Honour UM student over Najib fundraiser remarks, says Rayer

Universiti Malaya student Ummi Umairah Bakhit sparked controversy in October for criticizing a fundraising campaign to help ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak pay his RM50 million fine. Responding to her remarks, Rayer, a government backbencher, urged the university to acknowledge Ummi as a national student icon for her bravery in speaking out against corruption.

The 23-year-old economics undergraduate faced online threats and harassment but refused to apologize for her comments. Rayer believes universities should foster graduates with integrity who are willing to challenge corruption and abuse of power. However, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir emphasized that the forum where Ummi spoke was organized to promote student leadership and responsible expression of views.

He did not confirm whether Ummi would receive any recognition. Meanwhile, Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) alleged that she and colleagues were denied entry to a technical university in Melaka after raising concerns about lecturers facing pressure. She questioned whether university leaders would tolerate criticism from those connected to the country's leadership.

UTeM denied the allegations in September 2025, stating no disciplinary action was taken against staff who opposed new performance requirements.