Last week, a student from Universiti Malaya (UM) turned heads and became an Internet sensation after a clip of her calling donations made to former prime minister Najib Razak as the “stupidest thing” went viral.
Since then, her remarks have drawn widespread attention, both from supporters and critics who slammed for not showing “adab” (manners).
UM Student Goes Viral For Calling Donations To Najib As ‘Stupidest Thing Ever’
‘My stance remains unchanged’
In an Instagram post addressing the furore surrounding the clip, Ummi Umairah Bakhit wrote that her personal stance will not waver, adding that she “stands for integrity, equality, justice, and against corruption.”
She pushed back at detractors who accused her of political bias, saying that she had long championed for change both within and outside of UM by taking part in the demonstration against former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Ummi also expressed disappointment at those whom she described were influenced by cyberbullying, political obsession and a feudal mentality, instead of opening up their eyes to see the reality around them.
“Calling an act stupid isn’t illegal. It’s a strong word for an act that defies belief. Critical thinking is fading. People read, but don’t think, research, or understand. Context gets twisted. Calling an act stupid is not the same as calling a person stupid.
“I stand by my question. I will never apologize. Because donating hard-earned money to elitists is, yes, the STUPIDEST and most immoral thing.
“I hope more people find the courage to speak up about corruption and integrity, without fear,” she wrote.
Faced threats over remarks
Ummi’s response comes after she faced online harassment and threats over the clip, where she told NST the threats came in various forms.
Some took my photos from Instagram without my consent, and some of them also threatened me with expulsion from the university, harassed me, made comments about my physical appearance and much more.”
However, the Bachelor of Economics student is unfazed by the threats, adding UM has not taken any disciplinary action against her and that Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli had personally assured she will not be expelled.
