Expressing his disagreement with the introduction of an Ibrahim Ali Leadership Award by UiTM, prominent lawyer and politician Zaid Ibrahim, who is also an UiTM alumnus, has come out with his own proposal.

Zaid has suggested an award for a towering bumiputera student that will emphasise mutual respect and harmony among races.

NONE "UiTM can give such an award, but from UiTM and not Ibrahim Ali... definitely not (in the name of Ibrahim), not even Zaid Ibrahim," he said.

Zaid ( left ) said this in response to the introduction of Ibrahim Ali Leadership Award by UiTM's Institut Pemikiran dan Kepimpinan Melayu (Impak) to to commend students who have proven they have “clear and consistent” principles in upholding their race.

However, after facing objections from several quarters, including from within BN as well as from opposition figures, UiTM vice-chancellor Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar clarified that the award has not been approved by the university authority.

Sahol Hamid also explained that the award was suggested by Pasir Mas Independent MP and Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali and it will be referred to the university senate and board of directors for approval.

'Ibrahim does not represent the people'

As an institute of thought, Zaid said, his alma mater should not get mired down in the political games of others.

"Giving awards to those who support Ibrahim Ali's political value, which does not reflect the ideology of the people, is not something appropriate that should be done by an institute that wants to earn the respect of the people," he said in a statement to Malaysiakini .

NONE Zaid, who is Parti Kita president, questioned whether nominations for the Ibrahim Ali award was open to all races in UiTM, including the Kadazan and other indigenous people who have shown the same criterion of "having an outstanding ethnic awareness", or whether it was exclusive to Malay students.

"What does 'ethnic awareness' mean? Does a Malay who has the value and spirit of fascism, like (Adolf) Hitler who hated the Jews and other races, qualify (for the award)? What are the methods and activities to prove the 'ethnic awareness' of that student?

ibrahim ali kerdau bn ceramah "Does the student need to talk and orate on issues in accordance with Ibrahim Ali (right) ? Should the speech and actions of the student comply with the laws? Does the student, in order to qualify, need to fan the spirit and emotions of other students to hate other races without any positive element and universal human values?" Zaid asked.

Zaid stressed that a race could only advance if the community practised progressive, positive contemporary and healthy values and attitudes.

Apart from providing tertiary education, knowledge and exposure to the young generation of the community, he said, they also need to be instilled with global, rational and scientific thought.

"A successful race is a race that can make concrete contributions for common interest. It is not enough for the race to be good in politicking, which is full of empty rhetoric, and only good in giving speech and oratory."

Four criteria are suggested

Therefore, he urged UiTM to have clear criteria for the award in order to infuse positive values among the students, instead of promoting narrow mindsets.

Zaid then counter-proposed an award to commend outstanding bumiputrea students and listed four criteria for the award:

  • Nomination be open to final-year bumiputera students with a minimum CGPA of 3.5;
  • Those having impressive records in non-academic activities such as cultural, sports, writing and literature, and directly involved in charity activities, helping the poor or underprivileged in society.
  • It should not be compulsory for these students to be members of organisations such as Perkasa or Abim, but they should be consistent in struggling for justice and human rights, including the rights of their ethnic communities, and be active in curbing abuse of power; and
  • Showing behaviour and actions that demonstrate the civilisation and good values of the Malays, as advised by Hang Tuah. They must always respect the rights of others and adhere to the values of harmony, peace and mutual respect.

"I'm aware that it is not my money that will be given to the students, but because of my love for UiTM, I want it to have a respectable image," Zaid added.