Latest news with #IIUM
The Star
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
IIUM gets new president
INTERNATIONAL Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has appointed Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain (pic) as its 10th president. He takes over from Tan Sri Samsudin Osman, whose term ended on June 30. Abdul Rashid's appointment for a three-year term started on July 1. The term, which will end on June 30, 2028, was made with the consent of IIUM constitutional head Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar. Abdul Rashid was appointed in recognition of his distinguished leadership and reputation in the Malaysian corporate sector, particularly in Islamic finance. The founder of Rashid Hussain Berhad (RHB) banking group has been serving as Tabung Haji's chairman of the board of directors since 2023. He also served as a member of the IIUM board of governors since 2018, and was appointed as Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) pro-chancellor in 2024. The Higher Education Ministry, in a statement dated July 1, expressed confidence that Abdul Rashid's appointment would further strengthen IIUM's role as a centre of excellence rooted in Islamic values, while enhancing its visibility and competitiveness both nationally and internationally.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean's Zopfan revived thanks to China and Russia's support, says expert
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean's long-standing aspiration for a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (Zopfan) has gained renewed traction following China and Russia's readiness to sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ). International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Department of Political Science and Madani Studies lecturer Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi stated that this development reflects Asean's commitment to advancing the Zopfan vision by balancing security, sustainability, and inclusive growth for future generations. He noted that China and Russia's readiness to join demonstrates that Zopfan is not just historical rhetoric but an evolving framework relevant in today's strategic landscape. "This move directly reinforces Zopfan, reducing the risk of nuclear escalation in a region increasingly exposed to great-power rivalry, especially in the South China Sea," he told Bernama ahead of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) on Tuesday (July 8). Zopfan, signed on Nov 27, 1971, by Asean member states in Kuala Lumpur, aimed to keep Southeast Asia free from external powers' interference, reinforcing Asean's commitment to regional neutrality and autonomy during the Cold War. Prof Zainal Abidin suggested that this development could boost the international credibility of the SEANWFZ Protocol and intensify diplomatic pressure on other Nuclear Weapon States (NWS), notably the United States, United Kingdom, and France, to reconsider their reservations and re-engage with the treaty. "Malaysia's neutral and principled foreign policy gives it the credibility to act as a trusted bridge-builder in such complex negotiations," he added, highlighting a broader shift in Asean's diplomatic posture. "This marks a key moment in what some are calling 'sustainability diplomacy', a redefined approach to peace and security that centres on long-term cooperation in environmental protection, green growth, and inclusive development, beyond just military or geopolitical strategies," he said. Despite Southeast Asia's nuclear-weapon-free status, Asean remains vulnerable to nuclear-capable deployments by external powers. "Asean leaders believe that securing universal NWS adherence is now more urgent than ever to protect Zopfan's spirit and safeguard Southeast Asia's stability and prosperity," he said. Prof Zainal Abidin proposed that Asean establish a regional compliance and monitoring mechanism in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), modelled on the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone's commission, to strengthen transparency and confidence-building. He emphasized that environmental protection is a key pillar of SEANWFZ, as the treaty prohibits radioactive waste dumping and strictly limits nuclear energy activities, reinforcing intergenerational equity and the region's ecosystems' health. Malaysia's Asean 2025 Chairmanship theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability" aligns with global concerns such as climate change, equitable development, and peace, linking SEANWFZ to broader issues like environmental protection and social justice. Malaysia has worked diligently through Asean committees and diplomatic channels to ensure smooth logistics and focused discussions for this year's meeting, particularly on sensitive issues such as monitoring and enforcing the treaty. He added that Malaysia could use its leadership in green technology, clean energy, and equitable economic growth to demonstrate how sustainability-anchored diplomacy can shape regional peacebuilding more holistically. "This is different from past Asean meetings that kept security and development in separate boxes. Now, Malaysia is helping Asean think across sectors, combining peace and sustainability in new ways," he said. Prof Zainal Abidin expressed that Malaysia's leadership could transform the AMM into a milestone event, not only for peace and denuclearisation but for the rise of sustainability diplomacy as a defining approach for Asean's efforts in balancing geopolitics, the environment, and development. The 58th AMM and related meetings, scheduled from July 8 to 11, are expected to gather about 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean, Timor-Leste, Asean dialogue partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participants, sectoral dialogue partners, and Asean Secretariat senior officials. Malaysia is hosting the AMM as part of its fifth Asean Chairmanship, having previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. - Bernama
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Abdul Rashid Hussain named IIUM's 10th president effective today
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain, chairman of Tabung Haji's board of directors, has been appointed as the 10th president of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for a three-year term starting today. The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) confirmed the appointment in a statement, noting that IIUM's Constitutional Head, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, approved the selection. Abdul Rashid succeeds Tan Sri Samsudin Osman, whose tenure as the ninth president concluded. A prominent figure in Malaysia's corporate sector, Abdul Rashid is the founder of Rashid Hussain Berhad (RHB) Banking Group. He joined IIUM's board of governors in 2018 and has served as pro-chancellor of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) since 2023. MOHE highlighted his strong credentials in Islamic finance as a key factor in his appointment. 'The ministry is confident that Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain's leadership will strengthen IIUM's position as an Islamic values-based academic hub while boosting its national and international competitiveness,' the statement read. The ministry also extended gratitude to outgoing president Samsudin Osman for his contributions.
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Some fake dentists learned from online video, says academic
KUALA LUMPUR: Many bogus dentists arrested by authorities previously worked as clinic assistants, dental lab technicians or picked up skills through online videos. Driven by ignorance, greed, and the pursuit of praise, they impersonated dental professionals. Associate Professor Dr Mohd Haikal Muhamad Halil, dean of the Kulliyyah of Dentistry at the International Islamic University Malaysia, said many of them believed that technical experience could replace formal education. "It's worrying when people without proper knowledge take on professional roles. "It can lead to severe consequences, ranging from serious infections to permanent disfigurement. "Treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers or braces are in high demand. "To capitalise on this, they offer lower prices than legitimate clinics, since they operate without licence fees, proper equipment or certified training. "They also know how to create a 'professional' image on social media — wearing white coats, setting up fake clinic backgrounds, and posting fabricated testimonials." Haikal said that these fake dentists often perform procedures in houses, rented rooms, beauty salons or public toilets. He said that dental procedures are far more complex than fillings and extractions. They require a deep understanding of anatomy, pharmacology, microbiology and patient safety, he added. "At institutions like IIUM, dental students undergo at least five years of study before they can practice, followed by rigorous graduate training," he said. A 76-year-old man was recently found to be operating as an unlicensed dentist. Law Chin Min @ Law Kim Gu was arrested and fined RM66,000 by the Kulim Sessions Court in Kedah for performing illegal dental services. Judge Mirza Mohamad handed down the sentence after Law pleaded guilty to two charges under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 and the Dental Act 2018. Each offence carries a maximum fine of RM300,000 or up to six years' imprisonment. Law was apprehended after a team from the Kedah Health Department, led by Dr Ahmad Fadhil Mohamad Shahidi, raided his premises on Jalan Lunas, Padang Serai. The raid was conducted after surveillance showed that Law was running a dental practice at a location not registered as a private dental clinic. During the raid, Law was caught providing dental consultation to a male customer in a treatment room. Authorities discovered dental tools and materials used for treatment procedures. Judge Mirza sentenced Law to a fine of RM33,000 or seven months' imprisonment for each charge if he fails to pay. The case was prosecuted by Health Ministry officer Izwan Abd Hamid. In a separate case, a woman, in her 20s was arrested for operating as a bogus dentist recently. She had been providing dental services at a premises in Taman Puchong Prima, Selangor, for some time. Earlier, the Pahang Health Department raided an unregistered private dental clinic operated by an unqualified individual in Kelantan. Investigations revealed the illegal clinic had been operating out of a village home since 2020, run by a woman in her 20s, offering services such as fitting braces.
Free Malaysia Today
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Even with Syed Saddiq, Muda comeback at GE 16 unlikely, say analysts
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was acquitted of abetting corruption, misappropriation of funds and money laundering by the Court of Appeal earlier this week. PETALING JAYA : Muda is unlikely to stage a comeback in the next general election, even with Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman at the helm following his recent acquittal on corruption charges, analysts say. They say the party, founded five years ago, has missed its opportunity. Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said Muda was at its peak in the year before the 15th general election (GE15), which was held in November 2022. 'They were hot in 2021 but now people don't seem to remember them. 'They missed the opportunity to attract voters because they lost momentum,' she told FMT. Syaza Shukri. Syaza said Muda has struggled to project a clear identity or establish its purpose. 'People don't know exactly what Muda is fighting for. Right now, it feels more like an NGO,' she said. Syaza also believes Muda suffers from an image problem, largely appearing to be a 'one-man party'. There appears to be a lack of trust in Muda's ability to become an effective third force, she added. Explaining the difference between how Muda and PKR functioned when their respective leaders were confronted with legal jeopardy, Syaza said that in PKR's case, other leaders stepped up to lead when current prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was twice incarcerated. 'Muda tried to do the same with acting president Amira (Aisya Abdul Aziz) but that has not been enough,' she added. Syed Saddiq relinquished his post at the helm of the party after he was convicted by the High Court of abetting criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of funds and money laundering. On Wednesday, the Court of Appeal unanimously acquitted the Muar MP of all charges. Muda needs veterans and an ally Azmi Hassan. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Muda's strategy of positioning itself from the onset as a platform for disillusioned voters across the political divide, has failed to materialise. 'When Muda was first established, it was to attract younger voters, not specifically from Pakatan Harapan, but from across the board. That was their strategy,' he said when contacted by FMT. However, he noted that Muda failed to resonate with younger, disillusioned voters – particularly among the non-Malays. Azmi said the party may want to reconsider its approach to remain relevant, adding that it needs more than just young leaders. Muda needs a strong ally, he said\ – either Pakatan Harapan (PH) or Barisan Nasional (BN). However, Azmi said both coalitions may be hesitant to collaborate with Muda, fearing the party may not bring sufficient strategic value to the table. James Chin of the University of Tasmania said Syed Saddiq's acquittal presents Muda with an opportunity to rebuild its image. James Chin. 'Muda was able to attract a lot of young people, including many youths from the Chinese community. But what happened was a lot of young people moved away after Syed Saddiq was charged with corruption, including the Malays,' he said. 'Now that he has been discharged by the courts, if he goes back to working with the party, I believe he will be able to recover lost ground.' However, Chin said the party's biggest hurdle remains seat negotiations with potential allies. 'Everything will depend on how well they do. The biggest problem they face is to get PH to give them seats to contest. In the last round, they won only one seat (in Muar).' Chin said that Muda should be given a chance as Syed Saddiq is still capable of attracting young people from across all ethnic groups.
