BTN
Recently (28th of June), I was forced by JPA to join a camp named BTN (Biro Tatanegara) which is delightfully dubbed as "brainwashed" camp. Prepared for the worst, my scholar friends and I embarked to the unknown.
The camp was better than I expected (since I always expect the worst) despite some drawbacks. The lectures were mediocre at best, although the lecturers tried to liven up the atmosphere by cracking jokes, like dirty jokes (which is good). Later I found out that all the facilitators and lecturers just used the materials provided by BTN and not by themselves (which is boring). It's the same as asking a group member who hasn't contributed whatsoever in a group assignment to present the work. The second lecture - four in total - was the boring-est with an impressive array of statistics fit for a RMK9 discussion, unfit for hot-blooded young man. Some of us (esp. the front row fools, like me) struggled to stay awake while some nodded - in sleep, not in agreement, that is.
The group discussions were more interesting, with topics like self-assessment, distinguishing between facts and opinions, moral perspective, logo designing, etc. And I so freaking won the facillitator's favour in the logo designing, which the egoistic part of myself thought was brilliant. The facilitator was an experienced retired university lecturer - he knew precisely when to talk and also when to let us talk, and a lot about issues pertaining Malaysia's current affairs.
The physical activities were quite pale in comparison, since only a little time was allocated - 10 hours maybe. We did some physiological assessment to measure our fitness, and also some marching, and exotic warm-ups - like Indian dance, running while singing (like the army), massaging each other (with the same sex only), sitting and standing while holding hands together in a circle, etc. The coach was barmy and liked to crap (which to my opinion is very good). We certainly enjoyed our time although some were tough for the inflexible me because of my uniqueness.
The climax was certainly abceiling which was terrifying. FYI, it's jumping off from a tower using a rope by pushing against the tower's wall using your leg, and swinging swinging swinging. And I did badly, which entitled me to the honour of being called as a "hanging jackfruit"/"nangka gantung" by my friends. But heck, it was a joy trying things you dare not do and can escape from doing, and it was a joy too watching others' leg and voice tremble and their backs hitting the wall after I finished my stint.
The quantity of meals was overwhelming - 3 tea times besides the 3 normal meals. I gained 1-2 kgs no thanks to the oily food and super-sweet drinks. I enjoy eating but hey this is still too much. The quality wasn't that good. Almost every lunch and dinner have fish in it - skinny fish too which tedious to eat and an eyesore. Nope, the kuihs and meals don't look good - the taste was ok - but no complains since it's free food.
Got a lot of new friends - majority's Malays since almost 75% of the participants are Malays. But most of them are ok. I'm quite ngam-key (means able to get along) with them. There was a few lls there which boosted my morale and also patriotism. But I think the goverment should improve on the fairness of the distribution of scholarship. I mean, in terms of academic performance they aren't better than Chinese and Indians. Well, maybe it's their "hak istimewa". This is beyond my capabilities, guess I just have to focus on bringing out the best in myself
The camp was better than I expected (since I always expect the worst) despite some drawbacks. The lectures were mediocre at best, although the lecturers tried to liven up the atmosphere by cracking jokes, like dirty jokes (which is good). Later I found out that all the facilitators and lecturers just used the materials provided by BTN and not by themselves (which is boring). It's the same as asking a group member who hasn't contributed whatsoever in a group assignment to present the work. The second lecture - four in total - was the boring-est with an impressive array of statistics fit for a RMK9 discussion, unfit for hot-blooded young man. Some of us (esp. the front row fools, like me) struggled to stay awake while some nodded - in sleep, not in agreement, that is.
The group discussions were more interesting, with topics like self-assessment, distinguishing between facts and opinions, moral perspective, logo designing, etc. And I so freaking won the facillitator's favour in the logo designing, which the egoistic part of myself thought was brilliant. The facilitator was an experienced retired university lecturer - he knew precisely when to talk and also when to let us talk, and a lot about issues pertaining Malaysia's current affairs.
The physical activities were quite pale in comparison, since only a little time was allocated - 10 hours maybe. We did some physiological assessment to measure our fitness, and also some marching, and exotic warm-ups - like Indian dance, running while singing (like the army), massaging each other (with the same sex only), sitting and standing while holding hands together in a circle, etc. The coach was barmy and liked to crap (which to my opinion is very good). We certainly enjoyed our time although some were tough for the inflexible me because of my uniqueness.
The climax was certainly abceiling which was terrifying. FYI, it's jumping off from a tower using a rope by pushing against the tower's wall using your leg, and swinging swinging swinging. And I did badly, which entitled me to the honour of being called as a "hanging jackfruit"/"nangka gantung" by my friends. But heck, it was a joy trying things you dare not do and can escape from doing, and it was a joy too watching others' leg and voice tremble and their backs hitting the wall after I finished my stint.
The quantity of meals was overwhelming - 3 tea times besides the 3 normal meals. I gained 1-2 kgs no thanks to the oily food and super-sweet drinks. I enjoy eating but hey this is still too much. The quality wasn't that good. Almost every lunch and dinner have fish in it - skinny fish too which tedious to eat and an eyesore. Nope, the kuihs and meals don't look good - the taste was ok - but no complains since it's free food.
Got a lot of new friends - majority's Malays since almost 75% of the participants are Malays. But most of them are ok. I'm quite ngam-key (means able to get along) with them. There was a few lls there which boosted my morale and also patriotism. But I think the goverment should improve on the fairness of the distribution of scholarship. I mean, in terms of academic performance they aren't better than Chinese and Indians. Well, maybe it's their "hak istimewa". This is beyond my capabilities, guess I just have to focus on bringing out the best in myself