PETALING JAYA: Universiti Malaya student Ummi Umairah Bakhit, who went viral recently for questioning the donation of money to Datuk Seri Najib Razak, has spoken out against what she described as cyberbullying, political obsession and emotional loyalty.
The youth stood by her criticism of donating money to the former prime minister, saying she would not apologise for raising the issue.
In a social media post, Ummi Umairah said the response to a question she raised at the International Young Future Leaders Summit sparked a national conversation, but maintained that her stance against corruption and in support of integrity, equality and justice remained unchanged.
“I stand by my question. I will never apologise,” she said.
She said much of the reaction focused on her choice of words and the mention of Najib, while overlooking her broader points about corruption, feudalism, facts and data.
She said her activism had not been selective, citing her participation in a demonstration against Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and her criticism of unequal opportunities at her university.
Ummi urged more people to speak out on corruption and integrity without fear, adding that the criticism she received would not change her position.
On Sunday (Oct 18), Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil condemned the bullying and threats against Ummi Umairah over the views she had expressed.
The Communications Minister said berating and threatening the student, including threats to track her down, should not have occurred simply because there was a difference of opinion.
“We can have different views, that’s not a problem. In Ummi Umairah’s case, she expressed her views and we know that university students have the right to speak up.
“So, we should welcome this because she has not violated any laws, nor has she committed any criminal offence. She only addressed matters concerning the crime of corruption,” Bernama reported him as saying after attending the Smart Parents Interactive Hub Programme here.
