UM student stands by summit question, rejects calls to apologise

KUCHING: Universiti Malaya student Ummi Umairah Bakhit has refused to back down over remarks made at the International Young Future Leaders Summit in Oct 13, saying criticism of her language had overshadowed the substance of her argument on corruption, inequality and accountability.

Ummi said the reaction since she raised the question had been overwhelming, but maintained that her position remained unchanged.

She also rejected claims that her criticism was selective, pointing to her participation in a demonstration involving MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki and her previous criticism of unequal opportunities at her university.

“I have never been selective. I showed up at the Azam Baki demonstration. I’ve spoken out against unequal opportunity at my university. I’ve been vocal since day one,” she said in a statement.

Ummi said much of the backlash had focused on her use of words such as “stupidest” and references to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, rather than the issues she intended to raise.

She also criticised what she described as a “feudalistic mindset” and the tendency to respond emotionally instead of engaging with the substance of an argument.

“This level of comprehension, this feudalistic mindset, this fallacious rebuttal, it’s deeply concerning,” she said.

Ummi maintained that calling an act “stupid” was not the same as insulting an individual, and said context had been lost in the debate.

She then doubled down on the point that sparked the controversy.

“I stand by my question. I will never apologise. Because donating hard-earned money to elitists is, yes, the stupidest and most immoral thing,” she said.

Ummi added that she hoped more people, particularly young Malaysians, would have the courage to speak openly about corruption and integrity without fear.