By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
HULU LANGAT, May 29 — Debate competitions provide the best platform for developing critical thinking skills in problem-solving and analysis, says Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Menteri Besar said that debates also foster leadership abilities among the younger generation.
“The annual organisation (of Piala Dato’ Menteri Besar) among other things, aims to identify individuals with leadership qualities who can address and analyse issues, as well as find solutions.
“Debating is not just about speaking, but it is a method of thinking. How you articulate your thoughts, if they are well-reasoned and precise, can be understood. However, if they are unclear, they will not achieve the desired outcome,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Piala Dato’ Menteri Besar 2023 debate competition at Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS), here yesterday.
The competition saw the debate team from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) emerge as champions in the Higher Education Institution (IPT) category, winning a cash prize of RM8,000, a rolling trophy, and participation certificates.
The first runner-up and third place were won by the teams from Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), respectively, each receiving cash prizes of RM5,000 and RM2,000, trophies, and participation certificates.
A total of 48 teams participated in the competition, with 36 from IPTs and 12 from pre-university categories.
In addition to defeating the other 47 teams, one of the participants, Hafiz Hafizi Norependi, was named the best debater in the final round of the IPT category.
The final debate, modelled after the British Parliament, delved into the topic of the First Selangor Plan (RS-1): New Hope for Selangor (Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1): Harapan Baharu untuk Selangor).
Meanwhile, Amirudin said that the state government has allocated RM4 million to continue the Bantuan Yuran Asas Universiti (Bayu) programme.
He said the allocation would benefit a total of 4,000 students.
“This assistance is specifically provided to students pursuing their studies at state-owned higher education institutions, namely Universiti Selangor (Unisel) and Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS).
“The incentive has been improved this year by increasing the assistance on a semester basis, twice a year for each year of study, compared to only once previously,” he said.
Bayu is a basic fee assistance programme that covers library fees, laboratory fees, information technology fees, healthcare, and student activities.
It aims to alleviate financial burdens on students, especially those from low- and middle-income (B40 and M40) households.
Amirudin also said that the state government has introduced the Selangor State Research Grant with a total fund of RM3 million this year to strengthen the state’s development policies and strategies.
He said the initiative aims to encourage researchers and students to explore new research and generate innovations that benefit society.
“The research is focused on four main areas towards the progress of Selangor, namely strengthening the economy, building the well-being and social inclusivity of the people, promoting sustainability agendas and enhancing administrative efficiency.
“It also aims to strengthen the state’s development policies and strategies in the field of research, which is the backbone of the Smart State,” he said.
Amirudin added that empowering research programmes align with the RS-1, which serves as the state’s development framework for a five-year period.
“Therefore, this initiative will develop the potential in research, development, and innovation.”
