It's Your Captains Speaking!

A Compilation of the Thoughts of House Captains of 2014

(Put together by Chin Wye Mun & Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014)

Juniors, brats, annoying minions who sometimes (always) skip marching practices - it’s your captains speaking, hear hear! Just kidding. However much we may shout at you during marching, or make you do a hundred squats when you come a teeny bit late (psst Beruangs), we still love you deep down inside... deep, deep, deep down inside. 

With the First House Cup (FHC) meeting its end and the Big Splash having had its glorious moment in the spotlight, you might be wondering, what’s next for your captains, or rather ex-captains? The first thing out of our mouths would be studying. Caps locks, underlined and bolded. 

As much as we hate it, there are simply some sad truths we must come to terms with and the need to study is one of them. The FHC season is the perfect recipe for academic disaster with three cups of skipping classes, a teaspoon or two of angry teachers and piles of homework. Not to mention a gazillion google forms to fill in by -/-/-, ample amounts of chasing after that Freshman student whose name you just can’t recall, and a lot of “DID THEY EXTEND THE DEADLINES???" (No, no they didn't sadly.) 

The Beruang captains will forever be known as the tragically injured, starlit duo, who had the strength and courage to keep marching on through their strikingly similar injuries. The pair who stuck through thick and thin, during strenuous marching practices, vicious SFA matches, even tug-of-war ; who kept going through the pain, carrying their team forward, who put their house over themselves, who fell but picked themselves right back up again. 

Melodramatic reprise aside, seriously, hats off to the duo. It’s hard to be on the team knowing that your fellow housemates depend on you, but it’s even harder knowing you can only watch from the sidelines and cheer your heart out. 

Through the rough journey, the Beruangs had a solid senior team behind the blue curtains. Lady captain, Chin Wye Mun passes on her sincerest thanks to the seniors bears of 2014. "Everything we've accomplished this year could never have been possible without the help of the seniors. We've had our little bouts of drama, we've had our tiny (or not so) arguments and telling-offs but ultimately, I must say we did quite well pulling through together. I've never been so proud to be a Beruang and I would never want to be called one, if it meant I wouldn't be with these idiots. The bears are a family I'd never exchange. We have the slackers, the drama queens, the jokers and obviously it's not the most perfect bunch but that's what makes us who we are - family."

Seladang captain Vanisha Ann also refers to there other Seladang seniors as family. "It isn't flesh and blood, but the heart that makes us brothers and sisters. You guys are truly such a fun and talented bunch to work and play with. We have dancers, athletes, sportsmen/women, math geniuses, prized debaters and the list of skills just goes on and on. I will always remember the night we watched the Thomas Cup together whilst giving senseless commentary over WhatsApp. Creeping around the library with a camera trying to hide from the librarians (the real ones). We may not have won, but the memories we've shared won our hearts. I will never forget "HEHH, Maths, Shadow Master, Buff Eug, Banana, Lembu, Milk & Coco Puff, W I N, Natzi, Vengsta, Eeyneyt, Ah Meng, Awesome Ashley XD, Phoebe, Lum Lum, Adem Ser, Jes & Ramen. 

Beruang house captain Ezzamel Zarif says if he could relive any of the FHC moments, he wouldn’t mind reliving them all - that is except for Mathematics Olympiad he says. Probably one of the most mentally and even physically taxing events this year thanks to the Mathematics teachers who live to make our lives crazed with numbers and things that aren't even remotely related to them.

And it’s no surprise when he says that given the chance, he would want to relieve Games Carnival the most. A sentiment shared by the Seladangs. Seladang captain Ryan Yoong says " They said we'd never be able to do it; This year we proved them wrong!"

As for Helangs, Games Carnival was a rather touchy subject, however when asked, they also wouldn’t mind reliving all the FHC competitions. But for them, the march past competition wins, bar none. 

Preparations were and I quote “a good experience and everyone had fun ... - not really, they got scolded and had to do punishments if they didn’t listen”. However their determination even through the haze and the long break in between was what made their win so sweet in the end, as clarified by lady captain, Amirah Farhanah. It was with eagle-soaring pride that the Helangs marched out onto the tracks with great style and flamboyance that led them to their well-deserved victory for March Past in Damansara, and 2nd place overall. Something fellow captain Colin Yoong defines as one of his best moments in high school life. 

Amirah and Colin could not possibly have claimed the trophy if not for the help of their amazing group of seniors. Amirah says, "We unite for the sake of the house! Especially during March Past preparation, it really showed how strong our ties were because no matter how much "debate" we had, we still pulled through and worked as a team to achieve our goal. Every single one of us were really quirky and unique in our own way and that was really special because we never had anything in common but senior year changed everything for us. After all the obstacles we faced this year as a family, I'm really going to miss them and all their shenanigans."

For Rumah Harimau, this FHC was quite an unexpected journey. Let's not deny that the tigers haven't exactly had the best history in the FHC. The reds have not held the First House Cup for a few years now and captains Jazmyn Chang, Imran Teh and Nicholas Kong were not delusional to this fact but yet they still kept the goal in view and went at it charging. 

Not quite kicking off to a spectacular start at the beginning of the season, the tigers faced reality but their spirits remained strong throughout, resulting in a couple of great achievements for them. For one, they climbed their way to becoming top-tier contenders in the third quarter of the race as we were nearing the academic events of the FHC. Unfortunately though, the Harimaus met their fate of being crowned winners of the Big Splash in the very end - and still one they met with smiles.

Through the eyes of captains Jazmyn and Imran, the one FHC event they'd love to relive is the Interhouse Dance competition. "I had a lot of fun and I never knew dance was that nice and I wish I tried dance earlier because it's so fun and nice," says Imran who, obviously thinks two things about dance - fun, and nice. 

When on the subject of the other Harimau seniors, Jazmyn expresses her deepest delight in working with them, describing the gang as a "pleasure" to work with. Brutally honest, Captain Kong describes them as "the most unorganized but friendliest of all." 

Our article is pretty much coming to its end and it's been a long ride. To the other houses, Seladang captain Amanda reveals that it was indeed "an honour to compete with you all". Further from that, she mentions, "We've had our differences. Our competitive moments. Those awkward moments where you're caught between talking to your friend, and being loyal to your house. There were tense situations, fierce matches. But the defining moment was when in the end, although Harimau won the Big Splash, it was the Class of 2014 seniors who jumped into the pool that day."

To the new group of captains and seniors coming to take over our reins and drive the house to a hopeful victory, Wye Mun says, "I once received advice from a senior when things were tough during the FHC. At the time, I was rather skeptical of it. Ex-house captain of Rumah Helang 2012, Deborah Chew told me, "Just give it your best. In the end, no one really remembers who wins the house cup. Hahaha." I give all due respect to the eagles for claiming the cup this year and surely it was a memorable win but truly on that day as we linked arms and fell together into the pool, I felt Deborah's advice come to life. It is something I wish to share with all incoming captains and the captains after that and the captains after that and just the seniors in general. FHC is a stressful journey, there is no doubt about that but your senior year is one for memories so don't get too caught up in the competition and remember to relish and cherish the moments that count."

May the force be with you all to survive this hellish rollercoaster ride. There'll be screams. Green faces. Ups and downs and turn-a-rounds. No FHC is complete without a sudden change in timetables or a new twist to add to the already hard event. But regardless, you'll come out still standing in the end. Best of luck, never forget us and thank you. Have a wonderful FHC season! 

Much love from all of your captains. 

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.

Proud To Be Malaysian

written by Sarah Rajaratnam, Sophomore Cempaka, Class of 2016

Malaysia,
The celebration of our nation,
Wonderful, amazing, beautiful,
Words cannot describe this country,


I am proud of our mouth watering food,
I am proud of our astounding accomplishments over the years,
I am proud of how we stand, together through thick and thin
regardless of race religion, I am proud to be Malaysian

We are Malaysians, proud of our food,
proud of our needless great minds that continue to brood,
proud of the great accomplishments we have made,
and for the next 51 years and beyond we will create,


We stand together through thick or thin,
to celebrate each day in malaysia with a grin,
for regardless of race or religion,
we are all proud to be called Malaysian,


Malaya to Malaysia,
Sarawak and Sabah,
The glorious day,
In which we come together,
as Malaysia


The hole in our hearts with Singapore gone,
To be filled with nationalism, independence and more,
As we shed our past and moved on,
A greater path we have and continue to strive for.

Happy Malaysia Day!

Submitted by Ian Lim, Junior 1 Venter, Class of 2015

      

Big Splash 2014 Glimpses

It's only once a year when senior students are allowed 

to jump into the school's pool with their clothes on, and even watch their house captains being thrown in by their peers. No Cempakan will ever forget their experience doing this. With that being said, here are the pictures of the Annual Big Splash 2014.

Harimau

Beruang

Seladang

Helang

After-splash Fun

Photographed by Lai Li Chan and Gavin See of Junior 1 Higgs, Class of 2015.

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.