Albukhary International University withdraws decision to cease operations

It was earlier reported that the Albukhary International University in Alor Setar, Kedah would stop operating in June. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, April 25, 2014.The Albukhary International University (AiU) in Alor Setar, Kedah has withdrawn its decision to cease operations.

Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the ministry was informed of the matter by the management of AiU through a letter Wednesday.

"With that decision, the matter is no longer an issue," he told reporters yesterday

On the factors which led to AiU's earlier decision to cease operations, he said the ministry had always monitored the institution, ensuring that it operated within the act governing private universities.

When asked about the performance of AiU, Idris said it was a different issue, but that the ministry had always monitored the university to ensure it met the requirements of the Malaysian Qualification Agency and the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996.

Commenting on AiU students who had sued the institution, he said it was an issue to be resolved between the two parties.

On April 15, six students of AiU sued the university for allegedly failing to comply with the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996, that AiU should issue a one-year notice before closing down.

It was reported that the university, which was set up by the Albukhary Foundation, would stop operating in June.

AiU is known as a university that changes the lives of the poor because it operates as a wakaf (charitable entity). As such, it does not charge any fees on the students, who are generally from poor backgrounds. – Bernama