In recognition of a lifetime of achievements International University ofSarajevo (IUS) awarded H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

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An award ceremony was held at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) on Friday May 17, 2013 and presented in recognition of a lifetime of achievements to H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1981 to 2003.

“A Life time achievement award for being a role model and a source of inspiration for the youth of Bosnia and Herzegovina in education and science '', was presented to our distinguished guest by IUS Rector, Prof. Dr. Özer Çınar.

At the award ceremony numerous guests were present, among whom were: Dr. Haris Silajdžić, Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, Mr. Suad Zeljković, Mayors of Ilidža, Old Town and New Town Municipality, Prof. Dr. Senaid Memić, Mr. Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, and Mr. Semir Efendić, former ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Malaysia, Mr. Hajrudin Somun, as well as foreign ambassadors in B&H, professors, students, and other distinguished guests from home and abroad.

Addressing the gathering Dr. Mahathir, who was one of the most prominent political figures of Asia and around the world, stressed the importance of the role of education in developing countries, especially through the example of his own country.

As proven friend of Bosnia-Herzegovina and its peoples, Dr. Mahathir acted as ambassador of peace, actively participated in defusing the conflict in B&H during the nineties and was also dedicated to reconstruction and development of our country.

His role was very active in connecting the two countries through international business investment, and education, scientific research and other projects.

In his welcoming speech, IUS Rector Prof. Dr. Çınar said "Malaysia has adopted a number of B&H refugees during the war, and many students were provided with free education. A number of those students returned to their own country, and found a job at the International University of Sarajevo”.

The Mayor of the New Town Municipality, Mr. Efendic who was once a student from B&H in Malaysia said: "I will stay connected to Malaysia and I will always love that country". He presented His Excellency with a letter of appreciation for the reconstruction of the primary school, "Ćamil Sijarić", which was completely destroyed during the war and rebuilt thanks to the help of Malaysia.

In addition to receiving the lifetime achievement award and the letter of appreciation, two other awards have been given to H.E. Tun Dr, Dr. Mahathir: a certificate of appreciation presented by the Prime Minister, Mr. Suad Zeljković and a lifetime leadership award presented by the Chairman of the IIUM Alumni Foundation, Mr. Dato Shaiful Hazizi Bin Zainol Abidin.

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