By Asmahanim Amir
Pictures by Ikhwan Hashim and Izwan Azman

BANGI, 2 October 2018 –  Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid has contributed his personal collections that he received while serving in public and private sector to UKM for the benefit of UKM and the community.

The collection of 7,000 manuscripts in the form of souvenirs, books, journals, magazines, various documents, including speeches, reports and photo collections have been placed in Anjung Pro-Canselor Tun Ahmad Sarji, Tun Seri Lanang Library.

Tun Ahmad Sarji in his speech said, about 2,000 multimedia collections, such as recording videos of Tan Sri P. Ramlee and Saloma during the first election campaign in Langkawi in 1955.

“All the video is in the process of changing format to digital and will give to UKM library when it’s done,” he said.

He said, he chose UKM to keep his personal collection because he served as Pro-Chancellor in UKM for 11 years beginning 2007, besides that university is a well-known university in preserving the legacy history and high-level scholar.

“I believe this collection will give benefit to UKM and society, not only as a reference, but also to the development of knowledge.

“I hope UKM library will use this space with many activities in line with my desire to make this collection as a references in the areas of public administration, corporate, cultural and heritage leadership, Islamic administration, community and sports,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor, Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali said, various research can be done by referring to the collection.

“I welcome researchers from various fields use this collection for research, make a discussion and conduct activities related.

As a great country figure, Tun Ahmad Sarji Collection is not just for stares, but the collection is a country’s history to be appreciated, he said.

The ceremony of Anjung Pro-Canselor Tun Ahmad Sarji was inaugurated by His Excellency Yang Di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, who is the UKM Chancellor.

Also present at the event was His Royal Highness Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, Tuanku Aishah Rohani Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud.