Kursus Kenegaraan Biro Tata Negara

Hi there :) This post is mainly targeted for my UPM colleagues who are planning to attend the BTN course from the 19th to 23rd January 2005.

After attending the course (which was and still is tailored for Masters and PHD students), I could possibly give a few tips on what to expect, and also on how to prepare for it :) I will only cover the parts I think are crucial... but for those who think I've omitted a some detail, please do inquire :)

Ok... Let's see...

1. THE WHITE SHIRT/TOP AND DARK PANTS/SKIRT DILEMMA ... and KASUT :)

There's gonna be the LDK (Latihan Dalam Kumpulan), Ceramah and the Exam. Well, for these activites, or the more formal activities that might lie ahead, they would ask people to be dressed in:

• MEN - White Collared Shirt and Dark Long Pants
• WOMEN - White or Bright (almost white) colored top (a decent blouse of even a baju kurung top) and a Dark Coloured Skirt...

Don't worry to much about these requirements. Since this course is tailored for the more academically inclined and thus assumed to be be obedient, the instructors won't be too strict.

For the men, I'm not that sure. But all of the participants of my BTN wore white shirts... 100% white :) Of course men won't have that much of a problem finding dark pants. But 100% white shirts? I mean... who wears them anymore nowadays :) (On a regular basis that is)
But I guess, you should have one lying around somewhere in the depths of your closet... So, it's either that, or you can buy one school uniform from Ali Store! :) Or possibly borrow from a friend or relative. It's not worth it to buy one white shirt just to wear it to BTN. But if you think it's not that much of a money-waster, then be my guest :) ... So it's either a long or short sleeve for the guys. And any dark pants will do. Heck! Some even wore light grey and nobody complained :)

Ok, for the girls... Don't be so worked up to go get a new set of 'Baju Budak Sekolah Rendah'... (But there was this one Datin Dr, who actually came sorta dressed in one... She looked young in it tho!).... You can get away with wearing a light colored blouse, or a light colored shirt if you like :) But try to be as close to white as you can. Don't stray away too far, cuz you don't wanna feel out of place :) And... don't wear ketat-ketat or shirts that closely follow the curves of you feminin0ity (if there exist such a word. LOL!). It's really2 distracting to guys especially when (almost) everyone else is dressed more 'decently'. :P

Oh, and just one more word of advice... make sure the white you choose ain't that 'transparent'? Or at least wear more cover underneath than just a bra :) This might sound contraversial to some... but it's a fact that white tops are almost 90% see thru :) ... Just a word of caution from a guy who knows what other guys are thinking. HUA HUA HUA!!!! ok ok... back to BTN.

OH! Almost forgot! KASUT!!!! SHOESS!!!!

Guys, again sorry, I think you can only wear your black leather shoes. But hey, you guys should be used to it rite? I mean... hari2 pergi kerja pakai, takkan kat BTN nak pakai sendle plak.

GIRLS! Ok :) In the requirement, it says FULL shoes. Meaning, cannot have the ones that show you toes (or jari jemari). Well, I saw quite a few sandle-like contraptions being worned by many girls :) So, I guess it's OK, as long as it's not high-heels or too glitzy. You don't want to attract too much attention now would you :)

2. During SPORTS and OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Again, the white colour is emphasized. WHITE COLLARED SHORT/LONG SLEEVED T-SHIRTS for guys and gals during normal physical activities, and prefferably long white sleeved for guys during kembara, and any color long sleeved for girls during kembara. I think they're catering for water-activities here. I mean for the girls. Cuz you know what white t-shirts do when a girl goes for a dip underwater... So, colored is better, just in case you need to go thru swaps or anything.

But basically, you can wear just anything... as long as it's decent :) Dont la go and wear sleeveless t-shirts. No one wants to see the anyone's bulu-ketiak. So, you can actually wear a collared or non-collared t-shirt. But try to get as close to white as possible for the normal physical activities... but girl, any color for the kembara. For guys, too I think (kembara).

3. Shoes During Kembara

From what I've experienced, you might want to bring a separate pair of shoes for Kembara. Because for one thing, it's more intense then the normal activities... another thing is that, if it rains, the jungle trek is gonna get mighty slippery. So please do bring another, more durable pair of shoes. Army boots perhaps? Or probably Tracking Shoes? It's not advisable to wear running shoes or cross trainers. You'd definitely damage them, and end up having to buy a new pair. So, might as well go looking for or brining along a separate pair or tracking shoes :)

4. Accommodation and The BATHHH!!!!

You're gonna be placed in dorms, with double decker beds :) Much like what we had in Asrama :) So, go early so that you can book your beds :) Bedding material suc as pillow case, very2 comfortable blanket and kain cadar will be provided :)

For bathing... well, just make sure for the guys:

• Bring you kain basahan. But I'd reccommend shorts for they'd be easier to manage :)
• Prepare to mandi kolah :) Ramai2 mandi kolah :)
  

Girls:

• Ok... I think.... kain batik la kot? Hehehehe. My wife said there's this one amoi who did not bring anything... sooo... sheee..... ..... Noooo... she did not just go about her business al-fresco... but she had to bathe in the toilet lorr... Not that comfortable I'd say.

Selipar oso don't forget la. And other toileteries. No need for too much perfume. Cuz you might attract the tigers and lions. Hehehehehe.

5. EXAMMMM!!!!

Yes.... There will be an exam :)
But dont fret... cuz it's just an objective examination. And I can say that, MOSTLY it's common sense.
You guys will be given 4 manuals to read. But, I personally don't know WHEN we could read them to properly digest the info! Cuz the activities are just TOO PACKED!
But it all depends on you guys. If you think you should read, then please do. But if you choose not to, and once in a blue moon the questions change into a difficult SPM like paper (which is very unlikely), don't balme me :) I'm just suggesting. Hehehehe.

OH! And one more thing. Make sure you listen and understand each of the CERAMAHs well. For some of them will be included in the exam.... But still, most are general knowledge :)

Okie. I think that about covers it :) Any questions, please email me at you know where :)

Just go the ANDA TELAH LULUS letter from UPM. So Alhamdulillah, I passed the BTN. But there are cases of failure! SO, don't go with a high-nose, for you might just be in store for a nose dive :)

Anywayz... have a good time. For I did :) Seriously :) Had this the Dr Datin in my group. And she was just a buzz to be around :) Plus all the other members were absolute LOVES! :)

Okie... Tu aje kot :)

Selamat ber-BTN!

Alpyan