Shah alam: Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin has called on all parties not to interfere with the original 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Her Royal Highness emphasized that 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. She expressed her hope that no party will disrupt the university's original role during her speech at the first session of UiTM's 102nd Convocation Ceremony at Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor (DATC).
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 Professor Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib@Sahibuddin.
Her Royal Highness reminded the younger generation, especially graduates, to continue seeking knowledge even after completing their studies. She stressed that 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 also advised the public to use social media wisely to avoid slander, false information, and disputes that could threaten national harmony. She compared the nation to a house, saying, '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.'
Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also congratulated 24,643 graduates celebrating their success at this convocation and conveyed her best wishes to UiTM's Faculty of Applied Sciences lecturer, Dr 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 Sept 20, followed by sessions at the Sarawak Samarahan campus on Sept 17-18 and at the Sabah Kota Kinabalu campus on Oct 8-9.