The Prime Minister of Malaysia, H E Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, being conferred with Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by the President of Qatar University, Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham, at Qatar University yesterday.
Doha: Qatar University (QU) has awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, H E Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at a special ceremony held yesterday at Ibn Khaldoon Hall at QU.
“It is a great honour to welcome Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in this historical visit that for sure will strengthen the ties between Qatar and Malaysia,” said the President of Qatar University, Dr. Hassan Al Derham, on the occasion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Al Derham added: “At Qatar University we have a great relationship with the educational institutions in Malaysia as we have signed MoUs with five Malaysian universities including, the University of Malaya, the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the International Islamic University Malaysia.”
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari; Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi; along with a number of members of the Board of Trustees, Vice-Presidents, Deans of faculties, Qatar University students, faculty members, and interested members of the general community.
During his acceptance speech, the Prime Minister of Malaysia H E Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, said: “First of all, let me reciprocate the warmness of that welcome by expressing my deepest thanks and appreciation to Qatar University for conferring upon me this honorary doctorate. I am humbled by the acknowledgements and it is indeed a great privilege, not only for me but for my wife, the Government and the people of Malaysia as well. I feel truly honoured.”
“This award that the Qatar University has accorded to me will be remembered as a symbol of the strong bonds between our two countries. As the top university in the country, Qatar University has distinguished itself as the nation’s premier university on many fronts including in the field of arts and sciences, business and economics, education, engineering, law, Shariah and Islamic Studies,” the Prime Minister of Malaysia said.
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari (second right); the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi (fourth right), and other dignitaries during the ceremony for Malaysian Prime Minister H E Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, held at Qatar University, yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin/The Peninsula
“Relations between Malaysia and Qatar has remained warm and friendly throughout the years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974. Both countries have consistently worked together to broaden and deepen our existing cooperation. I must say that the relation now is at an all-time high,” he added.
H E Dr. Mahathir Mohamad also affirmed that Malaysia and Qatar share the same beliefs and commitment with regard to education. “Malaysia believes that the pursuit of education is a lifelong process and it is the right of every individual to have access to education. Therefore, I am pleased to have this opportunity to address the students of this University.”
“There is no doubt that the students here today will be the leaders of tomorrow, the next torch bearers of your country and the hope for the future generation. Education enhances one’s capability and can be an important determinant in improving one’s socio-economic status. I believe universities play a significant role in providing opportunities and support for students to explore new knowledge and realise their potential,” he added.
The event marks the second honourary doctorate awarded by Qatar University (QU) after the President of Turkey, H E Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, received it in December 2015. In his speech, Dr. Hassan Al Derham pointed out that QU has also been working with more than 36 different institutions in Malaysia since 2014 that resulted in 274 research paper and project in different fields.
“We take pride in welcoming a national symbol and a figure of the Islamic World, who has achieved a great deal and was a pioneer in so many fields. Today, we witness the success of The Way Forward plans that placed Malaysia in a leading position globally. From a rich academic contribution, that included 16 books and research paper to a long and fruitful political career that led the country to prosperity,” Al Derham added.
The QU President further said: “We are honored to award you the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy and we are grateful for your acceptance and your visit to Qatar University.”
