28 new UMPSA MPP take oath to fulfil duty, strengthen campus democracy

KUANTAN, 10 December 2025 – The maturity of campus democracy at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to shine when the Presentation of Appointment Letters and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Students’ Representative Council (MPP) Session 2025/2026 took place with full leadership symbolism tonight at the Grand Darul Makmur Hotel.

The ceremony witnessed the Recitation of the Oath of Office of the Students’ Representative Council (MPP) Session 2025/2026, followed by the MPP Pledge Signing Session officiated by the MPP President, Adam Al-Wafiy Muhammad Zailani, as an official commitment to the trust and responsibilities of student leadership, together with 28 new MPP members.

The ceremony was officiated by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Yatimah Alias, who emphasised that the student selection process has now become a manifestation of a mature and progressive leadership culture at UMPSA.

She expressed appreciation to the MPP Election Commission led by the Chairperson of the MPP Election Commission 2025/2026, Maryam Mohamad Jais, for successfully implementing the election process professionally, systematically, and in compliance with the university’s integrity standards.

“This success reflects the university’s confidence in students’ ability to manage campus democracy freely and transparently.

“A proud achievement was also recorded when the voter turnout percentage increased to 63.36 per cent, involving 8,547 students, compared to 7,193 last year.

“This figure is not merely a statistic, but signifies mature campus political awareness and students’ trust in the impact of their voices in shaping the direction of the university,” she said.

She also recognised the achievements of the MPP Session 2024/2025 led by Muhammad Haykal Halid.

“The previous leadership successfully strengthened collaboration networks with university management, addressed student welfare issues, and implemented various student development programmes.

“In the aspect of financial governance, the previous MPP line-up demonstrated excellent performance by managing external funds exceeding RM300,000 through strategic collaborations, sponsorships, and collaborative initiatives.

“More impressively, the MPP prepared 4,765 pages of financial audit documents, a record that signifies extraordinary transparency and professionalism, in line with the amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 2024.

“In addition, the MPP successfully generated RM81,957.12 through university activities, high-impact student programmes, and entrepreneurial initiatives,” she said.

Upholding the principle of inclusivity, Professor Dr Yatimah announced the appointment of an Inclusive Executive MPP, namely a representative of students with disabilities (PWD), as a legitimate member of the MPP cabinet.

“This appointment marks UMPSA’s commitment to ensuring that every student, including those with disabilities, is heard and taken into account in policy-making and student development programmes.

“This step is a manifestation of the principle of ‘no one left behind,’ which forms the core of the university’s values.

“The presence of an OKU representative is expected to strengthen student representation, ensuring that their challenges and aspirations are voiced in a more structured manner and given due attention,” she said.

She also conveyed congratulations to the new MPP leadership line-up for Session 2025/2026, led by Adam Al-Wafiy Muhammad Zailani.

“May the new student leadership understand the great trust inherited from UMPSA students, not merely as a position but as a responsibility to safeguard shared interests, build communication bridges between students and management, and assist the university in strengthening policies that touch student lives.

“The new MPP is a strategic partner of the university, a driver of advocacy, and a catalyst for a credible young leadership culture.

“True leadership is not about power or position, but sacrifice, sincere service, integrity, and effective communication.

“I am confident that the 2025/2026 UMPSA MPP will continue the tradition of courteous, authoritative, and high-impact leadership, while ensuring that all students, including the OKU group, are given equal opportunities to contribute to campus development,” she said.

Also present at the ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr Mohd Rusllim Mohamed; the Registrar/Chief Operating Officer, Dato’ Saiful Bahri Ahmad Bakarim; and the Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni (Student Development), Associate Professor Dr Mohd Nizam Mohmad Kahar.

By: Nur Hartini Mohd Hatta, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Ts. Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press