From UMPSA Senate Hall to Malaysian Parliament Conference Hall: UMPSA Student Parliament 4th Sitting creates history

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 April 2026 — The 4th Sitting of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Student Parliament created history when, for the first time, it convened at the Malaysian Parliament Conference Hall recently.

The special sitting of the UMPSA Student Parliament provided an opportunity for 124 representatives to present views, ideas, and proposals professionally and ethically.

The presence of the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, YB Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari Abdul, further enlivened the programme as he took time to meet and engage with UMPSA students.

Also present were the UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed, Director of the Alumni Relations Centre, Ts. Dr. Mohamad Rusydi Mohamad Yasin, General Manager of the Student Affairs and Alumni Department, Haryani Abdullah, and Director of the Centre for Corporate Communications, Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit.

During the meeting, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari also shared his experiences and words of encouragement with young leaders in shaping the future of the nation.

According to him, the conference was not merely a simulation, but rather a manifestation of students’ maturity in presenting ideas, debating policies, and bringing the voices of young people to a higher level.

Meanwhile, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah, who officiated the Closing Ceremony of the 4th Sitting of UMPSA Student Parliament, expressed her satisfaction and congratulated the students, especially for the highly intellectual manner in which they presented their arguments and views.

“This programme, which was held for the first time in the Malaysian Parliament building, witnessed several issues being raised and debated by members of the conference hall.

“In fact, this Student Parliament serves as the best platform for students to gain experience in the parliamentary democratic system and sharpen their professional debating skills.

“Furthermore, organising this sitting at the actual venue of the Malaysian Parliament Conference Hall symbolises UMPSA’s commitment to producing student leaders who are not only academically excellent, but also possess integrity, competitiveness, and awareness of current national issues,” she said.

Meanwhile, the President of UMPSA Students’ Representative Council, Adam Al-Wafiy Muhammad Zailani, viewed this edition of the UMPSA Student Parliament as not merely a series of conferences, but a highly meaningful leadership learning experience.

“Throughout the two-day sitting at the UMPSA Pekan Senate Hall, every debate, argument, and motion presented reflected the maturity and commitment of student representatives in championing issues closely related to student welfare, development, and future aspirations.

“The highlight of this experience was when the UMPSA Student Parliament delegation was given the opportunity to hold a special sitting at the Malaysian Parliament.
“The special motion presented on that stage became a symbol of students’ courage in voicing their views at a higher level,” he said.

He further explained that the friendly session with the Speaker of the Malaysian Parliament, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari, as well as participation in the ChitChat MADANI programme together with the Pekan Member of Parliament and the Ampang Member of Parliament, also opened broader perspectives regarding the realities of leadership, national policies, and responsibilities as representatives of the people, even within the student context.

“Besides that, the various inputs, advice, and sharing sessions gained throughout this programme should serve as guidance and inspiration for all students, particularly student leadership members, to continue improving themselves in terms of thinking, actions, and leadership values,” he said.

He also advised all student leaders to become leaders who look towards the greater good rather than the interests of certain parties alone.

“Listen to students’ voices with empathy, but at the same time, as student leaders, you are also entrusted with shaping and helping students become knowledgeable, principled, and competitive individuals as the foundation of leadership that is not only respected, but also creates lasting impact,” he said.

The Student Engagement Programme with National Leadership – Chit Chat MADANI with Back Benchers featured Pekan Member of Parliament, YB Dato’ Sri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali, and Ampang Member of Parliament, YB Puan Hajah Rodziah Ismail.

A total of 124 sitting members comprising 86 council members representing club and association leaders, as well as 28 Students’ Representative Council members, debated and exchanged views ahead of the Student Parliament held on 19 and 20 April at UMPSA Pekan and on 21 April at the Malaysian Parliament.

By: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Ts. Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press