GOMBAK: Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir presented a graduation scroll to his son today at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
Mukhlis Zambry graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree during the third session of IIUM's 40th convocation ceremony in 2024.
As Mukhlis received his scroll, the crowd erupted in cheers, and he exchanged a handshake with his father.
Speaking after the ceremony, Zambry said that all his children, including two daughters and his sons-in-law, are IIUM graduates, now working in various fields such as pharmacy, biology, medicine, and law.
He said he became emotional while addressing the graduates earlier and reminded them to always appreciate the sacrifices their parents made to ensure they could pursue their studies.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Zambry recalled how his mother had to pawn her belongings to ensure he could attend IIUM.
"Regardless of who they may be - whether they hold titles such as Tan Sri or Datuk Seri, or are ordinary people, fishermen, or manual labourers - parents' contributions are immense.
"This is the value taught at IIUM and in our lives: always to appreciate the sacrifices of our parents.
"I reminded the graduates of the importance of honouring their parents' sacrifices," Zambry said.
He added that respecting parents is a value to be cherished, especially as it faces increasing erosion in today's society.
Zambry emphasised the importance of reviving and cultivating this value, aligning it with the principles of a Madani society that the government aspires to build.
Earlier today, Zambry handed scrolls to 565 graduates from the Bachelor's degree in Information and Communication Technology (Hons), postgraduate diplomas, and the Bachelor's degree in Law (Hons).
Zambry also presented university awards to top graduates. Among the accolades were the Best Student (Overall), Best Student (Academic), and Best Student (Co-Curricular) awards.
The convocation ceremony, running from Nov 16 to 20, celebrates a total of 5,041 graduates.