PM, DPM Want Universiti Malaya To Stay Put

Both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the main campus of Universiti Malaya should be retained at its present location in Lembah Pantai in Kuala Lumpur and not make way for a proposed commercial development.

Abdullah spoke to reporters here after launching the "Semarak Merdeka", one of the programmes held in conjunction with the country's 50th anniversary of independence celebrations this year, while Najib spoke to Bernama in Kuala Lumpur.

"The (present) location is adequate for the university's operations. If possible, I want the campus to be retained there," Abdullah said, adding that the university could open branch campuses elsewhere if necessary.

It was reported yesterday that real estate company Guocoland (M) Berhad, controlled by millionaire Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan, has offered to relocate the university to Sepang in order to develop its present site into a RM10 billion commercial and residential hub.

That plan is reportedly objected to by the university's academic staff association, alumni, lecturers, administrators and undergraduates. Abdullah, himself a graduate of Universiti Malaya, said that personally he would not want the university to be relocated. He said the university was the country's first institution of higher learning and had produced many graduates who now served in the public and private sectors. "Universiti Malaya is the first institution of higher learning established in the country and has served the nation well," he said.

Asked why there was an offer now to relocate the university, Abdullah said: "Perhaps they see the value and benefit of turning the area into a commercial zone."

Najib said the government would never agree to the proposal to relocate the university if it went against the public interest, adding that the government would consider the views of all quarters and that so far many had voiced opposition to the matter. (Bernama)
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