In my last post, I said we were finally allowed to represent Penang for the National Level English Debate. Noticed the word 'allowed'? Ya. The truth is, the reason why we were never allowed to represent in the first place back in 1999 and 2000, and nearly in 2008 was because there is this rule stipulating that there must be a bumiputra as the main speaker in the team. And for the last 2 times we have won the state competition, we've had no bumiputra in our team, let alone one as a bumiputra. So on both ocassions, the runner-ups were instead selected to represent.
Now here's the part where some would say gets funny. Runner's up representing? Who has ever heard of that happening? It's only logical that the best represent the state, and naturally the best has to be the team which won the state competition. But I suppose rules are rules. And unfortunately, for the sake of representing the state this time, we resorted on a 'bumiputra hunt'. I know it sounds a bit racist, but hey, our team this time around doesn't have a bumiputra either and we had no choice but to go searching for one. And as you all know, Chung Ling being a chinese school, there weren't many to select and we had to pick the best out of the 'worst'. But I must say that our new recruit is performing quite well above my expectations.
This rule is a sensitive rule, and as such, I don't want to be commenting too much on it, less I provoke the wrath of ISA or the Sedition Act and be sent to Malaysia's greatest five-star resort with bottomless teh tariks and nasi lemak. But I do have this to say: A rule like this is akin to the Olympics banning the participation of athletics of a certain race, because either way, it's still a race-related rule and no matter how tries to paint it in whatever tone or light one wants, it's still racial discrimination. But of course, I do understand what nation I live in and the reason behind such a rule. And I must respect such a rule because it's after all a competition and as a participant one is supposed to respect the rules of a competition. But that of course doesn't really justify accepting such a rule.
Still, the sensitivity of this issue unforunately has made me hold silent my trail of thoughts, and therefore I shall say no more. I believe the most important thing now is to be able to enjoy the whole process and look it at a more positive light. I shall take it as challenge, that even with a handicap, we shall be able to win it, and win it good. That's what I think, should be the spirit and no rule, no matter how unfair it may seem should ever dampen that.
Now here's the part where some would say gets funny. Runner's up representing? Who has ever heard of that happening? It's only logical that the best represent the state, and naturally the best has to be the team which won the state competition. But I suppose rules are rules. And unfortunately, for the sake of representing the state this time, we resorted on a 'bumiputra hunt'. I know it sounds a bit racist, but hey, our team this time around doesn't have a bumiputra either and we had no choice but to go searching for one. And as you all know, Chung Ling being a chinese school, there weren't many to select and we had to pick the best out of the 'worst'. But I must say that our new recruit is performing quite well above my expectations.
This rule is a sensitive rule, and as such, I don't want to be commenting too much on it, less I provoke the wrath of ISA or the Sedition Act and be sent to Malaysia's greatest five-star resort with bottomless teh tariks and nasi lemak. But I do have this to say: A rule like this is akin to the Olympics banning the participation of athletics of a certain race, because either way, it's still a race-related rule and no matter how tries to paint it in whatever tone or light one wants, it's still racial discrimination. But of course, I do understand what nation I live in and the reason behind such a rule. And I must respect such a rule because it's after all a competition and as a participant one is supposed to respect the rules of a competition. But that of course doesn't really justify accepting such a rule.
Still, the sensitivity of this issue unforunately has made me hold silent my trail of thoughts, and therefore I shall say no more. I believe the most important thing now is to be able to enjoy the whole process and look it at a more positive light. I shall take it as challenge, that even with a handicap, we shall be able to win it, and win it good. That's what I think, should be the spirit and no rule, no matter how unfair it may seem should ever dampen that.
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