Salam Aidilfitri,

My wife Datin Noraizan Jamaludin and I wish to extend our Eid greetings, Salam Aidil Fitri, Maaf Zahir Batin, to the campus community, relatives, friends, colleagues, alumni and students wherever they are.

After a month of fasting and other acts of worship, helping the needy, working together to prepare the meal for the breaking of fast, providing assistance to the needy, visiting those who were often forgotten, extending sahur meals to the homeless and others, it is now time for us to foster better relationships with a sincere interest for the whole community.

Amid what transpired around us, we have to greet with strength and love, not forgetting to fulfill trust and responsibility delegated to us. Be cautious of whatever we do, during the drive home and upon returning, we have to respect the law and regulations.

We have to use this opportunity to cultivate moral values of respect, caring for parents and families by visiting one another other, visiting and reaching out to those whom we have not met for a long time and neighbours whom we have long forgotten. Do not forget to visit our ancestors’ graves, praying and remembering those who have gone, especially those who have touched our lives and sacrificed for the benefit of all, including the national heroes. 

Meanwhile, for the international students and non Muslims, it is a time for them to understand the demands and religious values of their friends’ celebrations, culture and ways of celebrations that emphasises on manners and the kinship as well as the festivities of an open house with local Malay kuih muih, lemang, ketupat and rendang.

As knowledgeable persons, it is we who need to be “role models”, putting into practice sustainable deeds and to be blessed by God by being virtuous, tolerant and empathetic.

Eid is a time for us to be thankful for all the blessings received, His grace and mercy, and the strengthening of existing ties.

Salam Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

PROFESSOR DATO’ DR. OMAR OSMAN

Vice-Chancello