Minister Denies Culture of Hedonism in Higher Education Institutions
Higher Education Minister’s Response
Higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir has denied that hedonism has become a culture in higher education institutions due to concerts held on campuses. In response to a question from Zulkifli Ismail (PN-Jasin) in the Dewan Rakyat, Zambry clarified that hedonism referred to a lifestyle which prioritized the pursuit of pleasure or comfort.
Ministry’s Stance
The ministry strongly denies that such a culture has become a lifestyle among students due to concerts being held at higher education institutions. However, the ministry understands the need to hold arts and cultural programmes at universities, as long as they do not exceed moral limits or violate any regulation or law. Zambry emphasized that the organizing of arts and cultural activities, including concerts, at universities is subject to guidelines that do not breach societal and religious norms.
Guidelines for Concerts at Universities
In August 2023, guidelines for concerts at universities were issued by the ministry as a reference for the institutions to develop their own respective guidelines. The ministry has also required all universities that want to organize concerts on campus to inform the ministry first. This is to prevent untoward incidents from occurring.
Prevention is Key
Zambry reiterated that the ministry’s approach is to ensure that arts and cultural activities, including concerts, are conducted in a responsible and ethical manner. The ministry has implemented measures to prevent the spread of hedonism in higher education institutions, including the provision of guidelines and monitoring of university events.
FAQs
- What is the ministry’s stance on the culture of hedonism in higher education institutions?
The ministry strongly denies that hedonism has become a lifestyle among students due to concerts being held at higher education institutions. - How does the ministry ensure that arts and cultural activities, including concerts, are conducted in a responsible and ethical manner?
The ministry issues guidelines for concerts at universities and requires universities to inform the ministry first before organizing concerts on campus. - What measures has the ministry taken to prevent the spread of hedonism in higher education institutions?
The ministry has implemented measures such as issuing guidelines and monitoring of university events to ensure that arts and cultural activities, including concerts, are conducted in a responsible and ethical manner.