Undergraduates are not robots, they are future leaders, says DAP leader in defence of Ummi Umairah

SENATOR Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali of DAP has come forth in defence of Ummi Umairah Bakhit who has been under pressure after stating that the stupidest thing that she has ever seen was ordinary people donating for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“I am confident that the threats and condemnations have not rattled her. I also believe that many students are daring enough to voice out the truth just as Ummi Umairah,” said Sheikh Umar who is also Johor DAP vice chairman.

“Students go to university not merely to study in lecture rooms. They go to university not to become robots. That is why they are MAHAsiswa (undergraduates).

“They are leaders of the future. They become spokesperson of the people and shape the nation in the future,” added Sheikh Umar who is also a DAP central executive committee member.

He added that Ummi Umairah raised the issue for the greater good of the nation.

“Undergraduates such as Ummi Umairah raised the correct issue for the greater good of the nation. So, don’t be afraid to voice out. Speak the truth.”

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Ummi Umairah, an economics undergraduate and Universiti Malaya Student Union member, has been under the spotlight for criticising donors for Najib’s fine. Najib is a former UMNO president.

Najib is required to pay a discounted fine of RM50 mil. The fine settlement will enable him to serve his prison term under house arrest. This is in relation to the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.

She criticised in a forum by the Higher Education Ministry in the presence of prominent UMNO leaders such as Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar.

Five days ago, the media reported that she was facing online threats and harassment. UMNO supporters have claimed that her actions were rude.

Deputy Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim and Communication Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil have defended Ummi. — Oct 19, 2026

The post Undergraduates are not robots, they are future leaders, says DAP leader in defence of Ummi Umairah first appeared on Focus Malaysia .