MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Malaysia and Muhammadiyah share common concerns and visions for advancing the lives of people in Malaysia and Indonesia. Malaysia embraces the concept of ‘Malaysia Madani’ for progress, while Muhammadiyah advocates for ‘Progressive Islam’ (Islam Berkemajuan).
According to the President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir, the same views become a vital foundation for strengthening cooperation between the Malaysian government and this movement.
Following the meeting, a joint committee would be established to facilitate collaboration between Malaysian universities and Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah Higher Education Institutions.
“The partnerships encompasses staff and student exchange other collaboration focusing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). To advance and prosper, Muslims and the Islamic world should master science and technology,” said Haedar in the meeting with the Malaysian Minister of Higher Education Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and his entourage at the Muhammadiyah Office of Jakarta on Monday (July 17).
Besides, Muhammadiyah aspires to foster collaboration in establishing centers of excellence in many fields, including business and Islamic finance.
Of 171 Muhammadiyah-‘Aisyiyah higher education institutions, there are three top-ranked Islamic universities, namely Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), and Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS). All the institutions are assets to coin progressive Islamic civil society. Notably, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) recently achieved a significant milestone by creating its own anti-aircraft missile technology.
The cooperation may transform the image of Islam, Malaysia, and Indonesia and promote greater excellence, inclusivity, global engagement, and rahmatan lil ‘alamin (mercy to the whole world).
“Strategic collaboration is key to nurturing this spirit,” said Haedar accompanied by the General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti, the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Syafiq A Mughni, the Chairman of Muhammadiyah Irwan Akib, and the Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) Agussani.
Furthermore, Mohamed Khaled Nordin congratulated Muhammadiyah on the establishment of Universiti Muhammadiyah Malaysia (UMAM) in Perlis, Malaysia.
“I am here to visit and collaborate with Muhammadiyah, an organization which has made significant and impactful contributions to the development of Muslims, particularly in Indonesia,” said Khaled Nordin accompanied by the Malaysian Ambassador, the Director-General of Higher Education, the representative of EMGS Education Malaysia Global Services, and the Chairman of the Malaysian Qualification Agency.
“Muhammadiyah and the Malaysian government can engage in fruitful discussions, share experiences, and plan for the future,” said Khaled Nordin.
Khaled Nordin perceived the shared visions, Malaysia Madani and Progressive Islam, as a foundation for future collaboration.
“Embracing the principles and practices of Progressive Islam promoted by Muhammadiyah can support Malaysia’s vision, Malaysia Madani. We believe that success is about not only physical development but also intellectual and spiritual strength and development,” said Khaled Nordin.
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