Teenage Sergeants thrilled to be part of SS14 Subang Jaya’s neighbourhood Merdeka celebration

Nurul Laili Samsuri (main image, right) had butterflies in her stomach when she woke up on Aug 31.

Although used to competing in marching competitions, that Merdeka morning, she and her schoolmates from SMK Subang Jaya in SS14 were to perform in a neighbourhood parade.

The squad leader of the school’s Police Cadet Club and 29 other students were part of the SS14 Rukun Tetangga group’s Merdeka celebration, which included poetry recitals, Zumba, children’s colouring activity, floral arrangements, and traffic police demonstration.

“I was quite nervous as I was to lead the squad in front of family and friends of the neighbourhood,” said Nurul Laili, 17.

“Although we are the reigning national champions, performing in front of people we know is different. We didn’t want to make a mistake.

“Furthermore, this was my first time performing in the neighbourhood park. We needed it to be perfect as it was a special day for the nation.”

Nurul Laili, who will sit for her SPM examination later this year, said she hopes to join the police force after leaving school.

“It is my dream to be a policewoman. I want to serve the country. That was one of the reasons I joined the Police Cadets when I was in Form 1,” said the Sergeant.

“I’m happy to be part of the Merdeka celebration as it is a way to show my love for the country. I hope Malaysia will always be a peaceful, harmonious country.”

But for now, Nurul Laili and the rest of the cadets are gearing up for next month’s National School’s Uniformed Bodies’ Marching Competition in Melaka.

SMK Subang Jaya won the competition for the second time last year, seven years after claiming the top prize.

Like Nurul Laili, Nur Athirah Batrisyia Mohammed Razali (main image, left) was also excited to be part of the Merdeka celebrations.

“I used to watch the Merdeka parades on television, and I’m so excited to be part of the neighbourhood procession,” said the assistant squad leader.

“Although it was not a big event, the celebrations meant the world to my teammates and me.

“We got to celebrate Merdeka with the people we care about the most. My wish is that Malaysia will be a prosperous nation.”

Nur Athirah Batrisyia is undecided about becoming a police officer.

“It is still too early to say. I will only sit for my SPM next year. I will decide after that,” said the 16-year-old Sergeant.

“I might change my mind next year and decide to join the police force.”

The Police Cadet Club’s performance wowed the crowd gathered at Padang Asam Park in SS14, Subang Jaya.

Meanwhile, the club’s coach, Mohd Izz Aniq, said he hoped to retain the national title in October.

A former student of SMK Subang Jaya, Mohd Izz, has been training the police cadets since 2012.

“It is my way of giving back to the school,” said Mohd Izz, a consultant for school activities and camps.

“Although I have been training them since 2012, it was only four years later that we started focusing on the drills.

“We have won the national title on two occasions. I believe we have a chance of winning it again next month.”

Mohd Izz said that over the years, several cadets have joined the police force and army.

“Although they have left school, they still keep in touch. I know of one who is a commando, and two others are high-ranking police officers,” he said.

“I’m happy that we still keep in touch.”

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