Proclamation of Independence of Brunei Darussalam

...Negara Brunei Darussalam adalah dengan izin serta limpah kornia Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, akan untok sa-lama2-nya kekal menjadi sa-buah Negara Melayu Islam Beraja yang Merdeka, Berdaulat dan Demokratik bersendikan kapada ajaran2 Ugama Islam menurut Ahlis Sunnah Waljamaah....

Titah Pemasyhuran Kemerdekaan Negara Brunei Darussalam oleh Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam pada 1hb Januari 1984:

The english version:

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

PRAISE be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe and may the benediction and peace of Allah be upon. Our leader Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Relations and Friends.

WHEREAS the time has now arrived when Brunei Darussalam will resume full international responsibility as a sovereign and independent Nation among the international community of nations;

AND WHEREAS Brunei Darussalam has never been a colony but had since 1847 a special treaty relationship with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland whereby in 1888 it was agreed that external relations were the responsibility of the Government of Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

AND WHEREAS a Constitution styled the Constitution of the State of Brunei, 1959, was proclaimed by Our Predecessor Maulana Sultan Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'ddul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, the twenty-eight Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in accordance with which the Government of this Nation is regulated and is the supreme law thereof;



AND WHEREAS by the Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, 1979 made between Us and Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and by the Exchange of Notes between Us and Her Britannic Majesty's Government it was agreed that whatever powers, obligations or responsibility Her Britannic Majesty's Government may have in respect of Brunei Darussalam under all previous treaties, agreements and arrangements between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom which were inconsistent with full international responsibility as a sovereign and independent nation shall terminate on 31 December 1983 and upon such termination all the rights and powers of Our Prerogatives including the responsibility for external relations shall revert to Us as the The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on the First day of January, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Four;

NOW THEREFORE in the name of Allah the Compassionate, the Merciful, We, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Territory and all Her Dependencies, do HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE in Our name and on Our behalf and for and on behalf of Our Successors and for and on behalf of the people of Brunei Darussalam that as from the First day of January, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Four of the Christian era, corresponding to the Twenty-Seventh day of Rabiulawal, the Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (on Whom be the benediction and peace of Allah) Fourteen Hundred and Four being the Seventeenth Year of Our reign, Brunei Darussalam is and with the blessing of Allah (to whom be praise and WHose name be exalted) shall be for ever a sovereign, democratic and independent Malay Muslim Monarchy upon the teachings of Islam according to Ahlis Sunnah Waljamaah and based upon the principle of liberty, trust and justice and ever seeking with the guidance and blessing of Allah (to Whom be praise and Whose name be exalted) the peace and security, welfare and happiness of Our people and the maintenance of friendly relations among nations on the principle of mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of all nations free from external interference.

May Allah, to Whom be praise and Whose name be exalted and may the Prophet Muhammad (on Whom be the benediction and peace of Allah) grant his blessing to Brunei Darussalam, for ever and ever. Amen! O Lord of the Universe!

HIS MAJESTY
THE SULTAN AND YANG DI-PERTUAN
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

extracted from www.pmo.gov.bn

images are scanned from National Day in pictorial 2004

Titah KDYMM sempena Sambutan Tahun Baru Hijrah 1430

Titah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan Dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam sempena Sambutan Tahun Baru Hijrah 1430 pada 1hb Muharram 1430 / 28hb Disember 2008

TITAH

KEBAWAH DULI YANG MAHA MULIA PADUKA SERI BAGINDA SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU'IZZADDIN WADDAULAH,
SULTAN DAN YANG DI-PERTUAN NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

SEMPENA

SAMBUTAN TAHUN BARU HIJRAH 1430

PADA

1 MUHARRAM 1430/28 DISEMBER 2008

Image (c) Infofoto 2008

Assalamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Alhamdulillahi Rabbil 'Alameen, Wabihie Nasta'eenu 'Ala Umuriddunya Waddien, Wassalatu Wassalamu 'Ala Asyrafil Mursaleen, Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa'ala Alihie Wasahbihie Ajma'een. Waba'du.

Marilah kita sama-sama merafakkan syukur ke hadrat Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala kerana telah meminjamkan kita umur, sehingga dapatlah kita memasuki gerbang Tahun Baru Hijrah 1430 ini.

Awal kalam untuk mengalu-alukannya ialah dengan doa: Semoga pada tahun ini kehidupan kita penuh dengan keberkatan di dalam semua lapangan.

Semoga sekalian rakyat dan penduduk beroleh kebahagiaan, di bawah 'inayah dan perlindungan Allah Ta'ala.

Negara pula tetap berkeadaan aman, makmur lagi selamat, tiada sebarang kemelut dan ketakutan di dalamnya.

Semoga Tahun 1430 Hijrah menjadi wadah untuk kita membangun: Pembangunan fizikal dan rohani yang diredai oleh Allah.

Kita membangun untuk kemakmuran, dan dalam masa yang sama juga, kita membina keyakinan diri untuk menjadi hamba yang taat dan rajin beribadat.

Kemakmuran dicapai dengan usaha, dengan menggunakan sumber alam kurnia Allah Ta'ala. Daripada sumber alam ini, kita memperolehi minyak dan gas, dan daripadanya juga kita mendapat makanan.

Beta berharap, pada tahum ini, Tahun Hijrah 1430, kita wajar bergerak lebih pantas untuk mencapai objektif negara, seperti di dalam bidang pertanian, kita perlu meningkat ke tahap peratus 'sara diri' yang lebih tinggi daripada yang ada masa ini, sejajar dengan pertumbuhan dan keperluan.

Kita juga akan terus bergerak untuk meningkatkan taraf hidup, sesuai dengan matlamat mencapai tahap kemiskinan sifar.

Dari sudut agama, manakala terdapat keadaan yang menggalakkan, maka kemiskinan di kalangan umat Islam tidaklah sukar untuk diatasi.

Pada hari ini kita bercakap mengenai hijrah, dan sekiranya umat Islam berjaya keluar daripada kepompong kemiskinan, maka bermakna inilah hijrah yang paling bersejarah untuk mereka.

Orang Islam mestilah lurus dalam pegangannya, untuk mendapatkan natijah terbaik dalam kehidupan.

Jika pegangan tidak lurus, walaupun niat baik, kita tidak mungkin, umtuk menghasilkan sebarang natijah yang terbaik itu.

Begitulah yang beta harapkan, terutama daripada pemimpin-pemimpin di semua agensi kerajaan, kerana mereka adalah jurumudi bagi membawa kapal-kapal ke pangkalan yang tepat.

Sesuai dengan semangat hijrah, semua orang, terutama para pemimpin dan pembantu-pembantu mereka, perlulah lebih peka dengan perkembangan semasa, sama ada yang bersangkutan dengan tugas harian masing-masing mahupun yang lebih besar daripadanya.

Jika ada perkara yang perlu ditangani dengan segera, mengapakah tidak ditangani? Begitu juga, jika ada peluang untuk membuat perubahan, mengapakah tidak dibuat, padahal jika dibuat, ia boleh mendatangkan banyak kebaikan.

Inilah caranya kita melayani Tahun Baru. Ia bukan saja untuk menanam azam, tetapi yang lebih penting melaksanakan azam. Jika pada tahun lalu kita melihat kerosakan, pada tahun ini, Tahun Baru, kita mesti menyaksikan pembaikan.

Adalah tidak wajar melambat-lambatkan perubahan, walau perubahan itu sangat perlu untuk dilakukan.

Kerugian bukan saja dialami oleh siapa yang menahan-nahan perubahan, malahan juga oleh orang lain yang memang berhak untuk menerima perubahan itu.

Lebih-lebih lagi jika perubahan itu bersifat membetulkan kesilapan atau kesalahan, maka sudah barang tentu ia wajib pula dilakukan dengan sesegera mungkin.

Ini juga boleh dianggap sebagai peka terhadap perkembangan, iaitu tidak membiarkan kesilapan terus berlarutan.

Attitude seperti inilah yang diperlukan oleh masyarakat membangun, di mana kita adalah sebahagian daripadanya.

Di sinilah sepatutnya azam Tahun Baru bermula dan bertolak.

Semoga Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala memberkati azam kita ini, dengan menjadikannya kenyataan. Amin.

Untuk akhirnya, beta dan keluarga beta tidak lupa mengucapkan Selamat Menyambut dan Menjalani Tahun Baru Hijrah 1430. Semoga dalam menjalaninya itu, kita semua akan sentiasa mendapat hidayat dan bimbingan Allah bagi memperolehi keredaan-Nya.

Sekian. Wabillahit Taufiq Walhidayah Wassalamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Source: Press Room, Information Department

New Appointment

Dua lagi dilantik SUT JPM

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Rabu, 24 Disember.- Pada menjunjung titah perintah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam dengan ini Jabatan Perdana Menteri memaklumkan bahawa baginda telah mengurniakan titah perintah bagi pertukaran dan pelantikan empat pegawai kanan kerajaan.

Setiausaha Tetap di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat ditukar ke Kementerian Pertahanan sebagai Setiausaha Tetap I Kementerian Pertahanan.

Ketua Pengarah Perkhidmatan Awam, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam, Awang Sa Bali bin Abas dilantik menjadi Setiausaha Tetap di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.

Pegawai Pentadbir Kanan, Kementerian Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, Awang Haji Omar bin Haji Abdul Rahman dilantik menjadi Setiausaha Tetap di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.

Pengarah Pentadbiran dan Perkhidmatan, Kementerian Perhubungan Awang Haji Ibrahim bin Haji Hassan dilantik menjadi Ketua Pengarah Perkhidmatan Awam, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam.

Tarikh pertukaran dan pelantikan pegawai-pegawai berkenaan berkuat kuasa mulai hari Khamis, 27 Zulhijjah 1429 bersamaan 25 Disember 2008.

Source: Pelita Brunei, 25hb Disember 2008

Link to full list of Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries at http://jennifermok.blogspot.com/2008/04/permanent-secretary-at-prime-ministers.html

Old Age Pension

Interesting facts about the Old Age Pension scheme:

• The government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through the Old Age Pension and Disability Act (1954) provides the old-age pension to citizens who are 60 years old and above in recognition and appreciation of their contribution to the country's development.

From the Act, people eligible for receiving the Pension must be:

• attained the age of 60
• either born in Brunei Darussalam and resided in Brunei Darussalam for a period of at least 10 years, or
• born outside Brunei Darussalam and has resided in Brunei Darussalam for a period of at least 30 years.
• The Act is to provide for pecuniary payments by way of old age pensions, pensions for blind persons, allowances for dependants of persons suffering from Hansen's disease and lunatics, disability pensions and such other pensions and allowances as His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan in Council may prescribe and for all matters incidental thereto
• Commenced on 1st January 1955
• As of 1st October 2006, the Old Age Pension is now B$250.00 monthly according to the Circular of PMO, Surat Keliling JPM bil. 19/2006 Negara Brunei Darussalam.
  

Reference:

Borneo Bulletin, 17th Dec 2008

Old Age and Disability Pensions Act (1954), Chapter 18, Laws of Brunei.

Surat Keliling Jabatan Perdana Menteri bil 19/2006, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Image from website of JAPEM

Titah of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at Bali Democracy Forum

Full text of Titah of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the Bali Democracy Forum, 10 - 11 December 2008:

Mr President,

I congratulate you most warmly, on convening this forum and I am very pleased to add my own greetings and best wishes to all our colleagues.

In many ways, your letter of invitation came as no surprise. We all have enormous admiration for the way you have brought all your people together as a driving force for progress in our region. This is especially so in the way you have so often taken the lead in our efforts to meet modern challenges successfully.

In the last few years, these have ranged from international security and cultural and religious tolerance to economic development and the effects of natural disasters. Every effort we have made as a region has had not only your support but also your initiative and dedication.

This kind of leadership is special, Mr President.

It does not involve prescribing solutions to others. It seeks to bring others together - to share experiences; to suggest ways forward; and to promote the peace and understanding that comes from working together towards common objectives.

So, it is a privilege to join you here and I thank you very much indeed for the personal invitation.

Mr President,

Your letter inviting us opened by describing, "a world beset by an array of crises". I obviously have no problem with this basic description. I do not think any of us have or there would not be any need for this forum.

I would, however, like to suggest that the words require a context. I say this because there has never been a time when the world was not beset by an "array of crises". In Brunei, our system of government has lived through seven hundred years of these, almost non-stop!

In fact, as we all know, crisis is why government exists. This is why I believe we need to determine the context in which we are currently working as governments.

I do not see it as pessimistic. In some ways, a case could be made for there being far fewer crises now than Mankind has ever experienced. Any brief survey of historical statistics in health, education, life expectancy, and material prosperity would provide plenty of reasons to say that Mankind has done remarkably well so far.

In other words, I mean that the current crises may be new in character but, in many ways, they are the results of the success the world has had in solving earlier crises. The most dramatic result of this has been the quadrupling of the world's population over the past one hundred years.

That fact and the current food and energy problems, the man-made aspects of climate change and the present financial crisis would seem to fit into that pattern of human development. They are its logical extension.

So, as such, they are only crises in the extent to which we are unable to deal with them. This, I believe, is the positive context in which they have to be placed. There are, rightly, many cries of alarm. Their warnings are necessary and have to be heeded and evaluated.

This, however, does not mean that governments should be alarmist. As I said, we exist to deal with crisis. Therefore, we have to be positive and I see your initiative here, Mr President, as a most welcome call to us all to be exactly that.

To me, that says one thing about our current problems. Globalisation is not their cause. It is their solution. It provides chances like this for us to meet, discuss and devise ways of working together to meet the latest new challenges successfully and to do this as governments.

Mr President,

We meet many different systems of government and they go by many different names. There is, however, one idea that links us all, I feel. This is what has always defined our system in Brunei. It is complex and closely bound up in its own very old history but, in English, it can be defined as a "Social Contract".

Like all contracts in any system, if it is maintained, we all succeed. If it lapses, we all suffer. In that sense, I believe we join all other governments here in our belief in the term frequently used in international affairs and at the United Nations - good governance.

Perhaps, above all else right now, this means ensuring that we all meet the targets set in the Millennium Goals. In Brunei, we place a priority on this task. We see it as crucial in our efforts as a government to fulfil our prime responsibility to give our people confidence in the future.

For us this means providing maximum health care to all; good education from early childhood onwards; easy personal access to government and its departments and agencies; the rule of law applying equally to everyone and respect for each individual, each family and each community, whatever their background, culture or faith.

At the same time, it means economic development in the form of employment, jobs, careers and future prospects.

All these are what we are trying to achieve in Brunei through our thirty-year national vision or "wawasan", and its related projects and programmes.

The starting point, we believe, is the Millennium Goals. The end result, we hope, will be a strong regional and world view on the part of our people, one which promotes respect and understanding for every other country and government.

This is the basis on which we seek to play our part in the affairs of our region and the international organisations to which we belong. It is on that basis, also, that I am delighted to accept your kind invitation here.

I assure you again that my government and people join me in a commitment to working as closely as possible with the governments attending this forum.

We will offer whatever we can to help address the concerns that we all share and make sure that our region and our part of the world can look forward to the future in peace, security and confidence.

Thank you.

Photos: Infofoto, Information Department

Text: Borneo Bulletin Online, Thursday 11th Dec 2008 (only 7 days archive)

Rank Order

Another useful reference from CIA - The World Factbook. Thanks to CIA.

The Guide to Rank Order Pages
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/rankorderguide.html

Here you can find list of data from Area, Population, Life Expectancy, GDP, Unemployment Rate, Electricity consumption, Oil - proved reserves, Public debt, and other interesting data.

Take External Debt for instance, United States has an external debt of $12.25 trillion ($12,250,000,000,000) at 30 June 2007.

Not all Rank Order pages have the same number of entries as certain information is not available for some countries. But it is fun reading the data.

Flags of the world

If you need to check the flags of all the nations in the world, click on the following link. Another service provided by the CIA - The World Factbook.

Flags of the World
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/flagsoftheworld.html

Reference maps online

I love reading maps. It's my great pleasure to share this link with you.

Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook, in the United States
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/refmaps.html

There are maps of continents Africa, Antarctic, Arctic, Asia, Europe, Oceania, North America and South America; as well as regional maps such as Middle East, Central America and the Carribean, and Southeast Asia.

This is a sample map from the website:

You can either download the clear PDF version (higher file size) or just the JPEG format.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/reference_maps/southeast_asia.html

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/reference_maps/pdf/southeast_asia.pdf

But I would suggest to download the PDF version because it can be enlarged to 6400% (not sure if one would really need that large size).

Have fun exploring the site and refresh your geography knowledge. ;-)

Poster of Cabinet Ministers

This poster of Cabinet Ministers was released during the celebration of Civil Service Day last month. It is unknown why this poster has not yet distributed to the public. However, the soft copy of the poster is available at
http://www.information.gov.bn/VER2/images/Book/Poster_Menteri_-_Menteri_Nov08.gif

Titah KDYMM sempena Hari Raya Aidiladha 1429H / 2008M

TITAH PERUTUSAN

KEBAWAH DULI YANG MAHA MULIA PADUKA SERI BAGINDA SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU’IZZADDIN WADDAULAH,
SULTAN DAN YANG DI-PERTUAN NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

SEMPENA

HARI RAYA AIDILADHA 1429 HIJRAH/2008 MASIHI

(c) Infofoto 2008

Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Alhamdulullahi Rabbil ‘Alameen, Wabihie Nastaeenu ‘Ala Umuriddunya Waddeen, Wassalatu Wassalamu ‘Ala Asyrafil Mursaleen. Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa’ala Alihie Wasahbihie Ajmaeen. Waba’du.

Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar, Walillahilhamd.

Dengan takbir kita membesarkan Allah, dan dengan tahmid kita memuji-Nya. Allah Maha Besar dan segala puji adalah bagi-Nya.

Inilah kalimat-kalimat suci yang sedang memenuhi alam maya ini. Dengan tidak mengira di mana-mana jua, ia tetap diucapkan oleh sesiapa saja yang bernama Muslim.

Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar, Allahuakabar, Walillahilhamd.

Amat nyata kepada kita, bahawa hari ini keberkatan adalah melimpah ruah. Bibir-bibir sedia basah dengan zikrullah. Hati-hati khusyuk serta tunduk kepada-Nya. Hanya Dia jua, satu-satunya, yang disembah. Hanya Dia jua, satu-satunya, tempat munajat, bagi memohonkan berkat dan rahmat.

Berhadapan dengan kebesaran dan kekayaan Allah, kita semua adalah kerdil dan miskin. Siapa saja yang bernama makhluk adalah miskin. Hanya Allah jua Yang Maha Kaya.

Selaku hamba yang kerdil lagi miskin, kita semua perlu memiliki sifat kasih sayang sesama kita sendiri, sambil bertolong-tolongan secara timbal balik. Yang tua menyayangi yang muda, yang muda mengasihi yang tua. Yang lebih kuat menolong yang lemah, yang lemah pula membalasnya, walau dengan doa.

Inilah prinsip Islam, khasnya yang berkaitan dengan komuniti sosial dan kehidupan.

Kerana itulah, Islam itu dinamakan agama rahmat, sebab, daripadanya tumbuh simpati dan mencurah ihsan. Sehingga, kalau ada seseorang yang makan kenyang sedang jirannya lapar, maka Islam adalah mengutuknya.

Kita sebut perkara ini bersukut dengan Aidiladha yang mulia. Pada hari ini syiar Islam bergemerlapan dengan alunan takbir dan tahmid oleh umat Islam di seluruh dunia, lebih-lebih lagi, secara khusus, oleh jutaan jemaah haji di Tanah Suci.

Allah memang Maha Kaya. Di tengah-tengah krisis kewangan global yang melanda masyarakat antarabangsa pada ketika ini, umat Islam masih saja mampu untuk menyahut panggilan Ilahi ke Tanah Suci dengan penuh semangat, seperti mereka tidak merasakan langsung sebarang kesan dari krisis yang merunsingkan ini.

Begitulah, Allah merahmati para hamba-Nya yang taat, dengan rezeki mereka yang menakjubkan. Sepatutnya, operasi haji itu boleh saja terganggu, sekurang-kurangnya untuk sementara waktu disebabkan krisis yang dahsyat ini. Tetapi kenyataannya tidak! Kerana rezeki itu adalah di tangan Allah, tidak siapa yang boleh menahannya kalau Dia memberi.

Kerana itu jangan takut, jika itulah perintah Allah, maka kewajipan kita ialah melakukannya. Seperti juga suruhan berzakat, jangan ingkar dan jangan tahan zakat kerana takutkan habis. Kalau inilah yang dikehendaki oleh Allah, maka apa perlunya lagi takut? Lebih-lebih lagi Allah sendiri juga sudah menjamin untuk menambahnya.

Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar, Allahuakabar, Walillahilhamd.

Berbalik lagi kepada prinsip Islam dalam mengurus kehidupan sosial. Pada Hari Raya Aidiladha ini, umat Islam digalakkan berkorban. Pada setiap tahun, nampaknya semakin ramai umat Islam berkorban, iaitu suatu tanda menggalakkan bagi kebaikan dunia dan akhirat kita.

Cuma ada sedikit pemikiran, iaitu adakah pengagihan daging-daging korban itu sudah benar-benar menepati sasaran? Maksud beta, yang utama diutamakan, sementara yang kurang utama tidak pula diabaikan.

Walaupun hukum syarak turut membenarkan pengagihan daging korban kepada orang kaya seperti juga kepada fakir miskin, namun pada hemat beta, keutamaan adalah lebih wajar difokus kepada fakir miskin. Kerana beta khuatir, ada di antara fakir miskin itu yang mungkin tercicir dalam pembahagian, disebabkan misalnya, mereka jauh terpencil, atau tidak mempunyai kemudahan untuk menerima bahagian mereka, sedangkan orang yang kaya atau orang senang lebih mudah mendapatkan bahagian di majlis-majlis korban yang mereka hadiri sendiri.

Mengapakah perkara ini beta timbulkan? Kerana kita ingin melihat masyarakat berlaku adil kepada orang-orang daif yang lebih memerlukan. Manakala mereka ini dilayan dengan adil, sudah barang tentu akan menambahkan lagi keberkatan kepada orang-orang yang berkorban dan malah juga negara.

Apabila beta katakan demikian, bukalah bererti beta melarang orang-orang kaya dan senang dari mendapat bahagian mereka. Cuma secara wajarnya, orang-orang susah dan daif itu perlu mendapat perhatian yang lebih khusus dan adil.

Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar, Walillahilhamd.

Untuk akhirnya, beta dan keluarga beta, dengan semangat muhibah dan tulus ikhlas, sukacita mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha yang mubarak kepada semua lapisan rakyat dan penduduk yang beragama Islam, di mana saja mereka berada. Tidak dilupakan juga mereka yang sedang berada di Tanah Suci Mekah pada ketika ini. Semoga Allah memberikan kita semua kebahagiaan berupa perlindungan, kesihatan dan kemakmuran. Amin.

Sekian. Wabillahit Taufiq Walhidayah Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

(Source: Press Room of Information Department)

About APEC

What is Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation?

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region .

APEC is the only inter governmental grouping in the world operating on the basis of non-binding commitments, open dialogue and equal respect for the views of all participants. Unlike the WTO or other multilateral trade bodies, APEC has no treaty obligations required of its participants. Decisions made within APEC are reached by consensus and commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis.

APEC has 21 members - referred to as "Member Economies" - which account for approximately 40.5% of the world's population, approximately 53.4% of world GDP and about 47.8%3 of world trade.

APEC's 21 Member Economies are

• 
  

• Australia;
• Brunei Darussalam;
• Canada;
• Chile;
• People's Republic of China;
• Hong Kong, China;
• Indonesia;
• Japan;
• Republic of Korea;
• Malaysia;
• Mexico;
• New Zealand;
• Papua New Guinea;
• Peru;
• The Republic of the Philippines;
• The Russian Federation;
• Singapore;
• Chinese Taipei;
• Thailand;
• United States of America;
• Viet Nam.

• 
  

http://www.apec.org/apec/about_apec.html



To read the 2008 Leaders' Declaration at the 16th APEC Economic Leader's Meeting, which was made on 22nd-23rd November 2008, click here.

(logo of APEC from official website of APEC)
(group photo of APEC Economic Leaders from here)

Rice production

Some facts and figures from the Agriculture Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Darussalam:

• Rice requirement in 2007 was 31,242 metric tonnes, estimated to value at 37.05 million dollars.

• At present, local rice production is 982.9 metric tonnes. The amount is equivalent to 3.15 percent of self-sufficiency, based on 0.7 metric tonnes of paddy production per hectare.

• There are some 1,233 paddy farmers in the four districts, and about 1,354 hectares of paddy plantation.

• The majority of rice is imported from other producers. Statistics show that Brunei imports 29,252 metric tonnes of rice, or 96.7 percent, of the requirement.

• Target: BRUNEI is targeting a 20 per cent, equivalent to a 6000 metric ton increase of local rice production by 2010 for its short-term plan and a 60 per cent (equivalent to 18,000 metric tonnes) increase by 2015 for its medium-term plan towards self-sufficiency in the rice production

(extracted from RTB News and The Brunei Times)

say cheese...

(Photo by Martin Cooper in Bangkok, Thailand, from the BBC website)

I noticed the moon was very attractive last night. But I didn't realised it was a rare phenomenon -the Smiling moon. The Jupiter, Venus and the crescent moon formed a very intriguing smiley face. It was clearly seen about 20 - 30 minutes after sunset.

According to Yahoo! 7 News, it will be another 5 years before the formation appears again.

Is the heaven trying to tell us something? Whatever it is, I pray for World Peace and prosperity...

Brunei Darussalam Key Indicators 2008

I read from the blog of Brunei Resources, and just found out that the Department of Economic Planning and Development has just published the latest Brunei Darussalam Key Indicators 2008. It is available for download at http://www.depd.gov.bn/download/BDKI%202008.pdf in PDF file.

These images are from the PDF file:

The population of Brunei is now 398,000 at 2008

57% of population aged between 20 - 54 years old

Life expectancy of female is 77.8 and 75.2 for male in 2007

Unemployment rate is 3.7% in 2008, increment of 0.3% from previous year

Oil production was reduced to 193 thousand barrels per day in 2008

We achieved higher literacy rate now, 93.7% compared to 89.2% ten years ago

For more statistics and data, please visit the official website of the JPKE http://www.depd.gov.bn/home.html

What is SSEAYP?

The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) is based on the respective Joint Statements issued in January 1974 between Japan and the Republic of Indonesia , Malaysia , the Republic of Philippines the Republic of Singapore and the Kingdom of Thailand. Negara Brunei Darussalam ,following full independence and its admission to the ASEAN in January 1984 , joined the program in 1985. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam joined in 1996 , following its admission to the ASEAN in July 1995 , and the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Union of Myanmar joined in 1998 after having been admitted to the ASEAN in July 1997. Furthermore , in 2000 , the Kingdom of Cambodia also joined this program following its admission to the ASEAN in April 1999. This program is carried out by the Government of Japan with the active participation and cooperation of these ten Southeast Asian countries.

The purpose of this program is to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the youth of Japan and Southeast Asian countries ; to broaden their perspective on the world , as well as to strengthen their motivation and ability in international cooperation by participating in discussions , in ob-board introductions to each country , and in various exchange activities both on-board and in the countries visited. In addition , the participating youths are expected to progress to leadership positions in youth activities , and in various other sections , in their own country after this program.

SSEAYP Participating countries:

(by alphabetical order)

1. Brunei
2. Cambodia
3. Indonesia
4. Japan
5. Laos
6. Malaysia
7. Myanmar
8. Philippines
9. Singapore
10. Thailand
11. Vietnam

SSEAYP Activities :
-----------------------
1.Activities on Board the Ship ;
a) Discussion
b) Solidarity group activities
c) Club activities
d) Introduction to each country
e) Lectures
f) Studies for safe voyage , including lifeboat drill
g) Other activities approved by COC (Cruise Operating Committee)

2.Activities in the Countries Visited
a) Courtesy calls and Reception
b) Homestay
c) Parties on board , and open ship
d) Program on interaction with local people during a visit to facility
e) Other activities arranged by the respective governments/ reception committee

(Implementation of these is limited to when the program has sufficient spare time to add an extra activity other than those listed above.)

Solidarity Group (SG)

SG B performing the Nippon Maru song

club activity: experiencing the Japanese tea ceremony

institutional visit

cultural performance

homestay programme

discussion

Nippon Maru - the ship commissioned for SSEAYP, carrying participants across the ocean from Japan to ASEAN

---

SSEAYP Official language :
-------------------------------
English is the working language throughout this program.

---

SSEAYP Participating Youth Qualification :
----------------------------------------------
1. 18-30 years of age
2. Able to participate throughout the program
3. Having a command of English adequate to enable participation in the activities both on board and in the countries visited.
4. In good health , both physically and mentally.
5. Adaptable to an orderly group life in accordance with the program schedule
6. Having a good understanding of, and interest in, the countries visited.

(Text from ASSEAY Thailand
Photos (c) Jennifer Mok)

Links: SSEAYP photos of Jennifer BPY07
Blog of Brunei Participating Youth 2007

Hari Perkhidmatan Awam (HPA)

Rasional Sambutan Hari Perkhidmatan Awam

1. Perkhidmatan Awam di Negara Brunei Darussalam tidak terlepas dari berbagai rangkaian cabaran ekoran gelombang perubahan yang dibawa bersama arus globalisasi dan ledakan teknologi (ICT)

2. Diantara cabaran ini ialah harapan dan ekspektasi orang ramai yang kian meningkat terhadap pemberian perkhidmatan awam (public service delivery);

3. Sehubungan itu adalah perlu untuk pihak Kerajaan meningkatkan lagi usaha khusus dalam pemberian perkhidmatan awam kearah pencapaian harapan dan ekspektasi orang ramai ini.

4. HPA adalah acara tahunan yang diwujudkan dan disambut sebagai satu platform yang menjana dan mengiktiraf usaha dan pencapaian warga perkhidmatan awam dan organisasi kerajaan dalam meningkatkan lagi pemberian perkhidmatannya kepada orang ramai;

5. Melalui HPA ini kita berharap ianya akan menjadi inspirasi setiap individu dan kumpulan dalam perkhidmatan awam pada keseluruhannya;

6. Dalam hal ini juga HPA diharapkan akan memberi kesefahaman kepada orang ramai bahawa pihak Kerajaan adalah bergiat meningkatkan lagi kelancaran dan keberkesanan pemberian perkhidmatan awamnya melalui berbagai proses peningkatan dan jaminan kualiti kerja dalam perjalanan kita kearah kecemerlangan dalam perkhidmatan;

7. Melalui Sambutan HPA, seluruh pegawai dan kakitangan Kerajaan akan membaharui ikrar dan azam mereka sebagai warga perkhidmatan awam yang:

a. Sentiasa taat kepada Raja selaku pemimpin;

b. Patuh melaksanakan kehendak dan dasar-dasar Kerajaan, undang-undang negara, peraturan dan arahan kerja;

c. Sentiasa memelihara dan meningkatkan martabat kewibawaan, kecemerlangan dan kebolehharapan Perkhidmatan Awam;

d. Sentiasa berusaha meningkatkan produktiviti dan kualiti kerja;

e. Berkhidmat berasaskan keadilan serta amanah untuk Agama, bangsa, Kerajaan dan Negara;

Kenapa 29 September:

• 29hb September sebagai Hari Perkhidmatan Awam di Negara Brunei Darussalam mengambil sempena detik bermulanya perlembagaan bertulis Negara ini.

Source: website of Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (PSD)

Health Promotion Centre / Pusat Promosi Kesihatan

The Health Promotion Centre which was officiated last Thursday by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. It was built on a two-hectare piece of land near the Commonwealth Drive area.

The centre was built as the aspiration to strengthen the efforts by the Ministry of Health towards upgrading the health status of the rakyat and residents in the country through health promotion and healthy lifestyle.

The main attraction of the centre is the Health Galleria with its role of providing the main information in health care such as oral health, food safety, food and nutrition, physical activities, tobacco usage control, occupational health as well as mental and reproductive health.

The Health Promotion Centre was contributed by the Royal Dutch Shell, of which USD 5 million were financed towards the construction of the centre in conjunction with His Majesty’s 60th birthday celebration. The contribution by Brunei Shell Petroleum is one of the main focuses of its community building programme.

Other facilities at this centre include the Health Body Clinic, the Resource Centre which offers a journal library, books and DVD services, 2 lecture studios, swimming pool, meeting room, prayer hall and cafeteria. The centre is open to the public, starting from 15th November 2008 and for the time being it is open during working hours.

A virtual tour of the centre:

the Resource Centre - material lending services only limited to health professionals in the Ministry of Health

The Health Promotion Centre had the Fun Day yesterday

The Galleria in the Centre:

Excerpt of His Majesty's Titah in 15 July 1997

the digestive system

8 important steps to Healthy Living:

Gallery 1 - Oral Health

learning zone for kids: find out the food that help to strengthen teeth

Oral topics

Gallery 2 - Food Safety

correct way of handwashing

how your kitchen should look like...

strands of microbes under the microscope

disgusting off smell of spoilt food samples

brief info on Food Additives

Gallery 3 - Food and Nutrition

the vitamins for life

diet for the elderly, pregnant women and children are available here... (touch screen computer, impressive huh!)

find out how much calories and other nutrients you consumed in your diet

comparing the calories and nutrient values of selected food products

Gallery 4 - Physical Activities






Gallery 5 - Anti-tobacco

computer game to track the smokers and cigarette butts

Gallery 6 - Mental Health

a relaxing corner

Gallery 7 - Occupational Health

noise pollution

safety first!!

Gallery 8 - Reproductive Health

model of female reproductive organ

puberty

facts about the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

one of the STDs (i just know that Hep B is a STD)

a private corner for ladies

model of breasts - how to locate a lump and tumour

video teaching how to do Breast Self Examination (BSE)

a corner for the male too

after you complete your tour, you should be changing your lifestyle to a healthy one

Excerpt of His Majesty's Titah in 15 July 2003 on the emphasis of healthcare by His Majesty's Government

brochures to take home

So, there is no excuse not to visit the USD5 million Health Promotion Centre.

text: adapted from the RTB news
photos & caption: Jennifer Mok