UMPSA MPP Session 2023/2024 election went smoothly

GAMBANG, 21 December 2023 - An atmosphere full of democracy swept the campuses of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) when students cast their votes in the Students’ Representative Council (PMPP) Selection for 2023/2024 Session.

The voting session which took place at the UMPSA Sports Complex, Gambang Campus and UMPSA Multipurpose Hall, Pekan started from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and achieved great success with active student participation.

A total of 53 candidates contested but only 51 qualified for the next level.

This election involved four parties, namely Revolusi Siswa Siswi, Demokrat Siswa, Aspirasi Siswa and Bebas contesting for general and faculty seats.

The selection process was also enlivened by seven Sembang Siswa Madani sessions at the University Sports Complex, Gambang Campus.

The sessions discussed the analysis of the 2023/2024 Students’ Representative Council (PMPP) Selection from various points of view including the community of student residents, academics, former MPPs and students.

Also present in the final session of Sembang Siswa Madani was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed.

He also witnessed the student democracy process and delivered a speech of support to all candidates who participated in this election.

“The university management hopes that the elected MPP can represent the students’ voices with excellence and bring positive initiatives for the progress and harmony of the university,” he said.

According to the Director of 2023/2024 MPP Selection, Nur Amira Badri, interesting initiatives were introduced to increase student attendance in the election.

“Among the initiatives include Jom Undi Carnival with the theme of Klasik Sarung Tradisional.

“Students can cast their votes wearing sarong or traditional clothes.

“There is also an added incentive for clubs and associations to ensure that their members vote with a percentage exceeding 80%,” she said.

In addition, food and beverage discounts were given to students who voted by showing their inked fingers during purchases at the cafeteria.

“This election was conducted on a hybrid basis, taking into account the increasing daily COVID-19 cases.

“However, it does not hinder the enthusiasm of students to participate in the democratic process.

The poll results show that a total of 6,697 students voted (53.97%), while 4% spoilt votes were recorded.

The results were announced after two hours of voting and protest sessions.

Congratulations to Farah Hanan Tajudin who received the highest number of votes (4,478 votes), followed by Syakirah Atifah Syafri (4,448 votes) and Mohamad Khairul Anwar Abdul Aziz (4,286 votes) for the general seats.
Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dr. Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli and General Manager of the Student Affairs and Alumni Department (JHEPA), Haryani Abdullah.

Also present was the Chief Assistant Director of the Leadership and Character Section of the Ministry of Higher Education, Asyraf Radzwan.

Hopefully the elected Students’ Representative Council can carry out their responsibilities brilliantly, bring positive changes to the lives of students and be an effective representation at the university and community levels.

By: Nur Hazuani Nasaruddin, Protégé, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty   of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology