By Siti Afiqah Amalina
GOMBAK, 27 February 2016 : It’s such an honour for IIUM.fm and listeners when they could listen to the interview and a sharing moment session with a special guest from the political arena.
The Menteri Besar of Perak, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr. Zambri Abdul Kadir, went live on campus radio from 3.00 p.m to 3.30 p.m on 22 February with Dj Khadijah as he spoke on the concept of a good leader as well as a good human being.
He was accompanied to the IIUM.fm studio by Deputy Rector (Student Affairs), Professor Dato’ Dr. Mizan Hitam, and the interviewer was Dr. Khairil Izmal Ahmad, a lecturer from Political Science Department.
Dr. Zambri spoke about the 3F concept – field, feel, fill – used by him and his administrative team.
“This is what politicians need to do. Politicians or leaders should go down to the people and witness for themselves the suffering, hardship and the problems faced by the people,” he said.
“When you go down, you will see and witness the suffering, the hardship and the problem faced by the people. Then you will immediately have the feeling and take necessary actions. You will fix the problem or you fill up the gap to solve the problem.”
“That’s all you need to do. After seven years, it has now become a culture in Perak administration,” he said
Besides that, he also emphasised on how to be a good human being. He said the purpose of higher education is to create meaning in oneself. “And this is the purpose of human self.”
“Creating human beings doesn’t mean you are successful in your job alone. It’s about yourself, whether you can carry yourself to be morally good as well as academically good. If there’s the right combination, as Professor Kamal (former IIUM Rector) has said, I remember during my time, who used to remind us. Yes, I want you to be a student who excel not only in one particular subject but also to excel in other areas. You are good or you excel in the mosque, in the classroom, and of course, in the padang (field).
“That’s the true concept of perfection of human being, that is, you must go through your soul, your mind and your body. If you can exhale that, Insya Allah, wherever you go, you will be successful. That’s the meaning of purpose in achieving the purpose of higher education,” he added.
Dr. Zambri graduated from IIUM with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in Islamic thought. He obtained his PhD in political thought from Temple University in USA.
Before he ended his interview session, he shared his hopes about IIUM students by saying, “We have to be proud of our university.”
“This university has produced many successful graduates from within and overseas.”***
Photo credited to IIUM FM