KUALA LUMPUR: Children need to be encouraged to read books on racial and religious diversity in this country as an effort to cultivate a knowledgeable generation and celebrate differences, says Fahmi Fadzil.

The Communications Minister said this is to help them understand the stories of different communities in the country, fostering a spirit of unity that propels the nation forward.

“Through the stories of the various communities in our country, we can understand and celebrate differences from a young age," he said at Wisma Bernama on Tuesday (April 23).

Fahmi said this after attending the “Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes@Bernama: Reading Preserves Unity” programme, which was organised in collaboration with the Swedish Embassy in Malaysia in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day, which is celebrated every April 23.

Fahmi said he understands the challenge for parents to promote the culture of reading books among children today as they have been exposed to gadgets and devices from a young age.

However, parents should play a role in piquing their interest and spending time together to read books.

"We need to start buying books and have a culture of going to bookstores, spending time together, and finding books they are interested in. So these books will eventually be opened; when we ask them not to use gadgets, they will open these books," he said.

Earlier, Fahmi joined students and teachers from Sri Aria School, as well as Bernama staff to spend 10 minutes reading books in the lobby of Wisma Bernama.

Swedish ambassador to Malaysia Dr Joachim Bergstrom, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, chief executive officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj also participated in the programme. – Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/23/encourage-children-to-read-books-on-racial-religious-diversity-to-promote-unity-says-fahmi