Interschool Debating Championship 2010

Interschool Debating Championship finally concluded last April. Interschool Debating Championship is the biggest debating carnival in Malaysia which draws the biggest number of participation from various schools in Malaysia such as MRSMs, boarding schools, private schools and religious schools.

This year, MCKK sent two teams comprising of BM and English team. For a record, Malay debating team crashed during quarter final to KISAS while English team lost to KYS during octo final.

In this posting, most of my writings would touch on the journey and not so much on the results. I always thought that it is wiser to discuss about the journey rather than outcomes since it would be the biggest lesson learnt by all of us.

This year, the boys are coached by the junior coaches. Abg Raf has decided to move on and pass the baton to us. After a series of discussion and negotiation, the team has been consolidated by some new faces. Aleng (Class of 2007) took the lead and he is responsible in making sure that everything in the team is in a good state.

This year, the competition was not only a test for the boys to prove their mettle, but it was actually a bigger test for the junior coaches to prove that we can do this job and fulfil our obligation.

The planning for UIA started in early April. All of us were assigned with respective duty and task. We were very lucky this year as Rashad agreed to offer his apartment for us to stay and car to ferry us to UIA. If we were to stay with the boys, most likely we would end up sleeping with each other in a very packed room! It was not really good to do that because the boys required a comfortable place to rest and sleep since big tournament like this is usually very tiring.

Our stay at Rashad’s place was a good one as we took it as a chance to catch up with each other and plan our strategy for every debate. Every day, we woke up early in the morning and rushed to UIA without having a proper breakfast (and sleep). We went back around 12 o’clock midnight after sitting with the boys and discussed about several issues. Ha ha the moment we reached home, all of us were knocked out! I wonder how my senior coaches survived six years ago doing the same routine like what we did (actually it was even more tiring since they had to complete our factsheets and do other stuffs).

This year, the biggest challenge was to manage the issue of expectation. In every debate, I would be bombarded with a few comments which suggested that the team did not reach the real expectation. “Fendy, this is not the MCKK that I knew,” was the same repeated line by every judge.

I was a MCKK debater for five years. For the past five years, I would always tell myself that the real opponent was always my own team. We were judged by our own standard. The concept is simple. The moment you fail to fulfil the expectation, you would be defeated. I know it sounds unfair, but that is the price you have to pay when you are a MCKK debater. However, I always viewed it as a reason for me to do my best. To deliver my very best performance in every debate would be the greatest satisfaction of all.

After every debate, I told the boys to rectify their mistakes. Yes, with not so nice words, we had to do what we have to do. But the boys never failed to muster collective strength and give their best effort to win. At least, when we lost during quarter final, I was told by Aslam (Class of 2007) and Aqwa (Class of 2009) that it was their best debate ever throughout the tournament. If you boys can read this, my advice is simple. Work hard and never stop learning. You have talent and don’t waste it. If you need help, you know where you can find us.

As a conclusion, I really hope that this defeat would inspire the boys and teachers to work hard for the next PPM which will be held in Sekolah Menengah Sains Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. You know what it takes to win.

To Rashad (Class of 2008), Che Nab (Class of 2007), eD (Class of 2007) Aleng, Aslam and Aqwa, thank you very much for being there. I hope you would remember and value our ride in Rashad’s Honda City which was packed by almost 6 people of us in one small car. This would definitely be another learning curve for us. There will be a lot more to come in the future.

To our international correspondents namely Haqa and Bucks, thank you for your help. Bila kitaorang nak dapat postcard nieh?

Thank you to Abg Raf for dropping by and check on us. While we were already expected a ‘walkabout’ from you ha ha, still we were happy to see you around. We appreciate your help and support. Inshallah, things will progress better. Thank you again.

Thank you to the parents who continuously support the team. I was informed that Uncle Amir and wife together with Uncle Helmy and wife were there as well to provide moral support to the team. We are happy to have you on board.

Yes, the destination is important, but the journey matters more.