IIUM In-Touch Special Edition 2024

1. What were your first thoughts on this new role when you were offered the position of Rector of IIUM? How does this differ from the other seats that you have held throughout your very illustrious career? Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Let me start by saying, I never sought out this position as Rector. I was genuinely happy in my work as a Professor, especially in my role as the Al-Ghazali Chair of Epistemology and Civilization Studies and Renewal. I found great satisfaction in that, and I’ve always appreciated the depth of engagement it allows. Over the years, many friends and colleagues urged me to consider taking on this post, even long before this recent appointment. Each time, I declined. But this time, the call to serve came with a new level of responsibility—one I couldn’t avoid. The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Diraja Dr. Zamri, both expressed their wish for me to take on this role, and so, although rather reluctantly, I accepted. It’s not a matter of self-interest; I’ve held significant leadership roles before. I served as Deputy Vice- Chancellor at the University of Malaya, Malaysia’s oldest and then-largest university, back in 1995. I stayed in that role for five years, up until 2000, and that experience has proven invaluable. Now, stepping into the role of Rector at the age of 78 brings unique challenges. It’s not that I needed new experiences, but this role presents a new test, especially at this stage of my life. I pray to Allah to grant me strength, and I know I have the support of everyone within the IIUM community. With that, I feel assured that, inshallah, I’ll be able to shoulder this responsibility. My past experience as Deputy Vice- Chancellor has helped me greatly in understanding the demands of this role, though I must admit the load is heavier than ever. Yet, while the workload is immense, the nature of the job itself has remained familiar. Ultimately, I take this appointment as a test from Allah SWT—a challenge to be met for the sake of Islam, for IIUM, for Malaysia, and for the Ummah. Now that I am here as IIUM’s 7th Rector, I will do my utmost to fulfil this responsibility to the best of my ability, inshaAllah. It’s not that I needed new experiences, but this role presents a new test, especially at this stage of my life 2. What are your main goals for IIUM in the next few years, especially in improving its academic and international reputation? In stepping into this role as the 7th Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), I feel a profound sense of responsibility to uphold and further the university’s reputation—an expectation that resonates not just in Malaysia but across the Muslim world. IIUM holds a prestigious place globally, particularly in the eyes of Muslims everywhere. I’ve spoken with many who congratulated me on my appointment and voiced hopes that I would help restore the past glory of IIUM and propel it to new heights. Given my background in Islamic studies, thought, and civilization, I am fortunate to understand the core mission of IIUM deeply. With that experience, inshallah, I am committed to elevating this institution to the highest stage. In my first month, I’ve already shared some insights with students and staff, particularly during theTa'aruf Week and Bai’ah ceremony, where I outlined a vision for returning to the principles embedded in the university’s very name: International Islamic University Malaysia. Each word has a precise meaning and understanding this guides us as a university. To truly be an international institution, we must maintain a robust representation of foreign students and faculty. This is not merely about numbers, although I believe that a healthy benchmark would be at least 20% international students. Quality is just as crucial. High-calibre foreign students and academic staff contribute to our institution’s global standing, enhancing the educational experience and fostering a multicultural environment. At my previous position at the University of Brunei Darussalam, we achieved over 20% foreign enrolment despite not having “international” in the name. We, on the other hand, carry that title proudly, and we must reflect it. Financial constraints should not be a barrier; if international engagement requires resources, we must seek them creatively and assertively. There is ample goodwill toward IIUM in the Muslim world, and with focused effort, we can secure the necessary support. 13