BANGKOK: A song written specially for Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was performed at Thailand’s Rangsit University (RUS) today after he was conferred an honorary doctorate degree in social leadership, business and politics.
The song “Dreamland will Shine”, was rendered by Areeya Rotajanadit with music conducted by RUS’ conservatory of music dean Dr Denny Euprasert.
It was composed by Euprasert and the lyrics written by Pisamai Chandavimol. The lyrics were about the efforts and sacrifices of a devoted leader.
Mahathir, at a press conference later, said he not only felt humbled but was also impressed with the song.
It was something totally new for him as compared with the many accolades that he had received so far, he added.
RUS presented the honorary degree to Mahathir at its 34th convocation at its main campus in Mueang Pathum Thani District, 30km from Bangkok, where some 5,950 of the university’s graduates were scheduled to receive their scrolls yesterday.
Mahathir is the fourth high-profile public figure to be awarded the honorary doctorate degree by the university, following the late Princess Srinagarindra (aka Somdet Ya) of Thailand; King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan (2009) and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan (2016).
The colourful award ceremony at the huge Gymnasium Building was steeped in tradition, with Mahathir ushered to the reception room where he donned the red and black velvet doctoral robe.
Mahathir’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, was given the honour of donning the blue and red velvet robe and accompanying her husband on stage.
RUS president Dr Arthit Ourairat delivered the citation, praising the various achievements of Malaysia under Mahathir and how he fought against social and economic injustice for all. He also touched on how Mahathir was trying to mend the country’s economy, including by recovering the wealth lost through the 1MDB scandal.
After the citation, Arthit presented Mahathir with the doctoral tam, a certificate and a plaque.
Mahathir, in his keynote address, said: “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.
“I am pleased to have this opportunity to address the students of this university; you are the leaders of tomorrow and hope for our future generation. To this end, universities play a significant role in providing opportunities and support for the students to explore new knowledge and realise their potential.”
Mahathir also that he was encouraged to note that RUS was already moving towards becoming a research university and looked forward to seeing further cooperation between RUS and universities in Malaysia.
RUS has already established links with several Malaysian higher learning institutions, among them Universiti Utara Malaysia and UniKL.
Also present at the ceremony was a Malaysian delegation comprising Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, government officials and representatives from Malaysian universities. The graduation ceremony was broadcast life at https://m.facebook.com/rangsituniversity. — Bernama
