KUALA LUMPUR: “Before leaving for Kedah for my convocation today, I managed to hug and kiss my late father.”
Those were the poignant words of Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (UniSHAMS) doctoral graduate Ruqyah Adnan, whose joy at receiving her degree turned into heartbreak upon learning of her father’s passing.
The youngest of 10 siblings from Kelantan, Ruqyah received the devastating news with quiet acceptance, according to a Facebook post by Helmi Khalid, the Kedah menteri besar’s special media officer.
A video shared with the post showed Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor consoling the visibly emotional graduate following the university’s convocation ceremony.
The post also revealed that Ruqyah’s mother has been bedridden for several years after suffering a stroke.
UniSHAMS’s Student Affairs Department said it would assist in arranging Ruqyah’s return back to Kelantan.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
