Threats fail to silence UM student, stands firm on criticism of Najib donations

Universiti Malaya (UM) student Ummi Umairah Bakhit remains firm in her criticism of public donations intended to help former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak pay his RM50 million fine, despite becoming the target of online harassment and threats.

According to a report by the New Straits Times (NST) titled UM student who questioned Najib donations faces online harassment, the 23-year-old student faced online attacks after questioning the fundraising initiative during a forum attended by former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

During the forum, Ummi Umairah described the act of donating money to help Najib settle his fine as one of the most foolish things she had ever witnessed.

Her remarks sparked heated debate on social media, with some users criticising her views while others defended her right to express an opinion on matters of public interest.

However, NST reported that the criticism escalated into personal attacks, including the unauthorised use of photographs from her Instagram account, insults targeting her physical appearance and other forms of online harassment.

More disturbingly, Ummi Umairah also alleged that she received threats concerning her status as a university student, raising concerns about the safety of young Malaysians who openly express political opinions.

Despite the pressure, she has refused to retract her position, maintaining that young people must be free to discuss corruption, accountability and the conduct of political leaders without intimidation.

Ummi Umairah also clarified that the question she raised during the forum was prepared on her own initiative and was not directed by any political party.

The controversy also drew the attention of Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who condemned the cyberbullying directed at the student and urged victims of online harassment to lodge reports with the relevant authorities.

The incident highlights how disagreements over political figures can escalate into personal attacks, even though differences of opinion should be addressed through reasoned arguments and factual discussion.

While Najib’s supporters have every right to defend the former Prime Minister and disagree with Ummi Umairah’s remarks, threats and harassment cannot be justified as legitimate responses to criticism.

Ummi Umairah’s determination to stand by her views ultimately raises a broader question: Are university students genuinely free to speak out about corruption and political accountability without fear of intimidation, harassment or retaliation?