This was where my passion began for Model United Nations (MUN), the Malaysia National Model United Nations (MNMUN). I'm off for the day from university, so that saves time spending hours on campus just to wait. Why not tune in to YouTube for a an episode of Mamak Sessions with JinnyBoy?
My mum drops me off at Sunway International School (SIS), that is where the opening ceremony will be held. As I make my way to collect my door gift, Zi En recognises me "Kar Marn, do you still remember me?" Yes, I definitely do! We were in the same UNICEF council back in Reform MUN in March. I settle down in my seat to make myself comfortable. I look around the room, most of the delegates are so much younger than me. I have a nostalgic feeling because I'm one of the oldest delegates in the hall.
This brought me back to my very first MUN last year, it was the 2018 edition of MNMUN. I was a first time delegate back then, I didn't feel that I was one of the oldest delegates because some were even older than I am, so I was a bit secured at that point. Back to MNMUN 2019! I saw my friend, Sara, who is sitting across the room. I haven't seen her since we last saw each other at the UN SDG 3rd anniversary celebration.
I get up from my seat and move from across the room, sitting next to Sara. The hall is filling up with delegates. The opening ceremony starts at 4.00pm, starting with the opening remarks from the principal of SIS. Follow by the video presentation of each council, next up we have the brainchild behind Sunway Model United Nations (SUNMUN), Jack. I want to highlight that Jack mentions in his speech, the MUN scene was not as professional as before. He said that he witnessed some of the delegates were being bullied or receiving harassment in council. At one point, it just hits me, and he hopes that the delegates sitting here will not repeat the same mistake. Keep it professional and diplomatic, create life long friendships.
Under the escorts of the admins, delegates move from SIS back to Sunway College for the first council session of the day. It's raining but that didn't dampen my spirits, and luckily I'm wearing pants so somehow it makes the journey easier when walking back to campus.
I'm the Malaysian Youth Council (MYC), representing myself as a Malaysian youth. My chair Kishan, is a absent on the first day. The co-chair Izabelle takes charge of the council. Our first topic is Women Empowerment while the second topic is Race Relations- an issue that the country is still facing today. Personally I want to work on race relations, as women empowerment is a common issue that the world is tackling right now.
Since everyone is keen on Women Empowerment, we just have to follow on majority. In HMUN procedure, we are put on the General Speakers List (GSL). I go off topic a little, but quickly I'm back on track. The debate adjourns at 7.30pm. I'm waiting for my parents to pick up at the university side. I talk to first-timers, Khemi and Ji Xian who are in MYC and DISEC respectively. "Do you have any tips for first-timers?" they ask.
Wow, that's a first! "I don't have any tips for first-timers but it's the best to observe other delegates and pay attention to their points closely. Maybe you'll find some points to debate. Be confident!" I say. "That's the best advice! Thank you so much, Katelyn!"
The second day of council, we are still on the topic of Women Empowerment. Before that, our chair, Kishan, has a little interactive session before debate is resumed. In mid council, it just gets interesting! Kishan pulls out the Jalur Gemilang from his bag, the council starts to sing the Malaysian national anthem "Negaraku". "I want you all to represent yourself, fight for the country you are in!" he says. Kishan places the flag in front of the council to remind delegates that we are fighting for our beloved country, Malaysia, as young Malaysian youths.
A resolution is passed and now we are moving on the topic that everyone is keen on: Race Relations. The topic is on fire, as this topic is Malaysia still facing today. What can we do as young Malaysians to unite the people of Malaysia? That we can think over lunch time. I hang out with Ji Xian, Khemi and my new friends from DISEC. We dine at Thyme Out- a Mexican restaurant. Jo and I kind of slack off from the gang, Ji Xian and Khemi come back to look for us.
Ji Xian is so considerate that he opens his umbrella to ward the three of us off from the intensive heat. Along the way, we talk about our interests, studies, hobbies and especially age. "Actually Katelyn, you are 22 years young, not old!" Ji Xian says, my heart melts! He is a sweet talker! A quick bite from our lunch, we head back to our respective council to continue the debate which we left off earlier.
After all that debate, it's time for socials! It's tradition in every MUN conference, where delegate can mingle with each other, enjoying good food and music at the same time. We have performances from Taylor's University Music Club! I didn't stay until the end as I'm too tired throughout the day.
On the third and final day, our topic on Race Relations is still on going. We are interrupted in mid debate cause there's a photo session for each council. We head up to the forth floor, where the college rooftop garden is located. I have the chance to drape on to the Jalur Gemilang, I feel a sense of pride and glory.
For the first time in a MUN conference, a debate is suspended which means we cannot come to a conclusion but nonetheless we have done the best to solve the issue of race relations. Prior to the closing ceremony, we have a little interactive session. After that, Kishan asks any one in this room is a Sunway student. I raise up my hand. "Do you know where JC 3 is?" he asks, "Yes, yes I do. It is at the university side," I say.
The closing ceremony begins with a slide shows of upcoming MUNs such as Taylor's, Monash, and of course our very own, SUNMUN! I'm kind of hesitant a little as the dates of the conference clash with my examination period. Awards are given out to delegates for best, outstanding, and best position paper award. The moment we have been waiting for, the best group delegation! Monash takes home as the best group delegation, follow by Taylor's University. Well, I hope Sunway will get one in future MUNs.
We collect the certificates on our way out and I lost my flag! Luckily it is retrieved after that. We have our very own photo session to mark the special day. MNMUN holds a special place in my heart because it was very first MUN. I'm off for a break, I'll make a comeback soon!
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