IT was recently reported that the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY) had released a strongly worded statement challenging the Higher Education Ministry’s (MOHE) guidelines on the holding of concerts at institutes of higher learning, stating the rules to be Taliban-like.
Although MOHE Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said these guidelines are still under review and have yet to be ratified, Umany stated that it fears they are being used to pander to the ultra-conservative faction.
‘Guidelines for entertainment activities (concerts) in higher education institutions (HEIs) has apparently stated the need for concerts to be gender segregated. It also requires attendees to follow a modest dress code, which prohibits the wearing of clothing featuring Illuminati, pro-LGBT or pornographic symbols, as well as “punk” hairstyles.
Performers are also restricted from cross-dressing or wearing attire that is typical of the opposite gender; for instance, male performers are prohibited from wearing earrings, bracelets, and shorts.
“Never will UMANY give in when defending societyagainst the actions of theocratic conservatism. We will adhere to our ideology and stand at the forefront to defend students’ rights and a progressive campus,” claimed UMANY.
It further stated that it will call for a judicial review of these guidelines and intends to launch a crowdfunding campaign to cover the legal costs of the exercise.
UMANY urged members of the public to donate to defend multiculturalism on campus and students’ freedom to organise activities. It also expressed fears that these guidelines would extend to other types of performances such as stand-up comedy, debates, cultural exhibitions and other forms of entertainment.
FocusM commends UMANY for taking such a stance. University campuses are a hotbed of ideas and should be populated by the young and idealistic, with progressive and inclusive values that reflect the multi-cultural foundations of Malaysian society.
This activism is to be applauded, as surely this is what we want from students who attend institutions of higher learning, unlike many older academics who openly display extreme right-wing tendencies.
The ultra-conservative element has been busy building the narrative that Malaysian society, in particular the susceptible youth, is being corrupted by undesirable outside influences.
FocusM is in agreement with UMANY and believes local undergrads should be given the right to decide for themselves and not have stringent and dogmatic rules forced down their collective gullet.
It is really quite simple: those with a more conservative mindset do not have to attend these concerts, and please do not force others to adhere to their narrow world view. – Sept 6, 2023
Main photo credit: Bernama
