University of Malaya student clarifies comments on Najib Razak donations

A University of Malaya student, Ummi Umairah Bakhit, has clarified her use of the word ‘stupid’ during a dialogue session regarding public donations intended to assist former Prime Minister Najib Razak with his RM50 million fine. The student explained that her remarks were intended to highlight what she perceives as an ignorant attitude toward donating to individuals linked to corruption.

Ummi emphasized that discussions regarding corruption and integrity should be treated with the same importance as issues like artificial intelligence, climate change, and education reform. She argued that future leadership requires the ability to think critically and reject the culture of defending individuals without evaluating their actions.

In response to the controversy, former UMNO Puteri movement chief Zahida Zarikh Khan advised the student to respect the rights and choices of others. Zahida noted that while individuals have the right to refuse to donate, they should not insult those who choose to contribute, suggesting that donors may have personal reasons or gratitude toward the former Prime Minister that others may not understand.