PENANG, 3 September 2013 - Students have to appreciate the significance of diversity and together maintain the good image of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

“It is my role as USM mentor minister to support USM in any way as well as to visit USM regularly and for the activity of my next visit, we would be going around the campus on motorcycles,” said Minister of Home Affairs, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said amid a thunderous applause from the audience.

Ahmad Zahid said, “My advice to the students is to sustain the good name of USM by leading and be the best particularly with outstanding academic success, and be excellent in extra-curricular activities and sports.”

Ahmad Zahid came to meet the new students of the 2013/2014 Academic Session as Minister Mentor to USM.

He also advised the students to always respect and appreciate the diversity of races, religions, customs and culture in the country for the sake of harmony and well-being of the community.

"Despite the differences and difficulties of being Malaysians, we must respect the values ​​that we have and respect the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) as a symbol of our national sovereignty,” said Ahmad Zahid.

In respond to a student’s question, Zahid explains, “as a former student leader, I understand the feelings of being a youth but please use the freedom given positively. It does not matter if you want to be involved in the politics but finish your study with flying colours and you will be a candidate of education and respect.”

He also advised the students to work hard towards success, to be role models among the younger generations. - Translation: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa