HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was conferred the Honorary Doctorate (Islamic Leadership) in conjunction with the 90th Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Convocation Ceremony at the Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor (DATC), UiTM, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia yesterday morning.
Accompanying His Majesty at the ceremony was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Upon arrival at the grounds of the DATC, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan was welcomed by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI (the 16th) of Malaysia, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, the Chancellor of UiTM, and Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.
Yang Mulia Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah, Yang Mulia Tengku Ahmad Ismail Muadzam Shah, Yang Mulia Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafizatullah and Yang Mulia Tengku Puteri Jihan Azizah ‘Athiyatullah were also present.
Thereafter, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was introduced to the Minister of Education of Malaysia, the Chairman of the UiTM Board of Directors, and Vice Chancellor of UiTM Professor Insignor Dr Mohd Azraai bin Kassim.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia were then invited to proceed to the DATC to attend the 90th UiTM Convocation Ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthems of both countries and recitation of Doa Selamat by UiTM Islamic Affairs Officer Ustaz Mohd Faizan bin Tajuid.
At the beginning of the ceremony, His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia delivered a titah for the opening of the 90th UiTM Convocation Ceremony, followed by opening remarks by the Vice Chancellor of UiTM.
The UiTM convocation ceremony was also graced with a video clip presentation that showcased the Islamic leadership of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in leading the nation both domestically and internationally.
His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia then conferred the Honorary Doctorate (Islamic Leadership) on His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in recognition of the achievements of His Majesty’s five decades of reign in successfully instilling Islamic values to the extent of achieving progress and development in various fields including religion, economy, education and health under the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy, thus effectively making Brunei Darussalam a safe, prosperous and harmonious country, which is well-recognised and respected throughout the world.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam then delivered a titah, whereby His Majesty thanked His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia for the conferment of the Honorary Doctorate (Islamic Leadership).
The conferment is a great honour for His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and serves as a catalyst in further enhancing the close and special relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in various fields including education.
The bilateral relations are further strengthened with cooperation from the universities of both countries including UiTM, such as cooperation in student mobility between UiTM and universities in Brunei Darussalam; industry training for UiTM students at the Halalan Tayyiban Research Centre, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA); and in the pilot cooperation between UiTM and UNISSA in several fields that include organising the Halal International Conference to be held in April.
To this end, the field of research and student exchanges between the higher education institutions should be strengthened further so as to give greater impact for both countries. In addition, Brunei Darussalam welcomes Malaysians who wish to continue their education in higher education institutions in Brunei Darussalam.
In concluding the titah, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam emphasised that both countries hold importance in history based on Islamic teachings.
In addition, 109 UiTM graduates received Honorary Doctorates in their respective fields.
This was followed by a titah by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, welcoming His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan to UiTM and congratulating His Majesty on the Conferment of the Honorary Doctorate (Islamic Leadership).
After the convocation ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam received a Cendera Kenangan from His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. their Majesties were then invited for a group photograph session.
Meanwhile, at noon, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, together with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia proceeded to the Perdana Hall, Grand BlueWave Hotel, Shah Alam for a Royal Luncheon, hosted by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong.
His Majesty left Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday afternoon.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia was present at Subang Air Base to bid farewell to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, along with Yang Mulia Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah and Yang Mulia Tengku Ahmad Ismail Muadzam Shah.
High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia Dato Paduka Haji Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohd Taha was also present.
A Doa Selamat was recited by Ustaz Mohd Faizan.
Prior to boarding the special aircraft, His Majesty walked past a static guard of honour, mounted by the members of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment, the Malaysian Army.