There’s no harm for the students to let off some steam and have fun, as long as the rules are followed and things are under control. A video showing uni students in Terengganu dancing together during a Gala night went viral last week.
The incident did not sit well with many Malaysians because some of them thought that university students have gone a little overboard with their concerts. The debate about having concerts in universities continued since then, and for the Minister of Higher Education, concerts in universities are not a problem.
“Relevant sensitivities have to be maintained”
Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that concerts held in universities are not something new. In fact, the concert culture in the tertiary institution has been around for decades.
“My college had concerts back in the 80s,” Khaled said.
Despite so, Khaled said that his concerns are more toward the sensitive issues raised by the concerts themselves. He said that uncontrollable and inevitable situations can happen during a show, which will lead to the rise of sensitive issues. Khaled expressed his thought on the matter yesterday at a press conference after attending a ceremony at a local university.
In order to “soften the blow”, Khaled wants the organiser of the concerts in universities to discuss and consider the risks of the events with the institutions.
“When uncontrollable situations arise, this will directly affect the attendees. So a risk assessment is necessary.”
The matter also gained the attention of PM Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who recently said that he will discuss the matter with the Ministry of Higher Education, as well as gain insights and thoughts from other parties. The PM also believes that holding concerts in universities shouldn’t be an issue, as long as morality is maintained.
“I will not give way for the youths to ruin their morality,” Anwar said.
To all the students out there, what do you think of having fun by dancing along with your peers at the end of semesters? As for the parents, do you have any concerns about your sons/daughters having a little fun in the uni?
Also read: Livin’ the Life! Lucky M’sian Goes to 12 Concerts for FREE, all Thanks to the Contests She Won