KUALA LUMPUR: Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has acknowledged the decree from the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, to retain the name of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
Mohamad said he accepted the Sultan's decree, as Sultan Sharafuddin is also the university's chancellor, and that the issue arising from his suggestion to change UPM's name back to its original name, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, should no longer be pursued.
"I acknowledge the decision made by His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor and the university's chancellor. I do not wish to prolong this issue any further. I accept it, and it is a good decision," he said after officiating the 2024 Federal Territories Amanah Convention here.
At UPM's 48th Convocation Ceremony yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin ordered that the name Universiti Putra Malaysia be retained. His Royal Highness said the UPM Board of Governors, and he as chancellor, were not consulted beforehand regarding any proposal to change the university's name.
This royal decree followed Mohamad's announcement last Thursday that the proposal to revert UPM's name to its original name, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, would be presented to the cabinet.
Mohamad said the proposal was made in consideration of the country's current priorities, particularly in food security and advancing the nation's agricultural sector.
Commenting further on the matter, Mohamad said the focus should now be on working with UPM staff to elevate the university's stature.
"We will continue to enhance this university, in terms of allocations and other areas, as long as we have the financial capacity to further improve UPM," he said.