Read books and you can change the world, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: A society that reads is a society that succeeds, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“In this regard, the reading culture must be inculcated continuously,” said the Prime Minister at the launch of the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2022 at the World Trade Centre on Saturday (June 4).

He added that reading allows one to acquire knowledge and develop critical thinking.

Giving Bill Gates and Elon Mask as examples, he said they were two people for whom reading had become a part of life.

“On my recent trip to Japan, I noticed that reading is a culture not only for the young but also the old.

“Individuals such as Bill Gates reads at least 50 books a year, which is about a book a week.

“Elon Musk spends 10 hours a day reading fiction to help his creativity,” he said.

“Books are a window to the world and this is such a true adage.

“The knowledge gained through books can change the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin hailed the event following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This is the first time that such an event is being launched by the Prime Minister,” he said during his speech.

Radzi said he spent two hours at the book fair and was buoyed by the response.

“The response shows that knowledge and the reading culture remains strong,” he said.

He said the general interest in reading shows the abolishment of the PT3 will not stifle creativity among students.