KUCHING: The Premier of Sarawak Debate Challenge Cup 2026 continues to serve as an important platform for nurturing articulate, critical-thinking youth while strengthening the mastery and appreciation of the Malay language among students.
Organised by the Sarawak branch of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), the competition features the five best teams advancing to the state finals after outperforming 45 other teams from a total of 50 participating teams statewide.
Sarawak branch DBP director Dr Azizul Ismail said the competition was not merely a test of debating skills but also played a vital role in shaping students into mature, ethical individuals capable of using the Malay language effectively to express their views.
“DBP’s continued commitment to organising the competition also reinforced the institution’s role in upholding the national language while producing confident, competitive and well-rounded young individuals,” he said.
He said this during a press conference on MADANI Teenage Forum Competition at Meeting Room, Level 2, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak branch here on Thursday.
According to him, the programme, first introduced in 1989 and rebranded as the MADANI Youth Forum in 2025, has been enhanced with a more relevant competition format that aligns with current educational aspirations.
He added that the competition aims to promote the proper and effective use of the Malay language, boost students’ confidence in public speaking and argumentation, encourage participation in co-curricular activities, and strengthen collaboration between teachers and students.
“The competition is open to government secondary school students under the Ministry of Education from Forms Four to Six, as well as private secondary school students, aged between 16 and 19,” he said.
He added that the five finalist teams are SMK Kabong, SMK Bintulu, SMK Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab Kuching, SMK Methodist Sibu, and SMK Kubong Limbang.
“The state champion will represent Sarawak at the 2026 National MADANI Youth Forum Competition, carrying the state’s challenge to the prestigious national-level event.
“The grand final will be held on July 29 at Balai Budaya, DBP Sarawak Branch, and will be officiated by Sarawak Head of State, Tun Pehin Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar,” he added.
