MALAYSIAN KING CONFERRED HONORARY DOCTORATE

BANGKOK, March 11 (Bernama) -- King Tuanku Mizan Zainal
Abidin, who is on a four-day official visit to Thailand since Monday, was
conferred an honorary doctorate in political science by the Prince of
Songkhla University (PSU).

Tuanku Mizan is the first Malaysian King conferred with the prestigious
award.

The award was presented by PSU president Boonsom Siribumrungsukha at a
ceremony held at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok here Wednesday, witnessed by Queen
Tuanku Nur Zahirah.

In 1977, Malaysia's first prime minister, Tuanku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj,
was awarded the honorary doctorate degree in public administration by the
university.

In his speech, Tuanku Mizan expressed pride and humility in receiving the
prestigious award since the university was a respected institution of higher
learning in Thailand and abroad since its establishment in 1967.

"I am happy to note that the Prince of Songkhla University has been
collaborating with a number of academic activities with universities in Malaysia
for the last 40 years.

" I am also pleased to note that the university is now working towards
the development of a joint-degree and double-degree programmes for both
undergraduate and graduate levels with the universities of Malaysia," he
said.

Tuanku Mizan said the exchange of visits between student and academic staff
between both countries would cultivate a greater understanding and strengthening
the cordial relations between Malaysia and Thailand.

In the afternoon, Tuanku Mizan and Tuanku Nur Zahirah had a guided tour of
the Royal Exhibition which housed masterpieces of Thai craftsmen at the Ananta
Samakhom Throne Hall, Grand Palace.

One of the exhibits is the 'Nila Mangkor', a carved wood depicting a
half-dragon, half-horse creature which took two months to produce and involved
11 artisans.

Another is the 'Sivikakarn', a covered palanquin for high-ranking members of
the royalty, with layered saddle roof and gable of perforated gold with enameled
patterns, whick took 18 months to produce and involved 160 artisans.

-- BERNAMA