Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has condemned the online harassment and threats directed at a university student who criticized a donation campaign intended for former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The minister’s remarks came in response to the backlash faced by 23-year-old Universiti Malaya student Ummi Umairah Bakhit after she expressed her views at a public forum involving senior political figures.

Ummi Umairah raised concerns during a recent open dialogue with UMNO leaders, including former minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari, and Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi, about the drive to collect RM50 million (approximately S$15.6 million) in donations for Najib Razak. Her comments, which addressed issues related to corruption, sparked widespread social media criticism, including threats and online harassment. She also reported that some of her photographs were taken from social media platforms without her permission.

Fahmi Fadzil emphasized that differing opinions are a normal part of discourse and reiterated that the student had done nothing illegal or criminal. He noted that her statements focused on matters concerning corruption and reflected a broader public desire for Malaysia to combat kleptocracy and reject corruption. While acknowledging that some may have disagreed with the tone or delivery of her remarks, Fahmi stressed that the substance of her argument remained important.

The minister urged victims of cyberbullying to report such incidents promptly to the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). He affirmed that the MCMC would actively review the case and take appropriate measures rather than waiting for complaints to be filed. Fahmi also praised a recent reminder from Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who called on the public to exercise proper conduct when engaging on social media platforms.

Fahmi warned social media users against believing that online posts, including those from anonymous or fake accounts, bear no consequences. He underscored the importance of maintaining civility in digital interactions and holding individuals accountable for harmful online behavior.