Oxford, 25 February, 2012 : HRH Tuanku Raja Zarith Sofiah binti Al-Marhum Sultan Idris Shah became the first intellectual princess to speak in Oxford University at the Somerville Association Winter Meet.

As the Chancellor of UTM and an alumnus of Oxford University, HRH Raja Zarith did UTM and the country proud when she presented a stimulating, thought provoking and moving talk entitled “We are like you: What Muslim in Malaysia have in common with other communities around the world”.

Being a strong advocate of peace and understanding between different races, religions, and ethnic communities around the world, Raja Zarith’s presentation touched the hearts of many who were present, including the alumni of Somerville, distinguished professors and academics of Oxford University and other nearby institutions as well as students from various colleges in and around Oxford.

Raja Zarith highlighted that she chose the topic out of frustration after reading so many misleading statements and misrepresentations made in newspapers, magazine articles, on television and on the Internet about Muslims, which have left a negative impression and misunderstanding on the true message Islam is advocating, and of the true meaning of being a Muslim.

Just as other communities around the world are saddened by the natural disasters or atrocities facing some nations, Malaysian Muslims are also deeply affected and saddened by the incidents and misfortunes that befell others,irrespective whether the victims are Muslims or not.

Raja Zarith stressed on the need to appreciate what we have in common rather than dwelling on our differences. Whether we are Muslims or Non-Muslims, we all have the same concerns, the same fears and hopes. We should not draw conclusion based on mere speculations and prejudgement.

Also present at the talk were the UTM Vice- Chancellor Zaini Ujang, Deputy Director of UTM Centre for Advanced Studies in Islam, Science and Civilisation, Prof Zainiy Uthman, and Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs, Assoc Prof Dr Masputeriah Hamzah. Seven staff of UTM who are currently undergoing Doctoral Studies in Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College and Reading were also present.