Informasi

Closer Brunei, Thai Ties

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night assured Thailand of Brunei Darussalam`s lasting commitment in doing all the country can to strengthen both countries` traditional friendship and enhance much-valued cooperation in his titan during the official dinner with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Samak Sundaravej. The Thai premier arrived yesterday on a two-day official visit.

Present during the official dinner were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Mudtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister`s Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Princess Hajah Masna.

Also present were Cabinet Ministers, foreign dignitaries and senior government officials.

Calling the long history of the countries` relations as extremely successful, His Majesty said, "It has seen us establish strong ties in trade, education, air services, labour, defence and broadcasting. These have brought many benefits to our people and, on this official visit, I wish to express my strongest hopes that they will do more than just continue. We wish to see them develop at a new pace that matches the exceptional demands imposed on our people by today`s social, security, economic and political challenges."

His Majesty also said the knowledge about each other`s countries, beliefs, values and traditions throughout the years have deepened and broadened, as well as the respect for each other, as fellow members of the regional association, Asean.

His Majesty said that the spirit of the Asean Charter is clear, it commits leaders to building a modern region that will give all people confidence in the future. This commitment has faced the kind of challenges that are inevitable in this modem, globalised and interdependent age that will not lessen in scope and intensity and, as Asean leaders, many more will be faced in the coming year.

The Prime Minister of Thailand, in his return speech, congratulated His Majesty on the auspicious celebration of the ruler`s 62nd Birthday Anniversary on July 15, stating that the occasion is most meaningful and joyful for the people of Brunei.

"This year also marks the 25th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, which can be described as harmonious, cordial, strong and mature. Most importantly, both our countries share fundamental core values in their respect and reverence for the institution of the monarchy," said the Prime Minister.

He also added that the firm relations between Thailand and Brunei Darussalam have been nurtured by the exchange of visits at all levels, most notably by His Majesty`s visit to Thailand during the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol`s Accession to the Throne in 2006. He also said that he is looking forward to receiving His Majesty the Sultan for the 14th Asean Summit from December 15-18 this year.

Prior to the official dinner, His Majesty consented to receive the Thai Prime Minister in pre-dinner audience. Present during the audience were HRH the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Princess Hajaf Masna.

His Majesty then held a bilateral meeting witf the Thai Prime Minister before proceeding to the official dinner. By Zasika Musdi

Source: http://www.brudirect.com (July 04, 2008)

Malaysian minister visits Religious Affairs Ministry

Bandar Seri Begawan - Minister at the Malaysian Prime Minister`s Office Dato` Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday paid a visit to Brunei Ministry of Religious Affairs in Jalan Menteri Besar.

Accompanying the Malaysian minister were Malaysian High Commissioner in Brunei Darussalam Dato` Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, Director of Wakaf, Zakat and Haji (Jawhar) Dr Haji Sohaimi bin Haji Mohd Salleh, and Media Secretary to the Minister at the Malaysian Prime Minister`s Office Mohd Kamal bin Abdullah.

Present to welcome the Malaysian visitors were Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Awang Haji Mohd Zain bin Haji Serudin, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman and Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ishaaq bin Haji Abdullah, as well as other senior officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Later, the delegation visited Islamic Dakwah Centre in a bid to learn more about of the centre`s organisational structure and its operations.

On arrival at the centre in Kampong Pulaie, the group was greeted by Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ishaaq Haji Abdullah and other officials at the centre.

Then, a briefing on the visions, missions and various administrative functions, as well as long-term strategic plans of the Ministry of Religious Affairs was delivered by Administrative Director Pengiran Haji Mohd Tahir Pengiran Haji Yusof.

The visitors were also briefed on the growth and development of Islam in the country before they browsed the centre`s gallery, where they took a closer look at the collection of Kitab Suci Al-Quran, as well as the Kiswah Pintu Kaabah Tahun 1408H/1987M, which was given to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam by the King of Saudi Arabia.

The delegation also examined the various prohibited substances and entities that go against the teachings of Islam, which are on display at the gallery.

The Malaysian minister used to serve as a political secretary to Dato Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, who was then Minister of Youth and Culture and Minister of Defence.

He later served as Deputy Minister of Tourism Malaysia and Deputy Minister of Information.

He is currently an Umno Supreme Council member and a member of parliament for Bagan Datok. By Jon Tampoi & Ben Ng

Source: http://www.brunei-online.com (July 03, 2008)

Indonesia among 41 countries applying for inclusion in Unesco`s heritage list

Quebec - Indonesia is among 41 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention which will present properties for inscription on UNESCO`s World Heritage List During this year?s session, hosted by Canada to coincide with the 400th anniversary celebration of the founding of Quebec City, on Wednesday (July 2).

Among the 41 States Parties are also five countries that have no sites inscribed on the List: Kyrgyzstan, Papua New Guinea, San Marino, Saudi Arabia and Vanuatu, according to information available on the website of UNESCO on Wednesday.

The Committee will also review the state of conservation of the 30 World Heritage sites inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger and may decide to add new sites to that list of properties whose preservation requires special attention.

The List in Danger features sites which are threatened by a variety of problems such as natural disasters, pillaging, pollution, and poorly managed mass tourism, that may have a negative impact on the universal values for which they were inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Among sites on the List in Danger, the cultural landscape of Germany`s Dresden Elbe Valley will come under particular scrutiny. In keeping with the decision it took at its last meeting, the Committee will decide whether to keep the property on the World Heritage List or whether the building of a bridge in the heart of the landscape warrants its deletion from the List.

To date, UNESCO`s 1972 Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage protects 851 properties of? outstanding universal value,? including 660 cultural, 166 natural and 25 mixed properties in 141 States Parties.

Natural properties submitted for inscription to the World Heritage List include the Fabrica Nacional de Cementos S.A. (FANCESA), Cal Orck`O, Sucre, Departamento Chuquisaca (Bolivia), The Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Canada), Mount Sanqingshan National Park (China), Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems (France), Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Mexico), Socotra Archipelago (Yemen).

Meanwhile, cultural properties submitted for inscription to the List are among other things: Cultural Landscape of Bali Province (Indonesia), Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra - Towns of southern Albania, exceptional testimonies of well-preserved Ottoman settlements in the Balkan region, an extension (Albania), the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia), Fujian Tulou (China), The Stari Grad Plain (Croatia), Urban Historic Scenary Camaguey (Cuba), River Island of Majuli in midstream of Brahmaputra River in Assam (India), The Armenian Monastic Ensembles in Iranian Azarbayjan ((Islamic Republic of Iran), The Triple-arch Gate at Dan (Israel), Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests (Kenya), Sulamain-Too Sacred Mountain (Kyrgyzstan), and Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca: Melaka and George Town (Malaysia).

Source: http://www.antara.co.id (July 03, 2008)

Exciting Events For Royal Birthday

Bandar Seri Begawan - The nation will be a hive of activity for the next two months. July 15 is the much-awaited date for the citizens and residents of the country. From now till the end of August, pomp and pageantry will mark His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam 62nd birthday.

Among the highlights of the celebrations are His Majesty‘s visits to the four districts to allow the people to greet and convey best wishes to the caring monarch; Knowledge Convention 2008 carrying the theme "Menghayati Negara Zikir"; float procession; Borneo Tug-of-war and regatta and powerboat competitions and fireworks display.

This was disclosed in the "Sutera 2008" magazine that highlights the festive programmes and activities to mark the benevolent ruler‘s 62‘ birthday at the national and district levels. The magazine was unveiled last Tuesday.

To kick off the events after the flag-hoisting ceremony last Tuesday, the congregation of prayers, the ‘Tahlil recitation and thanksgiving prayers and recitation of Surah Yasin will be performed on the eve of the monarch‘s birthday on July 14 to seek blessing, mercy and guidance of Allah the Al-Mighty for the monarch on this auspicious occasion.

May Allah grant His Majesty a long life, strong faith, good health and tranquility and continued success in his leadership and pursuit to bring peace and progress to the nation.

The royal visits to the four districts which traditionally draw huge crowds begin in Tutong on July 17 at the Community Hall Complex Field, followed by in Belait on July 19 at Municipal Field, Brunei/Muara on July 20 at Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien and finally Temburong on July 22 at the Community Hall Complex Field.

In the Belait District, the monarch and members of the royal family are expected to witness a performance entitled "Sejambak Doa Memberigakan Kasih" which literally means a prayer to disseminate love and affection.

The get-together in the Brunei/Muara District will see the final of tug-of-war in the heavyweight category as well as demonstrations of self-defence, martial art and wushu.

The grand finale will feature performances to highlight the theme. The prize presentation for the lightweight and heavyweight tug-of-war competitions will also be held.

Temburong will showcase cultural heritage gallery as well as the field performances.

Festive “Tamu” selling all kinds of delicacies will start on July 15 till July 31 at the parking space opposite the Royal Regalia and Silver Jubilee Park in the Brunei/Muara District. Entertainment and cultural shows will also take place.

For the Temburong District, the focal point will be Taman Perayaan, Gerai Tudong Saji in Belait. While the empty areas near the Community Hall Complex will be the focal point in the Tutong District.

Other highlights will be a beach festival at Muara Beach on July 27 (Brunei/Muara), "Pesta Rakyat" at the Community Hall Complex Field in Temburong on July 27 at 8am, river festival at 7.30pm at the wharf in Bangar town, "Pesta Perayaan Rakyat" on August 10 at Sam at the Community Hall Complex Field in Tutong and "Classic Raft Festival Competition" on August 17 at the Cendera Kenangan monument area in Belait.

The float procession and Borneo Tug-of-war are on July 26 at 8pm at Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, while the fireworks display will be on July 15 at 8pm at Damuan Recreational Park and empty are near Community Hall Complex, Tutong on Juky 19.

Other highlights include baby show, martial arts, domestic science and handicrafts events, and cleanliness and landscaping competitions. By Azlan Othman

Source: http://www.brudirect.com (July 03, 2008)

Johor MB explains loss of Batu Puteh to assemblymen

Johor Baru - The Pulau Batu Puteh issue just would not go away, leaving Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman to explain to the state assemblymen at the Johor State Assembly Tuesday various issues concerning the case.

One of the issues was on why it was not possible to appeal the decision by the International Court of Justice and reclaim the land.

He said that according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, an appeal may be possible if a letter that was written by the then British Governor William Butterworth in 1844 was found.

“The letter was lost and could not be traced,” he told Ng Lam Hua (DAP-Mengkibol) who wanted to know if an appeal was possible.

He said the inability to locate the letter was the reason the country lost the island to Singapore.

He added that this served as an important lesson that such historical documents should not be taken lightly and should be kept well.

Abdul Ghani also said that Johor owned 73 islands and there were no sovereignty questions about it. He also said that 66 of the islands were named with seven yet to be named.

“An agreement was signed between the British and the then Johor Sultan in 1928 stating that an imaginary line had been drawn along the straits at the sea`s deepest point where the borders between the two countries lay,” he explained.

“That is why Pulau Ubin belongs to Singapore,” he said.

He added that thus Pulau Pisang clearly belonged to Johor even though Singapore has a lighthouse on the island.

He also said that the regular patrols were carried out by the Marine Department to ensure the safety of the islands.

Abdul Ghani was responding to several questions asked by Ja`afar Hashim (BN-Senggarang), Ng See Tiong (BN-Parit Yaani), Datuk Abd Aziz Sapian (BN-Nusajaya), Datuk Tee Siew Kong (BN-Pulai Sebatang), Lau Chin Hoon (Pemanis) and Lim Kee Moi (BN-Yong Peng) on the islands in Johor and their sovereignty. By GLADYS TAY

Source: http://thestar.com.my (July 02, 2008)

150 houses from Islamic Relief for Aceh`s tsunami victims

Banda Aceh - Britain-based Islamic Relief has donated 150 houses to victims of the 2004 tsunami in Aceh Besar, Aceh Jaya Districts, and Banda Aceh city, Aceh Province.

The houses were officially presented on Monday, according to acting Communication Director of the Aceh-Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR) Ridwan Muchtar here on Monday.

The Islamic Relief, Qatar‘s Red Crescent, AmeriCares, Disaster Emergency Committee and BRR also officially handed a unit of clean water supply facility at Beuromae village.

Director of Islamic Relief Indonesia Ahmed Tosson said that the 150 houses were part of 1,100 houses which had been constructed by the humanitarian institution since January 2005 for tsunami victims.

"It‘s recorded that 850 of the 1,100 houses which we have constructed, have been handed to tsunami victims in Aceh," Tosson said.

Deputy Governor of Aceh Muhammad Nazar expressed gratitude for the assistance and said that the provincial administration was committed to improving the economic condition of the local people.

A deadly tsunami devastated Aceh on December 26, 2004, killing more than 150,000 people and leaving around one million others homeless.

Source: http://www.antara.co.id (July 02, 2008)