Bandar Seri Begawan - Some 160 participants from the Chinese community concluded a three-day Adat Istiadat course and workshop marked by a closing ceremony at the Hua Ho Manggis Mall on Saturday night.
Presiding at the event was Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pengiran Hj Ahmad bin Pengiran Mohd Yusof, Senior Assistant Chief of the Adat Istiadat Department. Also present at the ceremony were Pengiran Dr Hidop bin Pengiran Haji Samsuddin, Assistant Chief of the Adat Istiadat Department and Pehin Bendahari Cina Dato Paduka Onn Siew Siong.
A representative of the course, Mr Soon Sing Lee said on behalf of the participants, "I witnessed that all the participants were eager and interested to learn and listen about the adat istiadat (Royal Customs and Traditions) of the country."
"In addition to the presentation of the working papers, participants were also given the opportunity to visit the Lapau building and hear a briefing on the history of the Lapau, which was very knowledgeable. We also learnt about protocol procedures the various ways of greetings," he added.
Mr Lim Kee Soon, joint chairman of the organising committee said, "Brunei Darussalam is known for its national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy or MIB, which we respect and are proud of. The strong concept and cultural social administration has reflected how we in Brunei Darussalam live our lives, uphold these traditions, maintain our loyalty to the monarchy and devote ourselves to our (respective) religions as the main keys of success to the country."
"As a citizen and resident of Brunei Darussalam under the leadership of a wise ruler, the Chinese community of Brunei Darussalam pledge loyalty to His Majesty and the royal customs and traditions. Past history has revealed that loyalty of a group or tribe is the basis of peace and prosperity in a nation," Lim added. By James Kon
Source:
http://www.brudirect.com (December 15, 2008)