Universiti Malaya (UM) has clarified that a theatre performance which went viral and was alleged to contain “soft porn” elements during a university arts competition did not align with the original approved script.
In a statement, UM said the performance staged during its Karnival Teater (KARVITER) was found to have clearly violated competition guidelines, which require all entries to be free from negative, provocative or inappropriate content that could affect religious, moral, ethical and cultural values, as well as the university’s reputation.
The university explained that the act performed was not consistent with the script that had undergone prior vetting, adding that this amounted to a breach of the competition’s established rules and standards.
The controversy emerged after footage of the performance spread widely on social media, showing scenes described by netizens as suggestive and inappropriate for a higher learning institution. The incident quickly sparked public debate over artistic boundaries and campus culture.
The issue also drew attention from public figures, including independent preacher Firdaus Wong Wai Hung, who questioned the appropriateness of intimate scenes being performed in a university setting and raised concerns about moral standards among students.
UM said it takes the matter seriously and has acknowledged public concerns, issuing an apology over the incident and any distress caused. The university stressed that it does not tolerate any breach of programme guidelines or regulations.
The performance has since been disqualified from evaluation, with UM adding that further action is being taken to strengthen monitoring processes to ensure similar incidents do not recur in the future.
