BANGKOK, Dec 16 — Thailand’s Rangsit University (RUS) today presented Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad an honorary doctorate degree in social leadership, business and politics.

The university presented the honorary degree to Dr Mahathir at its 34th convocation at its main campus in Mueang Pathum Thani District, 30 km from here, where some 5,950 of the university's graduates are scheduled to receive their scrolls today.

Dr Mahathir is the fourth high-profile public figure to be awarded the honorary doctorate degree by the university, after the late Princess Srinagarindra (aka Somdet Ya) of Thailand; King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan (2009) and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan (2016).

The colourful award ceremony at the huge Gymnasium Building was steeped in tradition, with Dr Mahathir ushered to the reception room where he donned the red and black velvet doctoral robe.

Dr Mahathir’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, was given the honour to don the blue and red velvet robe and accompany her husband on stage. — Bernama