Tripping Over Gold.

Sometimes, a bad thing doesn't mean it's all that bad. That this story for instance:

On Wednesday, my colleague Tamarai and i were supposed to cover the hearing of the couple kissing and hugging in KLCC park at the DBKL Magistrate Courts (which, trust me, took me four tries to get the directions to it right!). However, after postponing the time twice, i guess the DPP decided to postpone it to a further date; perhaps when my industrial attachment is over.

Feeling a little disappointed over my "first" court hearing, Tamarai suggested for us to visit the Federal Courts in KL. And lo and behold, there was a hearing going on the robbery case that involved four police officers robbing a family not too long ago. So, we decided to head in and attend the hearing, with other reporters from other papers seated at the bench. Got to know other reporters from Berita Harian, The Star and New Straits Times there. After the hearing was over, we went for lunch and later wrote the story, which appeared in the paper the next day.

I realised a lot of things about Court Reporting;

1. You need really good hearing. Even though there'll be transcripts prepared, but hearing what defence attorneys, lawyers or the Magistrate said is crucial, word for word!

2. Compared to Boston Legal or The Practice, real-life isn't so drama, though tension can still be felt. It's very monotonous and... boring? This was what happened when the DPP questioned the first police officer;

DPP: Anda faham dakwaan yang disebut?
Accused: Faham.
DPP: Adakah anda mengaku bersalah?
Accused: Tidak.

It was the same for the other three. Sorry for being thinking creatively on overdrive mode, but i expected it to be more dramatic, like so;

DPP: Anda faham dakwaan yang disebut?
Accused: Faham.
DPP: Adakah anda mengaku bersalah?
Accused: TTTTTTTTTTTTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKK!!! SAYA MEMANG TAK BERSALAH! TAK BERSALAH! TOLONG, TOLONG SAYA! SAYA TAK BERSALAH, SUMPAH! TOOOLLLLLLLOOOOONNNNGGGGGG!!!
(followed by the other officers present whacking the estrangled fellow with batons and dragging him out)

*sigh*

3. All reporters are friends. They don't bitch about one another but share information and help one another, despite coming from different press companies. We scratch each other's backs, doing over public duty to inform the public on what really happened.

4. No goody bags, just cold, hard news reporting and a deadline to meet. Journalism isn't about getting free stuff; it's about reporting the facts to the masses and the love of writing.


I have a lot to learn. I need to find which piece of the puzzle i am and where i really fit.



Love & Peace!~


BC?