Magistrate Diaries: The Day The Roosters Took Over

As it is Sarawak Day today, allow me to share this story again. 

Back in the mid-90s, I was posted as a magistrate in Miri, Sarawak. It was my very first judicial posting (after a short "training" stint in Kuching), and like many things in life, it came with a mix of nerves, pride, drama... and the occasional unexpected comedy.



Yes, there were the days when the courtroom felt more like a sitcom than a solemn hall of justice. The real challenge? Keeping my cool and not cracking up in front of everyone.

Case in point: a cockfighting case.

Uhuh, an actual sabung ayam trial — and as part of the exhibits, a few of the roosters were brought into the courtroom. At first, they were quiet, just chilling in a corner like feathered thugs. Then, one of them let out a soft kokokok. No big deal.

But then another joined in. And another. And before long, the entire courtroom echoed with loud, relentless crowing.

You could see everyone trying not to laugh. The gallery was grinning. The lawyers were smirking. Even the Chief Inspector – the guy who normally looked like he slept in his uniform – was clearly trying not to lose it.

Meanwhile, I had to keep a straight face. I'm the magistrate, after all. So, I put on my best poker face and gave the most dignified instruction I could muster:

“Cif Inspektor, tolong bawak keluar ayam tu semua.”

And everyone basically heaved a huge sigh of relief. 😄

Selamat Menyambut Hari Sarawak! 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

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