By : Abu Qisth
Recently I was having time to attend an intellectual discourse namely Bicara Karya which discussing a book, title Mengangkasa Pengajian Tinggi. The speaker was the author it self- Prof Dato’ Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He has raised up some important issues especially on idealism within today intelligentsia.- whether they are truly knowledge lover or vice-versa.
University should not be developed in obsession to physical matters per se but harnessing the first class mentality should be the priority. Historically, the establishment of university like Al Azhar just happen through an amazing consistence of knowledge culture. The lecturers was delivering their lectures with responsibility and sincerity. They have no salary until 19th century! This is how idealism above materialism which has been emphasized by Prof Zaini.
Today, we hope more scholars will struggle for such idealism. Knowledge culture expands through a printing culture rather than talking culture, indeed. Ironically, today, the man who talks more (by adding some bombastic words) will be simply conferred as an intellectual. This phenomena will gradually undermined the truly knowledge tradition which has been established by a truly scholar since for years in the society.
Thus the mechanism efforts in sustaining knowledge tradition should be start by printing. Print whatever thought that we think, then open it for debate. Luckily blog have made our life easier! Only that, a cordially- intellectual environment and camaraderie can be achieved not only in the university but in the blogsphere community as well. All of us have our own role, indeed.
The writer is Director for ABIM Johor Social Research Project, 2009. He also blogs at Campus Environmentalist Blog.
The writer is Director for ABIM Johor Social Research Project, 2009. He also blogs at Campus Environmentalist Blog.
