Limkokwing University investigated by MY govt for racism allegations

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The Malaysian government is investigating claims of racism against students and employees from Africa made against Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) on social media last month. In a written parliamentary reply, Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad said the ministry has taken immediate action and issued a show-cause letter for further clarification from the university.

This is despite LUCT apologising for its King of Africa billboard which was pulled down last month. Noraini said the ministry is pursuing the investigation to ensure the country's image and name is preserved. She was responding to a question from politician Ong Kian Ming who asked if the ministry would investigate "serious racism allegations" made against the university, and if the ministry intends to protect the reputation of the higher education sector in Malaysia.

"The ministry always pays attention to the complaints received related to private higher education institutions, especially those involving the interests and welfare of international students," she said. Noraini added that the ministry will not compromise on issues involving racism and will ensure all complaints related to this matter are resolved. Quoting Section 89 (1) of the Private Higher Education Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555), she said the act states that the membership of private higher education institutions should be opened to everyone regardless of gender, race, religion, race or class.

"The ministry can impose stern action on any party including the management of the private higher education institution, if found guilty of racism," Noraini added. A+M has reached out to LUCT for comment.

Last month, the university copped flak for a King of Africa billboard with an illustration of founder Lim Kok Wing posing with a cheetah. Next to it was an image of Lim standing in the centre of a large crowd of students, allegedly from Sierra Leone. A petition previously circulating online called for the removal of the condescending billboard. The petition explained that the image of Lim in the centre of his students allegedly taken in Sierra Leone portrays him as a saviour. "This perpetuates the notion that black people need saving, taking away their power and psychologically placing them in an inferior role," the petition said.

The university's spokesperson told A+M that the billboard was not part of a formal project or initiative. Instead, it was designed by an employee as a surprise gift for founder Lim Kok Wing after his return from Africa, which the spokesperson said was done "in poor taste". The billboard was previously located on the campus plaza.

Separately in a recent tweet, the university said it agrees the poster was "a misstep" and it was removed on 5 June. "We were wrong and for that, we would like to formally extend our heartfelt and sincerest apologies to our beloved students, employees, and the community. We are sorry," the university said.

Meanwhile, a quick check by A+M found tweets of circulating online made by former employees and students of LUCT. One of the tweets alleged that the university wanted to reshoot a promotional banner as it "wanted no Africans because Bangsar has no Africans". Another also claimed that one of the university's senior executives pointed at one of the boards on campus with an African student holding a microphone and said: "Oh these monkeys! Always want the mic." According to the tweet, this was mentioned during a media tour.