KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah visited the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) campus here today, her first since being appointed constitutional head in June.
Tunku Azizah, who was accompanied by her daughters, Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Afzan Aminah Hafizatullah Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Jihan Azizah ‘Athiyatullah Al-Sultan Abdullah, arrived at 11.15am.
IIUM rector Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, president Datuk Dr Mohd Daud Bakar and the university’s top management were on hand to receive the royal entourage.
Tunku Azizah then proceeded to the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED), to view an exhibition showcasing the works of students on Islamic architecture in Kedah and Penang.
The royal entourage later took a bus tour of the Gombak campus, and visited IIUM Educare childcare and kindergarten at 12.30pm, where they were treated to a taekwondo performance by a group of children.
Tunku Azizah then proceeded to the IIUM Gallery, where she was briefed on IIUM’s history and operations.
In her speech, Tunku Azizah said IIUM was close to her heart because her youngest sister Tunku Masera Sultan Iskandar was an alumni.
“I hope my two children (Tengku Puteri Afzan and Tengku Puteri Jihan) will also choose IIUM (to continue their studies at the university).
“I hope with guidance and wisdom of the management, the university will rise to greater heights,” she added.
Tunku Azizah said IIUM was a prestigious Islamic university and that she had always been interested in Islamic studies as well.
“I am interested in Islamic architecture, history and law,” she added.
“There are so many things that I want to learn from all of you.
“I hope you can guide me to become a better person and a good queen for Malaysia.”
At the end of the visit, she attended a luncheon with the university’s top management, staff and students.
Tunku Azizah is the first woman to be appointed constitutional head of IIUM for a five-year term effective April 12.
She succeeded the fifth Sultan of Pahang, His Majesty the late Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah who passed away on May 22.