INGENIEUR
The PCE was originally structured for the
Civil, Electrical and Mechanical branches
but due to demand, the branches Chemical,
Mining, Environmental and Geotechnical were
subsequently added. Professional Engineers with
Practicing Certificate (PEPC) are now mandated by
many authorities and organisations, covering more
branches than originally envisaged.
Dr Majid led the mammoth task of drafting
the amendments to the REA and convincing
the relevant authorities of the need for these
changes. He first approached the legal adviser
in the Ministry of Works and then briefed the
Minister before meeting the Attorney General
(AG). His professional approach won over the top
echelons of Government in the Dewan Rakyat
and Dewan Negara. The whole process took
long hours of research, tons of paperwork and
countless meetings, but results were achieved in
less than five years. The Registration of Engineers
(Amendment) Act 2015 was passed by Parliament
in 2014 and the Act was gazetted by the Minister
of Works on February 28, 2015. It took into effect
on July 31, 2015.
Continuing his cause, Dr Majid went on
numerous BEM roadshows throughout the country
to explain the REA amendments to engineers
and stakeholders in the industry. BEM used to
comment that during his tenure as Board member,
no road show was complete without him. His
favourite topics had always been on works safety,
responsibility and accountability of consulting
engineers. His sessions always attracted the most
attention as he was directly involved in the drafting
of the policies concerned. With him around, the
Q&A sessions normally extended beyond the
closing time due to the interest generated on the
Board’s policy and the professional liability issues.
On BEM’s task assignments such as working
groups on guidelines or investigation works, it was
a joy serving under his chairmanship as he would
have done thorough research and prepared the
complete working paper leaving little room for
members of the team to comment or add on. It
was in fact a learning opportunity for members
under his team when he would reveal the findings
of his research and the rationale of his proposals
and solutions.
BEM is now reviewing all past circulars dating
as far back as the 1980s. For this exercise, credit
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Dr Majid - Devoted engineer
must be given to Dr Majid who took the trouble to
comb through all of BEM’s old records, summed
up all old circulars systematically, and proposed
amendments to replace outdated documents.
For clarity on the hierarchy of BEM issued
documents, he made the effort to consult the AG’s
office and came up with a categorical classification
system of BEM’s published documents, which
include the categories Notification, Circular and
Guidelines.
Image and branding for BEM were also
important in Dr Majid’s strive for excellence. He
was often chosen as a spokesperson for the Board
in talks and negotiations with various Ministries.
His professional demeanour and accountability
put BEM in good light. This devoted engineer will
be remembered for his immense contribution to
the Board and the engineering profession.
His sudden and untimely demise took
everyone by surprise although some knew he
was unwell months before. He still appeared
normal and continued to clear the unfinished
works under various committees of BEM. His
dedication to BEM and the engineering profession
is most commendable and engineers will always
remember him as a friend, advisor, and champion
of the engineering profession.