KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Arkian) – DAPSY National Assistant Publicity Secretary Syaheera Ghafar has expressed solidarity with and support for Universiti Malaya (UM) Students’ Union representative Ummi Umairah Bakhit for her courage in raising issues concerning national integrity and governance during a question-and-answer session at the International Young Leader Summit (iFUTURE).
Syaheera, an Universiti Malaya alumna, said Ummi Umairah’s decision to raise questions on matters of public interest reflected the courage and maturity of young people in demanding accountability from leaders.
Among the issues raised during the session with Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Johor Menteri Besar Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi and former minister Khairy Jamaluddin were controversies involving Tabung Haji, public donations to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and allegations of a RM4 million payment to a politician’s child without a work requirement.
Syaheera said the questions touched on integrity, accountability and justice, which deserved serious attention.
She said university students had the right to seek explanations on matters of public interest in a democratic society, while leaders should be prepared to respond to questions in a mature, factual and responsible manner.
Syaheera also stressed that the voices of young women in public discourse should be valued rather than belittled or subjected to criticism simply because they dared to speak up.
She said Ummi Umairah’s actions also challenged negative perceptions of young people, who are often labelled the “Strawberry Generation” and “TikTok Generation”, despite their civic awareness, critical thinking skills and concern for national issues.
She added that universities should continue to serve as spaces that encourage critical thinking, intellectual courage and open questioning, while giving students opportunities to present fact-based arguments.
Syaheera expressed hope that Ummi Umairah would continue to speak up and advocate accountability. She also urged all parties to give young people, particularly young women, the space to express their views without intimidation or humiliation.
She emphasised that students’ courage in raising questions on matters of public interest was an integral part of the country’s democratic strength.
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