PATTANI (Thailand): The Majma Sirajuddin Jamalullail Perlis building, a symbol of collaborative effort to promote Islamic teachings in Thailand, officially began operations yesterday.
Raja Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail officially opened the Faculty of Al Quran dan As Sunnah building in Fatoni University (FTI) which was named after him.
The THB20 million (RM2.3 million) building was from contributions from the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs).
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra said the practice of donating to the ummah’s development, especially in higher education, was important.
“If it is systematically managed, the donations fund can play a role in building up a tertiary institution,” he said.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra said it would also contribute to building the country’s economy and showcase the beauty of Islam.
For instance, he said the Al-Azhar University in Egypt was an outstanding model of a tertiary institution developed by donations.
Similarly, he said, the Harvard University in America received donations in the form of endowments and as of 2016, had been the recipient of US$36.4 billion, (RM152 billion) in endowments.
As a result, it did not need to depend on any grants or institutions, and could operate independently and effectively.
Also present at the event was Raja Muda Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail who is also MAIPs president.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra’s arrival was greeted by Fatoni University rector, associate professor Dr. Ismail Lutfi Japakiya and MAIPs chief executive officer Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor. — Bernama
