Tuesday, January 26, 2010

10-10-2000 - 16th IIUM Convocation Presidential Speech

Speech of YB Tan Sri Dato' Seri Sanusi bin Junid, President of Internation Islamic University Malaysia at the 16th IIUM Convocation Ceremony During Session 2 On 12th Rejab, 1421 / 10th October, 2000.

Assalaamu'alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh.

Praise to Allah

Bismillah hi rahmani rahim. Alhamdulillahi rabbal ‘alamin. Wassala tuwassala mu ‘ala asyrafil anbia iwal mursalin. Wa’ala a lihi wasahbihi ajma'in.

Let us invoke the highest of praises to Allah s.w.t., the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds, who has said in his noble book

' There has come to you from Allah, - Light and Perspicuous Book ' (Surah Al Maidah 15.)

Salutation to Guests

On this auspicious occasion, on behalf of myself and the university, I take this opportunity to once again congratulate our friends, the three prominent contributors towards the establishment of this university, who are being honoured, during this convocation, with the conferment of doctoral degrees. I also welcome all distinguished guests; especially parents of graduating students who surely are justifiably pleased and proud of their children before us today.

Congratulations to Graduates

It is most inspiring, exciting and gratifying to see 2,231 graduates, being conferred degrees, in various categories and disciplines, available in the Kulliyyahs of this International Islamic University Malaysia.

Armed with this knowledge, and more knowledge acquired afterwards, we trust that our graduates' performance, outside the campus, will enhance the good name of this university.

Thank You to the Teaching and Administrative Staff

While we rejoice in the achievement of our graduates we must not forget to thank the academic staff of the university to whom we owe so much. It is because they have chosen the teaching profession that we can enjoy the benefit today, for, with all the knowledge that they have they could have earned more income in the private sector had they chosen money and not knowledge as their object.

Graduates of this university should not forget their teachers who taught them to love knowledge.

We must also thank the administrative staff for without them nothing can go right. They are always the forgotten force in any university.

Iqra’ – The Pursuit of Knowledge

Islam is the only religion with a book, the first word of which is the command to 'read '. As Allah did not position the word ' iqra'' by accident, it is therefore a divine indication on the importance of acquiring knowledge.