Kota kinabalu: The Higher Education Ministry will not impose restrictions on arts and creative programmes at universities following the recent viral performance issue at the University of Malaya (UM), opting instead to improve existing guidelines. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said there was no proposal to take action to curb such programmes, stressing that shutting down or restricting arts-related faculties would be a reactive rather than proactive measure.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, corrective steps must be taken because the ministry does not want to create sensitivities among the people in the country, which comprises not only different races and religions but also diverse social norms. Zambry shared this perspective with reporters after attending the Jom Masuk Universiti Sabah Zone II programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The event was also attended by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin and UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor.
Zambry emphasized that enhancing and strengthening existing guidelines would be more effective in addressing such issues, noting that each university already has its regulations for organising programmes, including those involving artistic elements such as music, film, theatre, and acting. UM has submitted an explanation on the matter, acknowledging that several sensitive aspects require improvement.
The controversy arose after a video depicting an inappropriate scene in a theatre performance at UM went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism from netizens who deemed it insensitive to local cultural norms.
In another development, Zambry mentioned that the ministry, in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, is continuously monitoring the welfare of Malaysian students in conflict areas to ensure their safety and well-being. He stated that most Malaysian students are currently in Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, with only six identified in Iran. In other Gulf countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, there are smaller numbers of Malaysian students and academic staff, he added.