Kuala Lumpur, 29 July 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia Bulat Sugurbayev held a meeting with Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), renowned philosopher and scholar of Islamic civilisation Professor Dr. Osman Bakar.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the ongoing political reforms in Kazakhstan, with particular attention given to the establishment of a new model of the supreme representative body - the Kurultai, as well as the forthcoming elections to the newly established institution. The Ambassador briefed Professor Osman on the constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the legislative branch, expanding public participation in state decision-making, and further modernising the country’s political system.

“The establishment of the Kurultai is a tribute to our centuries-old traditions of statehood and historical heritage. Today, this institution is being given a modern meaning aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of representative governance,” Ambassador Sugurbayev noted.

The meeting also covered cooperation between higher education institutions of Kazakhstan and Malaysia. The interlocutors expressed interest in expanding academic exchanges, implementing joint research projects, and strengthening cooperation in the fields of Islamic studies, philosophy, and the history of science.

The Ambassador highly commended Professor Osman Bakar’s significant contribution to the study of Islamic philosophy and the history of science, including his extensive research on the legacy of the great thinker Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, whose works represent an important part of Kazakhstan’s intellectual heritage and the global Islamic civilisation.

Professor Osman Bakar reaffirmed his interest in further developing scientific and educational ties with Kazakhstan, highlighting the strong potential for cooperation with Kazakhstan universities and research institutions.

Following the meeting, the sides expressed confidence that strengthening academic and intellectual cooperation would contribute to the further development of partnership between Kazakhstan and Malaysia.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kuala-lumpur/press/news/details/1265091?lang=ru