By Ma Li Ke
KUALA LUMPUR, 19 March 2021: International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has presented the Ibnu Khaldun Merit Award for Global Social Transformation to Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, the Director-General of Health Malaysia, representing all the front-liners fighting the current pandemic heads-on.
The award is an appreciation of the front-liners for their services and efforts who worked hard to help break the chain of COVID-19 virus that has plagued our nation since last March. This award will symbolise the infinite appreciation for the front-liners in fighting the pandemic.
In his speech, the IIUM President, Datuk Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar, said that the award is a token of appreciation to the front-liners for facing the COVID-19 pandemic with bravery and integrity, risking their lives to make ours safer.
“To show our profound gratitude and deepest appreciation to the heroes who have formed the backbone of this battle against the unseen enemy; the Covid-19 virus.”
The award was presented by Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, who is also the Constitutional Head of IIUM.
“It is our duty as Malaysians to combat this, and we all have to work together to unite because it is our duty, as I believe, we all play a major role in this,” Her Majesty urged in her speech.
Her Majesty also expressed the royal family’s gratitude and appreciation towards the front-liners.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public who have volunteered to assist our front-liners; all your efforts, sacrifices, commitment, and leadership during these uncertain times are truly appreciated, not by just the whole country, but by His Majesty and I, our whole family, and everybody.”
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah is the current Director-General of Health of Malaysia. He is among the world’s leading doctors to fight against COVID-19 together with Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert of the United States of America and Dr. Ashley Bloomfiend, the Director-General of Health of New Zealand.
The award ceremony was held at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM) on Thursday (18 March) morning. ***