A home away from home (Malam Gemilang 2011)

BEING away from home for long periods may prove to be a challenge for some, but the Malaysian Students Council of Australia, Australian Capital Territory (MASCA ACT) and the Malaysian Students Organisation (MSO) of the Australian National University never fail to provide a feeling of “a home away from home”.

They organise events that stretch across the entire academic year, providing a platform for fellow Malaysians to mingle and network. In conjunction with our 54th Independence Anniversary, MASCA ACT have arranged a Night of Glory, or better known as “Malam Gemilang”, to commemorate the freedom of our country from the grasp of the British.

This year’s theme was “The Clash of Times”, with the Albert Hall divided by an aisle, separating the dinner tables in “factions” of P. Ramlee and Michael Jackson. Each table was named after popular songs of the mentioned artistes such as Thriller, Beat It, Pendekar Bujang Lapok and Getaran Jiwa. After the VIPs were welcomed and ushered to their seats, the opening speeches were then given by the MASCA ACT chairman, Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez, and High Commissioner of Malaysia to Australia, Dato’ Salman Ahmad. And then, the feast began!

The buffet table was filled with all sorts of traditional Malaysian delicacies, ranging from Briyani rice to chicken rendang and mee soto. What a treat for the guests! Halfway through dinner, the M.C. gave a brief insight into the performance that was going to take place later on, so that the audience would know what to expect. In a few moments, it was lights, cameras, and action! The curtains opened, the crowd grew quiet, and the show took centre stage.

The show was set in a college where two boys of different personalities - one was the shy and conservative character of P. Ramlee, the other, an outgoing and smooth personality of Michael Jackson. They both fell for the same girl, Isabella. They each had their own approach as to how best to win her heart. P. Ramlee wrote her a sappy love letter while Michael Jackson took her out to a candlelight dinner. The show also entailed some serious rivalry between the two main characters. The play climaxed with a heated argument about who could win Isabella’s heart, consequently leading to a “dance off” to songs that were famous in their respective eras.

The audience was captivated by the interesting storyline. Even with no professional training, the actors and dancers showed little sign that they were amateurs, maintaining their characters for the entire duration of the show.

Across the venue, guests were nodding their heads appreciatively, cheering in support. With a last dance number to Nobody by the Wondergirls, the show concluded with a surprise, with Isabella choosing the waiter over P. Ramlee and Michael Jackson.

The performance was divided into five parts, with three raffle draws slotted in between. The grand prizes include a 3 days 2 nights trip to Bali, a Playstation 3, an HP Mini Netbook and a Fujifilm Polaroid Camera. There were also consolation prizes that included four Sydney return bus tickets, ten Dendy Cinema tickets, a spa voucher worth A$130, a A$100 Mamak Roti House voucher and many more.

As soon as the show ended, guests were up from their seats, taking photographs with each other. Some were catching up with friends that they have not seen in a long time. After some time, the crowd began to make their way home. Ah, what a night. It was yet another excellent event by our student bodies. Congratulations to them!

By,

Joshua Soo

IT Officer