SAFAR HE YEH ZINDAGI - PU TAHA, MISION ACCOMPLISHED

Mock viva held prior to his viva voce at ISDEV, open library, D04

Taha Mohd Omar, a RISDEV (ISDEV postgraduate by research) candidate has added the tally to ISDEV records of "Excellent PhD Thesis". He was awarded Grade 1 (the highest scale accorded to by Universiti Sains Malaysia for a viva) by the Board of Examiners during his viva on Monday, 29 September 2016 at C06 Conference Room, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Taha or also known as PU Taha from the reality TV show 'Pencetus Ummah' on Astro Oasis in season 3 had successfully defended his Ph.D thesis on "The Islamic Capital Market: Analysis of the Shariah Screening Methodology by the Securities Commission of Malaysia". 

After performing solat hajat for Taha at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid, USM

As the culture in ISDEV prior to any viva voce, there are two routines that are strictly adhered to prepare students spiritually, emotionally, physically as well as intellectually. First is a mock viva which is usually held on the eve of the viva. Taha had his mock viva on 28 September 2016 at ISDEV open library.

The second routine is performing the solat hajat congregationally amongst ISDEV members. Solat hajat for Taha Mohd Omar was held on Friday morning. ISDEV members congregated at 8.30 p.m. at Masjid Al-Malik Khalid USM to perform the solat hajat together with a focused intention of seeking Allah SWT help and guide candidate for sitting his viva.

Taha Mohd Omar answering the question with clarity and confidence during his viva voce

The viva started at 9.30 a.m. and the Board of Examiners took the opportunity to asked Taha with a variety of questions. Taha successfully defended his thesis after being fielded with questions and comments from the board of examiner. His viva was smooth flowing throughout. He showed his mastery of the subject and research as he was able to answer the questions posed with his strong grasp of his research throughout the viva. 

Taha (centre), with his Supervisor, Prof. Muhammad Syukri Salleh (right) , Prof. Dato Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed (left) and his biggest supporter, his mother Prof. Dr. Norulaini Nik Ab Rahman with the board of examiners

The Board of Examiners consisted of the chairperson, Professor Dato Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed from the School of Educational Studies, USM with External Examiner, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Omar Mohammed from International Islamic University, Malaysia and two Internal Examiners who were Dr. Nailul Morad Mohd Nor from the School of Distance Education and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zakaria Bahari from ISDEV. His main supervisor is Prof. Dr Muhammad Syukri Salleh and his co-supervisor Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad were also present.