Malaysia - “REFLECTIONS on 50 years of Independence” by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and “Where We Want to See Malaysia Go” by his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak are among interesting topics in a book entitled Malaysia at 50: Achievements and Aspirations published by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Thomson Learning.
This 374-page multi-disciplinary book — which contains a collection of essays by scholars, statesmen and other public figures including IIUM president Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, and edited by IIUM rector Prof Datuk Dr Syed Arabi Idid — was yesterday launched by Abdullah at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
The Prime Minister also launched a “Strategic Plan For Higher Education: Laying The Foundation Beyond 2020” at the event, which was attended by more than 3,000 guests, including Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
The idea for the book was mooted by IIUM‘s Economic and Science Management Department lecturer, Associate Prof Dr Muhammad Arif Zakaullah.
Other topics delved into in detail in the book include “Globalising Higher Education: Upgrading Quality And Standard” by Mustapa, “Evolution of Malaysia‘s Foreign Policy” by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar and “50 Years of Medical and Health Services: Maternal And Child Care” by Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and Dr Raj Karim, the regional director (East and Southeast Asia and Oceania region) of International Planned Parenthood Federation.
Among others, Abdullah touched on Malay dominance in the country‘s political landscape.
“The fates of Malaysia and the Malays are intertwined as it has been from the early days of the Malacca Sultanate and the other Malay kingdoms to the independence movement. As a community, the Malays form the majority and are accorded special privileges under the Constitution.
“However, Malaysia would not be what it is without the presence and contribution of other communities. We are what we have become because the nation is a vivid quilt of all the different races, religions, cultures, and influences that make Malaysia such a shining beacon to the rest of the world,” he wrote.
Najib, meanwhile, touched on preconditions for a culture of excellence, rising expectations, globalisation and the private sector in the country.
Dr Muhammad Arif said about 3,000 copies of the book have been printed and will be sold at leading bookstores in the country soon.
Source: www.btimes.com. (28 Agustus 2007)
