BANGKOK: Thailand’s Rangsit University (RUS) yesterday presented Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad an honorary doctorate degree in social leadership, business and politics.
The university presented the honorary degree to Dr Mahathir at its 34th convocation at its main campus in Mueang Pathum Thani District, 30km from here, where some 5,950 of the university’s graduates received their scrolls.
Dr Mahathir is the fourth high-profile public figure to be awarded the honorary doctorate degree by the university, after the late Princess Srinagarindra (Somdet Ya) of Thailand, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan (2009) and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan (2016).
The colourful award ceremony was steeped in tradition, with Dr Mahathir ushered to the reception room where he donned the red and black velvet doctoral robe.
Dr Mahathir’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, was given the honour to don the blue and red velvet robe and accompanied her husband on stage.
The ceremony started with the national anthems of Malaysia and Thailand rendered by the 40-member Rangsit University Orchestra conducted by Vanich Potavanich.
Then, RUS president Dr Arthit Ourairat delivered the citation, praising the various achievements of Malaysia under Dr Mahathir and how he fought against social and economic injustice for all. He also touched on how Dr Mahathir is trying to mend the country’s economy, including recovering the wealth lost through the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
After the citation, Arthit presented Dr Mahathir with the doctoral tam, a certificate and a plaque.
Then, Dr Mahathir delivered his keynote address, saying: “I am humbled by the acknowledgements and pleased to accept the honour as the Prime Minister of Malaysia and on behalf of my country. I deeply value the recognition and I shall strive to contribute further to my people and nations across the globe.” – Bernama
