By Zareef Muzammil
SERDANG, Oct 5 – The essence of being a responsible citizen lies in understanding one’s personal, community, and national history, said Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
At an event held at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) last night, Menteri Besar said the significance of this understanding is not only for those in the field of social sciences but also for students who are the nation’s future torchbearers.
“We must be aware of how our national principles were formed, how our country was born, how our society was formed, and why it was formed. This needs to be understood by all of us.
“Because eventually, you (students) will also be the main drivers of the nation, whether as lecturers, senior officers, or, at the very least, family heads.
“Therefore, understanding our personal history, country, and community is crucial,” he said.
Amirudin also emphasised that students must embrace adaptability and confront challenges head-on, which are essential skills for future leadership.
“Students must demonstrate their abilities and skills, apart from projecting an image or serving as a role model for society. This is an opportunity that should be seized.
“If this element can be highlighted, I believe it sets the best groundwork for leadership in the future,” he said.
Addressing nearly 3,500 new UPM students for the academic year 2023/2024, the Menteri Besar encouraged them to make the most of their tertiary education experience and to aim for unrelenting excellence.
“Let your past successes — achieving straight As, being the best student, and being exemplary during school and matriculation — be memories. Consider them as events of the past. Now, you’re beginning a new chapter and facing new challenges,” he added.
Amirudin’s speech was part of Perkasa Putra Week for the 2023/2024 session at the university, which also saw the launch of the “Understanding and Practising the Rukun Negara” book.
Crafted to elucidate the national principles that underpin Malaysia, the module aims to deepen young Malaysians’ appreciation of the Rukun Negara.
Amirudin, an esteemed alumnus of the university, also inaugurated a ready-to-eat (RTE) food pack, a collaborative venture between NGO MyFundaction and the UPM Alumni Liaison Centre.
It’s reported that 3,000 RTE food packs, totalling RM45,000 in value, will be available to new UPM students at the Chapter Alumni Yosh UPM stall from October 7.
