari and PBAKL 2025 organising chairman Mohd Khair Ngadiron. The prime minister, however, expressed optimism that the reading culture could be cultivated, noting that the PBAKL 2025, which began on May 23, had received an encouraging response, recording a total of 1.8 million visitors. Citing the success of developed nations, Anwar said such countries advanced because their people possessed deep knowledge and understanding. "Look at developed countries – none have progressed while lacking knowledge," he said. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that efforts to elevate Malaysia as a great nation must be anchored in building a knowledgeable society that values a reading culture. He said that in the pursuit of success, there remain political leaders, professionals, technocrats and intellectuals who overlook the development of culture. "In the next five or ten years, we want to elevate Malaysia as a great nation in our region. To do that, we must be prepared to compete, to work and to truly read. "Just look at the political and economic discourse in our country… it is not based on knowledge or reading. It is driven by sentiment, anger, hatred, judgment... even religion is turned into a platform (for political gain)," he said. The Prime Minister challenged students, influencers and parents to promote the strengthening of intellectual foundations to realise the goal of uplifting the nation's stature. PBAKL, themed 'Buku: Membaca, Memimpin' (Books: Read, Lead), concluded on Sunday, offering a wide variety of events and is regarded as one of the largest book fairs in Southeast Asia. – Bernama
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Disheartening that reading still not a culture in Malaysia, says PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to read more, lamenting the nation's poor reading culture which he said remains far from ideal despite ongoing efforts. He said this reality is at odds with the aspirations of the MADANI government, which is anchored on the values of conviction and a deep appreciation for knowledge. 'Reading has not yet become a culture in our country, and to me, that is disheartening. When we speak of a MADANI nation, it is one that is rooted in conviction and love for knowledge,' he said. How can we claim to love knowledge if we only rely on speeches, opinions... sometimes filled with insults, but not grounded in knowledge? 'Reading just four lines or listening to two-minute rants on social media and forming conclusions, this world is challenging and it demands individuals with deep knowledge,' he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 here today. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Book voucher to be extended to 400,000 teachers
KUALA LUMPUR: The initiative to provide book vouchers has been expanded to more than 400,000 teachers this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister stated that the effort is part of the government's ongoing initiative to promote reading habits among the people, particularly among school and university students. He said teachers have a great responsibility in disseminating knowledge as well as playing a role in fostering students' interest in reading. 'This year, we are giving vouchers to all teachers. Next year we will look at the economic situation first because we are fighting Donald Trump's (US President) tariffs,' he said. Anwar said this when officiating the Closing Ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur here today. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, 2025 PBAKL organising chairman, Mohd Khair Ngadiron and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Disheartening that reading still not a culture in M'sia
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to read more, lamenting the nation's poor reading culture which he said remains far from ideal despite ongoing efforts. He said this reality is at odds with the aspirations of the MADANI government, which is anchored on the values of conviction and a deep appreciation for knowledge. 'Reading has not yet become a culture in our country, and to me, that is disheartening. When we speak of a MADANI nation, it is one that is rooted in conviction and love for knowledge,' he said. How can we claim to love knowledge if we only rely on speeches, opinions... sometimes filled with insults, but not grounded in knowledge? 'Reading just four lines or listening to two-minute rants on social media and forming conclusions, this world is challenging and it demands individuals with deep knowledge,' he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 here today. Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Anwar announces book voucher initiative for 400,000 teachers
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 400,000 teachers nationwide will receive book vouchers to promote reading among the public, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said that last year, students who attended the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) also received book vouchers. ALSO READ: Vibrant costumes ignite creativity at book fair 'This year, we will be providing vouchers for teachers. For next year, we need to assess the economy first,' Anwar said during his opening speech at the Closing Ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur here on Sunday (June 1). Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari. Anwar expressed hope that this initiative would encourage reading among both teachers and students attending the event. Further details on the book vouchers are expected to be announced soon. Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysians should dedicate some time to purchasing books at the KLIBF, as knowledge is crucial for a developing nation. 'This is a challenging world, and it requires people with deep knowledge. There is no developed country with people who are shallow in knowledge,' said Anwar. Anwar also urged parents to take the weekend off to spend some time reading books with their child. 'But, remember to understand the contents of the book first before you read it with your child,' quipped Anwar.
