Making Malaysia a reading country
THE Read@Uni programme launched recently by Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik hopes to not only enhance reading habit among students, lecturers and administrative staff, but also make Malaysia a culturally reading country by 2030.
With the slogan “With Knowledge We Lead”, the collaborative effort between the Higher Education Department, Malaysia Citation Centre and UiTM Shah Alam’s Tun Abdul Razak Library is an initiative that will be implemented through libraries at all public and private higher education institutions.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, in his speech during the launch, said public and private universities should be the driving agent to encourage reading at their institutions.
“Universities should conduct more book reviews, discourse and debates to discuss intellectual academic books.”
He said university students should also take the lead to encourage society to read more.
Maszlee said according to the World Culture Index 2017, Malaysia was ranked among countries that spend less than five hours a week reading.
“I hope to see Malaysians spending more than 10 hours a week reading. A developed nation cannot be formed if it doesn’t have a young generation that is morally balanced, mature and highly knowledgeable,” he said.
He said these attributes could only be formed through reading materials that require a high level of thinking.
Maszlee hoped that students read not only for their studies, but reading should be a way of life.
Present were Higher Education Department director-general Datin Paduka Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir, Malaysia Citation Centre head Dr Zuraidah Abdul Manaf and UiTM vice-chancellor Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Hassan Said.
Hassan said in line with the Education Ministry’s plan to revive the National Reading Campaign to ensure that Malaysians become a reading community by 2030, UiTM will ensure that various activities are being held to support the reading culture.
“To ensure that the reading culture becomes a ‘best friend’ of the university, the library needs to play a role in promoting and implementing campaigns from time to time.
“With the implementation of campaigns and reading programmes, I hope it will raise the reading awareness on language and literature, especially among UiTM students.”
Maszlee also advised the media to focus on creating more educational and inspiring content, and write to educate the public instead of “sensationalising” news to gain readership.
“Their writing should spread positive vibes that will build and develop a civilised society.”
At the event, Maszlee also presented a certificate, trophy and cash prize of RM1,500 to the winner of the Read@Uni Poster Competition, Wan Muhammad Hafizi Wan Mansor who was elected the grand prize winner from six finalists.