Bandar Seri Begawan - As a country that practises the ‘Melayu Islam Beraja‘ (MIB) or ‘Malay Muslim Monarchy‘ national philosophy as a way of life, which is carried out by its citizen and residents, the Brunei Malay culture and its Adat Istiadat (norms) represents one of the main identities of the nation which must be respected and practiced by all levels of society.
This was highlighted by the Chief of the Adat Istiadat Department, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar yesterday at an adat istiadat course and workshop for members of the Chinese community employed in civil service institutions.
YAM Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz went on to say, "The practice of MIB does not mean that other ethnic communities in the country are required to forget their own cultures and traditions, which has been inherited from past generations. In fact, they are encouraged to practice their own cultures and norms in its original and purest form because it also contains many unique qualities that shape the life and the pride of the country."
Over 161 members of the Chinese community attended the workshop, the largest number to date, according to officials from the Adat Istiadat Department.
During the three-day workshop, the participants will be briefed on three papers on the functions and roles of the Adat Istiadat Department, especially during national and royal ceremonies, as well as visits to the Lapau and the Royal Regalia Building. By James Kon
Source: http://www.bruneiclassified.com/ (December 11, 2008)