The unresolved 'arson' which gutted Universiti Malaya's Dewan Tunku Canselor (DTC) on June 29 last year may remain a mystery forever.

Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Prof Anuar Zaini Md Zain told reporters today that he would rather forget about the incident. He said he was also never told the real cause of the fire though the police gave the university the green light to rebuild the damaged hall.

Rebuilt at a cost of RM13.5 million, the hall was officially reopened Tuesday by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who was also an alumnus of the university.

"I'm not interested in the report [on the possible cause of the fire], I'm interested in building up the new building. Look positive. Let's look at what the [new] hall can give us. What is the past? The past is the past. That is not important to me anymore," Anuar said.

He said it was possible that the fire could have occurred due to faulty wiring.

Green light to rebuild

"If it's not natural, then I'll not be able to build it because there will be other problems. The police have given me a clear green light to do it," Anuar said.

The vice-chancellor was speaking to reporters after the launch of the 'problem-based learning methodology', which was recently introduced in the university.

Deputy Education Minister Abdul Aziz Samsuddin launched the programme.

When fire razed the 36-year-old hall last year, politicians, especially Umno leaders including Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad blamed 'militant students' for the blaze.

The incident, among others, led the government to mandate students to sign the Akujanji (Good conduct pledge) in which they were required to pledge their loyalty to the authorities and promise not to participate in 'unhealthy' activities.

No knowledge

Aziz, who was also asked about the fire, said he was also in the dark about the cause of the fire or knowledge of any report on it.

"I am not the police, so I don't know. But let me say this don't play with fire," the deputy minister quipped.

Politicians who have accused students of arson were embarrassed when a report in The Malay Mail quoting the fire and rescue department said the cause of fire could be due to faulty wiring.

However, the report, together with the various probes into the fire, including those from the national chemistry department, police, university administration and national power supplier, Tenaga National Berhad, was never revealed to the public.

In a different event today, the premier also said he did not know the conclusion of the investigations.

Mahathir, who was asked about the matter after opening an event at the International Islamic University in Gombak, Kuala Lumpur today explained that he have to refer the matter to other relevant authorities.