Conferral Of Degree Of Doctor, Honoris Causa By Soka University On Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Honouring the contributions made to the development of the country, to the enhancement of Malaysia-Japan’s excellent relations and to humanity as a whole, Y.A.Bhg. Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia was conferred a Degree of Doctor, Honoris Causa by Soka University, Japan. A simple yet meaningful conferral ceremony was held on 30 September 2009 at the university’s main campus in Hachioji.
In his acceptance speech, Tun Abdullah stated that from the start of his career as a civil servant and later as politician, he had always been determined to contribute in whatever modest way to the betterment to not only the people of Malaysia but also to humanity at large. In his various ministerial capacities before assuming office as Prime Minister of Malaysia, he was able to enrich and develop young minds, strengthen Malaysia’s capacity to defend itself and play a role in the maintenance of peace and stability in the region and the world. He also played an important part in the Look East Policy introduced in the early 1980’s and which has continued to remain relevant insofar as Malaysia-Japan relations are concerned. As Prime Minister, he introduced Islam Hadhari (civilisational Islam) which he hoped would provide a balance in the pursuit of progress and enlightenment.
Tun Abdullah’s wife, Tun Jeanne Abdullah who is also the Chancellor of Open University Malaysia (OUM) was also present at the conferral ceremony together with Tan Sri Dato’ Azman Hashim, Pro Chancellor of OUM; Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali, President/Vice Chancellor of OUM and other faculty members of OUM. Representatives from Soka Gakkai Malaysia and officials from the Embassy of Malaysia were also present.
