ETHICAL GOVERNANCE = GOOD GOVERNANCE?

The opening slide on Islamic Ethical Governance.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Syukri Salleh, ISDEV Director, has proven once again that he is indeed an accomplished academician, researcher and most important a teacher-at-heart when he fulfilled an invitation to wow the hearts and minds of the academia in Medan, Indonesia. Such a feat was attained when he gave his speech as the Invited SpSpeakereaker at The 1st International Conference on Social and Political Development (1COSOP) organised by Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). Prof. Syukri flew to Medan on 20 November 2016 and he was given a heartfelt and warm welcome at Kualanamu International Airport by Dr. Heri Kusmanto, the Deputy Rector of Universitas Medan Area (UMA) and he is also the Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee for 1COSOP as well as an Alumni member of ISDEV, together with two other ISDEV Alumni members, Prof. Sukiman and Pak Isnaini.

 Prof Syukri with the top management of USU as well as the Mayor of the City of Medan (5th from left) who is the Guest of Honour at 1COSOP.

The two-day 1COSOP organized by the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), USU and Office of Mayor, Medan Government, was held on 21 until 22 November, 2016 at Aston City Hall, Medan. Prof. Syukri was given the honour on the first day of 1COSOP to address the audience with his lecture pertaining to "Islamic Ethical Governance". Prof Syukri started his lecture by posing a simple mathematical question - is ethical governance equal to good governance? He then went to list the attributes of contemporary ethical governance and compared it with Islamic Ethical Governance.

Prof. Syukri delivering his speech regarding Islamic Ethical Governance.

According to Prof Syukri, the mathematical formulation is incorrect. Ethical governance does not necessarily mean good governance. The contemporary ethical governance is found to be incomprehensive as it is compartmentalised and fragmented. In contrast he advocated for Islamic Ethical Governance as opposed to the other as, the Islamic Ethical Governance consisting of seven principles, encompasses a more holistic aspect of life.

All smiles after their minds and hearts have been touched after listening to the pearls of wisdom from Prof. Syukri.

At the end of his lecture, impressed with the delivery of his speech and especially the words of wisdom contained therein that have touched them intellectually and spiritually, the audience thronged him for a photo session. The organiser of 1COSOP took the opportunity to have a group photo with Prof Syukri at the end of his session. 

Prof Syukri flanked by USU Deputy Rector, Dr Heri (left) and the Dean of FISIP, USU who garb him with the "Ulos" .

As the ultimate honour to Prof. Syukri, the Deputy Rector of UMA, Dr Heri and the Dean of FISIP, USU then garbed Prof. Syukri with an "Ulos". Although it is a simple ceremony yet it carries a solemn declaration to all that Prof. Syukri is accepted as part of USU big family and is now a member of that big family. Alhamdulillah. 

Congratulations Prof. Syukri!