By Izzud deen Redzuan
GOMBAK, 02 November 2014: The IIUM Malay Debate team brought yet another honour to the university when they were crowned champion for the 24th Debat Alam Sekitar Antara IPT 2014 held at Darul Aman Golf & Country Club, Jitra, Kedah.
IIUM, as the opposition, defeated Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in the final which debated on the topic, “Undang-undang Alam Sekitar Sedia Ada Belum Mencukupi Untuk Menjamin Kelestarian Alam Sekitar.”
The championship, held from 29 October until 1 November 2014 and hosted by Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), was jointly organised by the Majlis Debat Malaysia (MADUM), the Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, and Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP).
A total of 30 higher learning institutions consists of IPTA, IPTS and IPG took part in this championship.
IIUM, represented by Asyraf Ibrahim, Luqman Long, Ani Najihah and Ainur Rabiatuadawiyah, took home RM8,000 in cash, the finals trophy and certificate of participation which were handed over by the Menteri Besar of Kedah, Dato’ Seri Haji Mukhriz Tun Mahathir.
Of the opposition desks also saw Asyraf Ibrahim from the IIUM emerging as the Best Speaker to walk away with RM1,500 in cash and an individual trophy.
To add, this is the 7th times the IIUM Malay Debate wins this championship.
The Debat Alam Sekitar Antara IPT which had been recognised as the oldest debate championship in Malaysia was first held in 1986. However, it became an annual event when in 1991 the government declared October 21 of each year as Minggu Alam Sekitar Malaysia (MASM).***
Photo courtesy of Khairul Akhtar