UM apologises after a viral theatre performance featuring a suggestive scene breached rules and was disqualified from evaluation.
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Malaya (UM) has issued an official apology following a viral theatre performance featuring a suggestive scene that sparked public backlash, confirming that it breached competition rules and will not be evaluated.
In a statement on April 16, the university said it “takes this matter seriously” after a scene from the performance circulated widely on social media and drew mixed reactions from the public.
UM acknowledged the concerns raised, noting that the issue had “sparked various reactions among the public” and required immediate attention.
The university explained that under the rules of its Theatre Carnival (KARVITER), all performances must be “free from negative elements, provocation or any content that could harm religious values, morals, ethics, culture as well as the reputation of the University.”
However, following a review, UM found that the controversial scene “was not in line with the original script that had undergone prior screening” and described it as “a clear breach of the competition rules.”
“As such, Universiti Malaya sincerely apologises for the oversight and any distress caused,” the statement read, adding that the institution “does not tolerate any violation of established programme guidelines or regulations.”
UM added that the performance has since been “disqualified from evaluation,” while further actions are being taken to “strengthen monitoring measures and ensure that similar incidents do not happen again in the future.”
