Throwback: Kelantan Trip 2015

by Lee Ting An, Junior 2 Higgs, Class of 2015,

The states of Malaysia live at the constant whims of mother nature. Often, there is endless heat with bright sunshine and scorching temperatures, and you’ll see kids coming back from the ‘padang’ after their football games brown and burnt. This year, we were instead met with a colossal amount of rainfall, which eventually led to one of the worst, most devastating floods in the history of Malaysia.

With mud levels up to the waist, houses wrecked and their daily lives rather suddenly torn apart, the people of Kelantan - among one of the places which was hit the hardest - found themselves in desperate need of aid. While flood relief centres helped to supply basic needs like drinking water and food, they could only do so much, and were short-supplied and equally short-handed. Cempaka Schools leapt to the opportunity, and held a massive donation drive where we collected not only food and water, but the things donors tend to overlook - items that would help them resume their normal, daily lives, such as toiletries like soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, sanitary pads, clothes, hangers, towels, exercise books and stationery, and other assorted household items.

This mammoth donation drive, with so many items to collect, sort, separate, package, and distribute, took an enormous amount of effort to get done. It took the entire Cempakan family of teachers and students alike several days to go through the entire process, but with a remarkable efficiency borne of teamwork and cooperation, we achieved it with time to spare.

In February, another team of teachers, students, and staff, sat through a 9 hour bus ride to Kelantan, to help lighten the load of those who had the misfortune to be caught in one of the worst floods of our time. Together with us we brought a lorry full of donated items, and the burning desire to help those in need. On the way we could already witness the devastation that the floods had caused: torn houses, buildings with roofs caved in, and the unmissable mark that mud waters left on walls, all of which was visible even from our bus.

The first challenge we faced was housing. Finding a place to sleep for a 50-odd group of people was not the easiest task, and I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of everyone from my school, to the thank the man and his family who allowed us to stay at his house. He selflessly gave us his house and food, and the 50 of us spent the night on sleeping bags on his comfortable floor.

The next morning, we were up by sunrise, and ready to bring what help we could to SMK Teriang, a school that was left completely ravaged by the flood. Tables, chairs, and several buildings were destroyed by the flood, and by the time we’d gotten there, they had already scrubbed the mud that reached up to their knees off their walls. The entire compound was dusty and had little furniture that had survived against the destructive power of the water. Our first priority was unloading the tables and chairs that we had brought from our own school compound, and

reassembling them with the tools that we’d brought.

While the teachers who were more competent with hammers and nails slowly changed a pile of wooden slabs and metal into tables, the students and other teachers organised themselves into groups and decided on a timetable and goals. We started off the day by painting the now dark brown walls of the school to a clean, refreshing, white. After scraping the dirt and dried mud off the walls, some of us put on the first coat of white while the rest cleaned, mopped, and tidied up the little school.

By afternoon, the first coat was dry, and the compound had gained the busy, bustling atmosphere of extremely efficient work. Everyone was running around, sweating heavily under the hot sun, all of us carrying a roller, brush, mop or broom, but we all had a smile on our faces. The face masks that we wore to stop us from breathing in the old paint that we scraped off the wall, along with our hair, were by now flecked with white paint. By now, the school’s students had joined us, and together with our combined efforts we managed to finish on schedule.

After putting four coats of paint, the entire school had a new, different look. We formed assembly lines and began passing tables, chairs and shelves to each class, and then arranged them according to a floor plan. The art teachers painted a massive mural on a wall, and the students began to happily sit at their new desks, some already deciding where they wanted to sit.

The next day, we said our goodbyes, and then left for home on another 10 hour long journey. We made several little pit stops along the way to witness the culture of Kelantan, taking a glimpse of the various markets that sold knick knacks and held little nuggets of a traditional civilisation that we’d left behind. We were all tired and weary, but I daresay that none of us would have missed it, and we will gladly go again, should the opportunity arise.

It was an enlightening experience to help someone in need, and see their eyes light up when they look at their new books. Or watch a dusty, murky school slowly transform into a new centre for learning and education. I felt privileged to be a part of this trip, as I believe I speak for everyone when I say that I learned, gained, and experienced so much. I’ve seen first hand the sheer grit that the people there show, waking up with a smile even after their lives have been destroyed, and I’ve learned that if you just bite your tongue and pull through that everything will turn out ok. I’ve seen proof that if you work hard enough, and work together, nothing is impossible - even transforming an entire school within one day! But the best lesson I learned is that often times, receiving something for yourself is great, but doing something for someone else, is much, much better.

What Is The Ukraine Crisis?

by Natasha Wong and Ayena Shaneez

Lightning is said to never strike twice, but this time it did. Just months after the disappearance of MH370, MH17 was accidentally shot down by Russian-backed rebels, 40 kilometers from the Ukrainian-Russian border in Donetsk, Ukraine. All 283 passengers and 15 crew on board were killed. This intensified the international spotlight on the Ukrainian crisis and brought the crisis to Malaysian soil by meaninglessly involving Malaysian lives. Like every international conflict, it needs to be looked at from different perspectives, and we here will let you have a glimpse at both, from the Ukrainian government and the Russian government.

PRO-UKRAINIAN

Ukraine only achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Ever since, it has experienced a faltering economy and a wavering foreign policy, until then-President Viktor Yanukovych decided to further relations with Russia instead of the EU. This provoked the people to protest against the government, with support from the US and Europe.

Once the corrupt Yanukovych was driven out of the country and his government toppled, Russian troops invaded and annexed Crimea in an attempt to salvage its influence in Ukraine. The pro-Russian separatists in Eastern Ukraine felt that Russia would give them better terms. Hence, they allowed Russia to claim territory. The rebels pushed further and further, gaining control over a wider area of Eastern Ukraine.

The new pro-EU government started a military operation to forcibly drive the separatists out of East Ukraine. It did not go exactly as planned, as the separatists manage to organise and launch a counteroffensive, cutting off government troops. The turmoil was taken advantage of by Russia, and they sent in troops and supplied arms to the rebels in Crimea. Reports came in that Russia had amassed some 20 thousand military troops near the border, and had shot an anti-aircraft missile.

With the amount of resources such as military strength and weapons they have invested in, Putin’s motives still remain painfully unclear. But ever since Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Putin’s approval ratings have skyrocketed. This is a huge change compared to the Russian public’s response to his possibly-rigged re-election in 2012 which sparked mass protests in Moscow. Ever since, Putin has started pushing an anti-West foreign policy, and an attempt to revive imperialist Russia.

When MH17 was shot down by the rebels, Putin was quick to cut all ties with them but the truth was already out: a civilian plane carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew hailing from Malaysia, Australia and the Netherlands were victims of the rebel movement that was supported and armed by President Putin. And they seem to have died in vain as the fighting has only intensified after the tragedy.

PRO-RUSSIAN

Ukrainians are divided into those that see Ukraine as part of Europe and others who see themselves as linked to Russia by historical bonds to the Russian Empire.

In Crimea, according to the 2001 Ukrainian Census, Russians make up more than half (58%) of the population, with 77% of inhabitants claiming Russian as their primary language. This shows that Crimea is a predominantly Russian state that wishes only to be reunited with Russia. There was even an illegitimate majority vote among Crimeans for them to become a part of Russia. So why not allow Crimea to be a part of Russia?

Meanwhile, Ukraine has seen a government overhaul, carrying out its own political revolution. The Russians have not approved of this change, refusing to accept the new 2014 interim government, with it siding with NATO. NATO or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, safeguards the freedom and security of its members through the use of political and military means. This means stopping Russia from colonising and ruling over surrounding countries, becoming more powerful than it is now.

Russia has repeatedly called to consider peaceful talks to solve the fighting. Humanitarian supply trucks sent by Russia to help Luhansk and Donetsk civilians trapped in the fighting were delayed for a week after the Ukrainian government asked for different permits despite showing consent from the US and the Red Cross.

This war has killed at least 2,593 people since mid-April, not including the passengers and crew of our own MH17. 951 civilians were shot down and killed in the Donetsk region alone. In other dangerous sites, numbers remain inaccurate. The rebels are losing and Russia does not seem to have any clear plan ahead. Economic sanctions imposed by the US and the EU are pushing Russia to the brink of collapsing in on itself. However, no one from the West is intervening as it would bring the threat of a third world war that much closer to reality.

YOUR OPINION

After reading both perspectives, what do you think? Is one side more right than the other? Should they both be making a greater effort to achieve peace? What is Putin thinking? Well dear readers, only time will tell.

The Importance of Malaysia Day

written by Nicole Lee, Junior 1 Higgs, Class of 2015

When you ask any Malaysian whether they know the significance of Merdeka Day, the usual response would be that it’s about Malaysia gaining it’s independence on the 31st of August. In addition to this, most of us celebrate the independence of the country with parades, parties, a short vacation and not to forget the shopaholics who go crazy over the sales. Why is it that whilst Merdeka Day is celebrated widely across the country, Malaysia Day is merely a footnote in our history books?

It is very often forgotten that Malaysia was only formed on the 16th of September 1963 when Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined together with the existing States of the Federation of Malaya, to establish the new federation of Malaysia. They did not join Malaysia before 1957 as is commonly thought. In other words, the 16th of September, Malaysia Day is Malaysia’s birthday. This recently created holiday, since 2010, has much significance for East Malaysia as recognition is given to the fact that they are part of Malaysia.

I feel that Malaysia Day should be celebrated with more pride. Yes, there may be a few things we can improve on such as the political, racial, religious and social undercurrents. However, we should put these things aside as we should be thankful for the many blessings we’ve had over the past decades. We live in a diverse country filled with people whom we call family despite our different cultures and races, a country rich in resources and free from natural disasters. 

Many stories from the man in the street will confirm that most Malaysians are blind to each others skin colour. It is so common to see  different races sitting together, over a cup of teh tarik whilst discussing common things like how the country fared in the badminton competition or the impact of inflation on their lifes. The recent disaster faced by Malaysia Airlines brought the people together. Everyone grieved, irrespective of the colour, race or religion of the victims. 

Malaysia Day is a day to remind us that we’re really fortunate to have the different races from various backgrounds living together in harmony. Most foreigners are truly amazed when they see how we can easily switch from one language to another in a conversation and understand each other. Malaysia Day, let’s give it the recognition it so richly deserves.

Big Splash Through the Years

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Like our seniors have done before, and their seniors' seniors too.
And as our juniors will do in the years to come, and their juniors' juniors too.
The big splash is a long, upstanding tradition in the Cempaka family, just one out of the many that us seniors will hold dear to our hearts. 

Class of 2010

Class of 2010

3!…..

Tomorrow, the pool will overflow. Not just with water, and uniform-clad bodies, but also with memories to last a lifetime. 

Class of 2011

Class of 2011

2!…...

Even though the location has changed, from our beloved Damansara to Cheras.
Even though tomorrow there'll be quite a bit more bodies jumping in than we initially thought.

Class of 2012

Class of 2012

1!…….
Even though there's been more ups and downs and turn arounds, making it one hell of a senior year.

Class of 2013

The essence of what big splash truly is about, will always remain the same. 

Class of 2014 - to come.

UPDATE:

The Class of 2014 has finally made their oh-so-glamorous entrance into both the pool and the Big Splash gallery.

Class of 2014

This beauty is only one of the many bittersweet moments captured for the Class of 2014. 

Proceed here to view more of the bittersweet moments captured.

Will There Be Justice For Ferguson?

Written by Natasha Wong, Class of 2016

Only a small spark is needed to ignite a fire; in this case, an 18-year-old black teenager, shot by a police officer. This little spark has managed to light a fire in the community of Ferguson, Missouri, igniting one of the most controversial disputes between law enforcement and citizens.

Despite its small town roots, this story has spread throughout the country, making its way to international news. It all began when the aforementioned teenager, Michael Brown, was shot by a police officer,causing an outrage within the predominantly black community, adding to the already high tensions between them and the largely white police force. This only served to worsen ties, and cause the massive rioting and protests we now hear on the news.

Since the incident, marches and protests were being held not only in Ferguson but on the streets of Washington, DC. The message they are trying to convey is simple: stop the abuse of authority. Bearing messages such as “Hands up! Don’t Shoot!” and “How many must die?”, they were trying to show the unfairness of the police, all of this relating to the incident in Ferguson.

Ferguson is a predominantly black community as mentioned before, with 64% black citizens, 33% being white and the remaining consisting of other ethnicities. Of the 54 law enforcement officers in the community, only 3 are black. However, blacks account for 86% of traffic stops and 92% of all arrests in the community-according to The New York Times. This serves to prove the immense power balance of the white police against the black community, which when separated like so, causes spite, anger and discrimination.

Since the shooting, the police have had to resist the outraged cries of the citizens. The way they handled it was unprofessional and heavy handed. Their actions have only managed to aggravate the people and exacerbate the situation. These foul tactics included, according to citizen statements, using illegal chokeholds and shouting racial slurs.

One is shocked by all of this: the severe imbalance and abuse of the power given unto the police. The situation has brought doubt and suspicion upon the competency of the police force, and whether it really has been doing its job objectively. It also raises questions of whether the issue of racism in America has really shown such positive improvement as has been claimed.

There are many ways of looking at this situation but there is no reasoning for the blatant racism shown not only by Ferguson's police force but also by members of America's white community. 

Amidst the pain and grief endured after Michael Brown's death, will there be justice?

A Day of Mourning

written by Ayden Emir Harryman, Sophomore Terra, Class of 2016

“Today we mourn the loss of our people. Today, we begin to bring them home. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives. Today we stand with you, united as one,” said Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday, 22nd of August, 2014, to the families as their loved ones, the first 20 out of 43 Malaysians who were killed in the MH17 incident arrived home. 

Friday was the first time Malaysia has declared a national day of mourning for all citizens. It was a day in which people from all over Malaysia mourned and prayed for those who passed away on board flight MH17.

It was clear that people everywhere in the country were participating in this national day of mourning. Flags were flown at half mast, special prayers in mosques were held, schools held special assemblies and events. Cempaka was one of those schools - students from both Damansara and Cheras campuses came together to witness the arrival of the first twenty remains of the 43 Malaysians killed when the plane was shot down. A minute of silence was held throughout Malaysia at 10.55 am. 

It was a day where Malaysians stood together no matter what race, gender or religion to pray and mourn the losses of their beloved family members and fellow Malaysians. People lined the roads and streets as the Hearses drove by, conducting prayers and standing in respect and patriotism at their fallen countrymen.

The MH17 tragedy has opened the eyes of many,especially those with family or friends in the airline industry. While it was undoubtedly one of the most tragic events in our country's history, this disaster has uncannily brought all of us closer together as a nation, and shown the world the united and loving nature of Malaysia. We citizens will never forget the MH17 tragedy, and the spirit of all the unfortunate victims will remain in our hearts for eternity from generation to generation, because simply put, that's what makes us Malaysian.

MTV Video Music Awards 2014

Written by Khandhan Nadarajan, Junior 1 Higgs, Class of 2015

Recently, the MTV Video Music Awards were held to honour the best of the best artists for their music videos presented by MTV. This year’s Video Music Awards was very different but still featured elements and essences of last year’s Video Music Awards. The 31st annual award show was held at The Forum in Inglewood, California. 

The number of nominations were led by Beyonće, with 8 nominations including Video of the Year, Best Female, Best Collaboration, Best cinematography and more. Following Queen Bey were newcomer Iggy Azalea and VMA veteran Eminem with 7 nominations each. Eminem’s nominations included Best Hip-Hop Video, Best Male, Best Collaboration, Best Editing and more. Iggy Azalea made her VMA debut thanks to her #1 hit “Fancy” which will allow her to battle for Video of the Year, Best Female, Best Pop, Best Collaboration and more. Other nominations included Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Lorde, Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrel Williams and many more. They entire list was made available through Snapchat on July 17

Video of the Year Nominees
From Left to Right: Iggy Azalea, Miley Cyrus, Pharrel Williams, Beyonce and Sia

Best Female
From Top to Bottom: Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Iggy Azalea, Beyonce and Lorde.

Best Male
From Top to Bottom: Pharrel Williams, Ed Sheeran featuring Pharrel Williams, Eminem, Sam Smith and John Legend.

Now for the most significant awards of the entire show, Video of the Year, Best Female, Best Male, Best Pop, Best Rock, Best Hip-Pop and Best Collaboration. The Moonman for Best Video of the Year went to Miley Cyrus for “Wrecking Ball”, managing to beat out Beyonće and Jay Z’s “Drunk in Love”, Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX’s “Fancy”, Pharrel William’s “Happy” and Sia’s “Chandelier”. On the other hand, Best Male Video went to Ed Sheeran and Pharrel Williams for their single “Sing” and Best Female Video went to Katy Perry and Juicy J for their single “Dark Horse”.

Futhermore, Ariana Grande’s “Problem” took the Moonman home for Best Pop and “Hold on We’re Going Home” by Drake and Majid Jordan won for Best Hip-Pop. Lets all not forget Lorde and her chart-topper “Royals” that won Best Rock. Moreover, the winners for the non-voting category were Sia’s “Chandelier” for Best Choreography, OK Go’s “Writing on the Wall” for Best Visual Effects, Arcade Fire’s “Reflektor” for Best Art Direction and more. 

The show was entertained with a myriad of performances, opened by Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Jessie J with “Break Free”, “Anaconda” and “Bang Bang”. “Break Free” was performed by Ariana Grande with an amazingly out of this world set. It was immediately followed by Nicki Minaj’s jungle themed rendition of “Anaconda”. The femme fatale filled performance was finished with “Bang Bang” performed by all three of the esteemed artists. The VMAs continued with performances from Taylor Swift with her new pop anthem “Shake it Off” and Sam Smith with an heart-clutching rendition of “Stay with Me”. The plethora of performances carried on with Usher featuring Nicki Minaj with “She Came to Give it to You”, “Amnesia” performed by 5 Seconds of Summer and “Black Widow” performed by Iggy Azalea with Rita Ora and Maroon 5 performed “Maps” (for the first time on a major award show) and “One More Night”.

The cornucopia of entertainment were then tied together by Beyonće’s larger-than-life 15 minute medley. The stomping performance compiled all of the tracks from Beyonće’s surprise visual album, from an alluring performance of “Drunk in Love” and “Flawless” to a touching rendition of “Blue” and “XO”. The performance was ended with Beyonće receiving the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award (also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to artists that helped shape the MTV culture. The award was presented by Beyonce’s husband, Jay Z and their child Blue Ivy.  

The best part of the show was when Miley Cyrus won Video of the Year with “Wrecking Ball”. Much to our surprise, the “Wrecking Ball” singer didn’t go on stage to receive the award. Contrary to last year, when Miley Cyrus caught our attention for all the wrong reasons, she caught our attention this year for one very right reason. That reason was allowing a formerly homeless youth, Jesse, to accept the award on her behalf accompanied by a heartfelt speech. Unlike last year, Miley Cyrus used her popularity along with the popularity of the VMAs to give homeless youths the attention they need. With the most shocking and beautiful moment of the night, there is no more fitting way to end this article than with the young man's speech itself.

“Thank y’all, my name is Jesse and I am accepting this award on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youths in the United States who are starving, lost and scared for their lives right now, I know this because I am one of these people. Though I may have been invisible to you in the streets, I have a lot of the same dreams that brought many of you here tonight.”