Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia Calls on Universiti Teknologi Malaysia to Review Its Cultural and Arts Regulations
Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia Calls on Universiti Teknologi Malaysia to Review Its Cultural and Arts Regulations
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The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) respectfully calls upon Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to provide a formal response and clarification regarding its recently revised Cultural and Arts Regulations. Previously, YBAM had formally written to UTM to express concerns and to request a review of certain provisions within the regulations; however, to date, no response has been received.
YBAM expresses its sincere appreciation for UTM's long-standing efforts in promoting campus cultural and\ arts activities that uphold positive values and foster harmonious coexistence.
However, upon reviewing the revised regulations, YBAM is concerned that certain provisions may potentially affect diversity, inclusivity, and intercultural understanding. YBAM does not seek to question religious sensitivities, but rather hopes that the university will prudently re-examine the relevant provisions so as to continue nurturing graduates with global perspectives who are able to engage rationally within a diverse society. In this regard, YBAM respectfully puts forward the following suggestions:
1. Mixed-gender cultural performances
YBAM understands that the regulations are intended to uphold modesty and respect. However, provided that no indecent or immoral content is involved, mixed-gender performances are a common form of artistic expression within Malaysia's multicultural context. A blanket prohibition may unintentionally restrict healthy and positive cultural expression.
2. Restrictions on music style and cultural expression
The university's emphasis on "moderation" is understandable. However, requiring performances to be strictly limited to "soft" or "Malay-style" expressions may unintentionally constrain the development of diverse cultural and artistic forms. YBAM believes that, as long as performances do not promote negative values, diverse forms of artistic expression should be given fair and reasonable consideration.
3. Time restrictions for events without Muslim participation
While fully respecting Islamic prayer times, YBAM notes that even in cases where Muslim students are not involved, restricting non-Muslim cultural night activities from being held before night prayers or on Thursdays during Ramadan and major Islamic religious festivals, may impose unnecessary constraints on campus cultural activities. YBAM suggests that UTM consider adopting more flexible arrangements.
4. Female-only audience requirements for female performers
Gender diversity is widely recognised as one of the key foundations for sustainable development. Restricting female performances to female-only audiences may unintentionally undermine cross-gender and intercultural understanding and inclusivity. Provided that performances do not involve immoral or pornographic elements, such restrictions may be unnecessary.
YBAM calls upon UTM to engage in constructive dialogue with student bodies and cultural organisations, including multi-religious groups, to revise a more balanced and inclusive Cultural and Arts Regulations. YBAM also looks forward to UTM continuing to uphold its spirit of engagement with diverse communities in promoting harmony, inclusivity, and national unity.
Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia
General Secretary Dr. Ng Hui Chen
15.12.2025
Sent from my iPhone
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The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) respectfully calls upon Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to provide a formal response and clarification regarding its recently revised Cultural and Arts Regulations. Previously, YBAM had formally written to UTM to express concerns and to request a review of certain provisions within the regulations; however, to date, no response has been received.
YBAM expresses its sincere appreciation for UTM's long-standing efforts in promoting campus cultural and\ arts activities that uphold positive values and foster harmonious coexistence.
However, upon reviewing the revised regulations, YBAM is concerned that certain provisions may potentially affect diversity, inclusivity, and intercultural understanding. YBAM does not seek to question religious sensitivities, but rather hopes that the university will prudently re-examine the relevant provisions so as to continue nurturing graduates with global perspectives who are able to engage rationally within a diverse society. In this regard, YBAM respectfully puts forward the following suggestions:
1. Mixed-gender cultural performances
YBAM understands that the regulations are intended to uphold modesty and respect. However, provided that no indecent or immoral content is involved, mixed-gender performances are a common form of artistic expression within Malaysia's multicultural context. A blanket prohibition may unintentionally restrict healthy and positive cultural expression.
2. Restrictions on music style and cultural expression
The university's emphasis on "moderation" is understandable. However, requiring performances to be strictly limited to "soft" or "Malay-style" expressions may unintentionally constrain the development of diverse cultural and artistic forms. YBAM believes that, as long as performances do not promote negative values, diverse forms of artistic expression should be given fair and reasonable consideration.
3. Time restrictions for events without Muslim participation
While fully respecting Islamic prayer times, YBAM notes that even in cases where Muslim students are not involved, restricting non-Muslim cultural night activities from being held before night prayers or on Thursdays during Ramadan and major Islamic religious festivals, may impose unnecessary constraints on campus cultural activities. YBAM suggests that UTM consider adopting more flexible arrangements.
4. Female-only audience requirements for female performers
Gender diversity is widely recognised as one of the key foundations for sustainable development. Restricting female performances to female-only audiences may unintentionally undermine cross-gender and intercultural understanding and inclusivity. Provided that performances do not involve immoral or pornographic elements, such restrictions may be unnecessary.
YBAM calls upon UTM to engage in constructive dialogue with student bodies and cultural organisations, including multi-religious groups, to revise a more balanced and inclusive Cultural and Arts Regulations. YBAM also looks forward to UTM continuing to uphold its spirit of engagement with diverse communities in promoting harmony, inclusivity, and national unity.
Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia
General Secretary Dr. Ng Hui Chen
15.12.2025
Sent from my iPhone
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