Selangor Journal
Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the launch of the book ‘Membangun Negara Madani Visi dan Kerangka Dasar Reformasi’, at Tamu Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, on November 3, 2022. — FIKRI YUSOF/SELANGORKINI

Anwar’s book inspired by personal political wisdom, knowledge

By Siti Rohaizah Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is open to receiving any criticism regarding the writing of his book ‘SCRIPT – For A Better Malaysia’.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said the aspects raised in the book should be read, commented on and discussed, instead of resorting to hurling insults in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).

“The writing of this book was inspired by my political experiences, my time in prison, and my knowledge from reading thousands of books about the country and its vision. I do not want to be tied to parties and figures only, but I want to question policy issues as well.

“We only always question and talk about the people’s representatives and the prime minister, but what about the big picture and framework of thinking? All that is listed in this book, which can be used in a discussion as it looks at policy, economic sustainability issues and righteousness.

“All of the above requires a caring nature in Malaysia, and upholding the moral values at the core of Islam which is also reflected in other religions. If you want to agree or criticise, you can do it as a debate that is more orderly and polite,” he said.

Anwar was speaking at the launch of the book’s Bahasa Melayu edition ‘Membangun Negara Madani Visi dan Kerangka Dasar Reformasi’ at Tamu Hotel, here today.

The 187-page book outlines the vision and policy framework for reformation.

He added that he started writing the ideas listed in his book during his time in Sungai Buloh Prison, before it was further developed by others.

“The book written includes discussion on new issues, and not just from my ideas.

“SCRIPT was recorded and made into a book because we want to prevent it from becoming an empty slogan and merely rhetoric, like the term ‘new Malays’, but where corruption remains the same,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the emeritus chairman of the International Institute of Islamic Thought, said that the book was also a formulation of values and moral issues that are less discussed in political idealism.

“It is necessary to emphasise the vision of development as a whole, as it covers several fields and knowledges, including new approaches such as digitisation, but underlying it should be a discussion of values and morals.

“The failures of the past are due to us constantly talking about growth and social issues but not on issues of values and morals. So, we have to reform things that have become our basis but expressed in a new form,” he said.

The book, published by Institut Darul Ehsan (IDE) in collaboration with the Centre for Post-Normal Policy and Future Studies (CPPFS), emphasises the policy frameworks to meet the country’s future needs and potential.

Aspects outlined in Anwar’s manuscript include sustainability, caring, respectful, innovative, prosperous, and trust.

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