International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) has conferred President Dr. Mohamed Muiuzzu an honorary doctorate.
The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development was conferred to the President during a special convocation ceremony held at the University’s main campus on Tuesday.
The doctorate was presented to President Muizzu by IIUM’s Constitutional Head Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (CL) is conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) on April 29, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
The ceremony began with a grand procession into the main hall, where the national anthems of both Maldives and Malaysia were played.  The opening declaration of the special convocation was delivered by Her Royal Highness Azizah.
Meanwhile, the laureation Address on President Dr Muizzu was delivered by IIUM’s Rector Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar, who highlighted the President's achievements and contributions.
Upon receiving the honorary doctorate, President Muizzu delivered acceptance remarks and presented a public lecture titled "The Intellectual Renaissance: Unveiling the Scientific and Modern Developments of Islamic Civilization."
Members of the Maldivian delegation accompanying President Muizzu in his ongoing visit to Malaysia, including cabinet ministers and senior officials, attended the ceremony to witness the prestigious honor be conferred upon the President.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu delivered a keynote lecture at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) on April 29, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
Sun has learned that at least 10 Maldivian IIUM graduates have sent separate letters to the university urging to drop its plan to confer an honorary doctorate to the Maldivian president.
In this regard, at least 10 past students have sent separate letters to the university urging against such a move. Those who sent letters include former Supreme Court justice Husnu Al-Suood – who resigned from the top court in March following the suspension of three justices, including he himself, and former vice president Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed.
In their letters, the alumni cited serious concerns over the recent developments in the Maldivian judiciary, primarily the sudden suspension of three sitting Supreme Court justices who were hearing a case challenging the controversial move by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) – who hold a supermajority in the Parliament - to write anti-defection clauses into the Maldivian constitution.