KOTA SAMARAHAN: Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has been awarded an honorary doctorate in Development Studies by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).

Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid said the award was given to Taib in recognition of his excellent understanding and leadership, which would become an example and inspiration not just to Unimas but also the community at large.

He said Taib had fulfilled the criteria of excellent dynamic leadership, adding that he had succeeded in bringing real and significant development that had great impact not only on Unimas and Sarawakians, but also at international level.

Special honour: Taib and his wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi looking at his award during the first session of the 16th Unimas convocation.

“His leadership which is based on philosophy and commitment to transform development for the people of various races and the state of Sarawak should be the role model for the current and next generation.

“Because of his great contribution to the development of Sarawak, he (Taib) deserves to be awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree (Development Studies),” he said at the 16th Unimas convocation ceremony here yesterday.

Head of State Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin, who is Unimas chancellor, presented the award to Taib.

Taib expressed his gratitude to Unimas for the recognition, saying that it was very meaningful to him.

“The award will motivate me to continue to strive for the best for Sarawak and its people,” he said.

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