Trilingual Mock Debate Ignites Cafe Mahallah Zaid

By, Muhammad Hanif Bin Naim and Salsabeel Norazam

The air at Café Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah crackled with intellect and passion as the IIUM World Debate and Oratory Centre (IWON) hosted its Trilingual Mock Debate, an event that brought together debaters from KDBM, EDC, and ADC to challenge ideas across three languages, Malay, English, and Arabic. The motion for the night, “This House Regrets the Over-Glorification of Love in Literature and Film,” invited participants to examine whether love is truly a noble emotion or merely an overrated ideal perpetuated by art and media. The debate was chaired by Sr. Salsabeel Norazam, who served as the Speaker of the House, maintaining decorum and rhythm throughout the session.

Representing the Government bench were Sr. Nur Irdina Binti Hamka from KDBM as the Prime Minister, Br. Anwar Haarith Bin Adi Arman from EDC as the Deputy Prime Minister, and Br. Nik Ahmad Afiq Isra Bin Nik Muhamad Norisam from ADC as the third speaker. The Opposition team was led by Br. Azri Nurhafiz Bin Azahar from KDBM as the Leader of the Opposition, alongside Sr. Nur Alia Humaira Binti Amat Kamal from EDC and Br. Muhammad Ameerul Zulhaqeem Bin Mohd Jamali from ADC. The clash of ideas was nothing short of electric, with both sides presenting eloquent arguments, rhetorical flair, and sharp rebuttals that captivated the audience. After an hour of intense exchange, the panel of adjudicators delivered a unanimous 3–0 decision in favour of the Opposition team, marking their victory for the evening. Yet, it was Sr. Nur Irdina Binti Hamka from the Government bench who stole the spotlight, earning the title of Best Speaker for her commanding presence, emotional delivery, and persuasive reasoning that resonated with the audience.

The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Dr. Usha A/P Nagasundram, the newly appointed IWON Coordinator; Ustaz Mohamad Khaidir Bin Sahid, Principal of Mahallah Zaid bin Harithah; and Ustazah Nur Amnah Binti Duniya. On that night as well, 120 crowds celebrated the debaters’ outstanding performances. The evening began at 8.30 PM with the arrival of participants and VIPs, followed by the recitation of Asmaul Husna, the singing of Negaraku and Leading the Way, and an opening prayer. The mock debate commenced at 9.10 PM, followed by a voting session, prize-giving ceremony to the opposition team that emerged as the winners of the debate, and Sr. Irdina as the Best Speaker for the round followed by speech from the IWON advisor. The event concluded with a photography session that captured the lively spirit and camaraderie of the night.

More than just a debate, the Trilingual Mock Debate embodied the essence of the “Generation of Thinkers”, it is indeed a celebration of linguistic diversity, intellectual courage, and critical reflection. It served as a testament to IWON Pagoh’s commitment to nurturing articulate, analytical, and confident speakers who dare to question popular narratives while embracing the multilingual and multicultural fabric of IIUM Pagoh. As the night drew to a close, applause echoed through the café, leaving behind not just the memory of a debate, but a spark of inspiration for all who witnessed it.***