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Kedah MB hopes Albukhary International University will not be closed – Bernama

Kedah rampas tanah dijadikan ladang ketum

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir today expressed hope that the management of Albukhary International University (AIU) would reconsider its decision to cease operation.

"I was made to understand that there are certain procedures set by the Education Ministry pertaining to private institutions of higher learning. I was not informed whether all the procedures had been undertaken by AIU management before deciding to shut down the university, but I do hope they will reconsider the decision.

"What matters most is the welfare of the students, lecturers and staff," he told reporters after officiating the closing of the Northern Zone National Skills Expo and Carnival 2014 in Alor Setar today.

When asked whether the state government was interested to take over the university should the management go ahead with its decision, Mukhriz said: "I was made to understand that the university is fully funded... but quite difficult to manage."

The university, established in 1996, was reported to be closing by June.

All this while, AIU students were not charged any tuition fees and given full scholarships as the university is fully funded by tycoon Syed Mokhtar Albukhary's Albukhary Foundation under a waqaf (eternally charitable) concept. – Bernama, April 20, 2014.