Kuala Lumpur, December 7, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that all royalties from his newly launched book, Rethinking Ourselves, will be directed toward assisting poor students. The declaration was made during the book’s launching and signing ceremony held on Sunday (Dec 7) at Tsutaya Bookstores in Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
Anwar said the book is being published for global distribution by three major publishers: Hurst London for the UK, US and European markets; Penguin for Asia; and Hong Kong University Press for China and East Asia.
“I would get a lot of royalties. I declare that every sen of the royalty from this book will be spent on poor students, and I believe the sum would be quite substantial,” he said, adding that the price was determined by the publishers. He emphasized that his staff would ensure all royalties are promptly channeled to needy students.
The Prime Minister noted that the book focuses on the need for political leaders to transform their mindset, prioritizing genuine reforms rather than clinging to authority. He explained that the content consists of his personal reflections written during his incarceration in Sungai Buloh Prison and is dedicated to his wife, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
“This is not an autobiography and not about Anwar per se,” he said. “I discussed ideas pertaining to multi-racial relationships, the fight against racism and corruption, the meaning of postcolonialism, and how to regain dignity as a nation amid contemporary challenges.”
Anwar expressed hope that the book would inspire a shift in public perception toward corruption. “Political leaders are sometimes the last to think about change or reform, and usually it is only about power. How can there be change? How do we make people understand that corruption is a menace that destroys society?” he said, acknowledging the influence often held by the corrupt.
He also stressed that while technology and machines bring expertise, they cannot shape societal values.
Speaking to the media after the event, Anwar clarified that his remarks about “politicians obsessed with power” were general observations. “It is very difficult to convince people to make a change, as change is an imperative,” he added.
The first edition of Rethinking Ourselves is now available for RM95.
