SINGAPORE: Western Australia's Curtin University has been hit by massive anger over its awarding of an honorary degree to Malaysia's first lady, who had recently been hit with ridicule over here alleged excessive shopping outings. The university was forced to shut down its Facebook “wall” after too many angry comments from users began pouring in from both Malaysia and Australia. Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak's wife, Rosmah Mansour, was given the honorary degree in recognition of her efforts in early childhood education, the university said. Rosmah is a controversial figure in Malaysia, where she is routinely portrayed by critics as out of touch with ordinary Malaysians amid reports of her extravagant tastes, and web users have pounced on the affair. “How much Rosmah paid for this PhD?” one Facebook user wrote on the university's page, before submissions were blocked. Another admonished the school to “Get your fact(s) right before giving out your cheap toilet certificate.” Several Curtin degree-holders pledged to tear up their own certificates in disgust, while a separate Facebook site called “Boycott Curtin University till Rosmah Mansor's Doctorate Revoked” also was set up. Rosmah has faced ridicule in Malaysia's independent online media over her alleged shopping exploits at a time when many Malaysians are concerned about inflation. Recent accusations include reports that she spent tens of thousands of dollars on clothes from an Australian designer and bought a $24 million diamond ring and a $200,000 designer handbag. She has denied the accusations. Curtin vice-chancellor Jeanette Hacket defended the degree award in a statement on Facebook, saying Rosmah “was recognized as the founder and driving force behind” early childhood centers in Malaysia. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/X7QcI Tags: Australia, Curtin, Malaysia, Rosmah Mansour Section: East Asia, Latest News, Oceana, Women
