BISMILLAHIRAHMANIRRAHIM
Mr. Chairman,
The Rector,
Members of the Academic and Administrative Staff,
Members of the Organising Committee,
Brothers and Sisters in Islam.
CONGRATULATIONS
First of all I would like to congratulate members of the organising committees for their hard work to make a success of the Legal Fiesta and the Economic Forum.
It is enlightening to see the themes for the occasion. Millef 2001 for example is focusing on the 3 PROS, or on being “ Progressive …….. Professional ………… and Pro Active. “
In this season of student bashing and the stress on meritocracy, it is refreshing to see that IIUM students are looking forward towards becoming pro-active and progressive professionals.
Let us hope that the stress on meritocracy, for us, is just a confirmation of what IIUM has always stood for.
I was informed that this could be the last event for final year students of both faculties. If that is so I would like to touch on a few of my recent and past experiences in order that you too will always reflect on your past experiences in your effort to build a better tomorrow for yourself, your family, your people, the nation and the ummah.
APPOINTMENT AS PRESIDENT
When I was appointed as the President of this University by His Highness the Constitutional Head, The Sultan of Pahang, I received a delegation from the administration saying that a few academics have questioned the legality of my appointment, as the University Constitution stipulated that such appointment can only be made in consultation with the representatives of Muslim nations who sit on the Majlis.
The dispute here is in the word consultation.
This word is also used for the Prime Minister, Menteri Besar or The Chief Minister who appoint their ministers and executive council members in consultation with the King, The Sultan or the Governor respectively.
When a King, Sultan or Governor attempt to reject the list of appointees proposed by the Prime Minister, The Menteri Besar or the Chief Minister respectively, a constitutional crisis is said to arise.
The confusion is always in the methodology and timing of consultation.
In our case there was no crisis as the Sultan agreed to sign another letter dated a month later, after consultation with representatives of other nations.
Whichever consultation method was used is unknown to me although I often wonder whether the representatives of other nations would have opposed the appointment, and if they had, whether the Sultan would have changed his mind.
I further wondered on the motive of the initial objection, as I later discovered that it did not originate from the Ambassadors. Whoever initiated it must have done it with the good intention of wanting to have everything done correctly or just being political.
If it is political he will still be unhappy with the Sultan’s second letter, even though it is constitutionally correct.
OFFICIATING THE CONFERENCE
Today I am asked to officiate this Millennium Law Fiesta 2001 and the Economic Forum.
The question is, am I qualified to do the officiating. The answer is probably positive because I am the President.
But, what do I know about law and economics.
Very little.
