UM clears air on China's national anthem played on campus

Summary

• Universiti Malaya clarifies that the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, where China’s national anthem was played, was organised by the Chinese Embassy and student associations, and not an official university event.

• UM ensures ‘Negaraku’ was also played in compliance with the National Anthem Act 1968.

• UM reaffirms its commitment to patriotic values while supporting the government’s internationalisation policy by engaging with and celebrating international students.

Universiti Malaya (UM) has clarified the issue surrounding the playing of China’s national anthem during the 2025 Spring Festival Gala held on its campus in celebration of Chinese New Year.

In a statement yesterday, UM explained that the event was organised by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with several student associations representing Chinese nationals.

The event was not an official university function but merely hosted on its premises, said UM.

“The university campus served only as the venue for the event.

“In this regard, when the organisers planned to play the national anthem of China, UM requested them to also play ‘Negaraku’ in accordance with the provisions of the National Anthem Act 1968,” UM stated.

The university was responding to criticism on social media video that only showed the China’s national anthem was played.

As Malaysia’s oldest public university, UM emphasised that its administration remains committed to upholding the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring that patriotic values are instilled in every activity conducted on its campus.

“At the same time, UM also supports the government’s internationalisation policy by engaging with and celebrating the presence of international students,” the statement added.

Past controversies

This is not the first time cultural events involving symbols of China have sparked controversy in Malaysia.

In October last year, the Guan Gong World Festival faced backlash after the Chinese flag was displayed during a parade in Teluk Intan.

The organiser later apologised, clarifying that the act was carried out by representatives from China and not local Malaysians.

The incident drew criticism from Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria, who linked it to the DAP and described the flag display as a provocative act that could threaten Malaysia’s sovereignty and harmony.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | 'Flag war' over Guan Gong Festival

Similarly, on Jan 19, police opened an investigation into viral videos and images showing a dragon replica decorated with Chinese flags during a parade in Muar.

Bernama quoted Muar district police chief Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz who confirmed the procession was part of a programme to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the district’s Tiong Hua Association.

“Based on police monitoring during the procession, it was found that the dragon replica was decorated with Jalur Gemilang on the right side of its body and the left side featured the flag of China,” he said.

He added that the case is being investigated under Section 505(B) of the Penal Code, Section 6(2) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, and Section 3(1) of the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949.

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