The Great Moment

I wrote a script for my school's choral speaking team. Though the script is long, it is a slapdash, amateurish work(quoted from a colleague). I did not give much thought to grammar and choice of words.It could have been better if I had seek the advice from others.Mmmm, I wonder if my students can memorize it.


It was a fine Friday morning. The Sun was shining above the horizon. It stirred every slumbering soul awake with its balmy rays. The fronds of tall coconut trees were waving gracefully in harmony with the rhythm of a gentle breeze. Sounds of lapping waves could be heard in the distance.

Every bird on the banyan tree in front of a wooden, stilted house was singing. They were happy and animated. They told each other about a good news in their mellifluous song:

“ Listen , the great moment is coming,
It is coming all the way for you and me,
Regardless of our race, colour, creed, religion and origin,
It will free us from all chains and tethers,
And fill our lives with hope and dignity.”

A girl, Aminah, came out of the house for a morning constitutional. She heard the birds sing and was affected by their outpouring of joy. Having been aware of the great moment for quite some time, Aminah was eager to see it herself. She looked up at the sky and gazed into the morning brilliance. It suffused her with renewed energy and hope. Taking a deep breath, she opened her mouth and sang:

“Yes, the great moment is coming.
It fills everyone’s heart with great relief,
We will no longer be chained and tethered
Everyone, regardless of our race, colour, creed and origin,
Will live with hope and dignity.”

Then, at midday, Aminah and her parents went to town and boarded a train to Kuala Lumpur. It was their first train ride from Perlis to the bustling city. The train was abuzz with excited chatters. Obviously, many people also wanted to see the great moment in Kuala Lumpur like they did. Aminah roved her eyes around the coach and a person caught her eye. It was a Chinese girl who sat opposite her across the aisle. Aminah said hi to her and she reciprocated the greeting politely. The girl introduced herself as May Lee. They got on famously immediately.

“ Are you going to Kuala Lumpur for the great moment?” asked Aminah.
“Yes,” answered May Lee, “It is a special occasion one should not miss.”
“We are happy to be part of it,” May Lee’s parents chimed in.
“We too,” echoed Aminah’s parents.
“So are we,” all the passengers on the train said in chorus.

So, together, they sang a happy song in praise of the great moment:

" The great moment is coming, the great moment is coming
It is meant for everyone, regardless of our race,colour, creed,religion and origin
It will free us from all chains and tethers
And fill our hearts with hope and dignity
Thank God for the great moment, thank God for the great moment.”

Some passengers were capering, some clapping their hands, some jiggling, some cavorting, some clicking their fingers and some waving their arms. What a marvelous sight to behold!

By the time they reached Kuala Lumpur, the sun had dipped below the horizon. Aminah and her parents checked into an Inn and retired for the night after a simple dinner. They woke up betimes the next morning. Once they were done with ablutions and breakfast, they headed straight to a large Stadium in a taxi. Upon arrival, they were amazed to see thousands of people thronging into the stadium. Aminah and her parents walked up to the second tier of the stadium but they found no seats. They had to stand against the railing. Their minds were so focused on the impending great moment that they did not feel the strain of standing.

At sight of all royalties and dignitaries ascending the ornately-decorated central stage, the sea of crowds erupted into loud cheers and clapping. A posse of reporters and cameramen were busy snapping their pictures. The distinguished group was made up of the representative of Queen Elizabeth II, the Yang Dipertuan Agong, the leader of UMNO, the sultans of all Malayan states and the leaders of various countries. They were clad in regal attires. When all of them had seated, the great moment officially began. Aminah had never seen any ceremony held with such pomp and circumstance. Her heart was full of awe and reverence. Suddenly, she felt a light tap on her shoulder. She turned round and was surprised and delighted by what she saw!

“Oh, May Lee, it’s you!”
“Ya, it’s me, Aminah. What a coincidence that we are in this tier.”
“I am happy to see you.”
“So am I.”
“An English man is rising from his umbrella-shaded seat now. Is he the Duke of Wellington, the Queen’s representative?”
“Yes, he is going to give a speech and conduct the handover of power to our Yang Dipertuan Agong.”
“I am breathless!”
“Me too”

After the speech and the handover of power, Tunku Abdul Rahman, the leader of UMNO, was invited to read the declaration of independence.

“Insya Allah for the man’s efforts in bringing independence to our country.”
“Our country is free now. We are truly a sovereign nation.”
“I am on the verge of tears. And my heart palpitates like a galloping horse!”
“The moment will remain etched in the depths of my heart forever.”

The ceremony finally reached the climax. With right arms raised, everyone echoed after Tunku Abdul Rahman’s stentorian proclamation of Merdeka.

“Merdeka!”(Merdeka!)
“Merdeka!”(Merdeka!)
“Merdeka!”(Merdeka!)
“Merdeka!”(Merdeka!)
“Merdeka!”(Merdeka!)
“Merdeka!”(Merdeka!)
“Merdeka!”(Merdeka!)

Then, the new, majestic Malayan flag was hoisted up during the singing of the national anthem ‘Negaraku’. The crescent, the star and the red stripes on the high-flying, rippling flag illuminated everyone’s mind. Taking a pledge of loyalty, Aminah and May Lee sang the anthem high-spiritedly with the crowds. Their powerful singing reverberated in every corner of Kuala Lumpur. Everyone’s heart was burning with unalloyed patriotism.

"My country, my native land.
The people living united and progressive,
May God bestow blessing and happiness,
May our King have a successful reign.
May God bestow blessing and happiness,
May our King have a successful reign."

With one heart and one mind, let us chant an ode to Merdeka together:

“Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!
Our nation is reborn, with no chains and tethers restricting our freedom,
We are a sovereign nation which stands proud in the centre of the world,
We are strong in God’s love, We are one in unity,
Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!”