Higher Education Ministry: Concert guidelines only 'recommendations'

 

The Higher Education Ministry has clarified that its guidelines on campus concerts are "saranan" (recommendations) and "reference" materials.

Higher education institution administrations will have to draw up their own rules after engaging student representatives, it said in a statement.

However, the ministry wants the university administration to also consider the "suitability" of concerts based on the type of institution and locality.

"The space and opportunities provided to students are empowering elements for students as the primary stakeholders.

"This aligns with the steps taken in the student empowerment agenda led by Higher Education Minister (Khaled Nordin)," it added.

The guidelines were issued to higher learning institutions after the Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council slapped Universiti Malaysia Terengganu with an RM25,000 fine in June for hosting a concert without a valid permit.

Terengganu executive councillor in charge of syariah implementation and education, Satiful Bahri Mamat, had complained that the concert must comply with syariah requirements.

Terengganu exco member Satiful Bahri Mamat

Following this, China Press reported on Aug 31 that the Higher Education Ministry had issued new guidelines for "entertainment activities" on campus.

Guidelines include dress code

The Chinese language daily reported that the guidelines included gender segregation and a specific section designated for families.

Participants must also adhere to a "modest" dress code, which prohibits symbols of "Illuminati", "LGBT", "pornography" and the "punk" hairstyle.

Performers are not supposed to cross-dress. The guidelines state that male performers are prohibited from wearing earrings, bracelets and shorts. - Mkini