Although all students were in tudung, I was still easily recognized and remembered by my friends and lecturers.

However, outside the campus, most of the time, my Muslim friends would not be able to recognize me. I recall an embarrassing situation when a course-mate, an uncle police officer, could not recognize me when I met him at Sentosa, PJ.

As IIUM Graduate
Usually, when I mentioned that I am an IIUM graduate, the next question asked would usually be, “Isn’t IIUM only for Muslims? Can a Non-Muslim study in IIUM?”

This would be my typical explanation.

“IIUM does admit Non-Muslim students but not many. This could either due to an impression given by the name of the university, that IIUM caters only for Muslim students and funded by overseas Islamic countries . Also, it could be the refusal to put on tudung and the requirement to study Arabic language.”

Then, the next question asked would be, “So you put on a tudung also?” I would say yes and I am already used to it (sudah biasalah).

I attended the convocation with a tudung covering my head. However, if you visit my house, you would see my graduation photograph in mortar board taken with my family members. I do not want myself or my family members having to explain to visitors why I was in tudung. Even if the visitors do not ask questions upon seeing my photos, I do not want them leaving my home having the impression that I have converted to Islam.

I remember that once I saw my comrade, a UM graduate, had his graduation photograph published in the newspaper. He was interviewed after being elected as a state assemblyman. However, when it was my turn to be interviewed, I could not do the same to have my graduation photograph in the newspaper.

After I graduated, I met one of my juniors, a Non-Muslim man. He gave me his business card and I asked him why it was not stated where he obtained his degree.

I told him and what I always remind myself too, “all non-muslim graduate of IIUM are unique and we are different because we could adapt to the environment and we had gone through experiences which other graduates would not need to go through.” During my 4 years in IIUM, I have seen a few Non-Muslim students who left IIUM half way.

Life after IIUM
I know more about Islam.

For each civil law subject, we would need to learn the Islamic subject. For instance, we studied Constitutional law and Islamic Constitutional Law. I particularly admire the concept of shura in Islam, meaning, consultation. I could still remember the strong and powerful speech given by Abu Bakr when he was appointed as the first Khalifah.

To certain extent, Islam as a way of life has influenced my behavior.

If I meet a Muslim male friend, I would be a bit reluctant to forward my hand for a handshake unless the other party does it first.

Not too long ago, I told a Minister at the MP’s lounge in Parliament that I could not shake his hand and I told him that it was my informal education in IIUM. He disagreed with me.

To close the door or not? When I meet a Muslim male officer in his office, I would remind myself to keep the door open unless there is a glass door or window.

I would also try to avoid sitting beside a Muslim man, if possible.

All the above actions may be interpreted as rude for some who did not know of the influence of IIUM on me.

After I wrote the Part I posting on IIUM, I asked my mother if she could identify any changes to my behavior after I left IIUM. She said, I dislike pork. I do take occasionally, depending on how it is cooked.

In my political work, many times I would tell myself this is not what I learnt about Islam. (to be continued…Final Part)