TOKYO: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was today awarded the Honorary Doctorate in Medicine by Nihon University, one of the most distinguished and oldest private universities in Japan.
The honorary degree was in appreciation of Ismail Sabri's efforts and contributions in the fight against COVID-19.
Ismail Sabri received the honorary doctorate from Nihon University president Dr Naoto Kato at the university in Itabashi, one of the cities in the metropolis of Tokyo during his six-day official working visit to Japan.
Expressing his appreciation for the honorary degree, the Prime Minister said it was not only for him but for the entire Malaysian Family who had been standing in solidarity with the government in facing the pandemic.
"Indeed, the award is a great recognition not only for me but for the entire Malaysian Family who have proven our ability to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in our own way," he said.
Ismail Sabri said when the pandemic was declared in early 2020, he was entrusted, as the then Senior Minister and Minister of Defence, with the responsibility to lead the Security Cluster and chair every special meeting of ministers in the fight against COVID-19.
From then on, he said all the country's strengths and assets were mobilised together with government agencies, including health and security forces, as the frontliners, in an integrated effort to combat the threats of the pandemic.
"The war against COVID-19 is a big and challenging one," he said.
Sharing Malaysia's experience in fighting the pandemic, Ismail Sabri said all factors that could lead to the spread of COVID-19 had been identified and promptly tackled.
He said the government had to act sternly at the early stage by imposing the Movement Control Order (MCO) where the people were not allowed to leave their homes except for important or urgent matters.
"We are fighting an invisible enemy which is all around us. Every war must be won and the lives of the people of the Malaysian Family must be saved," he said.
Ismail Sabri said Malaysia was close to winning the war and it was proven by the reopening of its international borders on April 1 and the relaxation of most of its standard operating procedures for COVID-19 from May 1, including the abolishment of physical distancing and the wearing of face mask only in indoor settings, which also allowed all economic sectors to be fully reopened.
"This is the result of an effective health strategy and the implementation of MCO, and the full support from the people also enabled us to flatten the COVID-19 infection curve," he said.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia was also recognised by several international agencies such as Bloomberg and Nikkei, as among the top five nations in the world to have succeeded in controlling the spread of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Kato in his citation acknowledged that Ismail Sabri had played a central role in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and had given top priority to people's life and health.
This has significantly contributed to the building of trust in international medical collaboration and improvement of technology in remote diagnosis and treatment as well as functional recovery training, he said.
"Such achievements were highly regarded by the people of Malaysia," said Kato, adding that consequently Ismail Sabri had been inaugurated as the ninth prime minister of Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue May 24 2022
PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob recieved the Honorary Doctorate in Medicine from Nihon University president Dr Naoto Kato at the Ceremony in Conjunction with the Awarding of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Medicine by Nihon University, Tokyo. - BERNAMA
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.