Meet Anwar @ IIUM: A Special Homecoming for Dialogue, Reflection and Reform

Meet Anwar @ IIUM: A Special Homecoming for Dialogue, Reflection and Reform

GOMBAK, 11 April 2025 – Nearly 3,000 members of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) community gathered at the IIUM Cultural Centre today for Meet Anwar @ IIUM: A Special Homecoming, a townhall-style event that brought Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim back to the institution where he once served as President from 1988 to 1999.

Organized as part of his national Temu Anwar engagement series, the event served as an open platform for dialogue between the Prime Minister and students, faculty, and staff of IIUM. Participants from IIUM’s Kuantan and Gambang campuses also joined virtually via livestream.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Anwar urged students to pursue not only academic excellence but also wisdom grounded in values such as justice, dignity, and compassion. Drawing from Islamic teachings and global thought leaders, he emphasized the importance of distinguishing between information, knowledge, and wisdom.

“Not all information is knowledge, and not all knowledge constitutes wisdom,” he remarked, adding that education must equip students to discern between right and wrong.

“This university must not only produce graduates who are smart, but also who are compassionate, who understand diversity, and who promote peace and justice,” he said.

A Significant Recognition

During the event, the Prime Minister was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Law by Shenandoah University, Virginia, USA. The award was presented by Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons, President of Shenandoah University, in recognition of Anwar’s contributions to leadership and societal development.

A Boost for Student Welfare

Prime Minister Anwar also witnessed the ceremonial handover of a USD300,000 (RM1.3 million) donation to the Abu Sulayman International Students Fund (AISF). The contribution, presented by Dr. M. Yaqub Mirza of the Sterling Management Group and Shenandoah University’s Center for Islam in the Contemporary World, was received by IIUM Rector Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar.

Established in 2019 and managed by the IIUM Endowment Fund (IEF), AISF supports financially challenged international students pursuing their studies at IIUM.



Reflections on Leadership, Reform and Inclusivity

Throughout his speech, Anwar addressed topics ranging from governance and corruption to Islamic values in a multicultural society. He warned against the dangers of extremism, racial and religious hatred, and misuse of religion for political gain.

“Islam is not about sowing discord or hatred. It is about justice and mercy – rahmatan lil ‘alamin,” he said.

He also reflected on his past inability to speak at local universities for two decades due to political constraints, contrasting that with today’s open dialogue and freedom of expression under his administration.

“You are free to ask any questions – call me Uncle Anwar, Pak Cik Anwar – this is a free country,” he encouraged the audience during the interactive session.

A Personal Return

For the Prime Minister, returning to IIUM held a deep personal resonance. Recalling his instrumental role in developing the university’s infrastructure and vision, he described the visit as a “homecoming” and reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to nurturing a generation of scholars guided by both intellect and integrity.

“If you want to have an Islamic university, then it must be a centre of excellence – producing graduates who are not just knowledgeable, but wise, tolerant, and articulate,” he said, quoting the late Prof. AbuSulayman.

Closing

The event concluded with a luncheon with student representatives from various associations and unions at the university’s main café courtyard.

 


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