With pix NSTP/Raihana
KUALA LUMPUR: All royalties from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s newly published book, Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform and Ignorance in Postnormal Times, will be channelled entirely to underprivileged students across the country.
The 240-page work examines the challenges of an uncertain and unstable era, described as the Postnormal Times, and encourages readers to reconsider how they navigate this new landscape.
“Of course, I will receive a substantial amount in royalties. Let me make it clear that every cent will be directed to support underprivileged students in Malaysia,” Anwar said.
“Based on projected sales, the amount should be significant, as the book is priced relatively high. The price was set by the publisher, not me. My staff will ensure that when the royalties are received, every cent goes directly to assist students in need.”
He said this after launching the book at Tsutaya Books, Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
Also present were Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Anwar said the book was initially written during his time in Sungai Buloh prison and represented a critical exploration of justice, post-colonialism, world order, and democracy.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind his work, he traced decades of personal and political experience, beginning in the 1970s.
He said the books he read during his formative years shaped his understanding of what is good for the nation and the challenges of post-colonialism.
“You see the development of ideas from the 1970s. Then in the 1980s, when in government, what challenges arose? Issues of corruption, racism, religious extremism. How do you get Malaysians to work together and love the nation? Post-colonial powers controlled our minds and systems. How do we become truly independent again? How do we reclaim our dignity as a nation?” he said.
Anwar added that navigating the complexities of a multi-racial, multi-religious Malaysia required an understanding of both historical and contemporary challenges.
In the 1990s and beyond, he faced further political trials, including imprisonment, while witnessing the evolving demands of society, from digital transformation to energy transition.
“Political elites are often the last to consider change or reform. It is just about power. How do you get people, especially the youth, to understand that corruption is a threat that can destroy societies?” he said.
The book is published by Hurst London (UK, US, Europe), Penguin Books (Asia), and Hong Kong University Press (China and East Asia).
Anwar expressed his gratitude to the publishers for producing the work and offering discounts to early buyers.
At the event, he personally signed more than 50 copies for the first purchasers, who also had the opportunity to take photographs with him.
Rethinking Ourselves brings together Anwar’s ideas and reflections on social justice, reform, and the challenges society faces in the Postnormal Times.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
