Laughable

Want to know why Malaysians are still reading only two books per year?

One laughable reason is the National Library’s Director-General, Dr Haji Wan Ali Wan Mamat. See his interview in the Sunday Star, reproduced verbatim below;

How do you feel about the new reading campaign lasting five years?

I am very happy. Continuous efforts are needed to change the reading habits of a society. We need time to implement changes, for example the price of books, and to increase the number of libraries and local writers.

Was last year’s reading campaign a success?

Yes, I think it was a success. It was ... not bad.

How did you measure its success?

We did not measure.

So what makes you say that it was a success?

I guess, you could say because the use of libraries increased. Book sales also maybe increased.

Do you have data on the increase of library use and book sales?

No, we do not have any data yet. It is my impression that the campaign was a success.

What do you base your impression on?

For example ... there are not enough seats in the library on Saturdays nowadays. This is partly thanks to our new wing with more books.

How many books are in the new wing?

I am not sure. More books ... maybe three times the number in the old area.

You also have a nice new roof! How much did it cost?

More than RM5mil.

How much did the new books in the new wing cost?

I’m not sure, but very much more than what we spent the year before.

Sorry to say this but I think a monkey will make a better chief. Cheaper also.