SHAH ALAM, Sept 3 — Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin has urged zero interference with the role and position of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
As UiTM’s pro-chancellor, Her Royal Highness said the university has a unique history in shaping excellence and strengthening the identity of Malays and Bumiputeras through higher education.
“The establishment and development of UiTM in protecting the rights of Malays, the Orang Asli, and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, in line with Section 173 (1A) and Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, will continue to be preserved.
“Therefore, I hope no party will disrupt the university’s original role,” she said at the first session of UiTM’s 102nd Convocation Ceremony at Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor (DATC) here today.
Earlier, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin presented master’s degrees to 237 postgraduate students in the Doctor of Philosophy and Clinical Specialist Master’s programmes.
Also present was UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Shahrin Sahib@Sahibuddin.
Her Royal Highness reminded the younger generation, especially graduates, to continue seeking knowledge even after completing their studies.
“Education must remain the country’s main agenda, strengthened in line with the demands of the times and the needs of society. It is not only about producing a workforce but about nurturing individuals with character and an independent spirit,” she said.
She also advised the public to use social media wisely to avoid slander, false information and disputes that could threaten national harmony.
“Like a house built with our own effort, if it collapses, we lose our shelter. The same goes for this homeland — we must love, value and defend it,” she said.
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also congratulated the 24,643 graduates celebrating their success at the convocation, and conveyed her best wishes to UiTM’s Faculty of Applied Sciences lecturer Ahmad Sazali Hamzah on being awarded the title of Professor Emeritus for his contributions to education, research and UiTM’s global recognition.
UiTM’s 102nd convocation ceremony at DATC runs from today until September 20, followed by sessions at its Samarahan campus in Sarawak on September 17 and 18 and at the Kota Kinabalu campus in Sabah on October 8 and 9.
