Parents urged to read books

Parents should develop a reading habit so that their children would emulate them, said MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.

“Reading does not only allow a person to gain knowledge and skills, it also exposes him to the outside world,” he said at the opening ceremony of Bookfest @ Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here yesterday.

He said the country's education system had given most people the impression that reading meant doing revision for examinations.

“Most students don't enjoy reading as they are forced to do so most of the time,” he said.

He said students who did not enjoy reading would stay away from books and this would bring about negative consequences.

“Reading is part and parcel of lifelong learning,” said Ong, who hoped more book fairs would be held in the country and that the public would be encouraged to read more through these fairs.

Popular Holdings Pte Ltd chairman and managing director C. N. Chou said the Bookfest, from today till next Sunday, was aimed at cultivating reading as a source of pleasure.

He said the Bookfest, themed “Read to Learn,” would display over a million books imported from all over the world.

“We have prepared many events and activities such as cultural shows, creative contests, forums, motivational and inspiring talks that whole families can participate in, especially since it is being held during the school holidays,” he said.

Admission fee is RM2 for those above 18 while it is free for students below 18.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/5/27/nation/14372124&sec=nation