Bismillahhirohmanirohim.
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatu dan salam sejahtera.
Mengadap Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Haji Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, Sultan Negeri Kedah Darul Aman, mewakili Seri Paduka Banginda Yang DiPertuan Agong.
Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Sultanah Hajjah Haminah Binti Hamidun, Sultanah Negeri Kedah Darul Aman.
- For this inaugural year, besides the Royal Award, the Jury decided to have a special posthumous award to recognise contributions made by luminaries who are no longer with us, for without their pioneering work, Islamic finance would not have been able to develop at the rapid pace that we see today. It is only fitting that their contributions are not forgotten, as present-day Islamic finance practitioners around the world are reaping the benefits of the groundwork that they have laid.
- It is with great pleasure that I announce the Recipient of the Posthumous Award for Islamic Finance … the late Dr. Ahmad El Naggar. Dr. El Naggar is someone whose name appears foremost in terms of reviving Islamic finance after a hiatus of 700 years. Despite the prejudices against the Islamic label during those early years, he persisted in the institutionalisation of Islamic finance until it became a commercial, economic and social success, as it was able to alleviate the poor’s standard of living.
- Secondly, I would like to announce that the Recipient of the Royal Award for Islamic Finance is none other than … Shaikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel. Unfortunately, Shaikh Saleh is not able to be here with us tonight due to health reasons, but he is represented by his eminent son, Mr Mohyedin Saleh Kamel.
- I am sure that many of you here know that Shaikh Saleh is most deserving of this Award. His passion, persistance and dedication has been influential in charting Islamic finance to what it has achieved today. He is an extremely humble yet very committed. I have heard how he actually went to a speaking engagement in Islamic finance, walking onstage with his intravenous drip stand, as he just completed a liver operation! Indeed, on a personal note, I remember about 3 years ago, in Jeddah, that I met Shaikh Saleh, who at the time was also on an intravenous drip while we had our discussion. Such is the commitment of Shaikh Salek Abdullah Kamel to Islamic finance.
- Before I end, ladies and gentlemen, let me reiterate that both the Recipients are extremely deserving of this honour. Needless to say, the Jury observed a most diligent and objective selection process, and tonight’s Award reaffirms that their contribution in Islamic finance will not be forgotten and will serve as an inspiration for all, especially the coming generations.
- May Allah bless them both, and may we pray for a speedy recovery for Shaikh Saleh Kamel.
Thank you.
- Ampun Tuanku.
Sekian sahajalah persembahan ucapan patik. Sekali lagi Patik dengan penuh hormat dan takzimnya merafak sembah menjunjung kasih yang tidak terhingga diatas perkenan Kebawah Duli Tuanku Berdua berangkat mencemar duli ke Majlis pada malam ini.
- Sekian, wabillahitaufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warohmatullahi wabarakatu.
- Ampun Tuanku.