FMT:
UTM explains policy after ‘foreign cultures’ circular draws flak
The public university says the ban on 'foreign culture groups' refers to elements not in line with its values and the cultural practice of Malaysian society
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia maintained that it is committed to the values of diversity and inclusivity ‘in line with the Federal Constitution’. (UTM pic)
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has sought to explain its arts and culture policy after drawing flak over a recent circular banning groups with “foreign cultural elements” onto its campus.
UTM maintained that it was committed to the values of diversity and inclusivity “in line with the Federal Constitution”.
The public university said it respected and even celebrated the unity and diverse ethnicities, religions and cultures that make its campus community.
“In UTM’s arts and culture policy, the term ‘foreign cultures’ refers to cultural elements that are not in line with the institution’s values and the cultural practice of Malaysian society.
“This term does not refer to any culture, tradition or community within the country, but the university’s need to ensure that every arts and culture activity is based on local values and identities,” it said in a statement.
UTM also said it emphasised moderation, good conduct, and mutual respect when it came to arts and culture activities as part of being aware of the diverse culture of campus folk.
“UTM remains committed to providing a harmonious environment and is open to feedback to ensure that our policies and practices remain relevant and supportive of our aspirations as a leading higher education institution,” it said.
In a circular, which has since gone viral, UTM said “foreign culture groups” were not allowed on its campus without the permission of the its vice-chancellor.
It also said mixed-gender cultural performances were not allowed, while performances by female groups may only be watched by a female audience.
The circular also stated that the rhythm of the music chosen for performances must be “gentle, Malay in character, and tasteful”.
Independent scholar Sharifah Munirah Alatas had slammed UTM over the “extremely regressive and unnecessary” circular, saying it went against the Malaysian spirit of diversity and unity.
UTM maintained that it was committed to the values of diversity and inclusivity “in line with the Federal Constitution”.
The public university said it respected and even celebrated the unity and diverse ethnicities, religions and cultures that make its campus community.
“In UTM’s arts and culture policy, the term ‘foreign cultures’ refers to cultural elements that are not in line with the institution’s values and the cultural practice of Malaysian society.
“This term does not refer to any culture, tradition or community within the country, but the university’s need to ensure that every arts and culture activity is based on local values and identities,” it said in a statement.
UTM also said it emphasised moderation, good conduct, and mutual respect when it came to arts and culture activities as part of being aware of the diverse culture of campus folk.
“UTM remains committed to providing a harmonious environment and is open to feedback to ensure that our policies and practices remain relevant and supportive of our aspirations as a leading higher education institution,” it said.
In a circular, which has since gone viral, UTM said “foreign culture groups” were not allowed on its campus without the permission of the its vice-chancellor.
It also said mixed-gender cultural performances were not allowed, while performances by female groups may only be watched by a female audience.
The circular also stated that the rhythm of the music chosen for performances must be “gentle, Malay in character, and tasteful”.
Independent scholar Sharifah Munirah Alatas had slammed UTM over the “extremely regressive and unnecessary” circular, saying it went against the Malaysian spirit of diversity and unity.
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