Anwar laments poor reading culture, says Malaysians must move beyond social media rants
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, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari and PBAKL 2025 organising chairman Mohd Khair Ngadiron. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
11 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Tengku Zafrul warns against poor trade deals as Malaysia continues US tariff talks
KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 — The government's negotiating position aims to ensure that any agreement reached supports the country's economic reforms and sustainable growth strategies. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said negative long-term outcomes are not what the public wants, nor what current and future taxpayers need. 'Catchy, feel-good headlines last a few days, a week at most. However, poor deals will have long-term consequences for our people, industries, and economy. 'Our objective is simple: we want to ensure that any agreement supports an open, rules-based and fair, multilateral trade, with the World Trade Organisation at its core,' he said in his keynote address at the International Healthcare Week (IHW) 2025, here today. The minister emphasised that any agreement should also safeguard market access, while recognising the need for emerging countries like Malaysia to develop sustainable supply chains and economies. 'Just like other countries, we value our economic ties with the United States (US). In 2024, total Malaysia-US trade rose nearly 30 per cent to RM324.9 billion (US$71.4 billion), with Malaysia being an important source for key products such as electrical and electronics (E&E) (+ semiconductors); machinery and equipment; rubber gloves, wood-based products and palm oil,' he said. As trade negotiations are a complex multi-stakeholder process, Tengku Zafrul said relevant ministries and agencies must be consulted to minimise conflict and ensure a smooth implementation post-negotiation. 'For context, the average duration for a regular trade negotiation is 18 months. For MITI, the fastest on record thus far is 11 months,' he said. Tengku Zafrul highlighted several red lines that the MADANI government will not cross in trade negotiations, including sacrificing the country's sovereignty or sidelining other trading partners in trying to close a trade deal. Meanwhile, he said Malaysia still has until August 1 to negotiate with the US regarding the 25 per cent reciprocal tariff imposed by the country thus far. He made this comment in reaction to Donald Trump's recent announcement regarding a 19 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indonesia, which has not yet provided any official statement on the issue. 'I have no further information regarding that (reciprocal tariff rate on Indonesia). What we know is based on the announcement made by the US president. We are now waiting to see what will be announced by the Indonesian side. 'As for Malaysia, we are still in negotiations. We have until August 1, so there is still time. What is important is that any negotiation must ensure mutual benefit for both countries,' he said. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
28 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
US wants foreign equity cap lifted in strategic sectors, says Tengku Zafrul
Investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz speaking to reporters after attending the opening ceremony of the International Healthcare Week in Kuala Lumpur today. KUALA LUMPUR : The US has asked Malaysia to lift foreign equity restrictions in strategic sectors as part of its tariff negotiations, investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said today. Tengku Zafrul said his ministry was still in talks with stakeholders on the request. Asked by reporters today to specify the affected sectors, he said: 'It's easy. I think you would know. These are strategic sectors, which are all under the law. 'We are still in talks with industry players and regulators,' he said on the sidelines of the International Healthcare Week opening ceremony today. Malaysia currently imposes foreign equity caps in strategic sectors, including telecommunications. Other sticking points in negotiations with the US include non-tariff barriers related to halal certification and government procurement rules. Yesterday, Tengku Zafrul said the US had also asked other nations to consider liberalising the foreign shareholding restrictions in force on some sectors. Some sectors did not have such restrictions, while the manufacturing industry was 'nearly all open', he had said. Earlier this month, the Donald Trump administration set a 25% import tariff on all Malaysian goods, saying the tariff would be imposed if a trade deal is not reached by Aug 1.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Chinese YouTuber fined RM800 for entering Parliament area
The magistrates' court sentenced Chinese YouTuber Li Zhechen to a RM800 fine, or in default one month's jail, for trespassing into Parliament. KUALA LUMPUR : A Chinese YouTuber was fined RM800 by the magistrates' court here for trespassing into Parliament, a site gazetted as a protected area. Magistrate Arunjothy Selvaraju imposed the fine on Li Zhechen after he pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 5(1) of the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959. The offence carries a maximum penalty of RM1,000, or two years' imprisonment upon conviction. Li was ordered to serve a one-month jail sentence if he fails to pay the fine. According to the facts of the case, Li had on July 9 entered the Parliament compound to take photos and videos. He was arrested by police officers who were on duty that day. During mitigation, Li's lawyer Lee Ewe Kiang offered the court an apology on his client's behalf. Deputy public prosecutor Adiba Iman Hassan urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence.
