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The Pretender: Jack of All Trade, Master of All
I am an ardent fan of The Pretender series on the silver screen. The Pretender is a genius capable of emulating any trade and profession. Little did I know that I would eventually become the JACK OF ALL TRADE.
One moment I was donning the role of a cadet police officer dressed in royal blue uniform strutting along Jalan Sultan Ismail issuing summons to the masses who broke the law - speeding, driving under the influence of intoxication, driving without valid driving licenses. I was involved in a police road block. The next moment I was in a shooting range, vector in hand, aiming dexterously at the target. Bang!!!
In a wink, I was on the deck with seven other oarsmen rhythmically rowing, sailing through the surge of emerald waves. "Dip and pullup! Dip and pull up!" The next scene was a romantic escapade. I was in front while he was close behind, syncronizing our moves. The azure carpet way above our heads gave way to for the sun to shower his lights unto us. Kayaking was simply marvelous.
Flick! The night fell silent and pitch dark as the moon was hidden within the curtain of clouds. There I lay vigil with my camaraderie assimilated with the verdant forest adorned with foliage crowns and equipped with M16 awaiting the commando's signal to ambush the enemy. In the subsequent location I was chivalrously abseiling from the top of a 30 meters high structure. The adventure resumed with a hiking expedition to Mount Panti where the pinnacle of the ordeal was to ascend a portion of wobbly stones with the aid of a rope.
"Kaboom!!" The deafening sound of explosions and the binding veil of smoke woke me from my reverie as I had to crawl 50 meters under the spiky fence to safety at the combat field. It was nerve-wrecking episode indeed. In the final sequel I was entrusted as caretaker of the holy egg. I had to traverse through many hurdles and obstacles to hand over the holy egg unscathed to the viceroys of PULADA.
The crew packed up and moved to its final destination. The spot of preference was Kuala Kubu Baru. Clad in magenta uniform protected by a white headgear clutching the fire hose, aiming its nozzle and masked with the breathing apparatus which weighed approximately 15 kilogrammes, there I stood valiantly as one of the leading attackers supported by a team of gallant firemen. The fire was blazing seductively 20 inches from my face. I felt a slight breeze of heat as I gunned the water towards the wildly dancing flame. The oil spill sequel accorded me memoirs to cherish. In a flash I had no legs. Fins had replaced its place. I was gliding through the seat of ocean. I was Little Miss Mermaid!
Then, I became a ground spaceman, dolled up in a Hazmat suit. I was commissioned to seal the hole which caused the leakage of chemicals that were gushing out from its container. Last but not least, I savoured the 3 seconds of playing spiderwoman, repelling down an altitude of 50 meters.
No, it was not a star-studded Hollywood production. These were the treasures bestowed onto me and fellow participants of DPA 1/2005 by INTAN in collaboration with PDRM, OBS, PULADA, and FRAm respectively. I believe the outdoor modules were designed to foster team building, generate self confidence, heighten our level of endurance as well as unfold the intricacies of the daily lives of a policeman, army, sailor, and firefighter that may one day assist us in the drafting of policies.
The last handful of shimmering sand has trickled from the hour glass. Thus, I bid farewell to the golden palace of INTAN, taking with me the jewel of experiences and exposure along with the rare gems of friends that I had inherited.
quote:*Shahbanu Farah Abdul Rakesh is a participant of DPA 1/2005. She currently is attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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I believe the important thing here is to look into the spirit and strength the quote is trying to convey, which is "trying to be the best in everything", not "trying to be God" if taken literally. This would be the kind of spirit needed to survive in the 21st century, which is still, in fact, in line with your opinion
