(Kuala Lumpur, 28th) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar stated that the habit of reading can cultivate a more mature and open-minded society, thus equipping it to face the increasingly complex challenges of the world.
In a Facebook post today (28th), he pointed out that books are not only a source of knowledge, but also teach the public to be more patient in their thinking and to make wise judgments.
"Books teach us to think with greater patience, to make more mature judgments, and not to easily fall into the culture of knee-jerk criticism or sensationalism that fades just as quickly as it arises."
"God willing, I will officiate the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) tomorrow, to demonstrate the government’s continued support for the intellectual and reading culture of all citizens, especially the younger generation."
Anwar said that during yesterday's Hari Raya Haji holiday, he spent time reading several of his favorite books in different fields, including literature, while also reflecting on the increasingly challenging developments of the era.
In the video shared in the post, Anwar also recites a poem from “Dari Derita Bangsa” (The Suffering of the Nation), which describes his struggle and imprisonment in 1999, and also mentions the resilience shown by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah, during the challenges faced in the "Reformasi" era.
The 43rd Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair in 2026 will be held from May 29th to June 7th at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre.