Chief Secretary to the Government named National Reading Icon

The Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa has been chosen as the National Reading Icon, becoming the first civil servant to receive the award.

Ali said he does not only read non-fiction books like those on economics and leadership, to get new ideas but also lighter materials for relaxation.

"I like to read. I read all sorts of non-fiction and fiction books, including comics," he told reporters after launching the 'Take A Break...Read@Putrajaya' programme here today, adding that although he was busy with work, he always found time to read.

"How many books I read depends on the size of the book, and some take a month to finish. However, I hope to read more. Each time I see a book, I want to buy it and read," he said.

Previous recipients of the award were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, international actress Datuk Michelle Yeoh and Malaysian astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

The National Reading Icon is an award initiated by the National Library since 2009 to encourage reading habit among Malaysians, especially the young.

Meanwhile, on the issue of Customs Department officers detained to assist in the case of alleged corruption involving the smuggling of alcohol without customs duties and taxes, Ali said it was up to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate.

"I do not want to comment on the officers taken in by the MACC. It is up to the commission to conduct investigations," he said.