New guidelines on varsity concerts ‘yet to be approved’ - minister

Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin has clarified that the purported new guidelines regarding concerts on university campuses are still pending approval.

“Not yet approved,” he told Malaysiakini.

Khaled further clarified that the proposed guidelines had not been submitted to him for approval.

The guidelines, reported by China Press last night, have drawn criticisms for both impinging on university students' rights and restricting their autonomy to organise entertainment activities.

According to the document, concert attendees are required to follow a modest dress code, which prohibits the wearing of clothing featuring Illuminati, pro-LGBT, or pornographic symbols, as well as "punk" hairstyles.

Furthermore, artistes are 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.

Concert seating arrangements are required to be segregated for both male and female audiences, with an additional designated section for families.

Some of the other regulations in the guidelines are:

• Organisers are required to do background checks on artistes to ensure they are not controversial locally or abroad;

• Organisers must ensure that the songs performed by the artistes do not contain lyrics or genres that touch on sensitive issues in Malaysia;

• “Mosh pits” are strictly prohibited. A mosh pit is a lively area at concerts for energetic interactions like dancing and pushing, often seen at rock or punk music events;

• Artistes are not allowed to bring audience members on stage;

• Male artistes are required to tie their long hair and all performers are prohibited from wearing eye-catching outfits; and

• Male and female dancers are prohibited from making physical contact or engaging in any provocative dance moves during their performance.

According to China Press, local higher education institutions reportedly received the guidelines on Aug 30.

However, Malaysiakini was unable to verify this information with Khaled.

‘Revoke guidelines immediately’

Subsequently, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long campus’ student representative council has urged the government to withdraw the guidelines, stating it restricts the artistic expression of youngsters.

Additionally, it also called for the government to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) along with the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555).

Similarly, the council criticised the ministry for hastily implementing the guidelines despite Khaled previously mentioning in Parliament that the UUCA may be amended after discussions with stakeholders.

“Many university students hold out hopes for the ministry to genuinely listen to and empower students with decision-making authority. However, the issuance of these guidelines once again proves that their conduct does not square with their words.

“The government's stance of advocating diversity and enlightenment has been shattered by the implementation of these guidelines,” the council said in a statement today. - Mkini