KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) will confer an honorary doctorate and the Lifetime Outstanding Achievement Award on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia as a recognition for his contributions to the Islamic world.
IIUM president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said the King was indeed an Islamic world’s icon who had contributed so much for the development of numerous countries and organisations.
“The King’s contributions were usually in the form of financial aid or other direct assistance,” Rais told a press conference on the organising of the Cultural Congress 2017 here today.
The conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (Islam & Wasatiyyah) and the Lifetime Outstanding Achievement Award, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at the IIUM, Gombak.
Rais said one of the interesting facts for Malaysia was that the IIUM was also established with the strong support from the Saudi Arabian government.
“So, we (IIUM and Saudi Arabia) had a long history. The contributions and excellent services of the Al Saud royal family shall never be forgotten,” he said.
King Salman arrived here yesterday for a four-day state visit to Malaysia on the invitation of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.
Meanwhile, Rais, who is the Socio-cultural Adviser to the Government, said the Cultural Congress scheduled for April 15 would see the participation of culturists, linguists and youths to discuss the goals and find sustainable resolutions in ensuring the survival of cultural diversity.
“The resolutions of the congress will be brought to the attention of the Cabinet and to be presented to the Malay Rulers to enable it to be the basis of acculturation of the people in the country,” he said, adding that the congress would also be participated by members from 80 non-governmental organisations. — Bernama
