Members of SMK Long Lama team comprising (from left) Sharon, Haslam Asrul, teachers Zamhari Azman and Michelle Lim, as well as Mildred and Awing, are all smiles with their prizes. — Photos by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Factually detailed arguments and eloquence earned debaters from SMK Long Lama in Baram this year’s Chief Minister’s Cup, beating rivals from SMK Kabong in Betong in the finale staged at the Teachers Education Institute (IPG) Batu Lintang Campus here yesterday.

The trio of Sharon John, Awing Uloi and Mildred Ubong Augustine stood by their conviction as the proposers of the topic ‘Technical Education as the Basis of a Nation’s Growth’.

The SMK Long Lama team, which had Haslam Asrul Abdullah as reserve, not only brought home the coveted trophy and the RM10,000 prize money, but also clinched the ‘Best Debater’ award through Mildred, who pocketed RM1,500.

The prizes were presented by State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Awang Asfia Awang Nassar, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem at the grand finals.

“This has been a very enjoyable debate as we get to witness very beautiful and organised arguments being presented by our new generation,” Asfia remarked, reminding everyone that for a nation to see its future, it must look at the young generation.

He also praised all debaters on their achievement, stressing that win or lose, all teams would return home ‘richer in experience’.

The SMK Kabong quartet comprising Nazri Taip, Siti Nor Diana Buang, Nurul Syafiqah Masmos and reserve Maria Mariana Abdul Kadir, received RM7,000 and a trophy.

The Chief Minister’s Cup debate based on Karl Popper’s format entered its 30th edition this year, which warranted its recognition as the ‘Longest Running Debate Series Broadcast on National Radio’ by the Malaysia Book of Records in 2010.

The competition kicked off in June this year, with participation by secondary school students from across the state who slugged it out during the divisional meets.

Earlier, debaters from Kolej Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah (DPAH Abdillah) from here outperformed their opponents from SK Asyakirin, Bintulu in the round to decide third place.

The topic was ‘The Collective Effort of Health in the Community’.

The debate finals had Assistant Minister of Land Development Datuk Abdul Wahap Aziz as the distinguished guest. 

He was accompanied by state Education Department deputy director Salbiah Seman, who came on behalf of state director Rakayah Madon.