Mara chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the renaming honoured Abdullah and his strong support in efforts to expand the role of Mara’s institutions such as MRSMs, GiatMara centres, and professional colleges, Bernama reported.

“After Abdullah’s death, I reached out to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and suggested renaming Kepala Batas MRSM to recognise and honour Abdullah, especially on behalf of Kepala Batas residents,” Asyraf said at the renaming ceremony today.

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiated the event, which was also attended by Abdullah’s son, Kamaluddin, and family members.

In his speech, Zahid recalled Abdullah’s role in initiating the Ulul Albab programme, which integrates academic excellence with Islamic spiritual development.

He said the Kepala Batas MRSM was among the first to implement the programme.

“To this day, Mara has eight Ulul Albab MRSMs in the country thanks to Abdullah’s brainchild,” he said, adding that the programme nurtured huffaz students who excel academically while cultivating their integrity and leadership skills rooted in Islamic values.

Mara said the Kepala Batas MRSM began operating on March 1, 2007, and welcomed its first batch of 359 students on April 16 that year – a major milestone in expanding Bumiputera access to quality education in northern Malaysia.

It said the renaming of the college was a tribute to a statesman who had made enduring contributions to religion, race, and the nation.

Umno to establish leadership institute in Abdullah’s name

Zahid said Umno plans to set up a leadership institute named after Abdullah to serve as a political training and research centre.

He said the proposal would be presented at the party’s Supreme Council meeting next month, in line with efforts to better study and preserve Abdullah’s political legacy.

“Currently, there is a research unit, but we will expand it so that it can serve as a source of material for researchers and historians in Umno’s struggle,” he said.