KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will personally monitor Universiti Malaya's (UM) Student Residence Project, warning to replace contractors who fail to meet the required standards.
Anwar said he would direct the relevant ministries and government agencies to fast-track the project, adding that it must be completed ahead of schedule.
He said he would raise the matter at the cabinet meeting, directing relevant ministries and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to prioritise the project and fast-track the necessary processes.
"I will personally monitor its implementation to ensure it becomes a good example.
"If the vice-chancellor says 2030, I say no. This is a new, efficient Madani government. We will try to coordinate everything to expedite the project," he said in his speech before launching the UM Student Residence project.
The UM Student Residence project aims to address student accommodation needs by providing modern and comfortable residential facilities.
The development will be carried out in two phases, with a total capacity of up to 40,000 students. The first phase, expected to be completed in 2030, will accommodate 10,000 students, while the second phase will provide housing for another 30,000.
Universiti Malaya will work with a consortium of government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to develop the project. PBLT Sdn Bhd will deliver Phase 1, while Phase 2 will be developed with joint venture partners Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) and Sime Darby Property Berhad.
Anwar said the government was mobilising GLICs and GLCs to help address the problem, as the government could not rely solely on public allocations to meet every development need.
He added that such companies had a responsibility beyond generating profits, including contributing to the country's social development.
Anwar also warned that companies appointed to undertake the project must demonstrate their ability to deliver quickly, efficiently and responsibly.
"If any company shows that it does not have the capability, we will replace it," he said.
Anwar said the project would be under his direct oversight, with Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar tasked with ensuring the companies deliver it properly.
He said the initiative was necessary to address the growing difficulties faced by university students in securing affordable accommodation, including rising rental prices around campuses.
Anwar also called on UM to ensure the project incorporated adequate facilities, attractive surroundings and cultural elements, rather than focusing solely on constructing buildings.
"These are student residences, and we must ensure they have a good environment, adequate facilities and a conducive atmosphere for academic excellence.
"We cannot simply construct buildings without considering the students' well-being and quality of life," he said.
The project, he added, must also demonstrate that public developments could be delivered transparently, without corruption, cost leakages or unnecessary overruns.
Anwar cited cases of public projects suffering from delays and escalating costs, saying the government wanted the UM development to demonstrate that infrastructure could be completed efficiently and with proper oversight.
"These experiences must teach us a lesson. How much public money has been wasted, leaked and lost because of weak management?
"We must ensure this project becomes an example for other agencies to follow," he said.
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