KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) is considering sponsoring Malay and Bumiputera students to pursue studies in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy at Al-Azhar University in Egypt.
Its chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, said he would discuss the proposal with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to ensure it is brought to the Cabinet for consideration.
In a post on Facebook, Asyraf Wajdi said that he had also requested a tuition fee discount from Al-Azhar University for Malay and Bumiputera students under Mara sponsorship in these three fields.
He said the request was made to Al-Azhar University president Prof Dr Salamah Abu Daud during a recent visit to the World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates’ office in Cairo.
Also present were the Al-Azhar University vice-president for Post Graduate Studies and Research Dr Mahmoud Siddiq and senior advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr Abdul Daim.
"It is my hope to see more Malay and Bumiputera children become professionals in the fields of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
"At the same time, they should possess a strong sense of identity and an Islamic worldview focused on Ulul-Albab (balanced system of learning that caters for the spiritual, moral, intellectual and ethical values of Islam) through this collaboration," he said.
On his visit to Egypt, Asyraf Wajdi said it aimed to strengthen ties and cooperation with Malaysian students sponsored by Mara at the university, which is well-known for its Islamic studies programmes.
"Mara remains committed to ensuring that quality international education is accessible to Malaysian students, especially those with great potential but needing financial assistance to realise their dreams.
"May this effort yield positive results in shaping a future generation of professionals with an Ulul-Albab spirit," he added. - Bernama
