Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the role of reading in cultivating a society that is mature and open-minded, necessary for navigating a complex world.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar shared in a Facebook post that books function not only as knowledge sources but also as tools that foster patience in thought and wisdom in judgement. He highlighted that reading can prevent individuals from succumbing to a culture of condemnation or transient sensationalism. Anwar announced his intent to launch the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) as a gesture of support for promoting knowledge and reading, particularly among the youth.

Anwar also mentioned spending the Aidiladha holiday immersed in some of his favorite books from various fields, including literature, which prompted him to reflect on the increasingly challenging times. In a shared video, he recited poetry from 'Dari Derita Bangsa,' which touches on his struggles and imprisonment in 1999 and acknowledges the resilience of his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, during the Reformasi era.

The 43rd PBAKL 2026 is scheduled to take place from May 29 to June 7 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.