| James Kon |
MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will visit Brunei Darussalam on September 2 and 3.
This will be Dr Mahathir’s first visit to Brunei Darussalam since winning the Malaysian General Election in May.
The visit was announced yesterday by Charge d’Affaires of the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam Rafedah binti Haji Abdul Aziz during a flag hoisting ceremony to celebrate Malaysia’s 61st National Day at the high commission premises.
In her speech Rafedah said, “On September 2 and 3 we are very fortunate to receive the official visit of our Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Brunei Darussalam.
“A special dialogue session and dinner reception with the Prime Minister will take place during the visit,” she added.
Rafedah highlighted, “The Malaysian High Commission is always ready to strengthen the relationship with Malaysians residing in Brunei regardless of background, religion and race. The process of registration and updates are continuous; there are currently 3,593 Malaysians registered with the high commission.
“I would like to urge the rest of Malaysians in Brunei Darussalam to register their names with the high commission,” she added.
Rafedah pointed out, “The landscape of politics and administration has changed following the 14th General Election which opened a new chapter for Malaysia.”
“Thus the theme for this year’s Malaysian National Day of Sayangi MalaysiaKu is not only symbolic but possesses deep meaning to be appreciated by all.”
She reiterated her call to Malaysians in Brunei to continue showing their loyalty to Malaysia and its government.
Touching on the relationship of both countries, she said, “We are blessed with a special and close relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia. We are also extremely blessed to be welcomed 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 where we are allowed to work, study and reside in this peaceful and prosperous country.”
Rafedah reminded Malaysians residing in Brunei and staff of the high commission as well as Malaysian companies to respect the laws and regulations as well as the local custom of Brunei Darussalam.
“To maintain the good name of Malaysia, any activities that can tarnish the image of the country must be avoided,” she said.
Huge crowds comprising Malaysians in Brunei Darussalam attended the flag hoisting ceremony where they belted out the Malaysian national anthem as well as patriotic songs such as Lagu Jalur Gemilang and Lagu Setia.
After the ceremony, Muslim guests were invited to attend a ‘Quran Hour’.