Reading Culture

Yesterday there was an article on the local newspaper regarding the reading habit in the country. Our DPM mentioned that even though the number of libraries in the country increase, it wouldn't be able to cultivate a better reading habit among the nation if Malaysian don't read enough. Teachers, who are product of Malay medium are unable to teach in English literature. Government has to wait for the next generation of teachers who could speak fluent English and teach in English. The new breed are the students in primary or Secondary schools now.

I agreed with our DPM's view. Malaysian don't read enough. We do read more now compare to a few years ago but we are still very far behind compare to countries like Australia and China. I've heard comment from my friends from both countries that Malaysian is lazy to read. They only see Malaysian read or flip though lifesyle magazines. They also comment that maybe the reason why books are so expensive here is because there is no market for it. In china, people, will bring trolley to put books and read in a corner before they purchase the books. In Australia, there are always books on sales and everyone, young or old, will go to bookstore to purchase a book at least once a month. I noticed that even the lower working class would buy books for themselves or their children. Being a Malaysian, I am ashame of their view towards my fellow countryman. However, I have to admit that the senario is true.

When I was in Australia, I would read 2 books a week because good books are always on sales. In fact, after the currency conversion, I find that books are still cheaper compare to here. Every time I visited any book store, there are always a lot of people in the shop. People will be standing, carrying a few books or browsing a book. Most book stores has a cafe near by or in-store. Customers will sit there and read their newly purchased books or browse the books while sipping their latte. Most of the time, they will purchase the books they read. Books they read ranging from fiction to non-fiction. In fact, I started reading non-fiction books while I was in Australia. Now I read both fiction and non-fiction books.

Why do Malaysian don't read? I believe it's the culture and background. I've witness so many of my colleagues and friends who gave me the same similar excuses. Some said books is expensive. Book is a waste of money because after you read, you throw it. Some said no time to read, but they have a lot of time to shop. Some would said when they read, they fell asleep because it's boring. Some find it very difficult to have to finish a thick book. Almost all the time, their parents don't read. So the culture of not reading passes down to my fiends and colleagues and their children. I strongly believe it is the parents' fault that young people are not reading or don't have the reading habit. They feel that reading school books are enough for them to pass the examination. Working adults feel that what they learnt in college or university is enough for them to work through out their life. There is no need for a continonous learning and gaining knowledge.

Every time I try to encourage my friends and colleagues to read, there are tones of excuses why they can't read. In order to cultivate the reading habit in Malaysia, parents play an important role. Even though they dislike reading, they should buy books for their children every month. Even though books are expensive but think of what the children will gain in the long term. If they don't want to spend money buying books, they should bring their children to the libraries every weekend. If parents don't encourage their children to read at young age, it is very difficult to ask our future generation to read when they are in their teens or working adults.

My dad reads a lot but we were poor when I was very young. So my mom never bought me any story books as we can't afford it. It was my 3rd grade teacher who brought me to a library and pay for my membership card. She instructed me to read 2 books every week and I can only read English books. Since that day, I would walk to the library every weekend to borrow 2 story books. Ever since I started reading English story books, I excel in my English. I started to read all kind of books till today. I would like to salute my 3rd grade English teacher, Ms Lim for cultivate the reading habit in me. Thank you.