KUCHING: Future teachers are encouraged to cultivate and deepen their passion for reading as it serves as a key gateway to knowledge.
Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Batu Lintang director Dr Abang Ismail Abang Julhi said that passion in reading should not need any campaign but must have passion from readers themselves.
“Actually, reading doesn’t need a campaign. That’s why I wonder why we have a campaign for reading books. From what we’ve seen so far through the campaign, people take a picture and only read the synopsis; that’s it.
“It feels like we’re deceiving ourselves. When we ask what’s in the book, we can’t convey its impact because we haven’t fully immersed ourselves in reading it from start to finish. So, don’t stop reading,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the closing ceremony of IPG Malaysia’s National Language Month at TAZA Auditorium, IPG Batu Lintang Campus here on Friday.
He also urged trainee teachers not to read solely for the purpose of completing assignments.
“Even though lecturers give assignments, when you’re tasked with completing them, find books related to that task. You won’t always find the exact book, but you must read various kinds of books, different collections, and link those collections to complete your assignment.
“That’s critical thinking. That’s why I recommend to every teacher—what Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) board member Datuk Dr. Jeniri Amir mentioned earlier is correct—through the sharing of books he showed us, I’m confident he believes we must open our minds.
“We must be a society that loves to read, not just read WhatsApp or TikTok. You can read them occasionally, but cultivate within yourself a habit of reading scholarly books, books that can build our character as teachers, as educators, and as future mentors to the next generation,” he added.
He further stressed the need to cultivate a true passion for reading, cautioning that it is on the decline in today’s society.
“This is something we need to sharpen. Many bookstores are closing down because people prefer social media over buying books. What will happen to our authors, and what will become of future generations if we stop seeking knowledge through reading?” he asked.
Abang Ismail said that reading must go beyond superficial engagement, urging people to truly absorb and understand the content to cultivate a deeply knowledgeable society.
“We want Malaysians to attain not just technical knowledge, but deep intellectual understanding, which will elevate our nation with integrity and wisdom,” he added.
He also posed a challenge to his lecturers, urging them to contribute to the nation’s intellectual legacy.
“Before you retire, I challenge you to produce a book as a legacy,” said Abang Ismail.
