Kuala Lampur:A speech on 'Moral Crisis Among Students: Who is Responsible?' secured victory for Sabah's Mohammad Syahrie in the 2026 Form Six Royal Cup Oratory Competition.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohammad Syahrie, a student at Kolej Tingkatan Enam Datuk Pangiran Galpam, Sandakan, Sabah, won the Royal Challenge Trophy and RM10,000 in cash. He surpassed Muhammad Noorsolihin Mohd Taufiq from SMK Syed Alwi, Perlis, who took second place, and K. Lenithraa Sai from Kolej Tingkatan Enam Sri Istana, Selangor, who came in third.
The prize-giving ceremony took place at Menara Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and was officiated by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek also attended the event.
Mohammad expressed his surprise at winning, stating he initially joined the competition for the experience and a national-level certificate. Despite limited preparation time due to trial examinations, his teachers and friends provided valuable feedback, helping him refine his language skills.
He emphasized the importance of support from his friends, teachers, and family, viewing this achievement as a stepping stone for future endeavors.
Lenithraa Sai, who placed third with her speech 'Uphold the Language, Elevate the Nation,' expressed pride in being the only Indian participant among contestants from 16 states. Her passion for the Malay language motivated her choice of topic, and she prepared extensively under her teachers' guidance.
Second-place winner Muhammad Noorsolihin's speech on 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Undermines Students' Thinking, Creativity, and Ability to Be Independent' earned him RM7,000, while Lenithraa received RM5,000.
The competition, themed 'Language, the Mind of the Nation, Pillar of Malaysia MADANI,' aims to enhance mastery of the Malay language and foster critical thinking among Form Six students from Ministry of Education institutions. Additional prizes included RM1,000 each for three consolation winners and the Best Montage category winner.