The document is a script for a classroom election in Primary 4C. It introduces the main characters - Tan Si Qi, Jonathan Tan, and Tan Ah Seng, who have been friends since Primary 1. Their friendship is tested when their classmate Mei Ling comes down with chicken pox, potentially exposing the whole class. Their teacher is absent and the disciplinary master struggles with what to do about the situation.

1. CLASS ELECTION
Draft 8
26 September 2011
MediaCorp Raintree Pictures Pte Ltd
Caldecott Broadcast Centre, Andrew Road, Singapore 299939

2. FADE IN:
1 BLACK 1
Over black, we hear the voice-over of 10-year-old Tan Si Qi.
SI QI (V.O.)
Some people become friends because
of common hobbies. Other people
develop a friendship because of
common interests. Ah Seng, Jonathan
and me, on the other hand, became
friends because of fate. We three
are all surnamed Tan.
CUT TO:
2 EXT. SCHOOL, PARADE SQUARE - DAY 2
Reading from a name list, disciplinary master Mr Tay is
calling out the names of students.
MR TAY
Tan Si Qi! Jonathan Tan! Tan Ah
Seng! Line up properly!
We see Si Qi, Jonathan and Ah Seng’s feet get into a line,
one behind another.
MR TAY (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Wee Tze Min! Jeremy Wong!
CUT TO:
3 EXT. SCHOOL, BASKETBALL COURT - DAY 3
Reading from a name list, sports teacher Mr Raj Singh is
calling out the names of students.
MR RAJ SINGH
(in English)
Tan Si Qi! Jonathan Tan! Tan Ah
Seng! You three form one team!
We see Si Qi, Jonathan and Ah Seng’s feet huddle in a group.
Jonathan’s foot accidentally steps on to Ah Seng’s foot.
MR RAJ SINGH (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Wee Tze Min! Jeremy Wong!
CUT TO:

3. 2.
4 INT. SCHOOL, MUSIC ROOM - DAY 4
Reading from a name list, music teacher Miss Wong is calling
out the names of students.
MISS WONG
Tan Si Qi! Jonathan Tan! Tan Ah
Seng! Later, you all sing this
part!
We see Si Qi, Jonathan and Ah Seng’s feet join a chorus line.
Jonathan’s foot accidentally steps on to Ah Seng’s foot. Ah
Seng’s foot kicks Jonathan’s foot back.
CUT TO:
5 INT. SCHOOL, SICK BAY - DAY 5
Reading from a name list, a nurse is calling out the names of
students.
NURSE
Next! Tan Si Qi! Jonathan Tan! Tan
Ah Seng!
We see Si Qi, Jonathan and Ah Seng’s feet shuffle reluctantly
towards a door. None of them want to be in front.
SI QI (V.O.)
From lining up to taking injections
to eating to exams, the three of us
have always been doing everything
together since Primary One.
The mess of feet begin kicking and fighting one another in
their bid not to be the first in line for an injection.
SI QI (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Conflicts are of course inevitable.
Sometimes, we would even fight. But
like dogs and cats living under one
roof, we learnt to accept one
another eventually. Fussing and
fighting, breaking up and making
up, our friendship looks set to
last forever until...
CUT TO:
6 I/E. SCHOOL, CANTEEN - DAY 6
We see Jonathan, Si Qi and Ah Seng’s feet seated on a bench
in a row.

4. 3.
SI QI (V.O.)
... that day when school reopened
in Primary Four.
Camera pans up to reveal the three kids, all aged 10.
Jonathan is a chubby, pampered and spoilt rich kid.
Ah Seng is a scowling, skinny and sharp-tongued son of a
market hawker.
Si Qi is a pretty, neat and responsible girl.
All three of them in the middle of eating noodles in the
canteen.
Chopsticks poised in mid air, Jonathan, Si Qi and Ah Seng are
stunned.
MEI LING (O.S.)
What do you all think?
On the opposite end of the canteen table, bespectacled class
monitor Mei Ling is holding up a huge and gaudy greeting card
that says “Welcome”.
MEI LING (CONT’D)
Nice? I put in a lot of effort to
finish this. Hope our new form
teacher will like it.
Ah Seng’s foot nudges Si Qi’s.
SI QI
Er, Mei Ling, isn’t it a bit too
red?
MEI LING
Too red? No. Other than red, there
are many other colors like blue,
green and yellow. I think the
colors are combined very well.
Si Qi’s foot nudges Jonathan’s.
JONATHAN
Isn’t it a bit too many?
MEI LING
Too many? I only made one card.
What’s wrong with you triplets
today? First day of school
reopening, look a bit odd.
Si Qi’s foot nudges Ah Seng’s.

5. 4.
AH SENG
I think you’re better off asking
the nurse rather than asking us.
MEI LING
Nurse? I ask the nurse for what?
SI QI, JONATHAN & AH SENG
BECAUSE YOU HAVE “CHICKEN POX”!!!
Mei Ling gets out her pencil box, lifts the lid and looks
into a small mirror under the lid.
She sees many red spots all over her face.
Mei Ling screams.
CUT TO:
7 INT. PRIMARY 4C - DAY 7
The class chicken is clucking softly inside a cage in the
“Pet’s Corner” of the classroom. It has a bandage on one leg.
Disciplinary master Mr Tay and the sagely Principal Wee are
looking at the chicken. The former is holding his
handkerchief to his nose. He is also armed with a cane.
In the background, the nurse is taking the temperatures of
the students.
MR TAY
What do you think, Principal? Do
you want me to take it behind the
school and -
Mr Tay makes a sinister slitting gesture across his throat.
Principal Wee does not reply. He continues looking at the
chicken.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
If you feel that the school is not
a suitable place, I can bring it to
the factory opposite and -
Mr Tay makes a sinister neck breaking gesture.
Principal Wee is still not replying. He continues considering
the chicken.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
Or how about this, Principal -
Principal Wee suddenly stands up straight and talks to no one
in particular.

6. 5.
PRINCIPAL WEE
Chicken essence.
Mr Tay is boggled.
PRINCIPAL WEE (CONT’D)
Mrs Lim will be giving birth next
week. To congratulate her, the
school will send her chicken
essence instead of flowers.
MR TAY
What about this chicken, Principal?
What do you want me to do it?
PRINCIPAL WEE
Chicken pox is not caused by
chickens, Mr Tay.
The nurse approaches Principal Wee.
NURSE
Principal, all the students are
fine. Nobody has a fever.
PRINCIPAL WEE
Although none of the students have
a fever now, that doesn’t mean that
they are not infected.
(sighs)
Because of one case of chicken pox,
do we send the whole class home or
do we wait and observe for a few
days? If we send everybody back, it
might cause a panic among students
from the other classes. But if we
do nothing and more chicken pox
cases break out later, the school
might be accused of being
complacent. Hard to either advance
or retreat. Left and right - both a
dilemma. This is the conundrum of
power. Being a principal is the
same as being the government.
Whatever you decide to do, you will
still be criticized. Mr Tay, please
watch over Primary 4C until the
teacher relieving Mrs Lim arrives.
She had to go to the Ministry of
Education this morning to settle
some paperwork. She should be here
soon.
Principal Wee leaves with the nurse.
Just then, Si Qi, Jonathan and Ah Seng runs over to the
chicken cage.

7. 6.
JONATHAN
I want to feed! I want to feed!
AH SENG
I also want to feed!
SI QI
You two always feed him! Today is
my turn!
Mr Tay slams his cane on a table. The whole class, which has
been jabbering and running about, falls silent.
MR TAY
Silence! Go to your seats! You
think this is a zoo?
Suddenly, the chicken crows.
The kids laugh.
AH SENG
He says this is a zoo!
Mr Tay slams his cane on the table again.
MR TAY
Silence! Whoever talks again will
get a taste of my cane!
The children go to their seats. Mr Tay stands in front of the
class.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
Who is the class monitor?
JONATHAN
She’s gone home.
MR TAY
Classes haven’t begun and she’s
gone home? Are you trying to con
me?
SI QI
Our class monitor is the one who
got chicken pox.
MR TAY
Oh.
The class titters.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
Silence! Since there is no class
monitor, I will appoint one right
now. Whose results were the best
last year?

8. 7.
AH SENG
Cai Mei Ling! She is the biggest
bookworm in class. Her results were
the best!
MR TAY
Classmate Cai Mei Ling! Stand up!
JONATHAN
She’s gone home.
The class titters.
MR TAY
Silence! Why did she go home too?
Who let her go home?
SI QI
Cai Mei Ling is our class monitor.
She is also the one who got chicken
pox. So the one who went home is
Cai Mei Ling.
The class explodes in laughter.
Mr Tay slams his cane on the table.
MR TAY
Silence!
(to Si Qi)
What is your name?
Si Qi stands up.
SI QI
Tan Si Qi.
MR TAY
Classmate Tan Si Qi, so you feel
this is very funny? IS IT?
Jonathan knows Si Qi is in trouble. He signals Ah Seng, who
is sitting next to the chicken cage.
SI QI
No, disciplinary master.
Mr Tay slams his cane on the table.
MR TAY
LOUDER!
SI QI
No, disciplinary master.
MR TAY
Do you feel choosing a class
monitor is very funny?

9. 8.
Surreptitiously, Ah Seng’s hand is inching towards the
chicken cage. He lifts the lock.
SI QI
No, disciplinary master.
Mr Tay slams his cane on the table.
MR TAY
LOUDER!
SI QI
No, disciplinary master. But even
though you asked us twice, you
still didn’t know that our class
monitor Cai Mei Ling was the one
who went home because she got
chicken pox. This - I feel - is a
bit funny.
MR TAY
Come out here! You are only 10
years old and you dare to talk back
to me? COME HERE!
Mr Tay slams his cane on the table.
Frightened, the chicken squawks and flies up into the air,
causing a commotion among the students.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
Silence! Who let the chicken out?
Mr Tay sees that Ah Seng is the nearest to the cage.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
(to Ah Seng)
Must be you!
Mr Tay marches over to Ah Seng and grabs the boy by the
scruff of the neck. The disciplinary master hauls Ah Seng to
the front of the class.
Jonathan grabs the chicken and sticks it back in the cage.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
(to Ah Seng)
Stick out your hand! Stick it out!
Ah Seng sticks his hand out.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
A classroom is like a country! If
we don’t whack and scold, you all
won’t be obedient!
Mr Tay raises his cane and brings it down hard.

10. 9.
Ah Seng’s reflexes are quicker and he withdraws his hand just
in time.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
You dare to dodge! Stick your hand
out! You dodge again, you’ll be
finished!
Ah Seng sticks his hand out.
Mr Tay raises his cane and brings it down hard.
Ah Seng withdraws his hand just in time again.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
You come over here!
Mr Tay grabs Ah Seng and pushes him over the teacher’s table.
The furious disciplinary master is about to whack Ah Seng in
the buttocks when...
MDM LUCY (O.S.)
WAH!!!
Everybody turns to see Mdm Lucy standing at the doorway of
the classroom. She is holding the welcome card made by Mei
Ling.
MDM LUCY (CONT’D)
So pretty! Is it for me?
Mdm Lucy walks up to Mr Tay.
MR TAY
You are the teacher who is
replacing Mrs Lim?
MDM LUCY
I am Mdm Lucy, Primary 4C’s new
form teacher. What are you all
doing? Rehearsing a play?
MR TAY
I am My Tay, the disciplinary
master. I was just about to choose
the class monitor when this rascal
let the chicken out of the cage!
Good. Now that you are here, Mdm
Lucy, please!
Mr Tay offers Mdm Lucy the cane. She takes it.
MDM LUCY
Just now, I thought I heard you say
that a classroom is like a country?
Mr Tay nods and grunts.

11. 10.
MDM LUCY (CONT’D)
Which country are you talking
about?
Mr Tay is boggled.
MDM LUCY (CONT’D)
A place with only whacking and
scolding is not a classroom. It is
also not a country. It is a prison.
Mr Tay is speechless.
MDM LUCY (CONT’D)
Thank you for watching over my
class, disciplinary master. You can
hand this student over to me. I
will use my own method to teach him
properly.
Mdm Lucy returns the cane to Mr Tay. He leaves angrily.
Ah Seng is monkeying around and waving Mr Tay goodbye.
Mdm Lucy glares at Ah Seng sternly. He stops fooling around.
MDM LUCY (CONT’D)
Next time, cannot be rude to the
disciplinary master. Go back to
your seat!
Ah Seng scampers back to his seat. Jonathan winks at him. Si
Qi gives him a thumbs up.
MDM LUCY (CONT’D)
Okay, where did the disciplinary
master stop just now?
STUDENTS
Choosing the class monitor!
MDM LUCY
That’s right. Choosing the class
monitor.
JONATHAN
(mischievously)
Mdm Lucy, the class monitor has
gone home!
MDM LUCY
Don’t even try! You think I’m like
Mr Tay and don’t know that your
class monitor Cai Mei Ling has
chicken pox and has gone home? I’m
not so easy to con!
The class laughs, warming up to Mdm Lucy.

12. 11.
MDM LUCY (CONT’D)
Let me ask you all. How did
classmate Cai Mei Ling become the
class monitor of Primary 4C?
AH SENG
Mrs Lim chose her when we were in
Primary 1.
JONATHAN
Mdm Lucy, are you going to choose a
new class monitor?
MDM LUCY
Since classmate Cai Mei Ling has
chicken pox, Primary 4C needs a new
class monitor. However, I will not
be the one choosing.
SI QI
You’re not choosing. Then,
disciplinary master Mr Tay choose?
MDM LUCY
You all will choose. Students, do
you know what an election is?
CUT TO:
8 I/E. SCHOOL, FIELD - DAY 8
Recess time. Kids are playing on the field.
Si Qi, Jonathan and Ah Seng are kicking a ball with three of
their classmates - naughty boy Busybody, sly boy Sugarcane
and overweight boy Fishball.
SUGARCANE
I know! An election is like the one
where we chose the president!
Everybody has to vote and the
candidate with the most votes
become the president!
BUSYBODY
(to Si Qi, Jonathan & Ah
Seng)
Ey, triplets! Last time, the
presidential candidates were all
Tans. You three are also Tans.
Seems like all the Tans in this
country like to join election. You
three also join the election, lah!
JONATHAN
I don’t want to be the class
monitor. So troublesome.
(MORE)

13. 12.
JONATHAN (CONT'D)
Must come to school early, must
take attendance. Recess time, must
book whoever does not return his
plate.
AH SENG
There’s more! Being the class
monitor must also keep shouting
“Stand! Bow!” before and after
every class. Must help the teacher
carry books. Exam time must collect
the exam paper. Life is too short!
BUSYBODY
But be class monitor got a lot of
power! Can be like government like
that. Everybody has to listen to
you. If not, get fined. So
glamorous!
FISHBALL
Eh, Si Qi. Those two don’t want to
join the election. But I think even
if you want to, you also cannot.
You are so bad at kicking ball. How
to be class monitor?
AH SENG
Fishball, what does kicking ball
have to do with being the class
monitor?
FISHBALL
When students misbehave, the class
monitor must kick their backside,
mah! Si Qi can’t even kick a ball,
how to kick people’s backside?
Just then, Si Qi flicks the ball up into the air and strikes
it hard with her feet. The ball slams into Fishball’s
stomach.
SI QI
Since when did I say I want to be
class monitor?
CUT TO:
9 INT. PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE - DAY 9
Mr Tay is talking to Principal Wee.
PRINCIPAL WEE
She really said that?

14. 13.
MR TAY
There’s more. She even said a place
that whacks and scolds students is
not a classroom but a prison.
PRINCIPAL WEE
Strange. I heard that when Mdm Lucy
taught in this school 15 years ago,
she was a very fierce teacher.
That’s why when Mrs Lim went on
maternity leave, I approved Mdm
Lucy to come back and teach.
MR TAY
Principal, how well do you know
this Mdm Lucy?
PRINCIPAL WEE
Not very well. When I was sent here
to be Principal, Mdm Lucy had
already left the school.
MR TAY
Why did she leave the school 15
years ago?
PRINCIPAL WEE
I don’t know.
MR TAY
I think we should find out.
CUT TO:
10 EXT. SCHOOL, GATE - DAY 10
School is out.
Si Qi, Jonathan and Ah Seng are walking out of the gate.
AH SENG
What do you think of that Mdm Lucy?
SI QI
She’s very different from the other
teachers, who only know how to
whack and scold us.
JONATHAN
I think there’s something wrong
with her. Class monitors all over
the world are chosen by teachers.
Who chooses a class monitor through
an election. There must be
something wrong with her head!

15. 14.
SI QI
Talk fairly, Jonathan. Mdm Lucy was
the one who saved Ah Seng from a
beating. Besides, I feel it’s
better for the students to choose
their own class monitor, rather
than the teacher doing so.
(a beat)
So, are you all going to join the
election to become the class
monitor?
AH SENG
Please lah, Si Qi. My grades are
one of the lowest in class. Who
will vote for me?
JONATHAN
I said already. Being the class
monitor must come to school early
every day. I always oversleep.
AH SENG
That’s because you this fat pig
loves sleeping the most!
Jonathan chases Ah Seng, trying to poke him.
JONATHAN
Damn Ah Seng! Who are you calling a
fat pig?
AH SENG
Oi, Si Qi! Come and save me from
this damn fat pig!
Si Qi rolls her eyes at the boys’ antics.
SI QI
Oi! Are we still going to drink
bubble tea?
CUT TO:
11 INT. SCHOOL, STAFF ROOM - DAY 11
Mr Tay is at his desk. He is spying on Mdm Lucy who is biding
some other teachers goodbye. Mdm Lucy leaves.
Just then, the old janitor arrives to clear Mr Tay’s
wastepaper basket.
MR TAY
Old Wang, you have been working
here very long, right?

16. 15.
OLD WANG
More than 20 years already.
MR TAY
Do you remember a Mdm Lucy?
OLD WANG
Mdm Lucy? Of course! She left this
school 15 years ago. But now she’s
back. Today is her first day. I saw
her just now. But she doesn’t
remember me.
MR TAY
Do you know why she left?
OLD WANG
I don’t know for sure but I
remember Mdm Lucy was known as the
fiercest teacher in this school.
She was always caning students. I
heard some people even say that
there was once she caned a boy so
bad he went home and drank
detergent. The boy’s parents did
not press charges for some reason.
But Mdm Lucy left the school soon
after.
Mr Tay is intrigued.
CUT TO:
12 INT. JONATHAN’S HOUSE, DINING ROOM - NIGHT 12
Jonathan is playing the piano very badly.
His mother - Mrs Tan - is seated at the dining table,
listening and frowning. The table is piled full of food.
JONATHAN
I’m very hungry! Can I stop
playing?
MRS TAN
Don’t stop! You never see my
friend’s daughter Melissa. Younger
than you by a year and can play
like a concert pianist. My friend
even booked the country club
ballroom to let her daughter show
off her skills. You - you learn one
year already and can’t even play
Three Little Mice properly!
JONATHAN
I don’t have musical talent!

17. 16.
MRS TAN
That’s right! You only have eating
talent! Play properly! Or else I’ll
make you go on a diet!
Jonathan’s father - Mr Tan - returns home from work.
MR TAN
Stop playing! So horrible! I could
hear it in the car from the main
road! Come and eat!
MRS TAN
He’s not allowed to eat unless he
plays that song properly!
JONATHAN
I can’t play properly if I am
hungry. My fingers are so weak they
are trembling!
MR TAN
Aiyah, let him eat first. Play
later, okay?
MRS TAN
No means no! Eat first if you are
hungry.
MR TAN
He’s playing so horribly. How can I
eat?
MRS TAN
Then you wait until he can play
this tune finish properly!
MR TAN
So fierce, you think you are the
government, ah?
MRS TAN
That’s right. In this house, I am
the government.
MR TAN
If you are the government, what am
I?
MRS TAN
You always oppose me, so you are
the opposition, lor!
MR TAN
Why are you the government and I am
the opposition? Was there ever an
election in this house?

18. 17.
JONATHAN
My class is going to have an
election!
Mr and Mrs Tan turn to look at Jonathan.
CUT TO:
13 INT. JONATHAN’S HOUSE, DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER 13
Jonathan is seated at the dining table with his parents.
JONATHAN
I can’t wake up in time!
MRS TAN
Yes, you can. I will wake you!
JONATHAN
I don’t want! I don’t want!
MR TAN
Stop forcing him if he doesn’t
want.
MRS TAN
You want to have dinner?
Jonathan looks at the food on the table longingly and nods.
MRS TAN (CONT’D)
Then you must listen to me. My
friend’s son Matthew is a school
prefect. When she brings him to the
country club, he is always wearing
a tie. So smart!
JONATHAN
The class monitor does not wear a
tie.
MR TAN
You want him to wear a tie, you can
always buy him one. No need to
force him to join the election and
run for class monitor.
MRS TAN
Do you know how hard it was to get
you into your primary school? Your
daddy had to donate 20 computers
and I had to volunteer to plant
bonsai for your school garden. We
thought that if we could get you
into this good primary school, you
will have a bright future.
(MORE)

19. 18.
MRS TAN (CONT'D)
However, your grades have been
worsening recently. At this rate,
how are you going to get into a
famous secondary school after PSLE?
MR TAN
At most I’ll donate 100 computers.
MRS TAN
You think we are the only rich
people in this country? You can
donate 100 computers, people also
can!
(to Jonathan)
Mummy and daddy will do everything
we can to help you. But sometimes,
you have to help yourself too. If
you become class monitor, your
record in primary school will look
better. And that means your chances
of getting into a famous secondary
school will also improve.
(a beat)
The class monitor really don’t wear
a tie, ah?
JONATHAN
During recess time, the class
monitor has to book those who don’t
return their plates. That means I
won’t have enough time to eat. If I
become class monitor, I might
starve to death!
MRS TAN
Why are you so disobedient? We want
you to run for class monitor for
your own good!
MR TAN
(to Mrs Tan)
Looks like this government of yours
is not very effective.
MRS TAN
If you have a better idea, spit it
out. Don’t keep opposing me!
MR TAN
Since you say you are the
government in this house, you
should learn from the government.
When you want the people to do what
you want, what must you give them?
MRS TAN
What the heck are you talking
about?

20. 19.
Mr Tan smiles. He turns to Jonathan.
MR TAN
Jonathan. If you are obedient and
run for class monitor, daddy and
mummy will reward you. During the
June school holiday, instead of
bringing you to Japan Disneyland,
we’ll go to America Disneyland.
Jonathan’s eyes widen.
JONATHAN
Really? You’re not bluffing me?
Mr Tan turns to his wife.
MR TAN
Upgrading -
MR & MRS TAN
Works every time!
CUT TO:
14 I/E. MARKET, DRIED GOODS STALL - NIGHT 14
Ah Seng’s parents - Auntie Chilli and Tau Kee Tan - are
closing their dried goods stall.
Ah Seng is pretending to do his homework. He is actually
playing a game on his mobile phone.
TAU KEE TAN
(in Hokkien, to Auntie
Chilli)
I heard that Ang Kar Lim won a lot
at the casino last week.
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
No wonder he didn’t open his fish
stall these few days.
AH SENG
Are you all done soon? I’m
starving.
(yawns)
I’m going to the toilet.
Ah Seng walks off, leaving his mobile phone on top of his
textbook.
TAU KEE TAN
(in Hokkien)
I heard he won tens of thousands.

21. 20.
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
So much? Knowing his pattern, he is
not going to tell anyone of us.
Last time he borrowed money from
you to pay his son’s school fees -
has he repaid you?
TAU KEE TAN
(in Hokkien)
Aiyah, just a few hundred.
Sometimes he give us the fish and
prawns he cannot sell finish, he
also never ask us to pay. Forget
it, lah!
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Forget it? Now that he is rich, not
only can he pay his son’s school
fees. He can even hire tuition
teachers. When you see him
tomorrow, ask him to pay you back!
Just then, Tur Bak Ong walks by.
TUR BAK ONG
(in Hokkien)
Auntie Chilli, Tau Kee Tan -
closing up?
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Wait for you to help us, meh, Tur
Bak Ong?
Ah Seng’s mobile phone beeps.
TUR BAK ONG
(in Hokkien)
Tomorrow is the market committee
meeting. Remember to come if you
are free.
TAU KEE TAN
(in Hokkien)
Economy so bad. Where got time to
go and hear you all chit chat?
TUR BAK ONG
(in Hokkien)
Economy bad, all the more you
should come. Tomorrow, I will be
accepting applications for the
market bursary. Why don’t you help
Ah Seng apply?
(MORE)

22. 21.
TUR BAK ONG (CONT'D)
If you don’t, Ang Kar Lim’s son
will get it again this year. He has
already applied already three
months ago.
AUNTIE CHILLI
(to Tau Kee Tan, in
Hokkien)
This Ang Kar Lim is really too
much! Win so much money still dare
to apply for bursary?
Ah Seng’s mobile phone beeps again.
TUR BAK ONG
(in Hokkien)
You said who won a lot of money?
AUNTIE CHILLI
(to Tur Bak Ong, in
Hokkien)
No, lah. Someone you don’t know.
TAU KEE TAN
(to Auntie Chilli, in
Hokkien)
Aiyah, each year at most a few
hundred dollars only. Like that you
also want to fight with other
people?
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
A few hundred? School fees plus
books and uniform and transport -
at least a thousand dollars!
TAU KEE TAN
(to Tur Bak Ong, in
Hokkien)
Eh, Tur Bak Ong, what are the
criteria for the bursary?
TUR BAK ONG
(in Hokkien)
The market committee will look at
exam results.
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Ang Kar Lim’s son’s studies not
very good, right?
TUR BAK ONG
(in Hokkien)
Like your son - not very good.

23. 22.
TAU KEE TAN
(in Hokkien)
If we also apply for Ah Seng, how
will you all decide who to give it
to?
TUR BAK ONG
(in Hokkien)
If your son and Ang Kar Lim’s son’s
results are about the same, we will
look at other factors like whether
they volunteer in school or whether
they are active in charity work.
Ah Seng’s mobile phone beeps yet again. Annoyed, Auntie
Chilli grabs the phone. She sees an SMS from Fishball. It
reads: “Want to win $10? Bet on who will be chosen as Primary
4G’s class monitor!”
AUNTIE CHILLI
(to Tur Bak Ong, in
Hokkien)
What if Ah Seng is the class
monitor?
Auntie Chilli passes Ah Seng’s phone to Tau Kee Tan, who
reads the SMS too.
TUR BAK ONG
(in Hokkien)
Like that your son will sure win
Ang Kar Lim’s son. Want to apply,
remember to come early tomorrow!
Tur Bak Ong leaves.
Ah Seng returns. He snatches his mobile phone back from his
father.
AH SENG
You take my phone for what?
(checks his phone)
You read my SMS for what?
Ah Seng notices his parents looking at him intently.
AH SENG (CONT’D)
Why are the two of you looking at
me like that?
AUNTIE CHILLI
The more I look at you, the more
you look like a class monitor!
TAU KEE TAN
A thousand-dollar class monitor!

24. 23.
AH SENG
Huh?
CUT TO:
15 INT. SI QI’S FLAT, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 15
Si Qi is doing her homework on the sofa with the help of her
mother - Mrs Chen. Her grandmother - Mdm Chen - is watching
TV.
There is a photo of Si Qi’s deceased father on an altar.
MRS CHEN
Like this. Now, plus this. Then,
times this -
SI QI
Wrong. Wrong. It’s like this. Times
this. Then, plus this. That’s how
you do it!
MDM CHEN
(laughing gently, in
Hokkien)
Don’t know who teach who!
MRS CHEN
Mother, primary school mathematics
is really difficult these days.
It’s not enough to get the right
answer. You must use the right
method as well.
MDM CHEN
(in Hokkien)
Who cares which method is right as
long as the answer is correct. If
the schools go on like this, all
the children will grow up and
become idiots.
MRS CHEN
Times have changed, mother. Now,
everything is science and
mathematics. There are rules and
you must follow them. You cannot
anyhow do what you want.
(to Si Qi)
Come, let’s do three more, then we
go to bed.
MDM CHEN
(in Hokkien)
Last night, the lift alarm was
ringing. I couldn’t sleep.

25. 24.
MRS CHEN
Aiyah, it must be those naughty
kids from the seventh floor again.
Don’t bother with them, mother.
MDM CHEN
(in Hokkien)
I couldn’t sleep all night because
I was wondering if there was
someone stuck inside the lift.
MRS CHEN
This whole block so many people. If
someone is really stuck in the
lift, other people will save them.
You don’t worry and go to sleep.
(to Si Qi)
So fast. Next question.
SI QI
What is an election?
MRS CHEN
What did you say?
SI QI
What is an election?
Mrs Chen panics. She gets up and closes all the windows.
MDM CHEN
(to Mrs Chen, in Hokkien)
What are you doing? Raining and
lightning strike, ah?
Mrs Chen comes back to the couch.
MRS CHEN
(to Si Qi)
Why are you asking this? Did you
meet any new friends recently? Or
did you read something on the
Internet?
Si Qi shakes her head.
MRS CHEN (CONT’D)
You cannot anyhow talk about this
kind of thing. Neighbors hear, no
good.
SI QI
What kind of thing? I only asked
you what an election is.
MRS CHEN
You still haven’t told me - why are
you asking this?

26. 25.
SI QI
My new teacher said she is going to
hold an election to choose the
class monitor.
MRS CHEN
An election is an adult affair. You
will know when you grow up. Tell
you ah, Si Qi. This year I want you
to concentrate on your studies.
Don’t join any CCA and don’t join
the election. Otherwise mummy will
be very angry. Other people want to
become the class monitor, it’s
their business. I want you to
devote all of your time to your
studies. Okay. It’s nine-thirty. Go
to bed!
Si Qi leaves.
MDM CHEN
(in Hokkien)
Aiyah, Si Qi wants to join the
beauty contest (xuan bee pei cai),
let her, lor. After all, my grand-
daughter is quite pretty!
MRS CHEN
Mother! She’s talking about an
election (xuan ju), not a beauty
contest (xuan bee peh cai)!
Mrs Chen goes to the altar and lights joss sticks. She prays
to her dead husband.
MRS CHEN (CONT’D)
Aiyoh, hubby. You are in heaven.
You must tell me what to do. Our
daughter haven’t ask me about male-
female relations, she is asking me
about politics! Children these days
are too far-fetched! You must help
me, ah!
CUT TO:
16 INT. SCHOOL, STAFF ROOM - NIGHT 16
Mr Tay is trying to open an old filing cabinet. It is rusty
and the lock is jammed from years of disuse. He finally yanks
the cabinet open.
The drawer falls out, scattering old school records of past
students all over the place.

27. 26.
Mr Tay searches through the pile and sees the records of a
student named Tay Cheng Wee. A note attached to the records
indicate that he had withdrawn from school.
CUT TO:
17 INT. JONATHAN’S HOUSE, BEDROOM - DAY 17
The alarm clock rings. Jonathan switches it off.
Another alarm clock rings. Jonathan switches it off.
Then, yet another alarm clock rings. But before Jonathan can
switch it off, three more alarm clocks ring.
He wakes up and is annoyed to see six alarm clocks around his
bed.
He moves to switch the ringing clocks off and notices his
parents in his room. They smile at him.
MR TAN
It’s six o’clock.
MRS TAN
Be class monitor, cannot be late!
CUT TO:
18 I/E. LUXURY SEDAN - DAY 18
Jonathan dozing in the back seat. Mrs Tan is driving. Mr Tan
is in the front passenger seat.
Jonathan’s parents are quarreling.
MR TAN
Turn! Turn! Turn! Why didn’t you
turn down there? I told you
already. This way a lot of traffic
lights. See! Red light! Tsk!
MRS TAN
Hello! Am I driving or are you
driving? The steering seems to be
in front of me, hor!
MR TAN
You are the driver but I am the co-
driver! As the co-driver, I have
the right to tell you which route
is best in order to get to our
destination in the shortest
possible time!

28. 27.
MRS TAN
You think we are sitting Singapore
airlines, ah? I got hear plane has
co-driver. But I never hear before
car got co-driver!
MR TAN
Other car may not have a co-driver
but this one has. You know why?
MRS TAN
I can’t be bothered.
MR TAN
Because I bought this car! Green
light already! Green light already!
MRS TAN
I know, lah! You so clever, you
drive tomorrow, lah!
CUT TO:
19 EXT. SCHOOL, PARADE SQUARE - DAY 19
Students are lined up orderly for the flag-raising ceremony.
Si Qi and Jonathan are already there. There is an empty spot
between them.
Ah Seng arrives, panting and sweating and stands in the empty
spot.
AH SENG
(to Jonathan)
Wah! The world has changed. So
early today? How did you this fat
pig manage to wake up?
Jonathan makes a face at Ah Seng.
The national anthem strikes up.
CUT TO:
20 INT. PRIMARY 4C - DAY 20
The students are running about the classroom, playing.
Mdm Lucy enters the class.
To the students’ surprise, Jonathan shouts out.
JONATHAN
Class! Stand!

29. 28.
Everybody stands.
STUDENTS
Good morning, Mdm Lucy!
Mdm Lucy smiles.
MDM LUCY
Good morning, students. Please sit
down.
As Si Qi sits down, she shoots Jonathan a quizzical look.
Jonathan does not return her gaze.
MDM LUCY (CONT’D)
Yesterday, we talked about choosing
a new class monitor. And the method
we are going to adopt in order to
achieve this is called -
STUDENTS
An election!
MDM LUCY
Very good. First of all. Can anyone
tell me what is an election?
Busybody’s hand shoots up.
BUSYBODY
I know! I know!
MDM LUCY
This classmate. What is your name?
BUSYBODY
I’m called Huang Shi Hao. But
everybody calls me “Busybody”!
The class titters.
MDM LUCY
“Busybody”... Sounds like you know
a lot of things.
BUSYBODY
An election means everybody has to
vote and the person who gets the
most votes wins.
MDM LUCY
Very good. Classmate Huang Shi Hao
is correct. An election is a
political device in which citizens
vote to choose the person they want
to represent them.
(MORE)

30. 29.
MDM LUCY (CONT'D)
Elections are a special feature of
democratic countries. Can anyone
tell me what is the opposite of
democracy?
Busybody’s hand shoots up again.
Mdm Lucy points at Sugarcane.
MDM LUCY (CONT’D)
This classmate - what is your name?
SUGARCANE
I’m called Fang Guo Qiang.
BUSYBODY
But he’s so skinny so everybody
calls him Sugarcane!
SUGARCANE
If a democratic country has
elections... Then, the opposite of
a democratic country is a country
with no elections!
FISHBALL
Idiot! Of course, lah! Still need
to say?
MDM LUCY
Quieten down, everyone. Classmate
Fang Guo Qiang is not wrong. The
opposite of a democracy does not
have elections. Such a political
system are known as -
To Si Qi and Ah Seng’s surprise, Jonathan raises his hand.
JONATHAN
My house!
Everybody laughs.
MDM LUCY
Why do you say that, this
classmate?
JONATHAN
In my house, my mother is the
government. Everything she says,
everybody has to do, including my
father. A system like my house is
not a democracy. It is a
dictatorship!
MDM LUCY
Dictatorship. That’s the opposite
of a democracy.
(MORE)

31. 30.
MDM LUCY (CONT'D)
A long time ago, most countries
around the world were
dictatorships. But as times changed
and people wanted to play a bigger
part in the planning and running of
their lives, dictatorships gave way
to democracies.
(a beat)
Yesterday, I said the class should
have an election to choose a new
class monitor. This morning, before
class started, I approached the
student with the best handwriting
to go on the Internet, do some
research and write the class
constitution. He will now read it
out to you. Classmate Yam Ah Bee.
A small-sized boy with Brylcreemed hair called Yam Ah Bee
stands up. He reads from a jotter book titled “Class
Constitution”.
YAM AH BEE
(reading in a deadpan
voice)
Pursuant to Chapter One, Paragraph
One, Sub-Section A of the Class
Election Act. Every student of
Primary 4C is entitled to run for
the post of class monitor. All
candidates must present their
details to Mdm Lucy by eight
o’clock next Monday. This will be
known as Nomination Day. Starting
tomorrow, a series of debates will
be organized in which interested
candidates can present their own
positions and question their
opponents. All debates must stop
the day after Nomination Day. The
day after Nomination Day will be
known as Cooling Off Day. Students
are to use the Cooling Off Day to
think about which candidate he
wishes to vote for in a calm and
logical manner. The day after
Cooling Off Day, all students are
required to cast their votes for
the candidate he or she wishes to
elect as the class monitor. This
day will be known as Polling Day.
Voting is secret and compulsory.
The candidate with the most number
of votes will serve as the class
monitor of Primary 4C for this
year!
The students applaud.

32. 31.
Just then, Mr Tay walks past the class. He peeps in, frowns
at what he is hearing and leaves.
MDM LUCY
Thank you, classmate Yam Ah Bee.
You spoke very well.
(to the students)
Until we elect a new class monitor,
there are many things that still
have to be done. For instance,
taking attendance, wiping the
blackboard and keeping the
classroom clean. During recess time
later, classmate Yam Ah Bee will
let you draw lots to see which task
you have been assigned to.
(a beat)
Although Nomination Day is the day
after, can I find out how many
students are interested in joining
the election?
The students look at one another.
Slowly, Jonathan raises his hand.
Si Qi is stunned.
Then, Ah Seng raises his hand.
Jonathan is stunned.
CUT TO:
21 EXT. SCHOOL, BASKETBALL COURT - DAY 21
Recess time.
Jonathan and Ah Seng are arguing. Si Qi looks on.
AH SENG
Didn’t you say yesterday that you
didn’t want to be the class
monitor? So why did you raise your
hand just now?
JONATHAN
Then what about you? You also said
you were not interested yesterday.
You also raised your hand just now.
SI QI
What’s wrong with the two of you? I
thought we had all agreed yesterday
that none of us was going to join
the election!

33. 32.
AH SENG
I said being a class monitor is
troublesome. But that doesn’t mean
that I didn’t want to join the
election!
JONATHAN
You are just twisting facts!
AH SENG
Then what about you? You were
saying that you couldn’t possibly
be the class monitor because you
always oversleep!
JONATHAN
It was you who said that you didn’t
want to join the election because
your grades are no good and no one
will vote for you!
SI QI
Enough!
Jonathan and Ah Seng shut up.
SI QI (CONT’D)
So, you two have really decided to
join the election?
Jonathan and Ah Seng nod.
SI QI (CONT’D)
Even if that means you will fight
and not remain friends?
Jonathan and Ah Seng are silent.
SI QI (CONT’D)
I’m not bothering with you two
anymore!
She stomps away.
JONATHAN
Why must you fight with me?
AH SENG
It’s you who want to fight with me.
JONATHAN
No compromise?
AH SENG
I won’t withdraw.
JONATHAN
Fine. See you at the election.

34. 33.
The two leave in separate directions.
CUT TO:
22 INT. PRIMARY 4C - DAY 22
The class is drawing lots from a box in front of Yam Ah Bee.
They make faces when they find out which tasks they have
drawn.
Busybody and Sugarcane go over to Jonathan, who is trying to
work out a complex mathematical problem.
BUSYBODY
What did you draw?
SUGARCANE
Me and Busybody has to help carry
Mdm Lucy books.
JONATHAN
Don’t disturb me!
BUSYBODY
Oh, someone has to collect the
class funds!
SUGARCANE
Eh, Jonathan. Your mathematics is
so lousy. Can you cope or not?
JONATHAN
Go away, lah!
Ah Seng draws a lot. His face darkens. Fishball goes up to
him.
FISHBALL
What did you draw?
Ah Seng shows Fishball his slip of paper.
Fishball laughs and makes a clucking noise.
FISHBALL (CONT’D)
At first, I thought sweeping the
floor is suay (unlucky). This is
even more suay!
JONATHAN (O.S.)
Everybody! Please listen to me!
The class tones down and turns to look at Jonathan.
JONATHAN (CONT’D)
I have to collect this month’s
class funds.
(MORE)

35. 34.
JONATHAN (CONT’D)
This will be used to buy food for
the chicken and change the old rags
to new ones. According to my
calculations, everybody has to pay
56 cents this month.
BUSYBODY
Last time we paid only 50 cents
every month. How come now increase?
JONATHAN
Eh, wait a while. I forgot to count
the plastic wrapping paper for the
books in the class library. Sorry.
Everybody has to pay 65 cents - Eh,
wait. I counted wrong. Oh, no! I
forgot to count the class present
for Mrs Lim! Anybody has a
calculator?
SUGARCANE
Wah lao! You go home and count
properly first, then tell us, lah!
Your mathematics is really crap!
AH SENG
Ya, lor! One moment say 56 cents.
Then, increase to 65 cents. Eh,
Jonathan, don’t come back tomorrow
and tell us we have to pay one
dollar, okay? We are not rich like
you! Think you can be like that
Youth Olympics. The cost keep going
up, up, up like a balloon, is it?
Jonathan shoots Ah Seng a poisonous look.
CUT TO:
23 INT. PRIMARY 4C - DAY 23
After school.
The students are leaving.
Still engrossed with calculating the class funds, Jonathan
leaves.
Over at the pet’s corner, Ah Seng is looking at the chicken
inside the cage. It is dirty and smelly. He winces.
Fishball walks by on his way out of the door.
FISHBALL
Remember to clean properly, hah?
Fishball makes clucking noises as he leaves.

36. 35.
Ah Seng sees Si Qi leaving.
AH SENG
Oi, Si Qi! You’re not going to
leave me in the lurch, right?
Si Qi leaves angrily.
Ah Seng is alone in the classroom.
He opens the cage and pulls out the soiled newspaper
gingerly.
In his haste and disgust, he fails to latch the door of the
cage properly.
AH SENG (CONT’D)
Wah lao! So smelly!
He sees that the wastepaper basket is across the room. He
runs over and dumps the dirty newspaper.
Ah Seng gets his fingers dirty.
AH SENG (CONT’D)
Yee!!!
Looking around to make sure no one is looking, Ah Seng wipes
his dirty hand on the wall.
Meanwhile, the chicken is pushing at the door of the cage.
Ah Seng turns to go back to the cage but he sees that the
soiled newspaper he had carried earlier to the wastepaper
basket had left a wet trail on the ground.
AH SENG (CONT’D)
Wah!
Ah Seng tries to rub out the dirty spots on the ground with
his shoe but it doesn’t work.
He goes back to the wastepaper basket and retrieves the
soiled newspaper. He bundles it up and tries to use the
cleaner side to wipe the floor.
To his horror, the soiled newspaper leaks and creates even
more dirty spots on the ground.
Frustrated, Ah Seng dumps the soiled newspaper back into the
wastepaper.
He spots a quilted scarf reading “Primary 4C” hanging on the
class project board. He rips it of the board and uses it to
wipe the floor.
Satisfied, Ah Seng turns back to the cage.

37. 36.
He gasps in horror.
The chicken is missing!
CUT TO:
24 I/E. SCHOOL, CORRIDOR - DAY 24
The chicken walks down the corridor. It stops under a notice
board.
On the notice board is a geography project featuring the map
of Malaysia.
The chicken studies the map intently.
It zooms into the Johor Straits separating Singapore from
Malaysia.
The chicken zooms into another chart with instructions on how
to swim.
CUT TO:
25 I/E. SCHOOL, STAIRS - DAY 25
The chicken is about to approach a flight of stairs when it
suddenly stops and hides behind a wall.
Principal Wee is leading two policemen down the stairs.
PRINCIPAL WEE
Thank you, officers, for coming to
our school and giving a crime
prevention talk! Our students found
your talk very informative and
educational.
POLICEMAN 1
You are most welcome. Please
contact us whenever you want us to
come down again.
PRINCIPAL WEE
You all don’t need to catch crooks,
ah? Got so much time?
The policemen laugh as they descend the stairs.
The coast is now clear.
The chicken emerges from behind the wall and continues on its
way.
CUT TO:

38. 37.
26 I/E. SCHOOL, CORRIDOR - DAY 26
Ah Seng is scouring the corridor, looking for the chicken.
He makes clucking noises.
CUT TO:
27 I/E. SCHOOL, BOYS’ TOILET - DAY 27
The chicken is past the toilet. Suddenly, it sees Ah Seng
approaching.
The chicken turns back and enters the toilet.
Ah Seng arrives, still making the clucking noises.
He stops for a moment and, to his surprise, hears a cluck
coming from the toilet.
Ah Seng approaches the toilet door carefully.
CUT TO:
28 INT. SCHOOL, BOYS’ TOILET - DAY 28
The chicken is panicking.
As the toilet door creaks open, the chicken enters a cubicle.
It uses its beak to push the cubicle door close.
Ah Seng enters the toilet.
Inside the cubicle, the chicken looks around frantically.
It spots an open window.
Outside the cubicle, Ah Seng is looking around carefully. He
spots a trail of wet chicken feet marks leading to the closed
cubicle door.
Ah Seng walks forward.
He places his hands on the cubicle door.
But just as he pushes the cubicle door open, he hears a loud
flapping noise.
BANG!
The cubicle door opens.
Ah Seng sees chicken feathers floating down from the open
window.

39. 38.
The chicken is gone!
CUT TO:
29 INT. SI QI’S FLAT, LIVING ROOM - DAY 29
Si Qi returns home. Her grandmother - Mdm Chen - is resting
on the sofa.
SI QI
Ah Ma! I’m home!
MDM CHEN
(in Hokkien)
Si Qi, come back already, hah? Have
you eaten? I cooked fried bee hoon.
SI QI
I’m not hungry.
MDM CHEN
(in Hokkien)
How can you not eat? You are going
to join a beauty contest, right? If
you don’t eat, fall on the stage,
how? Ah Ma go and get you some
fried bee hoon.
Mdm Chen goes into the kitchen.
Si Qi sits down on the couch and looks at the photo of her
deceased father.
Her mobile phone rings. She sees that it is Ah Seng calling.
She rejects the call.
Mdm Chen comes back with a plate of fried noodles. Si Qi
begins to eat.
SI QI
You want some, Ah Ma?
MDM CHEN
(in Hokkien)
You eat. Ah Ma ate already.
Mdm Chen looks at her grand-daughter and smiles happily.
MDM CHEN (CONT’D)
(in Hokkien)
Si Qi has grown up already. Very
pretty now. Going to join a beauty
contest!
SI QI
Ah Ma, what was my father like when
he was young?

40. 39.
MDM CHEN
(in Hokkien)
Your father? He was very handsome.
He was also very hardworking. After
you were born, he was working as a
life guard. One day, when you were
still a baby, he saw a little boy
drowning and jumped in to save him.
The pool was too shallow and he hit
his head. In the end, your father
managed to save the little boy but
he died in the hospital from his
head injury. After that day, your
mother never read the newspaper and
never watch TV again. She says she
just wants to mind her own business
and take good care of you.
SI QI
So my father liked helping people?
MDM CHEN
(in Hokkien)
Yes, he loved helping people. In
fact, when he was in school, he was
the class monitor every year!
CUT TO:
30 INT. JONATHAN’S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY 30
Jonathan and his parents are seated around the coffee table,
watching an accountant working out the class funds problem on
a sophisticated calculator.
JONATHAN
Can or not?
MRS TAN
Don’t worry. Your father got his
company accountant to come and help
you. Sure to settle.
ACCOUNTANT
Mr and Mrs Tan, even applying the
most complicated banking and high
finance calculations, to pay for
everything from the chicken feed to
new rags to plastic wrapping to a
present for your son’s former
teacher who is due to deliver soon -
each student still has to pay 70
cents.
JONATHAN
Die! Last time is 50 cents. People
will blame me for any increase!

41. 40.
ACCOUNTANT
Of course I can apply the laws of
depreciation and amortization. But
I think that will be not very
suitable for a classroom
environment.
MR TAN
Just apply!
The accountant taps on his calculator.
ACCOUNTANT
The best I can do is 64 cents per
student.
MR TAN
(to Jonathan)
Sixty four cents - can or not?
JONATHAN
Is that the lowest?
ACCOUNTANT
Any lower and it will be illegal.
(to Mr Tan)
I think your son is too young to be
selling derivatives to his
classmates.
Mr and Mrs Tan smile weakly at the accountant.
CUT TO:
31 I/E. MARKET, DRIED GOODS STALL - DAY 31
Ah Seng arrives at his parents’ stall. He sees his mother
talking to a scary loan shark.
LOAN SHARK
(in Hokkien)
Auntie Chilli, don’t learn other
people play mahjong if you can’t
pay up!
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Aiyoh, you all Ah Longs really more
punctual than the utility bill!
Can’t you give me three days more?
I guarantee you I’ll get you the
money in five days.
LOAN SHARK
(in Hokkien)
Eight hundred, you know! Not
eighty!
(MORE)

42. 41.
LOAN SHARK (CONT'D)
How much chilli, tau pok and tau
kee must you sell to make eight
hundred dollars in five days?
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Aiyah, I am going for a meeting
later. I will be getting at least a
thousand dollars very soon. Don’t
worry!
LOAN SHARK
(in Hokkien)
Okay, ah. Don’t try to con me.
Three days’ time. Eight hundred.
Otherwise, I’ll get rough.
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Okay, okay, lah!
The loan shark leaves.
Ah Seng goes up to his mother.
AH SENG
Who was that guy?
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Customer. Why are you so sweaty?
AH SENG
I want chicken.
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
What?!
AH SENG
I’m serious! I want chicken!
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
You are only 10 years old! How can
you want something like that?
AH SENG
I lost the class chicken! I need to
find another chicken to replace it!
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Oh! Say earlier, lah! Scare me to
death! What’s the big deal about
your class chicken? Lose, lose,
lor!
(MORE)

43. 42.
AUNTIE CHILLI (CONT'D)
Government lose a terrorist also
never scared until like you like
that!
AH SENG
Cannot! If my classmates know I
lost the chicken, they will surely
not vote for me to become the class
monitor.
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Wah, like that I sure let that loan
shark kill! Come!
She leads Ah Seng away.
CUT TO:
32 I/E. MARKET, CHICKEN STALL - DAY 32
Auntie Chilli brings Ah Seng to Kah Li Kuay’s chicken stall.
KAH LI KUAY
(in Hokkien)
Auntie Chilli, so free bring your
son look at chicken?
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Your mouth don’t so foul! We want
to buy one chicken.
KAH LI KUAY
(in Hokkien)
Up to you to choose!
Ah Seng looks at the chickens.
AH SENG
None of them look like the class
chicken!
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Wah lao! Chickens got look
different one, meh?
AH SENG
My class chicken is lame in one
leg. It walks funny.
KAH LI KUAY
(in Hokkien)
Aiyoh, so simple. Uncle take any of
these chickens, break one leg and
give you!

44. 43.
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Thank you! Thank you!
Kah Li Kuay picks a chicken and is about to break one of its
legs with the back of a cleaver when Ah Seng stops him.
AH SENG
Don’t!
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
What do you want?
AH SENG
Forget it. I’ll just tell my
classmates the chicken escaped.
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Suddenly, want. Suddenly, don’t
want! So troublesome! I go back to
the stall!
Auntie Chilli leaves.
Ah Seng spots the loan shark passing by. He follows.
CUT TO:
33 I/E. MARKET, GENERAL AREA - DAY 33
Ah Seng is following the loan shark but loses sight of the
man.
Ah Seng is about to give up and go back when suddenly, the
loan shark appears from behind a pillar.
LOAN SHARK
You follow me for what?
AH SENG
My mother owe you how much?
LOAN SHARK
Oh, you are Auntie Chilli’s son!
Eight hundred. You want to help
your mother pay? You so small, got
money, meh?
AH SENG
I don’t have money.
LOAN SHARK
No money nevermind. How’s your
drawing skills?

45. 44.
The loan shark brings out a can of spray paint.
LOAN SHARK (CONT’D)
If you help me draw some pictures,
I can forget your mother’s debt.
AH SENG
Let me think about it. How do I get
in touch with you?
The loan shark takes Ah Seng’s mobile phone, punches in his
number and returns it to him, before walking off.
CUT TO:
34 INT. SCHOOL, STAFF ROOM - NIGHT 34
Mdm Lucy is working at her desk. She is alone.
Suddenly, there is a noise. She turns and looks.
There is nobody in the darkened staff room except for her.
She goes back to her work.
Something creaks. Mdm Lucy spins around. Nothing.
Roving POV and horror music starts.
Something is creeping behind Mdm Lucy, spying on her. She
gets an uneasy feeling.
A noise. Mdm Lucy turns and sees a swivel chair behind her
spinning slightly, as if someone has just brushed it.
The chair stops spinning.
Mdm Lucy turns back to her desk and screams!
Perched on her desk is Mr Tay, holding a cane in his lap.
MDM LUCY
Scared me to death!
MR TAY
So late still haven’t gone home?
MDM LUCY
I am planning this semester’s
syllabus.
MR TAY
Oh, haven’t you finish already? I
was walking by your class this
morning. You seem to already know
what to teach your students.

46. 45.
MDM LUCY
What do you mean?
MR TAY
They are only 10 years old. Don’t
you think they are a bit young to
be discussing politics?
MDM LUCY
Oh, you are talking about the class
election. Let me ask you, Mr Tay,
in your opinion, how old should
students be before they can discuss
politics?
MR TAY
When they are 21 years old and
eligible to vote.
MDM LUCY
Don’t you think that’s a bit too
late? Waiting till they are in the
pool and then starting to learn how
to swim?
MR TAY
Why did you come back to this
school, Mdm Lucy?
MDM LUCY
I’m tired and it’s late. I’m going
home. See you tomorrow, Mr Tay.
Mdm Lucy makes to leave but Mr Tay raises his cane, blocking
her way.
MR TAY
I don’t know why you suddenly came
back after 15 years, Mdm Lucy. I
also don’t know why instead of
controlling your students, you are
filling their minds with nonsense.
As the discipline master, I will be
watching you very carefully.
(smiles suddenly)
So, have a good night and rest
well!
Mdm Lucy walks away from Mr Tay. She stops at the doorway and
turns back.
MDM LUCY
Oh, did you hear, Mr Tay. People
say that 15 years ago, I caused the
death of a boy in this school. Do
you think that, like me, he is back
here too?

47. 46.
She smiles and leaves.
Mr Tay snorts derisively. He slams the cane on Mdm Lucy’s
table and flips through her papers.
Suddenly, there is a noise.
Mr Tay smirks.
MR TAY
Want to scare me back, is it?
A creak.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
Not so easy! I am not easily
scared!
Silence.
Mr Tay turns around. Nothing is there.
Suddenly, something rushes over the surface of Mdm Lucy’s
desk and knocks Mr Tay’s cane to the ground.
Mr Tay looks.
Something drags his cane under the desk.
Frightened now, Mr Tay backs away from the desk.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
Are you.. Are you... Are you Mdm
Lucy’s student from 15 years ago?
Silence.
Slowly, Mr Tay squats down to look under Mdm Lucy’s table.
He sees a pair of red eyes. Before he can scream, something
feathery leaps towards his face.
Squawking.
Mr Tay screams!
CUT TO:
35 I/E. PICK-UP TRUCK - NIGHT 35
Ah Seng is in the pick-up truck with his parents. They are
going home from the market.

48. 47.
TAU KEE TAN
(in Hokkien)
Did you see Ang Kar Lim’s face when
we said we also wanted to apply for
the market bursary? He looked like
he wanted explode!
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
We must get the bursary no matter
what this time round.
TAU KEE TAN
(in Hokkien)
Aiyah, should be no problem. Tur
Bak Ong said that if Ah Seng
becomes class monitor, we have a
hundred per cent chance of getting
the bursary!
AH SENG
What if I don’t win the election?
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
Why won’t you win? Because of that
chicken, is it? I told you to take
one from Kar Li Kuay’ stall this
afternoon already. But you didn’t
want. Now so late, where do you
want me to find a chicken for you?
TAU KEE TAN
(in Hokkien)
Actually, he did the right thing.
Even though Ah Seng lost the
chicken, if he can explain properly
to his classmates tomorrow and
admit his mistake, they will be
impressed with his honesty. This is
better than getting another chicken
and pretending. If you get found
out doing something like that, then
you will lose the election for
sure!
(to Ah Seng)
Don’t worry, Ah Seng! I support
you!
AUNTIE CHILLI
(in Hokkien)
You have a point there.
(to Ah Seng)
But remember - admit your mistake
openly and sincerely. But don’t
dwell on it too long.
(MORE)

49. 48.
AUNTIE CHILLI (CONT'D)
Once you sense that your classmates
have accepted your explanation,
move on and focus on your opponent.
Highlight his weak spots in a
simple, direct manner. That way,
you can shift the attention away
from the lost chicken to your
opponent’s weaknesses.
CUT TO:
36 INT. SI QI’S FLAT, BEDROOM - DAY 36
Mrs Chen is sleeping.
The lift alarm rings.
Her door opens. It is Mdm Chen.
MDM CHEN
Is someone stuck in the lift?
MRS CHEN
It’s those naughty kids from the
seventh floor, mother. Go to sleep.
Mdm Chen closes the door and leaves.
The lift alarm rings.
And then stops.
CUT TO:
37 INT. JONATHAN’S HOUSE, BEDROOM - DAY 37
Jonathan’s six alarm clocks ring, startling him awake.
CUT TO:
38 I/E. LUXURY SEDAN - DAY 38
Jonathan is dozing in the back seat. Mr Tan is behind the
wheel. Mrs Tan is in the front passenger seat.
MR TAN
(to Jonathan)
Remember! Explain to your
classmates that the best accountant
in Singapore has looked at your
class funds and the lowest you can
collect is 64 cents.

50. 49.
MRS TAN
Speak in an open and sincere voice.
Remind your classmates that costs
have risen. Remember what the
accountant taught you? Explain
every single thing to your
classmates. Use those words he
taught you - depreciation and
amortization - but don’t adopt a
superior tone. Always be humble.
Speak slowly and clearly. That way,
they will see that you are
methodical, organized and
responsible. They will then realize
that you’ll make a good class
monitor.
Suddenly, Mrs Tan slaps the back of Mr Tan’s head.
MR TAN
Oi! You hit me for what?
MRS TAN
You went the wrong way! This
direction is going to the airport!
The school is in the other
direction!
MR TAN
I know! You think I’m stupid, ah? I
heard the news of the radio this
morning that there is an accident
on the highway in the other
direction! I’m going this way to go
around the jam! Am I driving or are
you driving?
MRS TAN
You are driving but today I am the
co-driver. My job is to slap you if
I think you are falling asleep!
MR TAN
But I’m not falling asleep! I’m
avoiding a jam!
MRS TAN
I say you are falling asleep, you
are falling asleep! Even if you
want to avoid the jam, this route
will take 20 minutes longer!
Jonathan will be late for school!
MR TAN
You so clever, you drive tomorrow!
CUT TO:

51. 50.
39 EXT. SCHOOL, PARADE SQUARE - DAY 39
Students are lined up orderly for the flag-raising ceremony.
Si Qi and Ah Seng are already there. There is an empty spot
behind Ah Seng.
SI QI
Where is Jonathan?
AH SENG
That fat pig must have overslept
again! Like that how to be class
monitor?
SI QI
Don’t talk about Jonathan like
that!
Jonathan arrives, panting and sweating and stands in the
empty spot.
Jonathan ignores Ah Seng.
Just then, Mr Tay walks past, his face full of small
bandages.
The national anthem strikes up.
CUT TO:
40 INT. PRIMARY 4C - DAY 40
The class is in an uproar over the missing chicken. Mdm Lucy
starts the debate between Jonathan and Ah Seng.
MDM LUCY
Quieten down, classmates. I know
everybody is very upset by the
disappearance of the class chicken.
As far as I know, classmate Tan Ah
Seng was in charge of cleaning the
chicken cage yesterday. Everyone
will have a chance to hear his
explanation in a while. In
addition, as part of today’s class
monitor debate, classmate Jonathan
Tan will also talk about his task -
the calculation and collection of
the class funds. Let’s invite
classmate Tan Ah Seng to start
first.
Some students boo.

52. 51.
AH SENG
Good morning, teacher and
classmates. My name is Tan Ah Seng
and I want to be your class
monitor. Yesterday, I was tasked
with cleaning the chicken cage.
While I was performing my task, the
chicken broke out of the cage and
went missing. While I did not lose
the chicken deliberately, I hereby
acknowledge that it is my fault. I
should have been more careful. I
have learnt from this incident and
will ensure that as class monitor,
I will be more diligent and careful
than before. Thank you for
everybody’s kind understanding and
forgiveness.
Ah Seng bows.
The class is pretty impressed.
MDM LUCY
Very good. Any classmates have any
question for classmate Tan Ah Seng?
FISHBALL
If you are elected as the class
monitor, will you anyhow beat
people?
AH SENG
As class monitor, my job is not to
beat other classmates. My job is to
advise classmates who are breaking
the class rules not to do so. A
class monitor is equal to the other
classmates. He is the recipient of
the students’ trust and support. In
return, he must not reward that
trust and support with violence of
any sort.
MDM LUCY
Classmate Jonathan Tan, it’s your
turn.
JONATHAN
Good morning teacher and
classmates. My name is Jonathan Tan
and I am joining the election to
become the class monitor. The task
I drew yesterday was to calculate
the class funds that everybody has
to pay this month. Yesterday, I was
not able to do an accurate job.
(MORE)

53. 52.
JONATHAN (CONT'D)
The reason is because there were
many new items contributing to
increased costs. I had to check the
prices of these items and apply the
appropriate calculation methods.
After school yesterday, knowing
that it is my job to be as accurate
as possible, I consulted a
professional accountant. After
applying the rules of depreciation
and amortization, I am pleased to
announce that this month’s class
funds is 64 cents per student. The
14-cent increase from the old
monthly class fund is due to two
reasons: rising costs and the need
to buy Mrs Lim a present. While
these factors are out of my
control, I have done my best to
minimize the increase. I have here
the detailed mathematical
calculations. Everyone is welcome
to inspect them later. As the class
monitor, I feel it is important to
understand economy and to safeguard
our class funds and ensure that
they are spent in a responsible
way. Thank you everyone for giving
me a chance to contribute to the
class.
MDM LUCY
Thank you, classmate Jonathan Tan.
Anyone has any questions for him?
BUSYBODY
If you are chosen as the class
monitor, your job will be to book
students who break the class rules.
Who will book you when you break
the class rules?
JONATHAN
As a class monitor, I intend to set
an example for the rest of the
class. I will try my best to
observe the class rules. But, like
everyone else, I am human and
humans make mistakes. So, since I
am chosen by the classmates to be
the class monitor. If I break any
of the class rules, I hope that the
classmates will book me. The class
monitor is not above the class law.
He is merely helping to uphold the
class law.
The class seems impressed.

54. 53.
MDM LUCY
Very good. Now that the class has
asked our two candidates questions,
it is time for the two candidates
to ask each other questions.
Classmate Tan Ah Seng.
AH SENG
You said you calculated the class
funds with the help of a
professional accountant. Why can’t
you do something so simple
yourself? Are you simply shirking
your responsibility?
JONATHAN
As class monitor, I am not perfect.
It is more important to know your
shortcomings rather than your
strengths. I know that my maths is
not strong. Hence, I thought it is
best to get the help of a
professional accountant, especially
when something as important as the
class funds is involved.
(a beat)
Now let me ask you a question back.
You have admitted that the missing
chicken is your fault. But your
admission does not change the fact
that the pet’s corner is now
without life and color. Apart from
asking for forgiveness, do you have
more practical ways of making
amends to the class?
AH SENG
Yes, I do. If the class allows me
to, I will use my own savings from
past Chinese New Year to buy
another chicken for the pet’s
corner. This way, I will be able to
make amends for my carelessness and
bring back life and color to the
pet’s corner!
MR TAY (O.S.)
No need!
Everyone turns to see Mr Tay walking in carrying the runaway
chicken.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
I found him in the staff room last
night.
Mr Tay puts the chicken back into the cage.

55. 54.
As he passes by Mdm Lucy, he talks to her softly.
MR TAY (CONT’D)
You are not teaching from the
syllabus, what are you doing?
Mdm Lucy ignores Mr Tay.
MDM LUCY
Let’s put our hands together to
show our appreciation to Mr Tay for
finding our beloved chicken!
The class applauds.
CUT TO:
41 I/E. SCHOOL, CANTEEN - DAY 41
Recess time.
The students arrive from their classroom.
Jonathan goes up to Fishball.
JONATHAN
Will you vote for me?
FISHBALL
If you don’t beat people, I will
vote for you.
JONATHAN
Next time there is a debate, you
must ask Ah Seng some hard
questions too.
Fishball nods.
Over on the other side of the canteen, Ah Seng is talking to
Busybody and Sugarcane.
AH SENG
(to Busybody)
Why did you ask me a question and
not Jonathan?
BUSYBODY
Ask only what, won’t die.
SUGARCANE
Actually I also wanted to ask you a
question.
AH SENG
Why don’t you all ask Jonathan? Why
keep focusing on me?

56. 55.
BUSYBODY
If we help you, what will we get in
return?
AH SENG
If you help me, I will help you all
back next time.
BUSYBODY
How?
AH SENG
You will see next time.
SUGARCANE
Okay, we will help you. But you
better remember what you promised
us.
Busybody and Sugarcane leave.
Si Qi walks up.
SI QI
I bought noodles for you already.
AH SENG
Really!
Happily, Ah Seng follows Si Qi to a table where he sees
Jonathan waiting.
AH SENG (CONT’D)
I don’t want to sit with him.
JONATHAN
You never said he will be sitting
here!
SI QI
What’s wrong with the two of you?
You can both run for class monitor
but still be friends, right?
AH SENG
Tan Si Qi, you are very naive. Let
me ask you, who are you going to
vote for - him or me?
JONATHAN
Yah, two of us - you choose who?
SI QI
(suddenly smiling)
Okay, nobody is allowed to talk
about the election. Let’s eat
noodles.

57. 56.
She sits down.
SI QI (CONT’D)
(to Ah Seng)
Sit down!
Ah Seng sits down reluctantly.
The three eat in silence.
JONATHAN
Why did you say by using a
professional accountant, I was
shirking my responsibility?
AH SENG
Then why did you ask me if I have a
more practical way of making amends
to the class? You are obviously
finding trouble with me!
SI QI
Silence!
Cut to the trio’s feet.
Jonathan and Ah Seng leaves.
Si Qi is left sitting alone on the bench.
CUT TO:
42 INT. SCHOOL, BOYS’ TOILET - DAY 42
Busybody enters the toilet. Mr Tay enters.
They pee together.
They wash their hands.
Busybody notices the bandages on Mr Tay’s face.
BUSYBODY
Mr Tay, were you attacked by the
chicken?
MR TAY
Where are you such a busybody?
BUSYBODY
That’s what everybody calls me -
“Busybody”! I know everything there
is know in this school!
MR TAY
Is that right? What do you know
about Mdm Lucy?