Debater’s Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Participants must be Malaysian citizens.
Age
The debathon is open to those aged between 18 and 25.
Disability
The event will be open to special demographics with a sign language interpreter provided by RTM.
Language
The event’s main language will be Bahasa Malaysia and English will only be allowed with the Speaker’s (moderator’s) consent.
Nationality
Participants must be Malaysian citizens.
Language
The event’s main language will be Bahasa Malaysia and English will only be allowed with the Speaker’s (moderator’s) consent.
Age
The debathon is open to those aged between 18 and 25.
Disability
The event will be open to special demographics with a sign language interpreter provided by RTM.
Registration Guideline
- Visit our Facebook Event page or log on to this website to get first-hand updates.
- Fill up the registration form.
- The form will ask for your selected motion(s) with the justification for your selection(s).
- Please submit your CV detailing your experience in debating accompanied by a short video of yourself showcasing this skill.
- Those selected will be announced within two weeks after the end of the submission period.
*CV should be in PDF Format not be more than 10mb in size. Video should be in MP4 format not exceeding 100mb in size.
*You are only allowed to register as a Key Debater for one motion, but you may register to participate as an ordinary debater in as many motions as you like. Priority will be given to special demographic debaters (the disabled).
RULES AND GUIDELINES:
- Name & Background
- The debate shall be known as ‘Debat Parlimen 2019’ or ‘Parliamentary Debathon 2019’.
- It is to serve as a platform for our youth to participate and voice out their opinions whilst encouraging
them to think critically and analytically. - The event also aims to give special demographic youth (the disabled) a chance to express
themselves with the assistance of a sign language interpreter provided by Radio Televisyen Malaysia
(RTM). - There will be no allowance or subsidy for transportation or accommodation.
- Format
- A team must consist of 20 to 30 participants.
- Each team will have three (3) key debaters whilst the other particpants will support these three debaters.
- One team will propose the policy (motion) while another team will oppose.
- Debaters who pass the screening stage will need to attend a training session at a predetermined venue.
- A participant can participate in more than one motion as part of a team but can play the role of key
debater only once. - Allocation of time and speaking order:
| TURN | DEBATERS FOR | TIME | DEBATERS AGAINST | TIME |
| 1 | 1st Debater (Team A) | 3 minutes | Participants from Team B | 7 minutes |
| 2 | 1st Debater (Team B) | 3 minutes | Participants from Team A | 7 minutes |
| 3 | 2nd Debater (Team A) | 3 minutes | Participants from Team B | 7 minutes |
| 4 | 2nd Debater (Team B) | 3 minutes | Participants from Team A | 7 minutes |
| 5 | 3rd Debater (Team A) | 3 minutes | Participants from Team B | 7 minutes |
| 6 | 3rd Debater (Team B) | 3 minutes | Participants from Team A | 7 minutes |
- While the debater is speaking, the opposing team cannot offer any ‘point(s) of information’ (formal
interjections). - After the six key debaters have presented, an additional 30 minutes will be given to the audience to ask
questions or cross-examine the points debated. - The audience can also focus questions to specific debaters.
- The debate will use a real-time voting mechanism and both present and virtual audience will vote during
the debates. - There will be a final voting session by all audiences (virtual and physcial) to vote for the Best Debater
of the day and the winning teams of the debate. - Participants will be awarded certificates signed by the Speaker of Dewan Rakyat.
- Timekeeper and Moderators
- The moderators will comprise of the Tuan Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Malaysia and the Deputy
Speakers. - The timekeeper will be the President of Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar
- The role of the timekeeper:
- The timekeeper will ensure that each debater is given three minutes to deliver his or her speech.
- The timekeeper will ring the bell to signal the end of the allocated time.
- The timekeeper will ensure that the debate/rebuttal runs for no more than seven
minutes. - The timekeeper will ring the bell to signal the end of the rebuttal time.
- Structure and timing of a debater’s speech.
- Content –
- Content is the argument used by a debater, divorced from the speaking style.
- Style (Language and Manner) –
- Language:
- The main language will be Bahasa Malaysia and English will only be allowed with the
Speaker of the House’s (moderator’s) consent. - Language refers to using appropriate expressions containing correct sentence structures
and grammar. - It also covers pronunciation, fluency, rhythm, intonation and clarity of speech.
- The main language will be Bahasa Malaysia and English will only be allowed with the
- Language:
- Manner:
- Manner is the way a debater speaks. This can be noted in many ways; accent, body
language (movement, poise, meaningful gestures and eye contact) and the use of
specific terminology.
- Manner is the way a debater speaks. This can be noted in many ways; accent, body
- Strategy:
- Strategy covers two concepts:
- Whether a debater understands what the issues of the debate are; and
- The structure and timing of a debater’s speech.
Participant’s Role
Each of the four debating rounds will only have 500 seats available for those who wish to participate as audience members. Audience members will get to vote for the winning debates and also for the ‘Best Debater’ title. They can also particpate by asking the debaters questions during the event. Fill up the form now to reserve your seat. Allocation will be based on a first-come-first-served basis so do make sure you register early.
Participant’s Role
Each of the four debating rounds will only have 500 seats available for those who wish to participate as audience members. Audience members will get to vote for the winning debates and also for the ‘Best Debater’ title. They can also particpate by asking the debaters questions during the event. Fill up the form now to reserve your seat. Allocation will be based on a first-come-first-served basis so do make sure you register early.