KUALA KANGSAR, June 14 — Kolej Universiti Islam Sultan Azlan Shah (KUISAS) was awarded university status as it had met several criteria set said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.

He said KUISAS was now known as Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) after going through several stages of discussions with the ministry in the past three years.

“The university upgrade would also boost development in the surrounding areas and help generate economy of the local community,” he told reporters after a ceremony to present Credentials for the Establishment of USAS, here today.

The credential was received by USAS vice-chancellor Tan Sri Nordin Kardi who was earlier KUISAS rector.

The awarding of university status was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Thursday.

Idris said the awarding of university status was not due to the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat by-election as alleged by the opposition.

“This is not something new, I have met Tan Sri (Nordin Kardi) several times.

When the conditions were met, we awarded it accordingly. We need not listen to opposition’s allegations.

“We do what is needed to be done and that is why I am here today because the time has come,” he said adding that the recognition was made based on USAS meeting several criteria among them academics, quality of courses as well as sustainable management of governance. — Bernama