Universiti Malaya (UM) student Ummi Umairah recently went viral after describing public donations to former prime minister Najib Razak as the “stupidest thing” she had seen.
Her remarks drew both support and criticism, including accusations of lacking “adab”, or manners, but she later stood by her comments and said she would not apologise.
Speaking exclusively to WeirdKaya, the 23-year-old shared her thoughts on young people speaking up, having her views dismissed because of her age and why the backlash has only strengthened her resolve.
Criticism has made her ‘fiercer and firmer’
For Ummi, the reactions have not changed how she approaches speaking publicly about politics.
They have never once altered my approach to speaking publicly about politics. If anything, I believe I grow fiercer and firmer in my stances whenever someone challenges my questions and views.”
She explained that her concerns went beyond the donation drive for Najib. During her remarks, she had also raised other issues being discussed among young people.
The broader message, she said, concerned corruption, integrity and what she described as a “feudal mindset”.
As for accusations that she belonged to a political party, Ummi said she was not bothered by how others interpreted her views.
She described herself as someone with strong principles who does not aim to please everyone.
“Mixed reactions are normal; not all people will be aligned with you.”
Young people will live with today’s decisions
Ummi believes young people have a reason to care about social issues because their generation will shape the country’s future.
In her view, staying silent now could have consequences in the next five to ten years.
If young people do not ask questions or offer criticism, she worries that the country could be left behind.
Still, she recognises that speaking up does not mean being free from criticism. Even leaders have people who disagree with them, she said.
Her approach? Just decide which responses deserve her attention.
‘I just read it and leave it’
When it comes to negative comments, Ummi said she treats some of them much like school gossip.
For the positive comments, thank you so much. But for the negative and non-constructive feedback, I just read it and leave it.”
Rather than dwelling on those responses, she prefers to focus on the encouragement she has received.
“There’s nothing to stress about. I can focus more on the positive than the negative.”
That does not mean she has never felt dismissed.
Ummi said her age and perceived lack of experience have been used to discount her opinions, something she sees as common for younger people.
She referred to the familiar saying “orang tua lagi banyak makan asam garam”, which suggests that older people have greater life experience.
However, she does not let that determine whether she continues expressing her views.
Experienced people have supported her too
At the same time, Ummi said she has encountered experienced professionals who engage with her opinions without belittling her age.
She pointed to supportive comments on LinkedIn from people with established careers and professional ambitions.
What she appreciates is their willingness to encourage younger voices despite having years of experience themselves.
For her, those responses show that experience does not have to become a reason to dismiss someone else.
“That’s the kind of people I am looking for.”
‘Uncomfortable questions do not equal to disrespect’
Asked why questioning someone older can be viewed as disrespectful, Ummi pointed to expectations around obedience.
She believes instructions such as “jangan menjawab” (don’t answer back) can make it difficult for younger people to challenge an older person without being seen as rude.
She also questioned how the idea of “adab” is used in discussions, particularly when someone uses strong language to criticise an action.
In her view, asking a difficult question should still leave room for a conversation.
“Asking uncomfortable questions is not the same as lacking adab.”
Willing to discuss feedback that addresses the issue
Ummi described herself as firm in her views, while remaining willing to discuss perspectives connected to the questions she raises.
However, she said she does not usually entertain responses built around hatred, personal attacks or attempts to divert the discussion.
One suggestion that caught her attention was to research the people donating to Najib, including their demographics and reasons for contributing.
She said the idea appealed to her interest in research and offered a way to examine the issue further.
Another response suggested that simple language could help people from different backgrounds understand her message.
That made her reflect on how direct wording can make a point easier to communicate.
‘Find people who give you the confidence to speak’
For young people who hesitate to speak up because they fear backlash, Ummi’s advice is to start by finding a supportive environment.
“If you’re afraid of criticism, find an environment that speaks your mind and find people that support you.”
She also encouraged them to consider whose opinions they allow to influence them, placing more value on people whose lives and achievements they admire.
READ ALSO:
‘I Will Never Apologize’ — UM Student Stands Firm On Remarks Made About Public Donations To Najib
