|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC head coach Rene Weber has called his charges to make a strong start in their crucial league tie against in-form Warriors FC in the return of the Singapore Premier League at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore tonight.

The head coach has indicated that the Brunei-based outfit only started to hit their rhythm in the second half adding the need to take the game early to them.

“We cannot always start early to play only in the second half. We have to start strong,” said Weber in an interview with the Football Association of Singapore website.

“It happened in the previous game against Warriors, as well as in the game at the beginning of the season too. I want us to start strong, score first, take the game to them and see how they react,” he said.

Weber will be hoping to finish the season strongly with progress in the Singapore Cup also entrenched in his mind.

“We have two decisive games and it is our target to finish in the best position we can in the league, as well as advance in the Singapore Cup to take on Balestier (Khalsa) in the semi-final,” he said.

“We will need to play both games with the same concentration because we want to be third or even second in the league and our main target is to go all the way to the cup final.”

The Gegar Gegar men are unbeaten under the tutelage of the Brazilian against the Warriors in three appearances with a victory at home sandwiched between two draws.

However, any slip-up will not only dent their chances of securing a top-two finish but also enhances the possibility of dropping out from the top four, which was their initial target at the start of the season, altogether.

Weber, who was the former Brazil under-20 national coach, has set a revised target of finishing in the runners-up but a series of missed opportunities has put them in real danger of even missing out on a top three spot.

Warriors FC defender Delwinder Sigh has highlighted that his side is not out of the woods yet for a late charge to a top four finish.

“We want to overtake DPMM to go one spot further up in the table. We want the wins badly in our remaining games, be it league or Cup.

“Everyone is hungry for it and wants to end the season on a high,” he said.

Both sides are also set to face each other in the Singapore Cup four days later at the same venue with the first leg tie finishing 2-2.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam took part in the first congregational prayers yesterday at the Ar-Rahman Mosque in Kampong Tanjung Bunut.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses were greeted by Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.

Before performing the prayer, His Majesty consented to sign a plaque.

It was followed by three chants of ‘Allahu Akhbar’ led by the Minister of Religious Affairs to mark the official opening of the new mosque.

A special Friday sermon was delivered by Syariah Appeal Court Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin.

The Friday prayer was led by Imam Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

The BND3,560,000 mosque, built on a 1.48-acre land, was financed by the Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund.

Among the facilities include a main prayer hall (for men), a women’s prayer area, an office for Imam/Bilal, a classroom, a conference room, a multipurpose room, an administration room, a library, a guest room, a PA system room, several CCTVs and parking areas for vehicles.

Also provided are toilets, separate ablution (Wudhu) rooms for men and women, separate toilets for people with different abilities (for men and women), a Jenazah administration room, a store, an equipment room, and a kitchenette as well as a mechanical and electrical room.

The mosque is expected to provide local communities with a space where they can perform their prayers comfortably.

Its ample facilities can inspire more religious activities to strengthen Syiar Islam.

Meanwhile, the total fund collected by the Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund until June 2018 was BND8,734,944.72.

Construction for the Fund’s next project, a new mosque at Kampong Bukit Panggal, started in May 2018 with a total outlay of BND2,859.662.05.

Members of the public who wish to contribute to the Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund can do so through the Fund’s accounts namely 00-001-01-0047148 (BIBD) and 002109403102068 (TAIB), or present it directly to the Secretariat at Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund, Negara Brunei Darussalam, Department of Mosque Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) commemorated the new Islamic year 1440 Hijrah in a ceremony at the Law and Courts Building, Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha yesterday.

The guest of honour was Attorney General Dato Paduka Haji Hairol Arni bin Haji Abdul Majid.

Also present were Solicitor General Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi, senior officers, officers and staff at the Attorney General’s Chambers.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the recitation of verses from Al-Quran by Hajah ‘Adzimah Mukarramah binti Haji Salleh with insights read by Hajah Noorba’eyah binti Haji Yahya.

The event proceeded with a welcoming remark by Deputy Senior Counsel Riana Dewi binti Haji Aji, who is also the Co-Chair of the committee. She highlighted that it is undeniable that having knowledge and the desire to pursue knowledge is an important feature for the officers and staff of the AGC, as knowledge is key to success in achieving its vision and mission, as well as to carry out all the tasks and responsibilities entrusted in an orderly and effective manner.

She said that knowledge is also a key ingredient in handling high quality legal services to ensure the safety, stability, prosperity and well-being of Brunei Darussalam as desired for the Brunei Vision 2035, as the collected knowledge is for the success of a balanced life between the duniawi and ukhrawi, where some of the knowledge in Islam is the knowledge of Fardhu Ain that is required for every Muslim such as the knowledge of prayer and the knowledge of reciting Al-Quran.

The deputy senior counsel added that the AGC has started mass Al-Quran reading sessions every morning since September 3.

The event then proceeded with a brief speech by the guest of honour who congratulated the Working Committee of the 11th China-ASEAN Prosecutor-General Conference on the success of the event.

As one of the government’s important machineries in law enforcement and enacting laws in addressing social crimes, the AGC must always be aware of the changes brought by globalisation and modernisation. The guest of honour also reminded officers and staff of the AGC to work diligently for ensuring quality delivery of their services.

The highlight of the event was a special talk titled Ilmu dan Amal Nadi Wawasan Negara delivered by Islamic Development Officer from the Islamic Da’wah Centre Ustaz Muskrisman Safari bin Haji Mustapha.

The ceremony then proceeded with the recitation of the Dikir Marhaban to welcome officers of the AGC who recently returned from the Haj pilgrimage and concluded with the recitation of Doa Selamat.

A CONVERSION ceremony was held for a personnel from the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), Corporal (U) Zulhasnirol bin Zainal (54 Squadron RBAirF) and his cousin at the family residence in Kampong Rambai, Tutong yesterday, according to a press release from the Ministry of Defence.

The guest of honour was Acting Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad.

Also present were Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’awiah, Commander of RBAirF Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat, a member of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, Tutong District Officer Haji Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain, officers from the RBAF and the Islamic Da’wah Centre and family members.

The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from Al-Quran and the declaration of Syahadah (declaration of faith) led by an officer from the Islamic Da’wah Centre.

Subsequently, recitation of Dikir Marhaban and sprinkling of bunga rampai were held.

|     Ishan Ibrahim & Fizah HAB     |

THE Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei has rescheduled its charity musical Looking Through The Autism Wonderland to September 22.

This was announced by SMARTER Brunei President and CEO Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman at a press conference held alongside rehearsals for the event yesterday at SMARTER Edge Centre in Kampong Mata-Mata.

According to Malai Haji Abdullah, members of the public who bought tickets for the show for its original September 23 date can attend the September 22 showing at 7pm at the Main Conference Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

The musical is held in collaboration with undergraduate students of Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD’s) Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah (PAPRSB) Institute of Health Sciences and directed by a drama lecturer from the university.

It will showcase the talents of individuals with autism (IWAs) in singing, dancing and acting.

It will see the involvement and participation of not only the IWAs, but also their siblings and family members, SMARTER Brunei staff, as well as volunteers.

To date, SMARTER Brunei has staged four charity musicals featuring IWAs.

The first was Oddy’s Quest in 2011, Brunei’s very first ever autism musical.

Encouraged by the overwhelming public response and support for the event, the association staged its second musical Oddy’s Quest II: A Journey In Search of A Home in 2012.

This was followed by a performance called Theatre Fashion Style held at the 2nd ASEAN Autism Network Congress in 2013, which included performances by several international autism organisations.

The most recent SMARTER Brunei musical was IWA The Duckling in 2014. The performance told the story of a duck who was distinct from the others and celebrated his differences.

This year’s Looking Through The Autism Wonderland musical, which is an adaptation of the 1951 Disney classic Alice in Wonderland, will see the involvement of over 100 students from SMARTER Brunei.

“Fundraising events such as a donation drive and a garage sale will also be held before the musical to raise funds,” Malai Haji Abdullah added.

Ministry of Education

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

THE Ministry of Education (MoE), through its Department of Estate Planning and Management, recently marked the Ma’al Hijrah 1440 at the Utama Hall of the new MoE building with a religious talk.

Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman was the guest of honour.

A special talk titled Hijrah ke Arah Meningkatkan Taqwa Kepada Allah was delivered by Ustaz Dr Andas Haji Ismuhadi bin Haji Abdullah, speaker from the Islamic Da’wah Centre, Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The event continued with a recitation of Doa Selamat and new year prayer read by Imam of the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque, Sungai Akar, Imam Haji Muhammad Sadullah bin Haji Salleh.

The annual event was held to enliven the new 1440 Hijrah year and to strengthen ties between officers and staff of the MoE.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh; Permanent Secretary (Higher Learning) at the MoE Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad; Permanent Secretary at the MoE Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanwati binti Haji Tajuddin; the vice chancellor of UTB; deputy permanent secretaries, acting head directors of education; heads of department; as well as officers and staff at the MoE.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports

|     Wani Roslan     |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and its departments organised a Ma’al Hijrah 1440H celebration yesterday at Jawatan Dalam Hall of Brunei History Centre in the capital.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin was the guest of honour.

Also present were Principal of the Brunei History Centre Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Umar; permanent secretary, directors, officers and staff of the MCYS and its departments.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa led by Ustaz Dr Haji Kadir bin Mohammad, supervisor and translator of Arabic Language of Brunei History Centre, followed by the reading of verses of Al-Quran and its understanding by students of Youth Development Centre Md Aminuddin bin Haji Salleh and Malik bin Haji Juang.

The event continued with a special talk on ‘Ilmu dan Amal Nadi Wawasan Negara’ delivered by Accredited Da’ie from Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB)Ustaz Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ajak.

The ceremony aimed to enliven the celebration of Ma’al Hijrah 1440H and at the same time to foster the ties among the officers and staff members of the ministry and departments under it.

|     Daniel Lim     |

TO CONTINUE the preparation for the first ASEAN Rover Moot, the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) recently conducted a working visit to the Belait District to find attractive and exciting locations, following a working visit in the Brunei-Muara District earlier.

The delegation comprised PPNBD President Haji Matussin bin Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba; Vice President Haji Damit bin Haji Chuchu; Scout Chief Commissioner Haji Awang Badar bin Haji Awang Ali; Secretary General Haji Abdul Malik Mohammad; Treasurer General Pengiran Alit Pengiran Damit; Chief Executive Officer Haji Mohd Zali bin Haji Arsad; International Commissioner Abdul Manan bin Haji Abdul Latip; National Scout Commissioner for Rover Scouts section and Girl Scout section Hajah Nor Rahmat binti Sidin; National Scout Commissioner for Special Duties Haji Zainuddin Jaafar; National Scout Commissioner for Welfare, Community and Environment Haji Md Salleh bin Haji Ahmad; and Executive Officer Zainudin Ishak.

Also present were Belait District Scouts Association (PPDB) Chairman Terry D Jayasuriya; PPDB Acting Scout Commissioner Mohamad Hatta bin Haji Suhaili; Executive Committee member Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Ramli bin Abdul Hadis; as well as several Scouts members from the PPDB.

The visit began with a meeting with the Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad at the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), Belait District Office to outline the various activities that will be conducted in the upcoming ASEAN Rover Moot.

Following the meeting, the group visited the Belait Museum, Mumong Sports Complex, Kampong Sungai Liang Mosque, as well as Wasai Wong Kadir and Mendaram Besar Longhouse in Labi.

The ASEAN Rover Moot will be held on December 12-17, themed ‘One ASEAN, One Community in Scouting’.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

THE last Brunei team left for the 19th Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2018 in Perak, Malaysia, yesterday morning.

Acting Deputy Director of Youth and Sports Department Pengiran Anak

Mohd Sofian bin Pengiran Anak Haji Ibrahim bid the athletes farewell at the Departure Hall of the Brunei International Airport. Track and Field athlete Kon Wei Liang will be competing in the long jump event.

He is led by his coach Maqnun Wahab.

Asked about the athlete’s preparations, the coach said that Kon participated in sports events such as the ASEAN Schools Games in July and Inter-School Games recently. Coach Maqnun Wahab said, “He broke his best personal record during the other games, so I hope he will try his best to break his best personal record again.”

Four other athletes – Hyde Nathania, Hyde Nachman, Syakir Kamil and Md Amirul Solehen – will compete in the taekwondo event. They are led by their coach Nurul Hannah binti Abdul Mateen.

Nurul Hannah said that they are seasoned athletes who have competed in the Sukma Games before and some have competed in the World Championships.

She added, “We try to target the top four, and hopefully we can win and bring back medals.”

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC kept up their hopes of a runners-up finish in the Singapore Premier League alive after coming back from a goal down to win 2-1 against Warriors FC at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore last night.

The ‘Gegar-Gegar’ men trail second-placed Tampines Rovers FC and Home United FC – who sit in third place via an inferior goal difference – by five points with a game in hand.

Warriors defender Kento Fukuda gifted the home side the lead in the 34th minute but Volodymyr Priyomov ensured that the visitors went into the break on level terms.

The Ukrainian striker added a second in the 71st minute to pull his side into the lead amid suspicions of offside.

Azwan Ali Rahman hoisted a great ball into the box and Shah Razen Said flicked his header into the path of Abdul Aziz bin Tamit but the centre back missed a sitter from point blank range with the goal at his mercy. DPMM FC forward Adi Said then followed up the horror miss with a fierce strike as good defending from the hosts led to a corner kick.

It was the perfect set-piece move for Warriors FC as Shamil Sharif delivered a pinpoint cross to Khairul Nizam whose cushioned header met Fukuda at the near post. The Japanese went sliding in for a good finish for his fourth goal of the season.

The visitors equalised after an unmarked Priyomov connected a fine cross from Azwan Ali with a neat header.

Moments later, Adi lets fly an ambitious attempt from distance which Warriors FC goalkeeper Mukundan Maran saved well in unorthodox fashion and Shah Razen could not keep his shot down with the rebound.

Warriors FC forward Fadhil Noh unleashed a ferocious strike from range but DPMM FC goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring was equal to the task deep into injury time in the first half.

Jonathan Behe succeeded in losing Abdul Aziz in the centre circle to enable the break which prompted alarm bells in the DPMM FC defence with only Brian McLean providing cover. However, Sahil Suhaimi could not exploit the defensive hole despite staying onside.

It was end-to-end action as Shah Razen found acres of space to run into the Warriors FC half before releasing the ball for Azwan Ali who, however, shot wide.

Najib Tarif provided a cross into the box and Adi controlled the ball to perfection to remove the threat of Ignatius Ang and drove his shot into goal which was well saved by Maran.

The ball fell into the returning Azwan Salleh who cuts the ball back into the middle and Priyomov guided the ball home which led to protests from the Warriors FC players for offside.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

THE Ministry of Development (MoD) hosted a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony to celebrate the new 1440 Hijrah Year and to welcome back Haj pilgrims of the ministry yesterday.

The annual event was organised by the Town and Country Planning Department at the Betabur Hall, MoD.

Guest of honour, Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar said Hijrah is not only the process of migrating but a concept of the improvement of a society as an organisation.

The minister spoke on several achievements of the ministry and departments under it including the Policy Framework and the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Development 2018-2023, a guideline for the management and operational needs in the next five years.

“The publishing of the Policy Framework and Strategic Plan is an important milestone for the ministry to move forward towards its vision, with team spirit and reach the target of Brunei Vision 2035,” he said.

Ustaz Dr Haji Harapandi bin Dahri from Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) delivered a talk titled Membangun Peradaban Melalui Hijrah followed by a Dikir Syarafil Anam performance to celebrate 22 Haj pilgrims from the ministry.

Permanent Secretaries of the MoD Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak and Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria; Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MoD Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Mohammad Yaakob; heads of department; heads of divisions and units; senior officers; officers and staff were also present.

|     James Kon & Daniel Lim     |

A TOTAL of 809 Brunei Shell Joint Venture Companies (BSJV) staff – comprising employees from Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd (BSP), Brunei LNG (BLNG), Brunei Shell Tankers (BST) and Brunei Shell Marketing (BSM) and Brunei Gas Carriers (BGC) – and volunteers gathered at five beachfront locations in the Brunei-Muara and Belait Districts yesterday morning to take part in a major beach clean-up effort.

The two-district campaign, organised by the BSJV companies in support of International Coastal Clean Up 2018, yielded a massive rubbish haul of 6,506kg (6.5 tonnes).

This is the fifth successive year in which the clean-up is held by the BSJV companies in support of International Coastal Clean-up, the world’s largest single-day volunteering effort to clean up beaches, lakes and rivers. The movement is a global campaign first initiated by the Ocean Conservancy in 1986.

In the Brunei-Muara District, the clean-up was held at Jerudong Beach – which included an underwater clean-up – and Muara Beach.

The Jerudong Beach clean-up, led by BGC and involving 270 BGC staff and volunteers, saw a staggering 2,018kg of rubbish collected within three hours.

For the underwater clean-up, members from Poni Divers were involved, including Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the former Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Commenting on the environmental effort, BGC Managing Director John Cook said, “BGC firmly believes in protecting the environment in which we operate. It is crucial that we protect our sea life and that we clean up bottles and litter left behind.

“Our message through this initiative is that environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility and we are committed to playing our part in sustaining our environment for the coming generations. It is indeed very encouraging to see all volunteers together with students, members of community, business partners and youth from several associations working together towards a common goal, which is to keep our beaches clean and safe for our family and friends.”

As keen supporters of Brunei Darussalam’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability, Cook said, “BGC will continue to organise events such as these to further promote environmental conservation and increase environmental consciousness in Brunei especially among the younger generation.”

One of the companies participating in the clean-up was Mitsubishi Corporation. General Manager Masaki Fujiwara, who was suitably proud of his company, said of their involvement, “We are happy to join such a clean-up. This is our first time participating and we hope to be involved in more exercises. I am surprised with the amount of rubbish collected. The activity served as a good opportunity to raise awareness on maintaining cleanliness of the environment among participants.”

Fujiwara said, “In Japan, volunteerism is becoming popular especially among the youth. We see Japanese football fans cleaning up the stadium after attending games in the recent World Cup. I hope that such gestures can influence people positively around the world.”

In Muara beach, some 180 volunteers participated in the clean-up led by BSM, including BSM Managing Director Pengiran Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha and Brunei-Muara District Officer Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim.

A total of 545kg of rubbish was collected in this effort. Volunteers also discovered the remains of a sea turtle tangled in a fishing net – further highlighting the threat of marine pollution.

Meanwhile, in Belait District, the clean-up was conducted at three locations: Silver Jubilee Park, W10, and Sungai Liang Recreational Park.

BSP Managing Director and Shell Country Chair for BSJV Companies in Brunei Dr Ceri M Powell participated in the clean-up at the Silver Jubilee Park Beach.

Legislative Council member and co-founder of Green Brunei Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari, Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad, heads of government departments and local companies based in the Belait District and volunteers also participated.

“The campaign provides an initiative to inspire the cleaning of beaches in Brunei and an opportunity to instil environmental consciousness among the public,” said Dr Powell, in an interview with the Sunday Bulletin. “We hope BSP can help raise public awareness to help preserve and maintain the beaches.

“This effort is one of BSP’s six key priorities in Brunei. I am pleased with the large turnout of volunteers.

“The message we want to send is that the trash found and collected from the beaches during the clean-up are left by those who are less responsible about their surrounding environment,” said Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa. “We hope the volunteers learnt the importance of disposing rubbish responsibly and take care of the environment.”

Around 4,000kg of trash was collected from the Belait beach clean-ups – 1,950kg from Silver Jubilee Park Beach, 1,733kg from W10 Beach and 260kg from Sungai Liang Beach.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE lowered age limit to fill the vacancies for Mukim penghulus and village heads in the country has been reduced from 45 to 30 years with immediate effect, in a bid to attract high-calibre youth candidates to fill in the posts. The upper cut off age remains at 55.

The amendment was announced by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong during a Muzakarah session at the official residence of the Temburong District Officer as part of a Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MoHA) working visit to the district.

Developments on the Service Scheme for Mukim penghulus and village heads of Brunei Darussalam were discussed at the session.

The MoHA delegation was led by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar. Legislative Council members Yang Berhormat Naim bin Haji Kamis, Yang Berhormat Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari and Yang Berhormat Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu; permanent secretaries; deputy permanent secretaries; senior officers at the MoHA; and officers from the Temburong District Office comprised the delegation.

The working visit was conducted to observe facilities provided by the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and latest developments in the Temburong District.

It was also conducted to strengthen ties among the MoHA delegation, Mukim and Village Consultative Council (MPMK) members, the Temburong District Office and Temburong grassroots leaders.

Other matters discussed under the Service Scheme included the extension of service for a total of 169 Mukim penghulus and village heads who were appointed in their posts on December 23, 2017 by six months; the Board of Posts; the conduct assessment procedures for Mukim penghulus and village heads to expedite the filling of vacancies within the allotted timeframe.

The government hopes to fill penghulu and village head posts with youth to enhance integrity, quality and effectiveness within the Mukim penghulu and village head institution.

The Minister of Home Affairs said the ministry will continue to disseminate information on the Service Scheme via roadshows on posts, duties and responsibilities of the Mukim penghulus and village heads as well as election and voting procedures for candidates.

The delegation also visited several Mukims and villages to take a closer look at ‘One Village, One Product’ (1K1P) business activities and products. The delegation visited the Pekan Bangar Village Shop to view 1K1P products from the Temburong District.

The group also visited the Kampong Menengah Community Hall in Mukim Bangar to observe the production of mini curry puffs followed by Kampong Belais and Buda-Buda in Mukim Bokok to check on the development of its fishing and leisure huts.

The delegation also visited Semabat Longhouse in Mukim Bokok to tour a handicraft exhibition and observed the making of kuih jala and machete crafting followed by a visit to Kampong Senukoh in Mukim Labu to view the production of Mee Kuning – a product of Senukoh Mukim Consultative Council.

The group also visited Kampong Batu Apoi in Mukim Batu Apoi to view the production of Ambulung.

The delegation’s visit concluded with a mass Zohor prayer at the Batu Apoi Mosque.

|     Aziz Idris     |

OVER 30kg of rubbish were collected by 110 participants during a cleaning campaign at Tasek Lama Recreational Park yesterday.

Participants comprised Brunei youth participating in the 45th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP) 2018.

Themed Be Kind, Clean Up and Be Fit, the community event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle while protecting the environment by cleaning popular park hiking trails.

Participants were divided into three groups to clean different areas – waterfall and parking zone, short-trail atop the park and Bukit Sarang Helang .

Twenty-eight aspiring youth were selected to represent Brunei Darussalam for the SSEAYP programme this year.

The SSEAYP programme will begin in October. Each contingent is required to organise their own contribution to the community through several activities.

The annual SSEAYP programme, initiated in 1974, is sponsored by the Japanese Government and supported by ASEAN member countries. The programme provides opportunities to youth to interact with others on board the Nippon Maru and at different ports of call.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE PEMEDAYAN (Malay Kedayan Association) Women’s Bureau held a Kedayan Cuisine event at the Community Hall of Mukim Sengkurong yesterday showcasing the traditional way of cooking and dishes exclusive to the ethnic group of Kedayan.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and spouse Datin Nurhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim attended the event.

Pemedayan President Haji Zainal Abidin bin Tinggal delivered a welcoming speech followed by a speech by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports who later officiated the opening of the event.

The event showcased diverse Kedayan dishes and their traditional methods of cooking used in the old days when there weren’t as many amenities as today.

One of the highlights was the ambuyat-making competition, a time-tested way of making the sago-based dish.

Prior to that, the minister and spouse tried their hands at an ambuyat-making session much to the delight of the crowds.

The minister also toured the stalls at the event displaying kitchen equipment used by the Kedayans in the old days and tried out a few of the traditional Kedayan food and dishes.

The event concluded with a lunch infused with delicious Kedayan dishes.

|     Dr Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong, Senior Special Duties Officer, Secretariat Office, MIB Supreme Council     |

IN HIGHLIGHTING the importance of studying and knowing the history of this country based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy, it is best to observe the sabda (speech) delivered by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam in conjunction with the opening of the first Annual General Meeting of the Brunei History Association (PESEBAR) in 1984.

The sabda is more meaningful than the written expressions of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien for which he wished to be understood by every citizen and people of Brunei Darussalam, particularly in connection with the sovereignty of the country.

The struggle to restore the sovereignty of the country as we know has been pioneered by Al-Marhum and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with the people of Brunei after the Second World War. Among other things, the sabda mentioned:

…Dan sudah kena pada masanya kerana ini adalah satu cara sangat berpatutan dan sempurna untuk menguatkan minat-minat dan kasih sayang rakyat kepada negara. Di samping itu dapat pula meluaskan pengetahuan yang sebenar tentang sejarah Negara Brunei Darussalam. Dengan mempunyai pengetahuan tentang negara sendiri mereka akan dapat mengetahui asal-usul mereka sebagai orang-orang Brunei yang terbilang dan termasyhur di sisi bangsa-bangsa lain dari zaman dulu kala lagi. Sebagaimana jua dengan amalan bangsa-bangsa lain yang mempunyai sejarah di dunia ini maka rakyat Negara Brunei Darussalam perlu memelihara dan mengetahui dengan mendalam peristiwa-peristiwa dan cerita-cerita yang terjadi di negara sendiri kerana dengan pengetahuan itulah mereka melangkah ke masa hadapan dengan penuh percaya kepada diri sendiri serta iman kepada Allah SWT.

…Penyelidikan-penyelidikan dan kajian-kajian yang mendalam yang bertujuan untuk menghidupkan dan meninggikan nama Negara Brunei Darussalam di mana-mana jua adalah satu perkara yang patut digalakkan dan diberi pertolongan oleh sekelian yang berkenaan.

Therefore it is an obligation and responsibility for all citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam to know and understand the history of Brunei Darussalam for the survival of the MIB declared on January 1, 1984.

The reason why the history of this country needs to be reviewed and investigated is so that the national legacies are known to the young generation, who will eventually become the heirs of Brunei’s future. The legacy of the past serves as a guide so that the mistakes from back then don’t repeat themselves. For example, many past events are shown through the history of this country, which sometimes illustrates the wrongdoing of our leadership who did not follow the MIB philosophy.

Eventually this brought failure to the management and administration of the country. This is the essence of why we need to learn from past events.

This was mentioned in His Majesty’s titah in conjunction with the new Islamic year of 1440 Hijrah celebrations, in which he mentioned the history of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) emigration 1,400 years ago and emphasised the importance of history as a guide and lesson:

Hijrah adalah sebahagian daripada Sejarah Islam. Sejarah, tidak hanya merakam satu-satu peristiwa, malah mengandungi iktibar dan pengajaran. Di sinilah harga sejarah itu. Sekiranya tanpa sejarah, kita pun tidak akan tahu apa nasib Islam dan umatnya.
Di sinilah juga hikmah, Allah SWT memerintahkan Nabi berhijrah untuk menyelamatkan Islam dan Umat Islam.

Ini semua namanya ilmu: ‘Ilmu Sejarah’. Peranannya sungguh besar, selaku ‘cermin kehidupan’. Daripadanya, kita dapat melihat gambaran keadaan, bagaimana negara dan umat pada ketika itu, dan bagaimana mereka berusaha dan berjuang? Dari sejarah juga, kita tahu siapa kawan dan siapa lawan. Semuanya terakam dalam sejarah.

Therefore, we need to observe the history of this country especially in terms of the implementation of MIB-based policies, which have been passed on and based on virtues pioneered by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien since 1953.

To acquire blessings from Allah the Almighty, all the systems and policies of governance implemented should be based on Islam, which is the main axis of the MIB. The journey of the past will be a lesson to the leadership of our nation in achieving and retaining the glory and excitement of social and state life.

It is evident that Brunei’s leadership has always adhered to the teachings of Islam blessed by Allah the Almighty. After all, the system of state administration with MIB is a heritage that has been hardened by Sultan Berkat, the third Sultan of Brunei who came from Ta’if, from the offspring of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

As long as this heritage continues to be maintained, the leadership of this country will always be blessed by Allah the Almighty by way of Thayyibatun Wa Rabbun ghafur as mentioned in Al-Quran.

Other examples of Brunei history that showed the wrongs of the management of government administration can be traced to a conversation between Sultan Hashim and the author of the book City of Many Waters (published in London in 1923), which tells the tale of an English engineer who worked in Kampong Ayer during the reign of Sultan Hashim. Below is an excerpt of what Sultan Hashim said:

“I want to build a small house looking seawards. So that I can eat the wind there in comfort and with the telescope examine the ships that enter the port. Sometimes ships come now and they do not tell me about them. They believe I am getting old. And perhaps they are right. But my brain is by no means dry yet.”

This demonstrates the dishonesty and distrust among some of the country’s leaders who are supposed to help manage the governance of the country, but instead took advantage by stealing government revenues from the trade activities. This is a lesson to be learnt about the practice of negative values ​​that damage the country with regard to the managing of the country’s financial results.

In view of the fact that the MIB is a system in the country’s administration, as it has been ordained by His Majesty, the practice and appreciation of the good values ​​of MIB shall be applied and practised in the national administrative affairs as stated by the Sultan in his titah on 21st of Jamadilakhir 1439 Hijrah equivalent February 7, 2018 at Istana Nurul Iman, Bandar Seri Begawan:

Akhirnya, kepada semua termasuk pihak perhubungan, pelancongan, belia dan sukan serta luar negeri, luruskanlah tujuan masing-masing. Jangan bengkok-bengkok. Tidak ada gunanya memilih jalan lain dari jalan kita yang sedia ada. Jalan kita ini sudah cukup bagus, kalau ia diikut, Insya Allah kita selamat. Apakah jalan yang unik lagi hebat itu? Iaitu MIB. MIB adalah pakaian Brunei. Kita memakainya sejak lebih dari enam ratus tahun lagi. Jadi mengapa didalam zaman yang dinamakan zaman moden ini ia mahu dipertikaikan? Yakinlah barangsiapa yang mempertikaikan MIB, mereka itu bukan purih Brunei atau tidak berjiwa Brunei.

In considering, the obligation of every citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam, the Secretariat Office of the MIB Supreme Council is always ready to cooperate in spreading the understanding and subsequently to strengthen the practice and appreciation of those values if MIB ​​in the aspect of life. Earlier this year, the MIB Secretariat organised lecturers and seminars to officers and staff of the Ministry of Finance, the new students of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Public Relation Officers, etc.

The aim of the talk was to give a clear understanding and knowledge about MIB to prevent dishonest practice and to embed MIB as a way of life.

Furthermore, we hope to avoid the influence of negative elements such as the practice of nepotism, cronyism and selfishness in management of this country as Sultan’s titah on February 7, 2018:

Di antara tanda-tanda pemimpin mabuk kuasa itu ialah licik mengatur rancangan atau strategi bagi kepentingan sendiri seperti mengamalkan kronisme dan nepotisme untuk mengkukuhkan kedudukan dan kuasa. Beta yakin perbuatan seperti ini tidak mendatangkan sebarang kebaikan melainkan keburukan belaka kepada negara dan tidaklah boleh dibiarkan terus berlaku.

Insya Allah, with the new Cabinet reforms announced by His Majesty on February 7, 2018, progress and development will continue to be enjoyed by the people of this country.

Hopefully we will maintain Brunei’s sustainability as a welfare state to enable the country’s citizens and residents to be able to equally receive charity funds for their hereafter investment.

This is what we should achieve by practising MIB values ​​to produce a just, honest, trustworthy, sincere, attentive and free-to-face leadership, as mentioned by the Sultan in a titah below:

Untuk menjadi pemimpin, keperluan untuk menguatkan amalan konsep MIB sangatlah mustahak. Jangan sekali-kali cuba menganut ideologi atau sistem lain dari ideologi dan sistem MIB. Kalau mahu jadi pemimpin yang baik, maka peganglah kuat-kuat prinsip ini dan juga jangan jadi pemimpin mabuk kuasa melakukan apa saja untuk kepentingan diri sendiri, lebih daripada kepentingan untuk negara.

It is an important responsibility for every member of the community in safeguarding and preserving the history of this country by learning the country’s culture and Islamic traditions.

History is crucial for the strengthening of Brunei Darussalam’s status as an MIB state, which sets Islam as the official religion and our source of reference and guiding light.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

A DELEGATION from Suara Belia Brunei recently visited the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) to present feedback on the ministry’s Youths For Brunei programme carried out in colleges and education institutions in the country during the past several months.

Present during the meeting were Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil and heads of departments of the MCYS.

As part of the programme, the ministry conducted listening sessions with youth throughout the country to better understand the issues and concerns they face as well as to improve the link between them and the government.

The Suara Belia Brunei group handed over their An Introduction book to Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila to conclude the meeting. The book was authored by Suara Belia Brunei’s founding members Md Umair Akmal, Nuur Nadhirah Hanizam and Nazihah Hipni.

Suara Belia Brunei is a community-led organisation to empower the generation of tomorrow.

The organisation aims to be a platform where people across all age groups can volunteer for a societal cause and towards realising the nation’s Vision 2035 goals while being guided by the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) principles.

Suara Belia Brunei welcomes members of the public to join their cause. For more information, the organisation can be reached via suarabeliabrunei@gmail.com or on Instagram at SuaraBeliaBrunei.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE topic of yesterday’s pre-dawn talk at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque was Kecemerlangan Diri (Self-Excellence).

The talk was delivered by Assistant Prison Counsellor at the Prisons Department and an accredited Da’ie at the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) Ustaz Fariszal bin Ali, who explained Islam’s unique perspective on worldly and spiritual excellence.

“Worldly excellence signifies excellence in the hereafter, and in order to excel, one must become a knowledgeable Muslim,” he said. Among those attending were Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Roslan bin Haji Taja’ah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Seri

Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang.

The talk was part of the weekly Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat programme, jointly organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office, to encourage more congregants for the mass Subuh prayer.

|     Daniel Lim     |

A 25-YEAR-OLD Chinese woman from Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia embraced Islam during a ceremony at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Islamic Da’wah Centre, Belait District on September 15.

The new convert adopted the name Nur Arya Maisara binti Abdullah Sim @ Sim Hua Fei.

Present as witness was Assistant Head of the Islamic Da’wah Centre, Belait District Ustazah Hajah Salimah binti Haji Hassan.

Ustazah Hajah Salimah binti Haji Hassan presented gifts to Nur Arya Maisara followed by a Dikir Marhaban and Doa Selamat.

The Islamic Da’wah Centre in the Belait District has recorded 62 Muslim converts since the beginning of 2018, compared to over 68 converts in 2017.

|     Izah Azahari     |

TEN members from the STKRJ Kampong Rimba, Kampong Rimba, Kampong Sungai Matan and Kampong Belimbing Neighbourhood Watch attended a briefing on criminal offences and visited the Police Museum of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) at the Police Headquarters recently.

The programme is a Neighbourhood Watch activity organised by the Bandar Seri Begawan Central Police Station in cooperation with the RBPF Public Relations Unit.

Officer-in-Charge of the Bandar Seri Begawan Central Police Station ASP Mohd ‘Izzuddin Hanis bin Haji Mohd Salleh led the delegation.

The delegation compised 10 personnel from the station and 10 personnel from the RBPF Public Relations Unit.

The delegation toured the Police Museum Gallery and was briefed on the history of the RBPF.

|     James Kon     |

A TOTAL of 92 retired rank and file police personnel were recognised for their loyal service to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and nation in an appreciation ceremony at the Auditorium of Police Headquarters on Saturday.

The guest of honour was Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam with his spouse President of Welfare Body of Police’s Wives and Families (PEKERTI) Datin Hajah Kamariah binti Haji Abd Hamid.

Chairperson of the organising committee Senior Superintendent Haji Zaini bin Haji Abdul Rahim thanked the retired personnel for their contribution and dedication.

Sergeant Major 1615 Bujang anak Datu, speaking on behalf of the retired police personnel said, “Although we will not be able to serve the force, we will continue to work together and provide ideas to the Royal Brunei Police Force.”