By Marissa Nazeera
PAGOH, 7 September 2021: Warmest congratulations to the IIUM Pagoh Bahasa Malaysia debate team for winning the Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) Independence Day Debate Competition after beating the ANSARA Merbok team in the final round.
The debate competition was held in conjunction with the 64th anniversary of Independence Day aimed at clearly instilling the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of young Malaysian debaters.
It was organised by Kesatuan Debat UPNM together with the Student Representative Council, and UPNM Counselling, Career and Alumni Centre.
“Undeniably it’s a great satisfaction for me, I have been so busy feeling exhausted with internship during the day and training at night as I am now in my final year,” Muhammad Hanif told IIUMToday.
“Although IIUM Pagoh rarely competes, thank God we have won first place thrice in Bahasa Malaysia debate competition at the university level. God has rewarded us for our hard work, ” he added.
Not only that, the IIUM Pagoh debaters were also crowned as the best debaters along with ten other best debaters. The best debaters from IIUM Pagoh are Muhammad Syaqir Aiman, Muhammad Hanif and Muhammad Arif Hakimi.
Muhammad Hanif also left a piece of advice for his juniors to feel free to ask for guidance and to always remain humble while seeking for knowledge.
He said that one could never predict the future unless they take the first step to learn.
Muhammad Hanif shared, “While studying at university, now is the best time to brush up one’s skills and talents.”
“My message for my juniors is to never stop trying and keep moving forward! Push yourself and prove that you’re the precious one.”
The Independence Day Debate Competition was concluded with a speech by the UPNM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Welfare), Lt. Kol. Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhd Zu Azhan Bin Yahya,
The three-day debate competition held from 3 to 5 September 2021 was conducted through Zoom and broadcast live on UPNM YouTube channel.***