VP gets honorary doctorate from Malaysian university

Kuala Lumpur, NU Online
Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Saturday received an honorary doctorate in economics from Malaysia`s Universiti Malaya due to his contribution to help improve the global economy.

The honorary doctorate was presented to Kalla by the sultan of Malaysia`s Perak state, Darul Ridzuan Dato` Rafiah Salim, at a ceremony in Tunku Counselor Hall, Universiti Malaya.<>

Jusuf Kalla is the eighth person to receive the honorary doctorate in economics, and he was also named an honorary member of Malaysia`s oldest university.

On the occasion, Jusuf Kalla said he was really touched by and thankful for the academic honor because what he had been doing so far was only to develop Indonesia`s economy towards regioinal and global levels in a bid to improve the people`s welfare.

"I am really grateful for and touched by the award," he said before delivering a speech entitled "The Sirection of Indonesia`s Economy in a National and Regional Context." .

Kalla said adequate economic growth was needed to materialize the people`s welfare and the growth will come into effect if foreign investment flowed into the country.

Antara reported, in efforts to attract foreign investment, a conducive political climate is badly needed because economic stability will depend on political and security stability, he said. (dar)