He said that in the historical Malay chronicle Sulalatus Al-Salatin, Tun Sri Lanang related how the Melaka sultanate, that lasted for centuries, was brought to its knees by the corrupt practices of the Bendahara Maharaja.
A borderless world and the globalisation trend would not only impact the country’s economy but would also have an impact on the social and cultural aspects that would go unnoticed and affect noble virtues and moral values of any society, he said, according to Bernama.
“Therefore, today’s graduates, who will inherit the country, need to be instilled and nurtured with good core values to develop honest characters filled with integrity,” the King said at the 93rd convocation ceremony for Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) held in Shah Alam today.
He also called for all institutions of higher learning (IPT) to instil elements of honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity in every student.
Sultan Abdullah, who is the chancellor of UiTM, said efforts should be made to strengthen national integrity and good work ethics.
In fact, he said, integrity should be nurtured from school and continue up to tertiary education.
“Indeed, a precondition for the success of a country is to be able to depend on its people and workforce who are honest, trustworthy and have a high level of integrity.”
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, were in attendance.
Sultan Abdullah earlier consented to the proclamation of Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin of Selangor as the new UiTM pro-chancellor.
Sultan Abdullah also praised the success of UiTM graduates who had made their name on the global stage through excellent academic achievements, especially graduates in accountancy.
“I am also very happy with UiTM’s performance and achievements as the university is now ranked among the best in Asia and the world in 2021 and 2022.
“I am also proud of the success of 26 UiTM athletes who were chosen to represent Malaysia at the recent 31st SEA Games in Hanoi,” he said.