End of the road

We fought hard, we fought valiantly, unfortunately, a dead end once again we have bumped into. After 2 hard grueling days of slogging it out against the 11 teams brought in from all over Selangor, we finally managed to proceed into the semi-finals. Just when we thought our chances of creating and upset victory and sweeping the title were in reach, the results of the draw came out. We, the underdogs were scheduled to battle it out against the national champions, Damansara Jaya. Winner of the HELP debate, WIRA debate and likely winners of the Taylor's debate, they were ready to wrest this KDU title from us. Frightened we were not, for we waited for this challenge with anticipation.

The moment finally arrived. We stepped into our respective places, wary of the tensed atmosphere surrounding the room. They were the government, we were the opposition, born were we to take up this role. Their first speaker led the debate. With precise and fluent language she brought forth her case stand and arguement into the house. And with this, the battle had begun. Speaker after speaker stood up, accusations and allegations were diplomatically hurled about. Endless wit and sarcasm came from our side towards them as we tried to topple their case stand and arguements. Finally, the last speaker had spoken, silence befell the room as we left the adjudicators to do their final decisions. Each of us left the room, feeling that we could have done better, yet still feeling that we had delivered the coup d eta.

Luck wasn't on our side. The judges announced it was a really tight debate. However, the government's stand stood for the day. It was a 3-2 victory for the DJ team with a margin of less then 3 marks. We had failed to stop the national champions from proceeding by just 3 marks. I'll be honest, I'm really disappointed. It was partially my fault for not having really strengthening a certain key point.

Through all the wallowing and disappointment, there still exists a certain sense of self satisfaction. We took on the national champions head to head and almost emerged victorious. We convinced the judges whom we had earlier set out on convincing, and we displayed a stunning performance before bowing out. All in all, this has been a real eye opening event for us. No longer will we feel intimidated by the big name of DJ in the field of debate. Now we know where our standards are and how we have to further improve ourselves to take on the world of debate.

Varsity and International debates, here we come.






PS : Just for everyone's information in case you are curious.

Peter Heng - Opposition leader. Delivered a cunning and effective parameter by bringing the debate to the USA. Once again displayed his enthusiasm in the debate with his flair and witty POI's (Is the chicken an egg?).

Quah Min Chern - Deputy Opposition leader. Delivered his usual speech without much event. Later delievered the reply speech that won the judges hearts(but still not enough to win the debate). Made the government feel like dumb asses. And delivered the coup d eta.

James Yap - Opposition Whip. Displayed his trademark "I will dismantle, destroy and demolish the arguements and case stand of the government" once again with finesse. Wonderfully rebutted the arguements of the government.