Companies Unable to Deliver UM Student Residence Project Will Be Replaced – PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered that any company found incapable of implementing the Universiti Malaya (UM) Student Residence Project be replaced to ensure the project is completed ahead of schedule.

He said appointed companies must demonstrate their ability to fulfil their responsibilities, execute the project swiftly and maintain high standards of work.

“God willing, this project will be completed ahead of schedule. Any company that demonstrates a lack of capability will be replaced,” he said when speaking at the launch of the UM Student Residence Project here today.

Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir and UM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Seri Professor Noor Azuan Abu Osman.

Elaborating further, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government would expedite the approval process by directing all relevant ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Finance and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), to provide their full cooperation.

He said the directive would be issued at tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting without compromising integrity and good governance.

“At tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting, I will instruct all relevant departments, including the Ministry of Finance and DBKL, which play important roles in the approval process, to fast-track everything.

“Our concern is when projects become entangled in corruption, theft and commission-taking. But if we keep all these matters under control, we can implement projects at a much faster pace,” Anwar said.

Anwar added that Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar should summon the relevant parties to emphasise that the project was under the Prime Minister’s direct supervision.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of architectural considerations in planning the project, including its surroundings, aesthetics and cultural values.

At the same time, Anwar reminded government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to focus on their social responsibilities, including helping to address accommodation issues faced by university students.

“Other GLICs have been asked to focus on several areas.

“I want this UM Student Residence Project to become a model of excellence and mark a new beginning in resolving university students’ accommodation problems,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

The UM Student Residence development will be implemented in two phases, with a total capacity to accommodate up to 40,000 students.

The first phase is expected to be completed by 2030, providing residential facilities for 10,000 students.

The second phase is planned to accommodate an additional 30,000 students.

AWANI