KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s previous acceptance into one of the country's most prestigious law schools was based only on his merits, said an association representing his alumni.
Universiti Malaya Law Faculty Alumni Association (Parfum) president Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil came to Ismail Sabri’s defence after a Facebook user by the name of Andrew Peris questioned the academic credentials of the prime minister, who is a law graduate from Universiti Malaya.
Backing her fellow Umno member, Shahrizat – who is also a former women, family, and community development minister – said in a Facebook post that the remarks made against Ismail Sabri can be considered attempts to tarnish his image, as well as that of the law faculty.
She added that at the time of his acceptance into the faculty, the dean in charge was the late Tan Sri Datuk Professor Ahmad Ibrahim, who was known internationally for his steadfast principles upholding integrity and intelligence.
“As the first dean, he set high standards for the faculty and did not compromise on its students’ academic achievements.
“It would have been difficult for anyone to enrol as a student of the Universiti Malaya law faculty without first meeting the requirements set by faculty members,” she said, adding that the prime minister had managed to achieve academic excellence despite being raised in a simple family.
“Ismail Sabri further proved himself worthy of scholarships while he was a student in Universiti Malaya when he successfully completed his studies within the allocated time frame and was accepted as a defence lawyer and solicitor,” Shahrizat claimed.
She also noted that Universiti of Malaya’s law faculty was the first of its kind in the country and has managed to produce influential graduates who have shouldered high posts in the nation’s legal fraternity. – The Vibes, January 19, 2021
