SK Panggong. The day started when I saw a critical mass of 57 wonderfully decorated bikes peddled around the village for a national victory lap. I had the good fortune to assist Teacher Zailina settle a tie breaker in the bike decoration contest. We worked together in assigning the places and commenting on the virtues of these patriotic pieces of art on wheels. Many bikes displayed the Malaysian as well as the Kelantan's state flag side by side making a harmonious colourful collage.
Much to the students' amazement, I got permission to take a student's Schwinn Bike for a spin. It has been awhile, but it was enjoyable. Not longer after I made my first circle I had an entourage bedecked in red, blue and white following me as I took another couple laps around the parking lot. It was not long before the strength of the morning sun had us seeking shade and thirst aid.
The fun filled day did not end there. While the dazzling bike armada was in motion, the remaining students year 4-5 were painting one big huge flag or while years 1-3 were couloring small ones. Soon as the paint dried, these students' patriotic masterpieces were displayed in the hall as festivities continued. Most classes participated in the patriotic song competition which was based on fluency, creativeness, crowd response and volume of the song. I was as an honourary judge for both patriotic song and costumnes competition.
The highlight of the day was a re-enactment by students of the local legend Tok Janggut who died c.1918. Tok Janggut was a local Islamic scholar who studied in Mecca and was master of local martial arts known as silat. Tok Janggut resisted British Imperialism by not paying what was viewed locally as unfair tax. The British sent their goons to arrest him, but a struggle ensued, and Tok Janggut was the last man standing. He declared Pair Puteh independent shortly afterwards. The British used a heavy hand and punished Tok Janggut, his supporters and their families. 57 years after the British have left Malaysia, it's almost been a hundred years since Tok Janggut's era, but the legend Tok Janggut still lives close in the hearts of the people and children of Kelantan.
I wanted to thank all the great and friendly teachers, administrators, staff and students for making a wonderful memory with a red, white, blue and yellow backdrop. Thank you SK Panggon, the great state of Kelantan and marvellous Malaysia!
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