Kuala lumpur: Debate competitions are not just platforms for public speaking, but also an important medium for shaping student success by strengthening potential, self-confidence and good language proficiency, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She emphasized that the national-level Education Minister’s Cup Generasi MADANI Debate 2025, organized in conjunction with the National Language Month celebration as part of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) National Language Decade 2025, demonstrates the ability of the younger generation to master the Malay language effectively and competently.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina expressed her pride in the students’ commitment and potential during the Bulan Bahasa Bersempena Dekad Bahasa Kebangsaan KPM 2025 and the national-level PETAH KPM 2025 ceremony. She highlighted the significance of PETAH, an acronym representing Courteous Speech, Creative Expression, Grammatical Syntax, Clear Articulation, and Solid Arguments, in shaping a knowledgeable and competitive MADANI generation with leadership skills.
Fadhlina also announced that PETAH will become an annual event under the MOE and the MADANI Debate Academy, which is being gradually established at all fully residential schools. The academy aims to provide more participation opportunities for students nationwide and serve as a platform for developing new talent in debate, oratory, and public speaking.
Expressing gratitude towards the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) for their cooperation, Fadhlina acknowledged the program’s role in strengthening the Malay language as a language of knowledge and unity. She also congratulated the participants and encouraged them to maintain their momentum in future competitions.
The winning team from Sabah, consisting of six female students, shared their unexpected victory in the 2025 National Level MADANI Generation Debate Competition Minister’s of Education Cup. Noraeezma Mada Ali Joharie, 16, from SMK Tawau, attributed their success to the hard work and guidance of their teachers and coaches, despite challenges such as limited preparation time and a recent power blackout in Sabah.
The team prioritized concept development and argument delivery, believing that strong arguments are crucial in convincing judges. The other team members included Anas Humairah Suwardi, Anis Malaeka Husni, and Nur Safa Natasya Aaharuddin, all aged 15, along with Nur Aisyah Jasrin and Siti Ellysha Jaimis from SM Sains Sabah, both 16 years old. Besides the trophies, the winning team received a cheque for RM12,000 sponsored by DBP.