One-size-fits-all approach for varsities not possible, says student leader

 

Leaked proposed guidelines for concerts at universities include segregation of male and female students, and modest dressing. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A student leader says it will be impossible to impose uniform guidelines for universities nationwide, as each institution has its own identity.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu student representative council head Hisyammudin Sazali said some universities were “more open” compared to others, in reference to the level of conservatism of such universities.

He said whether a university adopted a more conservative approach depended on the state these institutions were located in.

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“So, a one-size-fits-all approach is not possible,” he told FMT.

Hisyammudin was commenting on the controversy sparked by proposed new guidelines, which had been leaked over social media, for concerts at universities, including segregation for sexes.

The proposed guidelines also called for concert-goers to dress modestly and avoid wearing outfits that featured Illuminati, pro-LGBT or pornographic symbols. Punk hairstyles would be banned, while performers would be prohibited from cross-dressing or wearing attire typical of the opposite sex.

However, higher education minister Khaled Nordin said on Friday he had no knowledge of the guidelines and no proposal had been submitted to him. He said his preference was for tertiary students themselves to set the guidelines and monitor the events.

Universiti Teknologi Mara student representative council head Yusuf Hassan Roslan welcomed Khaled’s call for students to draft their own guidelines.

He said some students were tasked with organising concerts for their final year project.

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“By getting students to come up with guidelines, student representatives would engage all stakeholders to ensure there would be no issues in future,” he said.

Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth, which has been critical of the proposed guidelines and is seeking funds to initiate a judicial review, believes that there should not be any guideline at all.

Its president, Ten Kang Yeaw, said there was no need for guidelines as the events they were organising were not illegal.

“Students have the autonomy to organise any event they want, so there’s no need for guidelines to impose restrictions,” he said. - FMT