Reported by:
Sophia Ng Szu Fei 17685 Sr1ScF
On Thursday, 13 February 2020, a group of thirty students have gathered at the school lobby, waiting for the upcoming event at UKM. They were proudly representing our school to participate in the “Dekad Membaca Kebangsaaan” event endorsed by the Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir. The event’s purpose was to promote a positive environment where our society could read actively. The duration of this mega project is 10 years, which is till 2030. The Malaysian Premier hoped that reading could be everyone’s hobby by then. After usual roll calling, the students then left accompanied by two Malay teachers at 7:45a.m.
The bus ride took us about an hour. Our students were amazed by how beautiful and futuristic the building was. There were many flags hanging before the entrance. We were then guided by the workers to an exhibition where many books were sold. It was however a chaotic scene as various schools’ students gathered around while strolling along the booths. A worker who wore a neat suit guided us into the hall. The students were all shocked by how crowded the hall was. The seats were almost fully occupied as everyone got a goody bag where there was bread, water and a magazine. Excitingly, we scurried up the stairs and waited for the Prime Minister’s arrival.
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By 9:05a.m. the cameras were all gathered at the spotlight. The Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad entered with Puan Teo Nie Ching, and Dato’ Dr Mohd Gazali. They were followed by a range of bodyguards and reporters. The event started when Dato’ Dr Mohd Gazali gave his speech about the importance of reading as he also explained the slogan #malaysiamembaca. The slogan’s purpose is to increase our reading level and number of readers through the cooperation of the society. It was a very meaningful talk.
The big LED screen projected a video about the history of reading. Starting from manuscripts till the invention of digital books, students paid their respect as it shows the power of reading.
In Tun Mahathir’s speech, he has stated that, “In order to let reading deeply rooted in us, every party has to cooperate actively especially publishers, writers and editors. A competitive platform is crucial as we encourage everyone to buy their book of choice.” It was definitely an impactful statement as reporters started flashing their cameras. The prime minister has also mentioned the importance of differentiating fake news. “What creepy is never the news, but the words people spread.” Accessibility towards books is a must for everyone. “Bacalah walaupun di mana.” He ended his speech with which means everyone should read regardless of any circumstances.
A total of RM 150,000 was donated by companies to take a big leap towards the aim. By 9:45a.m., a choir demonstrated the song “Indahnya Ilmu”. After it ended, it was accompanied by a poem recited and sung by two students from SJK(C) Kuen Cheng 2 and Sekolah Seni Malaysia. Everyone gave a round applause as the performances were so beautiful yet meaningful. The prime minister left after he took a picture with the primary school students. The event only lasted an hour long, but the strong spirit has still remained in the Hearts of KC’ians. Most students wandered around the campus as soon as the event ended. There were many food trucks at the side road. The university also consists of a library, cafes and many research institutes where the students remained in awe as the university was so vast. At 1:00 p.m., all students returned to the school soon after the event.
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