RECENTLY, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu was reported making a proposal to change Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)’s name to its original name, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia.
In response, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah stated that the name of UPM be maintained, citing several reasons that amounted to a subtle rebuke towards the minister.
In a post on X by Berita Harian, the Sultan said that neither the UPM Board of Trustees nor he as chancellor had been consulted in advance about any proposed name change.
Sultan Selangor titah nama Universiti Putra Malaysia dikekalkan#BHnasional Baginda juga mengingatkan kepada mereka yang tidak memahami sejarah supaya membaca dan meneliti fakta sejarah sebelum membuat apa-apa kenyataan, terutama membabitkan UPMhttps://t.co/lsF5svkmSK
— Berita Harian (@bharianmy) November 30, 2024
Following the royal rebuke, Mat Sabu said he accepts and obeys the decree of the sultan to retain its current name.
But that did not save him from the sharp-tongued netizens who came by the droves to reinforce the Sultan’s decree, with many using it as an opportunity to roast Mat Sabu.
Some commented about him being the wrong person in the wrong place, that his appointment was due to a hierarchy that does not prioritize eligibility.
A good number of netizens also showed their support for the Sultan’s decree, thanking him for his intervention.
To recap, the Sultan also said that the name UPM should remain unchanged, as he had launched the Putra brand, which signifies “Agriculture for the People.”
He also pointed out that the name pays tribute to Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
The Sultan further remarked, “I urge those who lack an understanding of history to study and review historical facts before making any remarks, particularly those related to UPM.” —Dec 2, 2024
Main image: Berita Harian
