Kingdom, Malaysia to develop Islamic courses

The Kingdom and Malaysia will develop Islamic courses to be taught at Saudi universities, which include the Al-Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in the capital, and King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, according to Ambassador Prof. Datuk Syed Omar Al Saggaf.
The Malaysian envoy disclosed this to Arab News yesterday as he announced that more than 10,000 Malaysian pilgrims will visit the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan to perform Umrah.
“Saudi Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Saif, and Crown Prince of the Malaysian State of Perlis, Prince Taku Sayed Putra Jamalullail, discussed this during a meeting recently regarding higher education,” Al Saggaf said.
He added that his country’s involvement in the project is a reflection of the high quality of education provided by Malaysian universities.
In fact, Al Saggaf said, many Saudi students are currently enrolled in different courses at various universities and colleges in Malaysia, adding that if and when the agreement materializes, it could pave the way for the inclusion of other fields of study sy Saudi Islamic universities, including engineering and medicine.
Al-Saggaf said he expects that more meetings between the two sides would be held to formally discuss the proposed project and issues related to it.
“I'm upbeat about this collaboration. It is hoped that it will further strengthen existing bilateral cooperation in various fields between the two countries,” he said.
He also expressed thanks to the Kingdom for the hospitality shown to Malaysian students studying in various universities in Saudi Arabia.
“Many Saudis like to visit Malaysia during the holy month Ramadan for the experience. We have the so-called ‘open house,’ where everybody is invited to sample traditional Malaysian culture,” Al-Saggaf said.
“My country and Saudi Arabia go a long way back. Aside from Saudi students, there are about 100,000 Saudis who visit Malaysia every year,” he said.
Al-Saggaf added that Saudis like to visit Malaysia as an alternative tourist destination to other countries in the Middle East such as Egypt, where they are likely to own properties but where unrest currently prevails.