Yayasan Sarawak–Prelims

Last week, from the 6th till the 8th October 2010, Yayasan Sarawak World Style Debate Competition (YSWSDC) was being held in UNIMAS.

Supposedly they held this event last year but due to some problems and conflict, they manage to make it happen after the last YSWSDC was being held in UiTM Sarawak back in 2008.

We sent fours teams consisting Team A; Moon & Naz, Team B; Jeff & Shana, Team C; Paul & Hando and finally Team D; Terence & I. Hamaz; one of our junior; has been paired up with Steven from Swinburne as the swing team.

We also sent Wahid to be as the adjudicator for the event alongside with Dr. Simon. During the last preliminary round, it is B.J who stepped in to replace Wahid due to unavoidable matter.

Frankly speaking, after what has happen in Arau Open, I didn’t put much hope on this tournament. Heck, I didn’t attend the event with a hope to win nor go to the final plus not taking the competition seriously that made Paul quite upset towards me just because of that for a while.

But I do come with confidence and give all my best for my speech; at least that is all what I can do for Terence since he came for the tournament with a high goal; to break to semi-final.

And there we are, putting our as off as I on the first place didn’t being serious about it.

During of Terence’s hope being rupture down to go to semi-final, we were struck as we are the last team who made it. I was moaning due to the fact my mind was on another event tonight and I want to be there on time.

And there it was, with Team C and Team D on both government bench and Swinburne University for both opposition bench, the debate begin.

At the end of the day, it was both Closing Government and Closing Opposition who made it to the final.

As for me; according to many people who watched; I gave a very fiery speech which I didn’t think it was before I see the video myself. According to Terence and Paul, it was my most best speech ever as a debater. I will not kembang hidung about it *sniff snif*.

So UiTM will be have a representative in the finals on the 13th October 2010 in UNIMAS. I as usual didn’t take it seriously because I don’t like to give pressure to myself.

None the less, here’s some pictures during the tournament for you guys to enjoy.

Her name is Ashreen Norman, from UPM. One of the cuties during the tournament. She remind me a lot to Intan Sabreena and Sharifah Nafisa because she have that both looks.

Camhoring in the toilet aren’t the way you suppose to utilizing your DSLR, what who’s going to take the picture of myself if it is not me myself?

Agnes Lee, from Institut Perguruan Batu Lintang. She made the whole session during one round to be procrastinate since she’s using the terminology in dictionary. By all means, she’s still new and need to learn a lot. I believe that she does learn a lot in the tournament.

Our dear VIP went through to the semi-final. As the Opening Government, they really do a quite good job handling the motion but too bad the luck wasn’t on their side. At least they still have the chance to enter YSWSDC next year as for Terence and me are no more eligible since we are in the final next Wednesday.

I’ve been tired to face these guys almost for all the prelim rounds. My team had already faced them four times including the final round. If I consider with the public speaking competition which was held alongside with the debate tournament, it has been six time. Including the final, total up is seven times! But seriously, the team consisting a Mauritius guy with a French accent and local Kuching guy, this team is really whopping other team asses during the debate.

This is Terence doing his speech for the semi-final. Believe it or not, he has the time to go to the toilet and pee and caused him short of breath due to the fact that he has to run back quickly.

Paul with other debaters from other institution. He’s just like to make friends.

One thing about Terence’s pictures that he always seems to give a rap instead of a speech.

I do not know what these two are talking but I think they are up to no good since the Communist Messiah is smiling.

Told you so when he gives his speech, it looks like rapping.

The Communist Messiah with the holy Red Book of Guidance. This pictures does really suites him.

Alongside with the UPM debaters. Such a cuties they are. Seriously.

I think that should wrapped these whole thing. Until then, wish UiTM all the best for the finals guys!

Lucky Week for the social circle

Last week was the most memorable week ever that our circle has encountered. It was so good until I have to force myself to remember those lucky things.

1. Hairul “Hando” Hafiz & Sharifah Shazzea Wan Akil won the MPP election.

With the help of Facebook, anything can be possible! Both of them have set up their own Facebook Fan Page and ultimately conquered the UiTM Kota Samarahan for their own faculty with the majority votes.

As the MPP-elect, both of them will surely gives all of their best to fulfil the wants of the all students in UiTM Kota Samarahan in relation to strive them to success.

The choosing for the Majlis Tertinggi will be handle after Chinese New Year break since both of the MPP-elect who are also the members of the Engli sh Debate Unit will represent UiTM Sarawak in Borneo Cup this Thursday alongside with their team mates.

Good luck to us all.

2. Succeeding obtained Block 6

For FIVE semester in a row, ladies and gentlemen, yours truly has been in Block 6 again despite the pointer that he has. It has to come to a very good medical-purposes-excuse and bit o’ help from our beloved TPHEP himself.

Not to mentioned, Wan too succeed to get a room in Block 6 and the best thing is his all alone there! *mischief grinn*

3. Financial add-on to my account

The payment for blogging has finally banked in. A lot of thanks to Jacklyn Chew for giving her best effort to find the nearest bank and put in rest the money in my account.

Although it isn’t that much, but I really appreciate it. If there’s any more job to do, inform me yeah! LOL

4. Unexpectedly getting a discount at Sushi King

When I received the payments, I ask B.J, Redha and Wan to tag along to the Spring so that I could treat them that 3-For-RM10 Igloo ice balls.

Then we decided to enjoy some sushi at Sushi King outlet downstairs. When we want to pay it up, we’re gave 10% discount with the reason of “just-simply-give-you-guys-discount”. We was like “Oooookaayy” with that gloomy-look eyes.

5. B.J parked his car right in front of the Spring’s entrance

When we went to the Spring again last Saturday and searching for a parking space, we had five rounds at the carpark basement until there’s a car leaving that parking lot just right in front of the entrance.

To make things sounds luckier, B.J accidentally pressed the unlocked switch for the door and his car remain to be unlock until we get there 3 hours later having his car remain safe! Now, how good luck is that!

There’s even a picture to prove it!

6. The Debate Unit get it’s own room!

Finally, there’s a room especially for the Debate Unit and perhaps that room is going to be use to be the administration room for future use. The best part is that all of the debater will be eligible to have their own name card! Now, that’s cool.

7. Progress of the juniors getting much more better and better

Since I already came out with the outline of the debate; on what they have suppose to say for every different position; it looks like the junior debater can get the hang of it. We even the the consistent attendance from a group numbers of people and that is rarely happening for the past semesters. I hope it will continue to stay like that way.

For all of that thing, last week was the best week not just for me but also for the circle as well despite loads of stuff that we had to do. Furthermore, we will continuously retain  the pump but not until it can overflow.

To all junior debaters and whom are interested

As strong as you were, as tender you go

It is hard for me on how to put these in words.

Frustration. Upset. Question. Disappointment. Crushed. Heartbroken.

Those are the things which plays in my mind right now. Even I’ve tried to find the answers along with the reasons, yet the doubt do not want to fade away.

It’s all began during the selection for the Borneo Cup 2010 last Monday.

After I just finished my class around noon, I bumped into B.J who said to me that there will be a try-out for the tournament at that night; he received a text earlier on. Along came Paul telling the same thing; he too received the message.

It was quite weird to have everyone being notified except for me but I just put it aside since I knew that everyone is trying to keep even  a single cent in their credit.

Earlier on, I thought that I would stay in the campus by Tuesday the very next day but due to the try-out, I have to go through the heavy rain in the midst of January to get my stuff at home and come back again to campus before 8.00 p.m.

Here I was; after being soaked in the rain, rushed to packed my none-complete stuff, go through the horrible traffic jam; in the room B430 getting all pump up, thanks to the adrenaline to give all my best.

Since it is an Asian Debate style; hence it is 3 vs. 3 people in that round. The debate start on the motion;

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT GREEN TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE TAX DEDUCTABLE

On the Government side;

• 1st Speaker (Prime Minister) : Yours truly, Rahman Sallehin
• 2nd Speaker (Deputy Prime Minister) : Yan
• 3rd Speaker (Government Whip) : Hando

Meanwhile on the other side of the bench, the Opposition were represented by;

1st Speaker (Leader of Opposition) : B. Terrence

2nd Speaker (Deputy Leader of Oppostion) : B.J

3rd Speaker (Opposition Whip) : Y.B Paul Racha

The adjudicators for the try-out were;

• 1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Simon “Faizal Hakeem” Botley
• 2. Syed Nizamuddin Sayed Kassim a.k.a Swinburne
• 3. Sharifah Shazzea bt. Wan Akil Tuanku Abdullah (Yaya)
• 4. Jeff Johamson

Time Keeper;

Arthur Kulow

I, as the Prime Minister has set a very good and solid case indeed. Let me break it down to you on my case setup.

• Title :

• THBT Green Technology Should Be Tax Deductable

• Definition:

• Green Technology
• 1. Any technology that reduce the rate of carbon emission
•    during the production of a product.
• 2. Any types of method which is “environmental-friendly”
• Tax Deductable
• 1. Reduce the corporate tax
• Perimeter:
• Malaysia
• Problem:
• 1. Copenhagon accord has failed to meet 7 continue the Kyoto 
•     Protol.
• 2. Up to us (Malaysia) to make & start our own effort.
• Stance:
• To ensure the environment is protected from a long term effect for the sake of nature & humankinds. Plus, our goal is to reduce the carbon emission by 1/2 the amount during the 90s by 2050.
• Mechanism:
• 1. Reducing the corporate tax from 25% to 18% along with 
•    insentive such as a cutting from their utilies bill (water &
•    electrical bill)
• 2. It is open to all SMEs, big companies, plantations & factories.
• 3. Every company will submit an application form that will be
•     provided by Ministry of Enviroment (MoH).
• 4. After the form being submitted, inspection of the technology
•    and method will be enforce by the Department of Health.
• 5. A certificate will be given out to the company who meets the
•   requirements (refer to the Definition) and by using e-
• government, the list of the companies will be given to the
• Ministry of Finance & to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
• 6. If any mishap happen, i.e they do not receive the benefit due
•    to unavailable of information in the LHDN system, they can
•    show the cert as a prove and LHDN will refer to the MoH.
• Points:
• Our step will encourage other nation especially in our region to follow our footsteps.
• Summary:
• I have said, mentioned and elaborate all the things that you need to know. If we do not do anything, we will put our nature in jeopardize and it will certainly will give a long-term effect to the nation itself. Hence, I beg to propose

That was my case setup. I have it all structured and gave the layout on what I would say to the adjudicators.

As for the opposition side led by B. Terrence, they came out with a radical approach (Simon Botley, 2010).

Instead by arguing the nature of the debate which is about principal, the opposition side has came out with an idea by giving a counter proposal;

• 1. Rather than deduct the tax, we give the companies including the international companies FREE TAX.
• 2. From there, they would use their profit to be invest in the R&D of green technology.
• 3. Thus, these companies can sell their green technology invention to other companies in the country by having the government controlling the market.
• 4. Government will adopt some of these companies (pre-GLC) and set up new companies which then the government would inject funding for the companies R&D of green technology.
• 5. It will act as a catalyst; by having these companies (reinvest 0% tax income & pre-GLC companies) as the first player in the green technology.
• 6.Plus, it would trigger the newbie to involve in the entrepeurnership.
• 7.The opposition has stated that they would gain back the money in 20 years time.

As you see, there are some fatal flaw in their arguments which my whip successfully pointed out. Kudos for that. For my DPM, she has done a very good job by giving out points on the reasons why we need to approve the motion even though she’s not that well in delivering speech but she could improve on that; job well done, Yan.

FYI, these try-out is for selecting the second team that will come along with the first team.

I swore that I just knew this thing when they want to start for the debate. As for the record, during the previous tournaments, I always being putted (assigned) in second group; hence I do not mind about who’ll be in the first team which they has already sorted it out.

In my mind, the first team would consisting of Swinburne and Jeff (duh, like obviously). As for the third person, I thought it would be either Paul or Terrence.

After the debate has come to an end, the time of truth were finally reveal.

Dr. Simon said that due to the misfortunate experience during the last Borneo Cup, UiTM Sarawak will be sending two adjudicators consist of Yaya and himself.

Afterwards, he announced the people who would be the first team;

• 1.Swinburne
• 2. Jeff
• 3. Hando

It was a bit shocking indeed seeing Hando in the first team but honestly, I do not mind due to the fact that Hando is a really good whip and having him with Swinburne; who is the best 1st speaker; alongside with Jeff; fantastic 2nd speaker; I personally think that it is a very dynamic team indeed. For that matter, I rest my case upon it.

Having the expectation and those excitement rumbling in my chest, Dr. Simon announced the names for the second team.

• 1. B. Terrence
• 2. Paul Racha

And by then he said something which makes my feeling starting not to feel good.

“Now, this may upset some people but I hope you can take this thing well. As for Yan, I’m sorry that you are not being chosen for the team due to the fact that you’re still lacking in delivering speech and we think that you need some more training.”.

Hence, it narrowed down to only B.J and me myself.

• .

• .

• .

• .

• .

• .

• .

• .

• .

B.J is selected for the third slot instead of me and the decision has been made anonymously.

The reason that has being given by the adjudicators to support their selection for the third slot is because;

1. B.J hardly involve in any major debate tournaments where as I already involves in some plus already acquiring many experience throughout the previous tournaments.

2. B.J has shown a lot of improvement compared to me which the adjudicators said “still at the same level”.

Now, I couldn’t argue more about point No. 1. Thus, I’m willingly stepping myself aside and having him in the seat. He deserves it and no hearts taken.

But, for the point No. 2, I hardly disagree with that statement due to the fact the adjudicators always seeing me debating where as for B.J, I couldn’t recall when the last time he debated.

In other words, if they want to make a comparison, please take standard of comparison and improvement when both of us; B.J & myself; last debating together.

For your additional information, the winning has fell to the Government side and I got the Best Speaker during the try-out.

Hence, taking the method of improvement from that night is not a really good way to determine the level of self-improvement due to the fact that Swin and Jeff has seen me debating less than a month ago compared to B.J which I think is more than 3 months.

Thus, the first question arise on the method by determining the debaters improvement method.

Now the second question arise on the selection of Yaya as the second adjudicator.

I myself earlier on questioning about this decision having the fact that she rarely come for debate training the also the question of her commitment towards the club last semester also can be brought up.

Even though she is the Vice President of the Debate Club but she was not acting as one. I remember what Swin said last semester on how he himself will be using meritocracy system of determining which debater will be coming along for any tournaments based on skills, self-improvement, commitment & presence record.

From here, I’m right now have a doubt in his meritocracy method which I fairly can question about Yaya’s appointment.

But there is no use to question these things right now as these people, these team would represent UiTM Sarawak and I believe that they will give their 100% effort to make things happen and come up with success.

Last but not least, this is my last chance to get a ticket for me to represent UiTM Sarawak in the Borneo Cup since this is my last year. Thus, the dream that I hope of can be fulfil and become true has been gone with the wind.

I totally respect the decisions. No doubt in that. I accept the judgement.

I would support them by giving any means of ways especially training B.J since he will be in the same team with Terrence and Paul.

All the best, guys!!!

Note: All the comments and thoughts is personally strictly from yours truly point of view and do not make any assumption on what has been said as my commitment in Debate Club is totally unquestionable.

Attention to All Part – 1

And yes, this is a very firm note. It has been being approved by our beloved dear TPHEP, Associate Professor Dr. Wan Akil Tuanku Abdullah himself.

Hence, this gathering is a MUST to all of you.

Every bit of memory

I’m sorry to you guys for ain’t updating this blog in a while. Blame the exam and the paperwork that I need to do throughout the entire week.

Right now, there’s lot of things which are currently being playing in my mind. Either you like it or not, I’ll try to express every issue that I want to say right now and trust me, it can be quite personal.

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All this while those three girls and I were the most closest people in the group that I called “The Elite Club”. We usually have our lunch together with the groups and even when we finished with our class, we would have our tea time together or if it is already late due to night class or even a debate training, we would conjured together for dinner at the canteen.

But it lasted until two semesters only.

It all change when one of them started to have a relationship. Quietly and slowly, she become more further away from us. I still remember her quote saying that '”..I appreciate my friends more than boyfriend (if I have one)..”. Although she’s still hanging out with us but it only happen in a few occasion. Three times in two weeks if I my calculation is right. So it only left two of them together with me.

Due to a certain academic issue, one of them have to back off from the tertiary education. I was like seems lost for a while since she is the most closest girl with me. It like you lost a twin. So there is just one left.

And recently, I officially lost her due to the fact that she also start to have a boyfriend plus the previous girl whom return to the tertiary education also got herself a boyfriend which makes me……seems gone.

I dated so many girls in the campus but yet, I can’t recall on ANY occasion that I actually left them out. When I think of it all over again, I NEVER DO IT!!! EVEN ONCE!!! So much of the words that they uttered few semesters ago.

People do and does change. Yes, I do realise that but if the change gave a negative effect to me, I wouldn’t accept it. I’m a man of my word and I kept others promise; every single word that came out from their mouth; I do took it seriously. But since all three of them eventually falls to their own world already, perhaps I’ll just be an observer. See the situation and their life from afar and if anything bad happening to them, I’ll be there.

Yes, you and they could say that I already have so much of girls around my life. It’s true, indeed. But the feeling being around them isn’t the same as being around with you guys. Did you ever realized that?

I don’t blame the first girl-friend because she tends to go home after having the class. Where as for the second girl-friend, she already got a new circle with her; BAD ONES whom always influenced her to do something stupid; even she try to deny the fact but it is obvious. As for the third-girlfriend, she’s right now along with her boyfriend, as I see is leading towards to the “social outcast” status.

Why do I said that? Both of them try to control each other by not letting any guy or girl approach each other. I mean, even the boyfriend told off one of their male friend who actually helping those two to become a couple.

Love tends to make people blind and it is now applicable to the second and third girl-friends.

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For The Elite Club circle, let us see our journey down the memory lane throughout the semesters before you guys hit to pursue your degree.

Warning: It may bring back some issue

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On a separate issue, my parents would not allow me to go to represent UiTM Sarawak in debate after the exam. They said it is not an academic issue for me thus is not important.

I said to them, “Well, do you expect me to sit at the house and babysit for this whole one month!? What do I gain? Nothing!!!”.

And my mum came up with what she thinks a solution. “Okay, I give you green light to go but don’t expect us to give you pocket money to go there…”.

And I was like……”What!?”.

I mean, there’s nothing is what I could a sense of pride in their voice of having a son represent his university in a tournament.

Why?

Because they think that having me as the only English speaker in the house tends to make me like an “Englishman-wannabe” and try to be in the category of trying to be an “up” person.

In their eyes, speaking English is just to pass the exam and other than that is just for showing off that you actually can speak English.

Luckily I already brainwash my siblings to accept English as a way of the communication in the house.

Yet, about the “no-pocket-money-if-I-go-debating-in-West-Malaysia” is still an issue from me. *Sigh*

Good vs. Evil

Along my way to put up the notice for the next public debate which is look like this:-

Then, I noticed a notice beside one of the notice that I put up which looks like this:-

Hence, which will attrack

which?

Just think I did have the week of my life...

Just then, PR called me.

PR:
I just saw your blog (referring to The Elite Club). It's quite good I say

Me :
Oh, thank you...*felt strange on PR's sudden call*

PR:
But ermmm Black. Could you please watch out the blog? Cause you see, later *authority* knows it's quite....you know.

Me :
Yes PR. I understand *thinking WTF, (authority) just buzz off*

PR:
Man, I'm sorry to say this to you. I know you look highly to The Debate Club. But please, control the blog okay. I mean, I myself are quite hate this type of conversation. But I'm just telling you about this matter. I'm sorry man.

Me : It's okay PR...no sweat. *darn! Is this meaning I need to shut down the site?*

But you know what I did? Yes, I'll control the post to TEC but then, I create a new blog for TDC itself. It was title:

The Debate Club