Thank you chairperson.

A very good morning I bid to the honourable judges, accurate time-keeper, respected teachers and all my fellow friends. Today, I would like to present a story entitled, The farmer and the magic tree Long ago, there lived a poor farmer named Basran. Basran was a hardworking man. Every day he would work in his plot of land from morning till late in the evening. One day, Basran was working in his farm as usual, when he caught sight of an old woman standing nearby. The old woman walked unsteadily towards Basran. Son, can you give me some fruits? Ive not eaten for two days. Im very hungry, said the old woman. Basran felt sorry for her. Take, grandma, you can take any fruits as you like. Said Basran pointed to all his fruit trees. The old woman plucked two oranges from one of the trees. Thank you, son. Youll be richly rewarded for your kindness. Take these seeds and plant them. Said the old women, and she gave some seeds to Basran. In the twinkling of an eye, the old woman vanished. Basran scratched his head. The old womans words puzzled him. In his palm were some tiny seeds. Basran dug a hole and he planted them.

That evening, when he returned home, Basran related the incident to his wife, Minah. Minah was very angry because Basran did not ask for any money from the old women. You foolish man! Whoever takes our fruits must pay for them. The next time, make sure you ask them to pay! scolded Minah angrily. Basran did not heed his wifes words at all. Early next morning, he went to his farm as usual. When Basran reached his farm, he stopped suddenly. He was amazed by the sight in front of him! There, at the very spot where he had planted those seeds given by the mysterious old women. Now, stood a tall tree swaying gently in the morning breeze. Hanging on all its branches were different types of golden fruits. Even the leaves were golden! Wah! A golden tree! Im rich! Im rich! shouted Basran joyfully. Suddenly, Basran heard a voice say, You can takes as many golden leaves and fruits as you like. Help those in need BUT never, never pluck the red leaf. Since that day, Basran always helped the poor and the needy. He would pluck the golden leaves and fruits from the magic tree to give to the poor. His wife, Minah always scolded him because she was worried that, very soon, there would be no more golden leaves and fruits.

Without telling Basran, Minah plucked the red leaf that was left on the magic tree. Its better I plant this leaf. Then Ill have more golden trees. I dont have to share my gold with my foolish husband, Said Minah to herself. That evening, Basran went to his farm. He was shocked! He could not believe his eye! The magic tree had disappeared! From that day on, Basran and Minah were poor again. Minah regretted her greedy action. Now, my dear friends, we can learn two moral lessons from this story. First, we should help those in need sincerely, and second, we must not be selfish and greedy. Thank you.