KUALA LUMPUR: Author Leonard Sabu has become the first Sarawakian to win the ASEAN International Book Award (AIBA) 2025 for his anti-drug publication titled ‘No to Drug’.
The award, presented in Kuala Lumpur last Tuesday, was organised by the National Book Development Foundation (NBDF) in collaboration with the Majlis Buku Kebangsaan Malaysia, Consortium of Asia Pacific Education Universities (CAPEU), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and Yayasan Generasi Malaysia.
This year’s theme, Books for Humanity, Voices for Change, highlighted works that contribute meaningfully to social development and reflect the needs of contemporary communities across ASEAN.
According to a press statement by NBDF, Leonard’s book, jointly published by the Royal Malaysia Police, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF), was recognised for its impact on drug awareness and education.
Leonard began writing in his student years to earn pocket money and over time, writing evolved into his means of reflection and learning.
He has since written more than 30 publications on topics such as ethics, crime prevention, leadership and youth development, many of which have been used by schools, training centres and community organisations nationwide.
The award-winning ‘No to Drug’ is the result of years of research and community engagement with interviews conducted in schools, police training centres, rehabilitation programmes and community halls.
He documented both recovery and relapse, offering real voices and relatable strategies for prevention.
The book is structured around four core areas namely awareness, prevention, recovery and reintegration — and is written in a tone that is accessible to educators, parents and youth workers.
The recognition carries greater significance as drug abuse remains one of ASEAN’s most pressing challenges.
With over 650 million people in the region, the problem affects both urban and rural communities.
ASEAN’s 2023 declaration on combating drug abuse emphasised that no nation can address the crisis in isolation, calling for policy coordination, education and community-based awareness.
Leonard’s book echoes this approach by presenting drug prevention as a human, not just legal, issue.
“It is a battle fought at home, in classrooms, in youth circles and in faith communities,” he said in his acceptance message.
Beyond the regional implications, the win represents a breakthrough moment for East Malaysia’s literary community.
Leonard’s achievement aligns with the state’s push to promote digital literacy, community-based education and intellectual development.
The award has also triggered new initiatives aimed at nurturing young writers in East Malaysia.
The NBDF together with partner institutions, is preparing a series of state-level workshops and mentorship programmes to encourage writing among youth, particularly in areas related to social responsibility, moral education and community awareness.
UPSI, a co-organiser of the award, stated that collaboration between universities and writers ensures that ideas reach communities in practical ways and do not remain limited to theory.
Malaysia’s role in anti-drug education has been internationally acknowledged, with agencies such as MCPF, AADK and PDRM developing frameworks now referenced across ASEAN.
Leonard’s work complements these efforts by translating policy objectives into real examples and practical approaches for educators and families.
At the event, Tan Sri Professor Datuk Wira Dr Abdul Latif Biun Abu Bakar described Leonard’s writing as an example of how literature can rebuild lives and reform thinking.
For Leonard, the award is both recognition and responsibility.
He dedicated the honour to Sarawak’s youth and educators, crediting the community spirit of his home state for shaping his values.
In his closing remarks, he urged young writers to see writing as an act of purpose.
“Write not for applause but for purpose. Let your words light paths where silence has cast shadows,” he said.
