A STUDENT group has expressed concern over the possible expulsion of a Chinese international student at Universiti Malaya (UM) after he wore shorts to the library, violating the university's dress code.
The University of Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY) in a statement said the student reported that security personnel yelled at him, recorded a video and confiscated his student identification card.
"Despite covering his legs with long sleeves upon leaving, the security personnel still treated him rudely.
"More concerning was that this incident would be reported to his faculty, putting him at risk of expulsion," read the statement.
UMANY said that while the student‘s choice to enter the library in shorts was indeed a violation of school rules, the focus of the incident should not be on what the student wore but rather on the aggressive behaviour of the security staff.
It said the incident reflected how the "conservative and authoritarian nature" of UM’s dress code is "wholly inconsistent" with the quality expected from Malaysia‘s premier institution.
"UMANY believes that the real issue is that the dress code gives staff too much authority to interpret and enforce rules regarding what constitutes inappropriate attire.
“If the administration truly wants to cultivate critical thinkers, it must create a free, open, and diverse campus. As long as we do not disrupt public order or infringe on anyone‘s rights, we should have the freedom to express ourselves,” it said.
UMANY said it will not abandon its commitment to uphold diversity, as only a diverse environment can ensure that all students are respected on this campus.
“If we begin to relinquish our multicultural values, those in power will impose even greater oppression on our future selves,” it added.
In April this year, student associations in UM called on the administration to retract the dress code implemented the same month.
Suara Siswa Universiti Malaya president Abqari Annuar said the dress code would only burden and inconvenience the students.
"It's because clothing is a subjective matter, where attire considered appropriate for an event may receive conflicting views from various parties.
"Students' comfort should be a priority and setting permissible and non-permissible attire only complicates things for us," he said.
UMANY president Ten Kang Yeaw had said that the administration has been repeatedly introducing conservative policies.
"From the previous Concert Guidelines, they have been gradually undermining UM's secular and progressive stance, gradually distancing the institution from its position as the country's leading university," he said. - November 6, 2024
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