Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V was proclaimed as the 5th Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) today.

The proclamation ceremony took during UiTM's 86th Convocation at its main campus here.

The Letter of Appointment was presented to His Majesty by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.

His appointment as UiTM Chancellor is based on Section 19A (2), Universiti Teknologi Mara Act 1976 (Act 173) which provides that the Chancellor must be the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

In his address, Sultan Muhammad V expressed his gratitude at being given the opportunity to contribute to an institution of higher learning which had a very long history.

He was also proud of the major role played by UiTM in turning out excellent Bumiputera human capital.

"I have always believed that knowledgeable human capital is the most important asset if a race wants to change or overcome challenges successfully.

"I am confident that UiTM is the main leader as a source for quality Bumiputera human capital, which is the impetus for the social level changes and economy in Malaysia," he said.

Sultan Muhammad V also expressed his great happiness to be together with UiTM as the university was moving towards realising its aspiration to become a premier world class university by 2020.

He, however, reminded UiTM to endeavour to stay as the main institution in protecting the interest of Bumiputeras.

Sultan Muhammad V succeeded Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah whose term as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong ended on Dec 12, 2016. - BERNAMA