KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was on Saturday (May 20) conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Leadership by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
It was presented by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who was the constitutional head of IIUM, in a special convocation ceremony in conjunction with the university's 40th anniversary celebration.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, in his acceptance speech, thanked the university for conferring him the honour and said it was not only an acknowledgement of his achievements, but also those of the people of Malaysia.
"I have had my fair share of experience in leadership matters and its significance first-hand in my line of duty, particularly over the past five years. Leadership is an integral part of my responsibilities, and these responsibilities were shouldered not for personal rewards or recognition.
"Therefore, the conferral of this doctorate upon me is truly priceless, and I am truly privileged," he said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said in recent years since ascending the throne, he had come to realise the crucial role leadership played in uniting and propelling the nation forward, seizing opportunities and fostering prosperity as a nation.
He said it was crucial to always remember that leadership was intrinsically linked to the people.
"Without the people, there is no leadership. As we say in Malay, 'tiada rakyat, tiada pemimpin'. As a King, my unwavering devotion to serving the 'rakyat' and promoting their welfare has always been my top priority.
"I am constantly aware of their struggles and hardships, and I empathise with their plight while encouraging their aspirations for success," he said.
The King also said that a leader must always prioritise the needs of the people above their own and lead by example, besides striving to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
"This principle has guided me during my tenure as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of our great nation," he said.
Also present at the ceremony were the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah; Higher Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar and IIUM president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman.
Meanwhile, IIUM's Communication, Advocacy and Promotion Office, in a statement, said the honorary doctorate was in recognition of Al-Sultan Abdullah’s leadership.
"His Majesty’s leadership is evident when the Covid-19 pandemic hits the world and the country.
"His deep concern helped the people and encouraged the frontliners to stand together and fight against Covid-19," read the statement.
In addition, it said that Al-Sultan Abdullah’s leadership was also evident when the political crisis that plagued the country was resolved with prudence and professionalism.
"His Majesty's leadership can also be seen from various aspects and fields in the country and abroad," it said. - Bernama
