UMPSA Campus Election proves students’ maturity in practising democracy

GAMBANG, 5 November 2025 – The democratic atmosphere on campus at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to thrive with enthusiasm as the Students’ Representative Council (MPP) Election for the 2025/2026 session was successfully held, recording a voter turnout of 63.36 per cent involving 8,547 students who fulfilled their responsibility as voters.

This year, the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology (FTKA) and the Centre for Mathematical Sciences (PSM) recorded the highest voter turnout, reflecting increased civic awareness and students’ commitment to campus democracy.

The successful organisation of the election was also led by the Chairperson of the Students’ Representative Council Election Commission (SPMPP), Maryam Mohamad Jais, from the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology (FTKKP), who spearheaded various early promotional and advocacy initiatives.

Among the efforts carried out were digital awareness campaigns, social media publicity, and on-ground activities at each faculty to encourage more students to cast their votes.

According to Maryam, this success proves that UMPSA students are becoming more mature in evaluating leadership and courageous in voicing their aspirations through democratic channels.

“We are very proud of the spirit of UMPSA students who view campus elections not merely as a competition but as a true leadership learning platform,” she said.

A total of 53 candidates contested for eight general seats and 19 faculty seats, creating a healthy and professional competition environment.

Throughout the campaigning period, the candidates also demonstrated courage and creativity in conveying their ideas and leadership direction.

In the official results announced, Muhammad Amirul Haziq Khairul Nizam from FTKKP emerged as the top-voted candidate for the general seat with 5,983 votes, reflecting students’ confidence in his credibility and leadership capability.

The announcement ceremony was also graced by the presence of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed, who extended congratulations to the new MPP leadership line-up.

“Student leadership is the reflection of the nation’s future.

“The newly elected MPP members are not merely office holders but the successors of the legacy of past student leaders in building an inclusive, competitive, and ADAB- and knowledge-based campus.

“The Student Empowerment Agenda must continue through the strengthening of leadership capacity, welfare, and active involvement in the university’s development policies,” he said.

The organisation of this campus election once again reinforces UMPSA’s role as an institution of higher learning that not only emphasises academic excellence but also provides space for leadership development and the cultivation of national spirit among students.

By: Safriza Baharuddin, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press