FORMER UTM DON HONOURED

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

JOHOR BARU: State Tokoh Maal Hijrah award recipient Prof Dr Nasseri Taib vows to work harder in spreading the teachings of Islam in his community.

The 66-year-old former Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) professor said he would focus on gathering knowledge and ibadah in his retirement days.

“I have to make up for lost time because I was too busy working back then.

Recognised: Prof Dr Nasseri (right) receiving the award from Abdul Ghani during the state Maal Hijrah celebration held in Johor Baru.

“Now that I have more time I can focus on my faith and strengthen my understanding of Islam,” he said, adding that the award was an incentive for him to better himself in every aspect especially religion.

Among his contributions in Islamic development in Johor was preparing the working paper to establish the Johor Islamic College and producing academic articles presented in various local seminars and conventions.

On spreading the teachings of Islam, Prof Nasseri said he would focus on Muslims in his housing area in Taman Dawani, Senai.

He explained that he used to print out texts on various chapters and teachings that he handed out after giving lectures at the local mosque.

“Distributing hard copies of my lectures is effective in getting the point across,” he said.

Prof Nasseri was given the award at the state Maal Hijrah celebration held in Pusat Islam Iskandar, launched by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

SOURCE: THE STAR, Monday January 14, 2008