Bandar Seri Begawan - Malaysia`s welfare association in Brunei Darussalam (PKMSM) organised a tahlil and thanksgiving ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia`s independence.
More than 150 of the association`s members attended the function at the Malaysian High Commission, yesterday.
The Brunei Times spoke to PKMSM President, Hj Yusof Ismail to gain more insight of what Malaysia`s Golden Jubilee celebration entails for Malaysian living in Brunei.
"This year, we want to bring a difference in how we celebrate our independence day in Brunei. Even in Malaysia, a grand celebration has been planned for the Golden Jubilee," he said.
According to Hj Yusof, this year, in addition to holding the tahlil as blessing for the celebration,and a flag raising ceremony on the day itself, which is held every year by PKMSM, they also have planned a special reception ceremony at the Malaysian High Commission on September 1.
"This will be the first time we are holding a reception there (Malaysian High Commission). We have invited over 150 Malaysians and 350 other guests consisting of Bruneians and foreign nationals to help us celebrate the day," he said.
"In addition, Malaysia Tourism representatives, currently in the country, will be providing us entertainment in the form of `Ghazal` performances and various Malay and Chinese dance recitals," he added.
He also said that this year, various Malaysian companies based in Brunei have stepped forward to sponsor gifts for the special lucky draw event at the reception.
Hj Yusof also spoke of the close relations that exist between Brunei and Malaysia.
He said the two countries have become like brothers, in a sense that they continuously supporting each other in the quest to become developed nations. He said Malaysia can share its experiences with Brunei, which is relatively a new independent nation.
Among those present at the ceremony was Dato Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam.
Source: www.brudirect.com (3 September 2007)