KUCHING: There is more to reading than just it being a past time because reading has the capability of producing the next generation that can propel the state forward.
This is why Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg encourages the society to read for the future as reading could develop critical thinking skills as well as providing the reader the self-confidence.
“With reading, we can transform Sarawak because we already have the talents and the resources. Because of this, I am confident that we can catapult the state towards a digitalised economy,” he said at the Sarawak Authors’ Festival 2017 Gala Night held at the State Library here on Friday.
Abang Johari acknowledged the efforts done by writers as he knew it was not an easy task.
“They are one of our important assets as they observe what they see around them and from that, they are able to translate it into writing. This will in turn have a deep impact on the community,” he said.
The Chief Minister said reading could help propel the state towards a digital economy and keep up with the changing world.
“This is the way forward. This is why it is important to read as it can formulate the future. If not, we will be left behind,” he said.
The Sarawak Authors’ Festival is a regular gathering of writers and readers that features a variety of presentations and readings by authors, as well as other events, over a three-day period.
The primary objectives of the event are to promote and foster writing among book authors.
It also aims to promote Sarawakian authors, increase participation, create new opportunities for social and cultural interaction, and to build a public arena for the promotion and presentation of local and regional writing.
Also present during the event were the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Amar Dato Hajah Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Assistant Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development (Industries and Investment) Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, and State Library Board of Management member Dr Haji Abdul Rahman Deen.
