Limkokwing Uni Slapped With Show Cause Letter Over King Of Africa Billboard

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The Higher Education Ministry has issued a show-cause letter to the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), demanding an explanation following the controversial "King of Africa" billboard
Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad said the ministry is probing the university although it had apologised over the incident
LUCT, named after its founder Lim Kok Wing, came under fire in June after former students and staff took to social media accusing the university of racism over the billboard
"The ministry takes note and takes seriously the racism accusation against the management of LUCT as circulated in social media," Noraini said in a parliamentary reply yesterday
"The ministry acted immediately by issuing a show-cause letter to get further explanation from LUCT. Although LUCT had apologised, the ministry would continue (its) investigation to protect the reputation and image of the country," she told Ong Kian Ming (Harapan-Bangi)
"We will not compromise on matters that involve racism and will make sure all complaints on this matter are resolved," she said
According to her, Section 89(1) of the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555) clearly states that private higher education institutions should be opened to all regardless of gender, race, religion, or status
"The ministry can take stern action against any party, including the management of higher education institutions, if found guilty of issues of racism and the like," she said
Noraini (photo) added that institutions registered under the Act should provide quality education which reflects the branding and image of the country
In June, LUCT had apologised and removed the billboard which was previously displayed at the plaza of its main Cyberjaya campus
A university spokesperson reportedly said the billboard was not part of a formal project or initiative. They also admitted that the billboard was "done in poor taste"
The billboard said "King of Africa" and had an illustration of Lim posing with a cheetah, allegedly in Sierra Leone, alongside an image of him standing in the centre of a large crowd of African students
Outcry over the billboard was partly linked to a new awareness on race-based issues across the region, following the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests in the US after the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. - Mkini

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