In my book, for someone to even suggest that Universiti Malaya be relocated (and willing to fork out millions of ringgit to see it move to Sepang) tantamounts to "treason" act. Don't la that way. There are things in life that are best be left alone. Like UM. So I'm somewhat relieve to be reading this Bernama report where both Pak Lah and the DPM had publicly opposed the move. Alhamdulillah! Here's the excerpt of the report....
KEPALA BATAS, June 16 (Bernama) -- 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.
"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.
"Universiti Malaya is the first institution of higher learning established in the country and has served the nation well," he said.
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.
The company's proposal to relocate UM had met with objection and aroused the anger of various parties, including former UM vice-chancellor Royal Prof Ungku Abdul Aziz.
Ungku Aziz said the developer had no sense of patriotism as he was prepared to offer a price for the priceless national heritage.
