University must have a township - Dr Mahathir

The existence of a university in an area must be complemented by a new university township, said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said this was to ensure that the students, academicians and the local society could benefit from the development of a new university township in the area in question.

He said not many universities in Malaysia had contributed towards development resulting in a university township.

"We always believe the existence of a university which is built in a certain area should be a catalyst towards the creation of a new township.

"As such, I hope all universities in Malaysia are capable of being complemented by a university town because it is good for the students, academic staff and the residents around the university," he said in his speech at the 21st convocation of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) here, Saturday.

Dr Mahathir was the guest of honour at the third session of the convocation which also saw his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, receiving an Honourary Doctor of Philosophy degree (Medical Science) in appreciation of her contributions and leadership in the fields of public health, medical science and knowledge and methods of avoiding drug abuse.

A total of 2,281 graduates including in Doctor of Philosophy (five), Master (48) and Bachelor (first class) (77) received their degrees at the three-day convocation starting Friday.