Tokoh Ma’al Hijrah 1432H

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 7 — Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz was named “Tokoh Ma’al Hijrah 1432H” at the national-level Ma’al Hijrah celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here today.
Zeti, 63, is the first woman ever named as the recipient of the “Tokoh Ma’al Hijrah” award in the celebration’s history of 24 years.
She (picture) received a cash prize of RM100,000, a medal, plaque and a certificate.
Interestingly, Zeti’s father, Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid was also named recipient of the award 11 years ago.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the award, she said she had never imagined receiving such an honour.
“I am very grateful and this will be an encouragement and inspiration for me to continue to work hard,” said the holder of a doctorate degree in Finance and International Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, in the United States.
Apart from numerous awards she received in Malaysia, Zeti had also received international recognition when she was selected as a member of the United Nations Commission of Experts to suggest the direction of world monetary and financial system.
Zeti also chaired the Executives’ Meeting of East Asia-Pacific Central Banks (EMEAP) task force to formulate the master plan of financial cooperation between central banks.
Under Zeti’s leadership, the Islamic financial system had been prominently visible in Malaysia and contributed to a competitive, diverse, comprehensive and inclusive financial system.
In a decade, Zeti had also made Malaysia the world’s largest sukuk market, increased Islamic banking assets by three-fold to 21 per cent, and enabled over 100 domestic and international Islamic financial institutions operating in Malaysia.
At the international level, Zeti also contributed to the global acceptance of Islamic finance, including by leading an international team in the preparation of a report on Financial Stability and Islamic Finance, as well as chairing the Islamic Financial Services Board, an international agency for setting prudent monetary policy for Islamic financial institutions worldwide.
Sharing her success, Zeti said she spent most of her time reading, especially about financial, economic, leadership development and self improvement.
She said that it was important to instill curiosity in one’s quest for knowledge.
She also said that gender issue had never arose throughout her career, adding that she believed that there were also many more women capable of achieving the same level of success.
Meanwhile, her father Ungku Abdul Aziz, 88, was proud of his only child’s achievement as the first woman to receive the award.
When asked about how he taught Zeti, he said his daughter had always been given the freedom to choose whatever she wanted to pursue.
“I always gave her freedom. She could choose the subjects she wanted and where she wanted to do her PhD. I would discuss it without forcing or influencing her and ultimately she made the final decision,” he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said Zeti deserved the award based on her contributions in the development of the financial system and national economy, including the Islamic financial system.
This was especially evident in times of economic recession, he said, saying that apart from national leaders, Zeti was among those who provided ideas and contributed towards the recovery of the national economy.
“The country is not only proud of her contributions, but is also happy to give her this award in hopes that our women share the joy of this recognition for Zeti,” he added.
Besides at the national level, several individuals were also awarded the Tokoh Ma’al Hijrah at the state level, including National Mosque Grand Imam Tan Sri Shaikh Ismail Muhamad in Terengganu, former Pahang Syarie Judge Chief Datuk Abdul Hamid Abdul Rahman (Pahang), independent preacher Datuk Nawawi Ahmad (Melaka), Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and Ridhuan Foo Abdullah (Kelantan), religious figure and politician Datuk Dr Haron Din (Selangor) and International Islamic University Malaysia architecture lecturer Prof Dr Ismawi Zen (Sarawak). — Bernama

 Copy From http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/zeti-named-tokoh-maal-hijrah-1432h/

In Kota Bharu, Menteri Besar Kelantan, Masyidur Am  Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat received state-level figures Messenger Hijratul together Ridhuan Foo Abdullah.

According Ridhuan, 53, mixing the Malay community in the village of forgiveness by way of greeting the welcoming feast, sparked the inspiration for a new brother converted to Islam about 29 years ago.

That is the guidance shown by God to succeed Prophet Hijratul selected as leaders in the category you we commemorate Prophet Hijratul the State level.

He received a cash prize of RM5, 000, gold dinar and certificate from the Sultan of Kelantan, Tuanku Muhammad Ke-V, at the Islamic Center, Lundang.

According Ridhuan, he was born in the town Jelawat, Bachok within the Malay community and neighbors of the Malays.

He saw how they greet the warm embrace of each other that is rarely seen among the original itself.

He said, from where he sparked the interest of Islam to marry a nurse Malay girl, Che Rohani Abdul Rahman, 50, and the partnership they have six children living, three out of being in Egypt in the field menunutut Tahfiz al-Quran.

According to him, two of the children to help manage the company's electronics business and a branded electronic goods dealer.