By: Nur Syamila Kamarul Arefin

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 August – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) made history by emerging as champion of the 2026 Auditor General’s Cup (PKAN) Debate Competition, becoming the inaugural winner of the competition organised for the first time in conjunction with the 120th anniversary of the National Audit Department.

The UPM Debate Team defeated International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUA) in the grand final at the Malaysian Parliament Building, where they debated the motion, “This House Believes That a Culture of Accountability Should Complement Punitive Action in Addressing Governance Failures.”

UPM Debate Team Captain, Muhammad Faiz Ahmad Zaini, attribute the victory to consistent training, meticulous preparation and strong teamwork among all team members.

“Our victory was the result of continuous and consistent training rather than efforts made over a short period. The two-week intensive training camp proved highly effective, strengthening our knowledge and understanding of the motion while fostering greater teamwork and cohesion within the team.

“Each member complemented one another by sharing perspectives and addressing individual weaknesses, making us better prepared for the competition,” he said.

He said one of the team’s biggest challenges was the last-minute change of the motion, which required them to adjust their strategy, revise their preparation and construct arguments within a limited timeframe.

“At the same time, we faced the pressure of defending our previous achievements. However, we turned that pressure into motivation to prove that our past success was not merely a coincidence, but the result of discipline, preparation and team spirit,” he said.

He added that progressing through each stage of the competition also tested the team’s mental resilience and ability to maintain focus, particularly when competing against  experienced teams in the debating arena.

“It was not easy to advance to the quarterfinals, let alone the semi-finals and final. Each round presented different challenges, and we had to remain ready to adapt our approach.

“After securing victories in the quarter-final and semi-final rounds, we realised that the opportunity to make history was within reach. Nevertheless, we continued to approach each match with composure and discipline, treating every round as a challenge to be overcome,” he said.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Faiz expressed his appreciation to the UPM Malay Language Debate Club, coaches and alumni, UPM’s Student Affairs Division (BHEP), as well as Tan Sri Aishah Ghani Residential College, for their support, guidance and provision of facilities throughout the team’s preparation.

“This victory represents more than an achievement; it reflects the team’s collective training, sacrifices, discipline and commitment.

“The journey was not always easy. We faced last-minute changes to the motion, the pressure of defending our previous achievements and various challenges during training. However, these experiences taught us the meaning of resilience, trust and the strength of a team,” he said.

The 2026 PKAN Debate Competition began with preliminary rounds held over two days, on 13 and 14 August 2026, at the National Audit Academy in Bandar Enstek, Nilai, before the final rounds took place at the Malaysian Parliament Building on 15 August 2026.

The competition was officially concluded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari Abdul, in the presence of Auditor General, Dato’ Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi.

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) emerged as runner-up, while Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) shared third place.

Date of Input: 19/08/2026 | Updated: 04/09/2026 | syamilakamarul