Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman
KOTA KINABALU: A recent theatre performance at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), which allegedly featured scenes of physical intimacy and suggestive elements, has ignited public debate on the boundaries between artistic freedom and the preservation of moral values within educational institutions.
While theatre and other forms of art are widely recognised as platforms for expression, education, and critical reflection, concerns have emerged over the potential impact of such performances on students and society at large. The issue has prompted discussions on whether greater oversight is needed when staging productions in academic settings.
Senior Medical Lecturer and Public Health Medicine Specialist at UMS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman Ramdzan, emphasised that artistic expression, although valuable, must be exercised with a sense of responsibility. He noted that art plays a significant role in shaping perceptions, influencing behaviour, and contributing to the broader cultural landscape.
“Art does not exist in isolation. What is portrayed and repeatedly consumed can influence how individuals perceive norms and behaviours,” he said, highlighting the public health concept of behavioural normalisation.
He explained that consistent exposure to certain behaviours, even through performances or media, could gradually make them appear acceptable or commonplace. This, he added, is particularly relevant in university environments, where young adults are undergoing crucial stages of identity formation.
According to him, the values and social cues students encounter during this period can have long-term implications on their attitudes and decision-making processes. As such, performances that challenge established norms of modesty and appropriateness may send unintended cultural signals.
Dr. Abdul Rahman also pointed to audience reactions during such performances, noting that enthusiastic responses could indicate a shift in societal sensitivity towards issues of propriety and decorum. This, he said, may reflect a gradual erosion of values traditionally associated with respect, restraint, and dignity in public spaces.
From a public health standpoint, he stressed the importance of primary prevention — addressing potential social and behavioural issues before they become deeply rooted. In this context, it involves fostering environments that promote healthy norms while ensuring responsible artistic expression.
He added that educational institutions have a key role in establishing clear guidelines that strike a balance between encouraging creativity and upholding community values.
“This is not about suppressing creativity or limiting intellectual freedom, but about encouraging a more ethical and mindful approach to artistic production,” he said, noting that impactful storytelling does not necessarily rely on sensational elements.
Dr. Abdul Rahman further called for a collective approach involving educators, students, artists, and the wider community to engage in open and respectful dialogue on the issue.
“Society’s progress should not be measured solely by academic achievements or creative freedom, but also by the strength of its values and social cohesion,” he said.
He stressed that maintaining a balance between innovation and integrity is essential to ensure that development does not come at the expense of cultural and moral foundations.
As societal norms continue to evolve, he added, institutions of higher learning must remain spaces that nurture not only knowledge and creativity, but also responsibility, respect, and a shared sense of dignity.
