Preserve unity and instil patriotism – UMP VC

PEKAN, 26 September 2022 – Efforts to preserve unity are not easy and should be accompanied by a socioeconomic foundation based on social justice.

The UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yusserie Zainuddin said unity is an invaluable blessing.

“We must nurture patriotism in all of us so Malaysia’s independence can be preserved forever.

“The annual independence month celebration is used as a platform to strengthen personality, unity and knowledge of the history and development of the country.

“The university also organises various activities in conjunction with the independence month in order to inculcate patriotism among UMP associates,” he said.

However, he said, being independent for more than half a decade, there are still several people, especially youngsters, who are less knowledgeable about the role and the true meaning of independence.

“We need to free our minds from negative things and change lives towards a first-class mind society,” he said during the closing ceremony of the National Month Celebration at the Multipurpose Hall, UMP Pekan.

He added that we should also be sensitive and avoid the more dangerous mental colonisation through negative cultural influences and practices.

“Waving the Jalur Gemilang is not only a symbol of our support for the country but also fosters unity among its citizens regardless of religious background, skin colour, rank and status,” he said.

Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rosli Hainin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed and Registrar/Chief Operating Officer, Saiful Bahri Ahmad Bakarim.

At the same time, the Vice-Chancellor also presented a certificate of appreciation to the UMP contingent who won the Institute of Higher Education (IPT) category in the Pekan District 2022 National Day Parade competition.

More than 200 UMP staff attended the ceremony which was also graced with a presentation from the children of Anakku Comel UMP, a poetry recital by the Director of the Centre for Instructional Resources and e-Learning, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Awanis Romli, Director of the OKU Services Unit, Dr. Munira Abdul Razak and the language teachers of the Centre for Modern Languages (CML), Jamilah Bebe Mohamad and Shamsul Harbi.

Also held was an exhibition of history and independence by the UMP Library which allowed visitors to see pictures and stories of the struggles of the leaders in achieving independence.

By: Nor Salwana Mohammad Idris, Corporate Communications Division, Chancellery Department

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Engineering College/Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology