HAPPINESS IS IN THE AIR: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) graduates throwing their mortar boards in the air to celebrate their graduation yesterday. The 3rd session graduation ceremony was held in the morning at Unimas DeTAR Putra hall in Kota Samarahan. The graduates received their scrolls from Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is also Unimas pro-chancellor. — Photo by Chin Tze Pin
CONGRATULATIONS: Taib (second right) presenting a certificate to one of the graduates at the 3rd session of Unimas’s 16th convocation ceremony yesterday.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has reminded university graduates to be discerning and not to accept everything that come their way blindly.
Officiating at the 3rd session of Unimas’ 16th convocation ceremony here yesterday, the chief minister advised them to be more critical and filter all information received in order not to be swayed by undesirable elements.
“Don’t get diverted from your actual objectives,” he said.
He told those present at the university’s DeTAR Putra hall that the government was now more open in its effort to increase administrative efficiency and to eradicate all unhealthy cultures which could dampen development programmes.
“These are the policies that we must support; policies that are people friendly and serious in solving all problems from a more comprehensive perspective and not from a narrow viewpoint and influenced by irresponsible parties.”
In the context of universities, Taib said the government had always given opportunities to undergraduates to voice out their opinions as provided for under the University and College University Act (Auku) which had been amended.
“With the amendment to Auku, university students are now able to voice out their opinions using proper channels.”
Among those present at the ceremony were his wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Unimas Board of Directors chairman Datu Dr Hatta Solhi and Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid.
On development in the state, he said the state government had primed Samalaju in Bintulu and Tanjung Manis in Mukah as the main engine of growth by wooing huge local and foreign investments to the state.
The state, he emphasised, was now entering a new chapter of growth and due focus was being given to various industries, such as biotechnology and tourism, in line with the development of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
Taib, who is Unimas pro-chancellor, said rapid developments taking place in Samalaju and Tanjung Manis would help to stimulate the state’s economic growth through the implementation of large-scale projects.
“Of course, it means we will need skilled workforce, such as the graduates here today (yesterday), because SCORE will need about 1.5 million people of various skill levels.”
Taib also stressed on the importance of understanding and appreciating the various initiatives and development programmes implemented by the government in order to ensure its full impact is realised for the benefit of the people.
“For example, the National Innovation Programme, which is aimed at developing human capital, is innovative. It will not be successful if its concept and objectives failed to be appreciated by the people,” he cautioned.
“Therefore, universities have a very important role to play in shaping graduates that are innovative and competitive. Innovation must be practised in all scholarly activities such as in teaching, learning, research, consultation, service as well as scientific management.”
Pointing to the national transformation agenda mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, he said it was aimed at developing the country more comprehensively and to ensure that no one was left behind to savour the fruits of development.
“Various initiative such as the 1Malaysia concept, New Economic Model, Government Transformation Programme and National Key Result Area show the government’s sincerity to develop the country for the benefit of its people, irrespective of race and state,” he pointed out.
“At the same time, the development of people living in rural areas, especially in Sarawak and Sabah, are also given due emphasis as they require more basic developments.”