Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) says it is unaware of a signboard facing its main entrance and exit which warns against homosexuality.
The signboard, put up by the Kuala Terengganu City Council recently, features two male stick figures holding hands.
The figures are surrounded by flames and a crossed-out heart, alongside a Quranic verse and a message condemning same-sex relations.
When contacted, UMT deputy vice-chancellor (academic & international) Suriyani Muhamad referred FMT to the university’s communications officer, who said he had no information on the signboard.
The officer also said the university could not issue any statement as the signboard, which is located outside the university’s grounds, does not fall under its jurisdiction.
FMT has also attempted to reach out to the council and state executive councillor for education, higher education, science, technology and human development Satiful Bahari Mamat.
Contacted for comment, an aide to higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir referred the matter back to UMT.
Speaking to FMT on the condition of anonymity, a local academic questioned why the signboard was placed at such a prominent position on a road across the UMT campus’s main entrance and exit.
LGBT activist Nisha Ayub condemned the signboard, calling it a “dangerous endorsement of hate” and a clear example of institutionalised discrimination.
Nisha said the signboard not only enforces hatred towards a minority group, but also implicitly encourages bullying, which could lead to violence.
“It’s just crazy to see this kind of work being done just to enforce hatred against a minority,” said Nisha.
