COMMENT | Once upon a time, there was a farmer called Pak Det who produced the best pumpkins in a place called Kampung Bersatu. Every year, he would compete in the national pumpkin festival to see whose farm produced the largest pumpkin in the district.

Sadly, although Pak Det’s pumpkins grew big and healthy, he kept losing to the same competitor every year.

The farmer who had been producing the biggest pumpkin at the festival for several years now and putting Pak Det’s pumpkins to shame was his old friend, Uncle Lim.

One day, Raju, a new farmer who planned to join the upcoming festival for the very first time, decided to meet Pak Det and Uncle Lim, in order to get some advice.

First, Raju visited Pak Det’s farm.

“Pak Det, can you share your secret of how to grow healthy pumpkin plants which can produce big fruits?” Raju asked. “I too would like to join the festival next year.”

Pak Det was quite upset about having his daily routine at the farm disturbed and lashed out, “How dare you ask me for my secret? I have come a long way in this race and I am still struggling while others are already way ahead of me!

“You must be dreaming if you think I would share anything that is solely mine with anyone who isn’t one of my own!”

Raju felt upset and humiliated being treated badly by Pak Det. It made him feel as if he was an outcast and did not belong. However, his desire to join the festival remained strong. Hence he decided to meet the next person on the list – Uncle Lim.

Truth be told, Raju was worried in the beginning – if a runner-up like Pak Det could lash out after being asked for his secret, what more a multiple-time champion like Uncle Lim?....