ALOR STAR: There was a deafening silence at Albukhary International University's (AIU) convocation hall when a video of Abeer Ahmad, 45, was played on the screen.
The audience at AIU's fourth convocation was moved to tears when Abeer thanked the university for awarding her late son, Sulaiman JS Abuanza, 23, a posthumous degree.
"I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone at AIU, especially its founder, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, for this honour.
"On behalf of the Palestinian people, I am grateful for the opportunities given to my son," she said in the video.
Sulaiman was a Bachelor of Computer Science student. He was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Oct 7 last year. It was his 23rd birthday.
The third of six children was struck by seven bullets during an ambush by Zionist forces. One bullet pierced his left hand and reached his heart.
The tragedy occurred when Sulaiman, who was a second-year student then, returned to Gaza during a break. He had planned to undergo Lasik surgery in Egypt.
Sulaiman's scroll was presented to his close friend and fellow Palestinian Adnan Madi, 21, by AIU Pro-Chancellor Sonny Bill Williams.
AIU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Datuk Mohd Saleh Jaafar said Sulaiman would be remembered as a dedicated and committed student.
"This year marks the first time AIU has posthumously awarded a degree.
"Sulaiman, who was martyred in the Israeli massacre, was one of our best students and remains remembered to this day for the immense potential he displayed," he said during his speech at the ceremony.
In a statement, AIU said Sulaiman was exemplary in his dedication and passion for learning.
"His unwavering commitment to excellence was also reflected in his academic achievements, earning him a place on the Dean's List every semester.
"One of his notable contributions was the creation of the Baling Beneficiaries Map, a project that played a significant role in supporting the mission of the Albukhary Foundation," the statement said.
Adnan said Sulaiman's sister, Shaimma, 20, was supposed to attend the convocation to accept his scroll.
"Unfortunately, she could not make it because the Palestinian border is still closed.
"I am truly honoured to receive the scroll on behalf of his family.
"May he be forever remembered as the light of our hope for true peace in Palestine."