Local universities will be capable of turning out more excellent graduates if the government gives them autonomy, said International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.

He said it was an important move to ensure the excellence of students could be boosted.

He said this to reporters after he was asked to comment on the statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Monday that the government was prepared to give more powers to the universities in the effort to strengthen the institutions of higher learning (IPTs) in the country.

Raishad earlier attended a breaking the fast event with the families of IIUM staff here, today.

Nevertheless, he also reminded students that inorganisingactivities at IPTs, they should not flout the existing laws.

"In fact, they should raise the standards of their associations among themselves," he said.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Rais said he hoped IIUM, which was set up in the 1980s to uphold the Islamic concept of education, would maintain its position as a renowned educational institution in finance and banking at the international level.

He said, for this, efforts must be carried out to ensure the position of the university as a premier IPT in the fields must be upheld.

"Muslims, especially in the IIUM fold, must not only be united but they must also boost excellence to a higher level and berecognised.

"With the expertise availablesincemore than 30 years ago, IIUM continues to excel and stays excellent as a banking hub and Islamic economy institution at the international level.

"What we should do is stand shoulder-to-shoulder and be united to ensure these achievements are maintained," he said.

UIA is not only offering a bachelors degree of science in Islamic finance but also offers master's and doctor of philosophy degrees in Islamic banking and finance.