BETONG: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) said it has no issue with students organising small scale musical or cultural events as it will be beneficial to their growth.
But it said these out-of-class activities would have to be held under close supervision.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said Unimas had always given consideration to every suggestion or proposal by students or associations at the university who want to implement a programme either in the form of a musical or cultural concert.
“We feel there is no problem if such a programme is organised on a small scale with strict monitoring and control.
“This is because we view student development not only through the teaching and learning of academic programmes, but also that they need to be given the opportunity to find experience in managing, planning and implementing activities outside the classroom.
“This experience may further enhance the maturity of students before graduating,” he said.
He said this when asked to respond to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s intention to hold discussions with the Ministry of Higher Education on being more flexible about the holding of small and controlled concerts on campus.
He felt cultural programmes would have to be further improved at universities.
“This is to produce campus residents who understand and respect each other, besides being able to appreciate the diverse and different cultures in Malaysia.
“Togetherness and inclusiveness can be measured and achieved with this kind of programme and it must be based on good planning, monitoring and control,” he said.
