Debate - Brief history and format in Malaysia

This post serves as a compliment to what Ali wrote previously titled "Debat Itu Universal" in the main DEMI blog.

True, debate is applicable to whoever the person may be despite their cultural, environmental and social background. However, the definition of debate doesn't necessarily bound to every person as some would label "debate" as a formal discussion. In addition, debate has many styles throughout the globe that has their own set of rules such as the one use in Malaysian tertiary institution.

Since the early days of the Greeks, it was claimed that Isocrates was the teacher of public speaking. There were more to come after him, but this established the Greeks to be the first culture and society to have debate within their community. As this became widespread to other society for the sake of democracy, many great debaters and speakers came about that deliver their key points on the topic matter. Now, debate is covered in such a world wide perspective that majority of political system would contain debate as an element of governance. However, in some societies, debate isn't an integral part of their daily lives and can be seen rather as an argument case.

In places where censorship exhibits much strength than the freedom of speech, debate is not part of the society. Nor is it considered as a right for the unfortunate citizens. In this viewpoint, debate isn't universal and that it would be an overstatement that all can debate. I know that Ali is just referring the fact that any student can debate when he meant by universal, which is quite obvious and truism. Then again, is it? What got me pondering was whether he referred 'debat' as Malaysian parliamentary style? Or debating in general, which includes the debating styles overseas? If he were to refer the Malaysian parliamentary style, then it would be an overstatement as not everyone can debate in Bahasa Malaysia. However, if the scope were to refer debating in general, then it is sensible. Anyone can debate, but not everyone can debate in Malaysian parliamentary style debate in Bahasa Malaysia (yes, including me).

Going back, it was the Greeks who established themselves as the pioneers in debating. Through the age of time, debating has widespread to other english speaking nations that each has developed their unique style and format. In Malaysia, it is a fact that the nation follows the Australasian style debate and Asian University Debating Championship format. This is because both sides have 3 speakers with the leader, the deputy leade and the whip as each speaker is given 7 minutes to deliver their speeh, and both sides are given a 4 minute speech to deliver their overall argument. The debating style in Bahasa Malaysia follows this format as it is being translated from the English format. I may not know exactly how debating in Malaysia came about, but this is just an obvious conclusion.

So for all those new debaters out there, it takes hard work and full dedication if you want to be a good debater like the past champions. However, never think negatively when you lose or failed miserable as each mistakes help you to be the better person you want to be. You can debate, but if you're like me, then not everyone can debate in Bahasa Malaysia. ;D