Written and Translated by: Nur Fazrini Alia Abd Majid
Edited by: Suziana Che Wil

Serdang, 6 November 2025 – The Alumni Relations Centre of Universiti Putra Malaysia (ARCUPM) conducted an exclusive interview session with Dato’ Dr. Haji Idris Abdol, UPM Alumni Class of 1970 and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) from 2000 to 2003, along with his wife, Datin Hajah Siti Hasidah Naim, UPM Alumni Class of 1974.

This session forms part of the ongoing documentation effort under the Oral History of Pak Rashid, a distinguished educator who played a pivotal role in shaping the early development of the Malayan Agricultural College (KPM), now known as Universiti Putra Malaysia.

During the sharing session, Dato’ Dr. Haji Idris emphasised that the late Pak Rashid was an educator renowned for his strong discipline, firm character, and profound sense of patriotism. According to him, one of Pak Rashid’s greatest aspirations was to increase the participation of Malay students in higher education so that they could progress, avoid marginalisation, and compete on equal footing with other communities.

He further explained that Pak Rashid often reminded his students never to give up, to always nurture a determination to succeed, and to continuously improve themselves. His firmness was not meant to instill fear, but to cultivate essential values such as discipline, respect, diligence, good manners, and integrity – qualities that form the foundation of strong character.

Dato’ Dr. Haji Idris stressed that when such values are deeply rooted within an individual, meaningful and honourable success will naturally follow. This, he said, is the lasting educational legacy of Pak Rashid, a legacy that continues to guide and inspire generations of UPM alumni.

Date of Input: 24/11/2025 | Updated: 24/11/2025 | ainnanabilah