Historic, auspicious and momentous are perhaps the most apt words to describe the opening of Malaysia's newest university - Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) - by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad tomorrow.

The university, described as a 32-year-old dream-come-true for MCA, would have the honour of having Dr Mahathir delivering its inaugural lecture after the opening ceremony at the Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman's(KTAR) main campus in Setapak here.

UTAR began its 2002/2003 academic year with about 400 students in June at its temporary campus in Section 13 Petaling Jaya, which housed the former premises of The Star.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik thanked the Government, particularly Dr Mahathir, for making the university a reality.

"I am very confident that UTAR will contribute immensely towards the needs and development of the nation."

"UTAR also has a broader social and ethical role that is to create a learning environment that will in turn instill within the community and society an abiding concern for the betterment of all mankind," Dr Ling, who is also the Transport Minister, said here yesterday.