KUALA LUMPUR: A Universiti Malaya (UM) student leader who questioned public donations to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has faced online harassment and threats after videos of her remarks went viral.
Ummi Umairah Bakhit, 23, said she would not be intimidated by the attacks, adding that she believed it was her responsibility to challenge public perceptions, particularly among young people.
The Bachelor of Economics student stood by her remarks, saying corruption must remain part of the national conversation.
"After the video went viral, they took my photos from Instagram without my consent.
"Some of them also threatened me with expulsion from the university, harassed me, made comments about my physical appearance and much more," she said when contacted.
Ummi, who is also a member of the UM Student Union, said her questions were relevant as the forum had also focused on transformation.
She hoped her actions would encourage others to speak up without fear, participate in co-curricular activities and remain active in various fields.
"Corruption is also one of the important things if you want to build a nation, the same as climate change, artificial intelligence and education, like what the panellists discussed during the forum," she said.
Ummi said Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli had checked on her and assured her that she would not be expelled or face disciplinary action.
She said the university had not taken any action against her, adding that claims of her impending expulsion had originated on social media.
Ummi raised the issue during a dialogue with former minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
She questioned public donations to Najib, citing his legal cases linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and his conviction in the SRC International case.
"The stupidest thing I have watched in my entire life is people donating to our former prime minister, Najib Razak, someone who clearly has a worldwide corruption case, 1MDB, and is clearly linked to corruption," she said.
Ummi also raised the Tabung Haji controversy and sought the panellists' views on corruption and political accountability.
Her remarks have since gained traction on social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, where clips of the exchange have attracted likes and shares.
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