Editors Foreword
In this exciting new issue, we dissect and discuss the hottest topic on campus: the SRC. Among the Events featuring in this issue are Blossom of Japan and MMK 13! For more stories and columns, check out our blog at heartoftronoh.blogspot.com By the way, sorry were late!
Event Highlights
25 Jan 2013 1 Feb 2013 2 Feb 2013 3 Feb 2013 46 Feb 2013 24 Feb 2013 MyLDS The Classroom (GEP Blossom of Japan) SG Explorace Kem Penghayatan Islam Minggu Mesra Kampus Pre-employment Program
Early last February, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) witnessed one of the bleakest Nomination Days in the history of its campus elections. With six High Committee (HiCom) positions for local students on the Students Representative Council (SRC) up for contest, a mere eight nominations were made, and only six qualified to stand as candidates (a minimum CGPA of 2.80 is required). All six candidates attained their places on the HiCom uncontested. Here at UTP elections are held only to select the group of people to be part of the HiCom, with the universitys administration having the advising on who does what. The method of selection may seem odd or even questionable to some, but it is in no way unique to UTP, as other universities (both local and foreign) employ similar methods. The history of campus elections at our university has never been that eventful anyway. Continues on page 3
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Datuk Ir. (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hj. Hashim, Vice Chancellor of UTP, feels that the term campus politics is itself a little
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living under a rock to not have heard of all the accusations made against RM. Many believe the SRC (prior to the newly-elected HiCom) had evolved into a sort of an exclusive club, consisting almost completely of RMendorsed representatives. Some say that RM are always allowed to take charge of Minggu Aluan Siswa (MAS), allowing them to start their campaigning a lot earlier, by reaching out to unsuspecting freshmen through mediums including Smart Groups and such. For many others, the situation is easily explained: Theyre simply the only ones who take it seriously. Rakan Masjid is widely regarded as the most cohesive and closely bonded society on campus. When their candidates stand, they do their best to get these guys elected. Nearly all their members come out to vote, and nearly all their candidates are successful. Adonis Singh (graduated in 2010), who once stood for election against several RM-associated candidates, told HOT of how difficult it was to campaign against them, Certain bodies like RM have very good support and they are quite structured in terms of gaining votes, which I honestly respect. This makes them very strong. The problem is that their strength easily overpowers the 'opposition', if you will, because in general, the rest of the students don't really realize the importance of voting. And so this imbalance in strength and experience is what makes SRC elections in UTP most of the time, not even a competition. The VC had this to say of RMs teamwork: The thing about Rakan Masjid that you have to respect is their determination and cohesion. The DVC however, was quick to brush aside the claims, including the one about RMs domination in the selection of facilitators for MAS, RM is a student body to aid the Mosques administration. We have never given them the status of a club or society. It has developed good leaders and propagated good values- we must recognize that. And dont ever say that all facilitators are from RM. MAS facilitators are being selected by the Students Counseling Unit under Tuan Haji Jalil, and I always tell them to make sure there are colours among our facilitators. We have also never allowed MPP to manage MAS. Responding to all this, Baem asks students to see things in a different light, and focus on what is actually important in becoming a good member of the SRC, According to my experiences and observations, those who committed themselves as part of SRCUTP have almost always had a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences in other organizations or societies before SRC. Ones background shouldnt even matter, rather, how he/she foresees the future of SRCUTP. RM has been under heavy public scrutiny recently, initiated primarily by a Facebook page Free the Student Representative Council -MPP from Rakan Masjid which went viral early this year. It brought longstanding concerns regarding RM, hitherto discussed in hushed tones on private blogs, to the masses through Facebook. It openly charged RM with puppeteering the SRC by taking control of decision-making through its chosen candidates, effectively running the SRC by proxy. No official affiliation, but one that was apparent nonetheless. The page also claimed that RM itself is a puppet organization of a bigger, international Islamist movement, one that is far too controversial for us to name in this article. Commenting on these accusations of exploiting the SRC platform to propagate external politics, Datuk Rahim asked the members of SRC to reevaluate themselves, You should ask yourself; are you standing on behalf of your constituents or your own personal agenda? It should be noted here that despite the best efforts of the pages anonymous administrator to prove his claims, HOT could not find any concrete evidence to back up the accusations made by the page. As many have remarked on the pages wall, the allegations, tantalizing as they are, are ostensibly baseless. So then why the hate? Maybe its the way they do things. We
were 6 checkpoints and each checkpoint had different tasks to be completed by participants. Among the tasks were to test participants general knowledge in Prophet Muhammads history. Each group received a prize for participating, with the top 3 groups receiving special achievement gifts.
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will not elaborate on the kind of things theyve been said to do during election season (again, no credible sources unfortunately, only personal accounts), but what about things like demonstrating in front of events they dont agree with? Their antics at an older edition of Euphonious was even remarked upon by the Datuk Zainal (ex-VC) in his farewell address. RM has a certain set of ideas on how the campus should be and how people should behave. Their intentions are good, dawah is not a problem -after all, I have always believed that at the end of the day, your spiritual development is just as essentialbut the question is always how you go about doing it, commented Datuk Rahim on students displeasure at RMs approach. Datuk Rahim also advised RM on their approach in advocating people to do good, and to avoid evil (amal makruf, nahi mungkar), Remember that this is an integrated multi-faith, multi-racial community- treat students like adults. You can always encourage people, but you cannot force them. Our new VC, who was the secretary of University of Birminghams Malaysian Society during his time at university, urged students to participate in student representative bodies, In the context of a country, why are citizens encouraged to get involved in elections? We want citizens to get involved in who they elect in the interest of society- that is the basic principle everybody has to be aware of...If you dont decide for yourself, then somebody else will decide for you. Then you cant complain. Baem recommended a wiser approach by RM, Many provocative and sensitive issues could be resolved by nurturing mutual understanding between us. To achieve this, a bilateral discussion is a good avenue that can serve that purpose. Rakan Masjid must be wise in most of the approaches they might have and we as students, should play our role to provide a better environment for this university. But enough about RM. Lets get back to the SRC. Holding a position on the SRC may seem glamorous or enviable from afar, but suddenly finding oneself in the public eye isnt something everyone can handle. Think about it. Your CGPA is never a secret. Your dressing is always commented on. Your grammar mistakes never go unnoticed. The friends you keep, the language you use, the tweets you tweet, everything is subjected to
public observation and commentary. To put it simply, youre famous. Just not in the celebrity sort of way, but rather unfortunately, its the politician kind of famous. Were sure you understand the difference between the two. And for all that trouble, few among the people you represent express their gratitude at your contributions. Unless you accomplish something extraordinary in your time at the top, its often only your mistakes that stay in the memories of those you serve. Sadly, nobody remembers the good stuff. Just ask Baem.
*When asked if there is anything he would change during his tenure if he could go back and do it again, Baem responded, Nothing much really, since weve achieved most of what we set out to achieve. And when we sought his thoughts on a nonMuslim president for SRC, we must say that he was slightly vague in his reply, People have asked me if SRC president can be a lady? I would say women are good enough to lead this organisation. Ladies are part of our leading society and we must at least try to trust them, but with guidance. As for non-Muslim president for SRCUTP, I will refer to what is outlined in our current countrys administration, that non-Muslims are allowed to hold certain designated positions. But honestly, in our context as student council, we must respect any notable non-Muslim candidates who could win the position with revision and advice by the university. I notice that more nonMuslim or non-Malay students are now looking forward to make serious contribution towards the betterment of this student council, so we can adjust the direction of SRC to not be too exclusive for certain races only.
Even Datuk Rahim admits that being a member of the SRC is a thankless job, filled with high expectations - you can never please everyone and people will always find fault in everything that you do. You do one thing, and a blog comes out. You do another, and another blog comes out. Nothing is ever right. That is why it has to come from your heart, he added. SRC contributions are difficult to measure- they are non-substantive, unlike clubs and societies, where it is about winning competitions or the amount of successful events organized. Datuk Rahim, who told us he never missed voting for a single national election, encouraged members of SRC to have checks and balances, It is common to have a silent majority and a
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wed have to go with, All talk, no action. UTPCnR, Jiwa Berimplementasi, and the rest of them, all reduced to being online heroes, and nothing more. In a disappointing anti-climax, we were left without the thrilling campaigning and election drama we were all looking forward to. Only six brave young men and women stepped up to take on the responsibility of leading the student body - kudos to them for taking the initiative. From all of us at HOT, well done. And good luck.
*Efforts to interview Rakan Masjid president, Arif Aizuddin Mohd Saad online were in vain as he did not respond to our interview questions after previously agreeing to do so.
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All in all, it was a memorable week for many as they were inspired and motivated to reach for the skies. MyLDS was a perfect platform to develop leadership skills, teamwork and confidence besides improving ones networking. For those who missed it this year, look out for it next year!
Ladies of AIESEC.
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Tronoh, 24th February: Do not be shy to ask and maximize your network, were among the wise words shared at the PreEmployment Program (PEP) held in D1 recently. Among the things shared with the lucky participants that day were a quick view on career world, how to impress the boss and ways to win over an interviewer.
Solid colour, conservative suit White, long-sleeved T-shirt Conservative tie Dark socks, professional shoes Very limited jewellery Neat and professional hairstyle Go easy on the aftershave Neatly trimmed nails Portfolio or briefcase
Suit/ baju kurung Shoes Limited jewellery (nondistracting) Simple make-up (nondistracting) Neat hairstyle/scarf Portfolio or briefcase
It was an interesting and beneficial day indeed for the students that attended the event, especially those in their final semesters, who will be joining the ranks of alumni soon.
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Height measurement.
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Editors-in-Chief:
Marc Raphael, PE Liyana Rosely, PG
Chief Reporters:
Adhwa Anuar, ICT Syazana Lyana, CE
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