KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaya (UM) has submitted a report to the Higher Education Ministry regarding a theatre performance by its students, accused of crossing the line recently.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir (pic) said that in the report, UM admitted that certain aspects of the performance were sensitive and required improvement.
UM also gave assurance that it was already taking steps to rectify the situation, Zambry told the media after a walkabout at the Sabah Zone II Jom Masuk Universiti 2026 programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah here yesterday.
He added that while he understood that creativity comes in various forms, it should adhere to public decorum and values.
“Sometimes when creative programmes are carried out by students, they are viewed from different perspectives,” he said.
As such, he added, corrective measures must be taken so as not to offend the sensitivities of a multiracial and multireligious society.
Zambry urged arts and creative faculties across all universities to be more cautious and sensitive towards such elements in their works.
Asked if closing the faculty was an option following the controversy, he said such extreme measures were not being considered as the move was more reactive than proactive, which could cause another major issue.
“It is better to make corrections based on existing guidelines,” he added.
Earlier this week, a scene from one of the theatre performances under the Carnival Theatre (Karviter) competition sparked outrage and backlash online.
According to netizens, a brief scene in performance had suggestive elements, among other things.
UM has since apologised and said the skit violated the competition’s rules because it did not follow the script that was submitted earlier.
