Progress on the Lecgo's Building .....

Progress on the construction of the Legislative Council building, expected to be completed next year. ...

The pictures show the dome is nearly complete...

Dinner...

Some dishes managed to be taken at a recent dinner held at a restaurant in Gadong...

Best Friends...

Best of friends... if a rabbit and a dog can be good friends, why not humans, ya?... hmm...

Finally.... Bruneians are very happy.....

Over 2 weeks ago, the British based New Economics Foundation (NEF) published a report on the world’s happiest countries and Brunei was placed 100th place.

Another report published yesterday, on the world’s 178 “happiest” countries, Brunei is placed 9th happiest country, beating Singapore and Malaysia (17th place) for the top 10 spot for ASEAN countries.


Happiness according Adrian White, the analytic social psychologist of UK’s Leicester University, is closely related to the people’s HEALTH, WEALTH and access to EDUCATION.

70% of the top 10 countries are small in size AND practice welfare state hence that's why people are far more happier since they worry less about their daily life. Bruneians are now very happy indeed after the announcement of the salary rise. So based on this positive comment, lets expect Brunei can attract more tourists to visit the country, as many could be curious about one of the world's happiest country… heheh

1. Denmark
2. Switzerland
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. The Bahamas
6. Finland
7. Sweden
8. Bhutan
9. Brunei
10. Canada
11. Ireland
12. Luxembourg
13. Costa Rica
14. Malta
15. The Netherlands
16. Antigua and Barbuda
17. Malaysia
18. New Zealand
19. Norway
20. The Seychelles

Wedding Anniversary

I'm not sure if everyone remembered, but today is the 41st wedding anniversary of HM Sultan of Brunei and HM, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajjah Saleha. They were married 41 years ago on 28th July 1965.

Just wanna wish His Majesty and Her Majesty, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajjah Saleha,....

"Happy Anniversary, Your Majesties... Kekal Karal Memerintah Negara".

Hungry Ghosts Fest Begins, 25th July 2006

The Gates of Hell “opened” freeing the spirits of the underworld to roam the earth for one month. Good news to the denizens of the underworld who are getting a 60-day holiday. Bad news for us, mortals (especially the night birds)!

The Chinese seventh month is known as the ghost month because the Chinese believe that the Gates of Hell are opened then to release the spirits of the underworld to roam on earth. But who can be sure? No mortal knows this for a fact.

In China, the Ghost Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. Historically, families offer newly harvested grain to departed ancestors on this day, which also coincides with the Buddhist Ullambana (Deliverance) Festival and the Ghost Festival.

Since these traditions honours the spirits of the departed, the seventh lunar month is known as Ghost Month. During this time, the “good brethren” (ghosts) return to earth to feast on offerings made by the living. Over time, the Ullambana Festival and Ghost Festival have melded together. Spirits without descendants to care for them are not forgotten. They are summoned during the Ghost Festival to enjoy the warmth of life among the living.

Generally, the Chinese observe the Hungry Ghost Festival from the folkloric rather than religious aspect. This year, the first seventh lunar month is from July 25 to Aug 23 while the second falls from Aug 24 to Sept 21. It has been 38 years since the last double seven months occurred in 1968. There were also two Ghost Months in 1938 and 1949, which is a lapse of 11 years and 19 years. The Chinese Ghost Month is regarded as a new year for the spirits of the netherworld. This year, the spirits get a 60-day holiday instead of the annual 30-day.

In the northern Chinese states, the Chinese pray to appease the King of Ghosts so that wandering ghosts do not disturb the living. They can pray on any day of the seventh lunar month but some dialectic groups (particularly the Hokkiens) observe the 15th day of the month for the ritual while the Cantonese carry out prayers on the 14th day. Foods are laid out for the wandering ghosts and paper monies are burnt as offerings.

Taoists do not regard the seventh month as the ghost month as it is a folk belief rather than a religious one. However, they celebrate the 15th day of the seventh month, known as Zhong Yuan Jie (literally translated as Middle Beginning Festival). On this day, they worship the Earth Official (deity) in the belief that if they confess their sins, they will be absolved from them.

Taoists celebrate three yuan (special days) – the 15th day of the first, seventh and 10th lunar months. On different yuan days, Taoists worship different deities to get blessings from them.

The Chinese also believe that the seventh month is inauspicious for the opening of outlets, moving house, open house celebrations, renovations or weddings.

This month, especially, the fear of ghosts can be great to some, particularly at nightfall. The thought of lurking shadows can be unnerving. Television stations have a field day screening horror movies during this time.

The Hungry Ghost Festival has its origins in Buddhism. However, the belief about “the opening of Hell Gate” is not associated at all to Buddhism.

The Chinese Buddhists celebrate Yu Lan Festival on the 15th day of the seventh month. Yu Lan is a Sanskrit word which means “salvation.” Themes of filial piety and salvation are found in the Yu Lan Festival and the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Ven Hui Xian relates the legend of Moginlin (or Mulian) who saved his mother from Hades. Moginlin, a disciple of Buddha, learnt that his mother’s ghost was suffering in Hell. As she did terrible things when she alive, she became a hungry ghost.

Her son took pity on her and wanted to save her.

Today, the seventh month is a time to practise filial piety with puja (prayers) and to give dana (a Sanskrit and Pali word meaning generosity or giving) so as to transfer merits to the dearly departed. It is also a month to cultivate good morals.

So to Everyone, Please be careful...

What's Happening to Earth?.....

The effect of the recent tsunami on Java Island, which killed over 500 people

The eruption of Mount Mayon, in the Philippines

Heatwaves struck North America and Europe

The war between Lebanon and Israel will perhaps see Israel occupying Lebanon as long as Lebanon does not have international help

Save our earth...

Tracing the line

Tengku Nor Ehsani with Princess Masna and Prince Abdul Mateen,

at the recent birthday of HM Sultan of Brunei, July 2006.

Its interesting to trace lienage of the royal family. One curiousity was recently answered when I came across a blog which explains partially what I have been quite curious about... (too confusing?..... well, its always is... heheh)

Sultan Ahamd Tajuddin, the 27th sultan of Brunei married Tengku Raihani Ibni Sultan Sulaiman of Selangor, (b. 1911 – d. 22nd September 1993) in 1934. Tengku Raihani was the daughter of the 5th Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sulaiman (1898-1938) with Che Maimun binti Abdullah (With Che Maimun, Sultan Sulaiman had 5 more princes, hence brothers of Tengku Raihani).

Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and Tengku Raihani had one princess, named Pengiran Anak Puteri Nor Ehsani (b. 1935).

After Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin passed away in 1950, Tengku Raihani left Brunei and married Raja Kamaluddin Raja Haji Harun Al-Rashid (b. 1918), the 5th son of Raja Haji Harun Al-Rashid ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, Raja Kechil Sulong of Perak, in August 1958.

Princess Nor Ehasani married Tengku Pengiran bin Tengku Abdul Aziz Syah, son of her maternal uncle, Tengku 'Abdu'l Aziz Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan 'Alauddin Sulaiman Shah, the Tengku Indra Setia di-Raja of Selangor, and have 3 children, namely Tengku Putera Pawzy, Tengku Putera Amir Farouk and Tengku Putera Muhammad Harris Fadizllah.

Tengku Putera Muhammad Harris Fadzillah married and begot one son and daughter, Tengku Putera Muhammad Amar Faris (b.1991) and Tengku Puteri Amal Farizah (b.1992) both born in London, United Kingdom.

Does anyone have any other information on Princess Nor Ehasani, her children and grandchildren? Where do they work and do they actually stay in Brunei?

Thanks.

Note: Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin also had other children with other wife (wives?), namely Pengiran Anak Datin Seri Setia Hjh Siti Saerah and Pengiran Anak Siti Zubaidah. Anyone have any information on them as well?

Pictures of royal children

Some websites which covers the recent royal bithday didnt know who's who's in the Brunei royal family so, here's a bit of guidance:

HRH Princess Azima, HRH Princess Fadzilah and HRH Princess Hajjah Nor Eshani binti Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin

HRH Prince Abdul Azim, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen

HRH Prince Abdul Azim (b. 1982), HRH Princess Azima (b. 1984), HRH Princess Fadzilah (b. 1985) and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen (b. 1991)

Getting the Facts Right...

Picture: Infofoto, Dept of Information, Brunei.

Many foreign media ascend into Brunei to cover the 60th Birthday of HM Sultan of Brunei and because they only come to Brunei on special occassions hence not familiar with the local culture of the country, they made some mistakes when making their reports about Brunei. Some of the common mistakes when covering the recent event are:

a) Brunei civil servants didnt get a salary rise and if one wants to be politically correct, it's the ALLOWANCE of civil servants in Division 4 and 5 which were increased as well as those of daily-paid staff. This salary increase is the FIRST after 22 years of "Independence" from the British in 1984.

b) The correct title of Her Majesty is RAJA Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha, and only she has the right to be called Her Majesty, the Queen of Brunei. As for Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar, she is addressed as Her Royal Highness, ie. HRH

c) The British newspaper, The Times, observed "... marble mosques with welcome signs studded with diamonds" .... i dont think these diamonds really exisits in the welcome sign! Brunei roads are not paved with gold, you know...

d) Why are foreign media so curious about Prince Jefri? Since everyone knows that he's on a self-exile, so why bring his name up again? Brunei is not always about him, you know... Bo liaw....

1st Day Cover and 100th post...

On the occasion of His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei's 60th Birthday, the Postal Department issued a commerative 1s Day Cover on the historic event. I've been a stamp and philatelic collector for more than a decade but in recent years, I havent been an active collector of Brunei's philatelic items, so to get the 60th Birthday FDC was something I look forward to. I would have expect the FDC would be of very high quality... but I was a bit dissapointed with the First Day Cover itself as I feel that it was not really of high quality, I mean the envelope was quite soft, not the hard quality that was used previously. Anyway...

This blogger post also marked my 100th post since the beginning of my first post back in April 2006 and its been quite a wonderful and interesting experience. I hope i can continue with this blogger for many years to come, as long was www.blogger.com doesnt shut down.... hehhe...

Until then, Happy Holidays Brunei and Happy 60th Birthday to His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei.

The New Hua Ho Mall in Sengkurong

The new Hua Ho Mall in Sengkurong is completed and its a matter of time before the official opening of the new "super"store. The design of the building is more or less similar to the one in Jalan Muara Mall, the only difference being that, the Sengkurong mall has many other smaller shophouses built beside the mall.

Lets just hope that the opposite land built more houses instead of more shophouses. Arent the landowners worried about the low rental price of shops?

From humble beginning, selling his goods from the back of his space wagon car back in the late 1970s and 1980s, Pehin Kapitan China Kornia Diraja Awg. Lau, is indeed a Brunei's rags to riches success story.

Kolo Keow Tiaw

Lately, I've been eating a lot of "kolo" keow tiaw... instead of stir fried it, it is boiled and served with dark soya sauce. Usually I ask for fried fish as extra ingridents.

Why "kolo" keow tiaw?
a) Its not fried / stir fried
b) Its suppoed to be healthy compared to the fried ones
c) Was informed that since Keow Tiaw is made of rice flour, its better to eat that than the yellow noodle which is made a lot from mixing other chemicals
d) Fish is good source of protein... Have eatan too much chicken meat (cant eat beef coz later, high blood pressure) and its not good
e) Finally found out that they do "kolo" keow tiaw instead of "kolo" mee... :-)

Diet Coffee

Someone introduce this "diet coffee" - B-Fit, to me today. The person who introduce to me used to be very chubby with double neck and double chin, but today after not seeing her for about 4 months, wala - she's quite slim now... and graciously introduce to me this "diet coffee"... its cheap as well. The broucher claimed that its product is officially certified by Singapore's and Malaysian's Ministry of Health but i quite doubt this.

Nevertheless, looking from the friend's figure, its looks quite believeable. No harm trying it i guess. The effect is basically, going to be "hot"... our body will quite uncomfortable after consumption after eating some major food intake (brakefast or lunch but not for dinner though) ... but, we'll see how hot this coffee is... will keep u guys up to date... :-)

Famous Keow Tiaw in Sungai Liang

The famous keow tiaw served in Kg. Sungai Liang. This dish of keow tiaw, beef and egg costs just $1.50 each (I think... a friend paid for the food just now, so I dont know how much it actually is)

The shop that serve this dish is well known among the people in Belait District and has been operation since possibly the 1970s or 1980s. Located between the Sg. Liang and Labi road intersection, after more than 2 decades, they still cook one of the best fried noodle in Belait.

A murder in Brunei...

Brunei wakes up today to another shocking murder story. The girlfriend of a Malaysian construction boss here in Brunei was “murdered” by him. The story around town was that he actually didn’t mean to kill her but somehow, the girl was knocked down unconscious after an argument. He called the ambulance, but after the girl found to have died of her wounds, he was arrested and charged for murder. Brunei is abuzz with the reason for him attacking her… was she with someone else or was he with someone else; hence a fight broke out between the two of them.

The problem with the Borneo Bulletin story was that when it says the country’s leading hotel, I thought the writer meant Sheraton… Orchird Garden is hardly “leading” hotel in Brunei. The deceased was hardly the 3^rd wife of the suspect.

Let’s just hope that the authorities will handle this case with care and not clumsily handled it like Richard Chia’s, who is still awaiting his fate after a year of deliberations and detention. For Richard’s case, so many flaws emerged on the prosecution side, and if we watch American television, for sure, the prosecution couldn’t win the case and the sitting judge wil dismiss the case… but I don’t think it would be so easy in Brunei…

"Un" Happy Country?

According to a new "happy planet index" published by UK's New Economics Foundation (NEF), Brunei is 2nd on the list of the least happy country among other ASEAN countries, while the top honors went to Singapore. Shocking result as it shows that the richest ASEAN members having unhappiest people... It maybe true for Singapore (due rising living standard, ala recent Mr. Brown incident and due to its fast-paced life), but BRUNEI??? With its laid back society, easy life, they should put Brunei 1st if not 2nd in the world's most happiest people... :-)

According to NEF, the index is based on preceived relative success or failure of countries in supporting good life for their citizens, whilst repecting the environmental resource limits upon which our lives depend.

The HPI reflects the average years of happy life produced by a given society, nation or group of nations, per unit of planetary resources consumed. Generally, it represents the efficiency with which countries convert the earth’s finite resources into well-being experienced by their citizens.

HPI = Life satisfaction x Life expectancy
Ecological Footprint

Country / Position

Singapore 132 (36.1)
Brunei Darussalam 100 (41.2)
Cambodia 91 (42.2)
Malaysia 44 (52.7)
Thailand 32 (55.4)
Indonesia 23 (57.9)
Philippines 17 (59.2)
Vietnam 12 (61.2)

(Laos, Myanmar Not included in the List )

Would Bruneians disagree with the positioning of her country, which is exactly in the 100th place compared to her respectable 33rd position in the Human Development Index, published by the United Nation's Human Development Report? Would the Vietnameses agree that they are the happiest poeple in Southeast Asia???

Hmm... its good to make a research out of it and ask the local population themselves of their opinion...

TelBru's New Telephone Directory

One would think that the new Telephone Directory 2006/2007 under the new corportized Telekom Brunei's banner, the information in the book will be accurate and up-to-date unlike previous issue which was dogged with many mistakes, eg. page numbers mistakes and the names who already passed away were still there.

Sad to say, the new Telephone Directory 2006/2007 still faces the same problems, though they fix the page number problems on the government departments telephone number index.

Checking the list, i find that the a friend's grandfather who had died over 20 years ago is again still on the list. The fact that the village which he used to live is already demolished, makes you wonder why the telecoms department never check their system and payment slips from customers.

Then, where is the list for Petroleum Brunei, its not the same as Petroleum Unit, you know... Its one of the most important "agency" in Brunei and yet, its not listed. How about the fact that there are many officers who are either transferred or pensioned from their jobs? This makes it difficult for the list to be accurate if no one really bother to update their information. Can't the people who print the directory check with the existing lists of those who are LIVING and paying their bills, the you would know who is actually in Brunei and who are not...

My friend who obviously have a new phone line last year, was not included in the list ... hmm... i think i prefer the old system of calling 113, without going through so much press1, press 2, press 3 before we can hear a living human voice on the other side of the phone.... bring back the 113 people... :-)

Housing Development Department (HDD)

The mission of the Housing Development Department (HDD), which has a long history (1906 and thereafter & got its current name back in 1984), is to “Provide quality and affordable housing facilities for eligible citizens of Brunei Darussalam".

By January 2005, according HDD statistics, 7448 houses and land lots nationwide under NHS were handed over to the applicants. There are more than 41 000 people nationwide who have applied for the housing scheme since 1980 until 2004, and from those total, 29,382 applicants (72%) were from the Brunei Muara District.

With the current level of development, there seemed to be no end insight for tens of thousands of people who applied for the housing. This is because the time taken for the houses to be built is so long. Whose fault is that? Is it the land department which cant allocate the land or is it the HDD which is slow and unable to manage such huge requested. Or is it the public?

It has long been argued that it’s the people who got the houses in the early days of the housing scheme back in the 1980s who made the government “tawar hati” as recipients failed to pay back the government the amount due. Somehow, the population seemed to think the houses given are free… Well, its not.. someone gotta pay. Government contract it out for private contractors to built it but the people have the obligation to pay at a discounted price, payable for a long period of time for the house. Thank God, the government don’t sell cars, if not everyone would think that the cars are for free after paying the initial deposit!

There are incidents where neighbors deliberately make their land larger and “curi” the land hence making their neighbors angry and complained to the HDD, but I heard HDD cant do much on that...

When government started the "EXPO" schemes, people who have the money can get their houses fasters, some members of the public got jealous and complained and the project was stopped. But once that stopped, now everyone seemed to depend on HDD to build more and build faster and HDD is UNABLE to do that. With a budget of just $12.2million this year, what can the HDD do and with no many paying the fees, how do the public expect the government to build more? Ever heard the word "Jara"?

I think the government should just restart the EXPO again so that those who can pay for the house should be given priority than those who cant. This will teach those whose "cradle to grave" mentality a lesson. But at the same time, the hardcore poor should be high priority as well (but this will be taken care of by Yayasan Sultan HHB).

Some housing schemes areas which are already leveled off, but there are still no houses are built. Some places which are have already houses huilt, but no infrastructure (roads or lights) were made, hence no one can get the houses. Why such haphazard way of development?

Is it high time that the housing board be corportized and possibly allow the private sector to develop and sell the houses, depending on some agreement, as happened in Malaysia – like the ones we see in Miri, Sarawak. How about the Singapore example where the HDB built and sell the house? There no one can get any houses for free and without paying and the fact that a maintenance fee is paid every month by the house owner, it makes the surrounding area beautiful and always well-maintained and kept. This is in SHARP contrast on Brunei's housing scheme, where the public expect the govt to pay for cutting grass.... Belabih jua orang tinggal d perpindahan ani ehh.....

If no new “radical” policies are made, then we have to wait possibly more than 20 years before those 40,000 people are housed.... if they are lucky. Evidance of the HDD not doing much... try to call the Department, and no one will pick it up... what is that Department doing? hmmm....

Site and Scenes of Tasik Merimbun

The peaceful lake...

Hey, you're not supposed to fish in the lake.

The map of the lake and where the bridge once stood.

There used to be a bridge liking the Island Jelundong to the mainland.

The signboard erected to warn people not to vandalize and damage the lake facilities.


The male and female toilet... but the female toilet was locked while someone damaged the male toilet

A trip to Tasik Merimbun

Brunei’s largest lake, Merimbun, is located in the Tutong District, some 60km away from Bandar Seri Begawan. It was Brunei’s first national park and it was declared as the first ASEAN Heritage Site in November 1984. It’s quite unique as it is not only Brunei’s only lake, but it is Borneo’s only “black” freshwater lake, with an area of 7,800 hectares. The park’s logo is the “purun” plant, which is endemic in the area. The lake is under the jurisdiction of the Museum Department since 1967.

For the last 500 years, the Deusun people have lived and cultivated in the surruding area of the lake. Dusun in the Malay language means “orchard” (as in fruit orchard) hence they are the tribe who traditionally cultivate the land as opposed to the Melayu Brunei who are fishermen.

According to local residents, Merimbun was named as such after the lake was found by Imbun, a son of a village chief from Merangking, Belait District, while hunting. Liking the place, he and several of his people established a settlement there.

Another version tells of the remains of a ship (tungkang) that belonged to Eng Boon, a Chinese trader, hence the name of the lake. “Rich” ancient Chinese ceramics dated 15th century were found around the vicinity of the lake and its islands, and some claimed the area had trade with Chinese as early as the 12th century.

In Pulau Jelundong, a small island west of the lake, there exisits a burial site of the local people, which practised the jar burial back in the 15th until the late 19th century. An interesting historical fact related to the islands in the lake was that during the 18th and late 19th centuries, it were used as temporary shelter against the invading (ayau) Ibans and Kayan tribes.

Among the fauna which can be observed in Merimbun are the Cloud leopard, banded linsang, white collared fruit bat, Bornean gibbon, Vordermann's flying squirrel, gray leaf monkey, Maroon langurs, pig-tailed macaques, sambar deers, honey bear, slow loris, Western tarsier, argus pheasant, hornbills, purple heron. Oriental darter, pangolin, and reticulated python.

The discovery of the white-collared fruitbat was found in Heritage site, the first living species in the world was one of its famous find in the park.

Beside the endemic Lepironia articulata or "purun" plants in the park, other flora which can be observed are the Dryobalanops rappa, Dactylocladus stenostachys, Gonostylus maingayi, Cyrtostachys renda, Licuala paludosa, Barassodendron borneense, Nepenthes ampullaria, N. bicalcarata, N. gracilis and N. mirabilis.

Back in April 2003, Borneo Bulletin journalist visited the park and saw that the place was not well maintained (http://www.ecologyasia.com/news-archives/2003/apr-03/borneo-bulletin_20030405_01.htm) and took note of the old and dangerous bridge that link to Jelundong Island.

By 2005, Museums Department decided to remove the bridge after it was found that visitors have not only damage the native plant species, but trekking also lead to soil erosion. Visitors are also known to have directly trampling on archaeological remnants hence there was strong concern for not replacing the bridge. No wonder after I visited the site today, I can’t see the bridge. At least I was lucky enough to have crossed the bridge about 10 years ago during one of my school trips.

Nevertheless, the Museums Department should try to make sure that the facilities are properly maintained. The road is already constructed and one can drive to Tasik Merimbun without encountering ANY of those potholes experienced by visitors several years ago. I would have want to go kayaking but I don’t see anyone / business that offer such service there. Maybe a bridge should be constructed in the middle of the lake, but not to the Jelundong Island so that tourists can at least take some interesting pictures of the lake.

I don’t think tour agencies in Brunei would be interested to go to such a far-flung area if they cannot offer anything nice to their tourists. Believed me, we were tourists in other countries and we hope that we could do some water “sport” if we’re going to visit any lake. No souvenirs, no pictures, nothing to buy in Tasik Merimbun…

These are some of the websites which have "old" pictures of Tasik Merimbun.

http://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/pdf/magazines/vol1no4/profiles_tasek.pdf
http://www.feelfreekayak.com/inter/family/brunei.htm
http://www.sultanate.com/visitbrunei/merimbunlake/journey1.html

National Sovereignty & housing...

Whenever I travelled to our neighbouring country, Sarawak of East Malaysia, I always feel worried and at the same time, irritated that our neighbour seemed to be encroaching towards our national boundary more than they should.

As one go towards the Brunei’s Sungai Tujuh Immigration Checkpoint, look on your LEFT and you will see that the forests have been taken out and the land flatted. The Sarawak contractors have strip the land of its forests (aka, timber) and they seemed to be planning to build something on the land. The fact that it’s so near our national boundary with there’s no fence to separate our two countries, and the fact that because of their activities, the forests on our side are also “dead,” really irritate me. Isn’t there some international agreement that near the national boundary there should not have structures at certain distance? I wonder if any of our officials are taking note? Shouldn’t we be worried at all?

This irritation came about recently when a Malaysian newspaper which was singing praises for Petronas, published the areas in Malaysia which still have or are exploring oil and gas, also included our country's Block K and J. The fact that both these Blocks are within Brunei terrority seemed to be ignored by the paper. Wasn't it Total Fina Elf which was given the right to explore Block J by the Brunei government? How come Petronas is claiming it?

.... While driving along the Mumong and Lumut highway, I wonder why the government does not develop the land? Why do I say the government, because most of the time, it’s the government which own the land and hence in order for the private sector or private individuals to develop the land, they need to get certain approval.

Why not develop the land along the dark highway? There’s demand for housing in Belait District and the fact that Belait is the biggest district in the country, there should be available land to meet the demand. Some have asked why not continue the National Housing Scheme’s Expo, where those who can pay for the house, can get it? Not only the government will get back its investment faster, but it can also teach its citizens’ the virtue of working hard and paying for what you want, instead of getting things free. Because of the many bad “apples” who did not pay their houses in the various housing schemes, its no wonder that the Housing Board is slow in giving new houses or lands to people who applied for it. In our neighbouring country, we see that it’s the private sector which are involved in build thousands of houses in such a short time and selling it at quite a reasonable prices. Would any private sector in Brunei be given such project to do?

What is the alternative? If one flies over Brunei, one can see that Brunei is still heavily forested. I’m not advocating for total destruction of the forest, but Brunei need to develop the country away from existing area, as its congested and the fact that there are demand for housing; it’s a good idea to gazette more lands for such projects. More interior lands can be developed and in the case of the Mumong – Seria highway, the place wouldn’t be that spooky as it is now.

The Dating Game...

Today, a friend of mine told me that she's seeing someone new... and someone younger. Apparently, the guy's family are used to having women who are older than their husband, so the fact that my friend was older, did not raise eyebrows.

It's good to see that my friend is all smiles and looks less stressful after her divorce. Less than a year in her marriage, distance had made her husband looking for someone else and at the same time, because of trust ,my friend gave the husband her ATM card (they were planning to move to a new house so she wanted to contribute in paying for the furniture). Expectedly, he cleaned her account. Divorce was painful for her and the fact that it took so long to end it (because it was a Muslim marriage, hence many counselling sessions to attend before the Syariah Court would grant a divorce) made it worse for her. Usually women feel the pain of divorce more than the men, especially when the men already have someone else at the back.

But now all things have changed. She's happy, looks younger and in the flirting game, and no doubt spending soo much $$ on mobile phone bills. Is it getting normal for women to be older than their male partner in Brunei now? I've seen several examples, both, friends and some family members having such relationship. Typical Chinese would frown on such relationship as it is believed that men should always be older than their wives and not the opposite.

But at the end of the day, if such couple can show people that their relationship lasts longer than the "typical" relationship, only then, traditional preception on such relationship can change peoples' traditional perception.

Neverthelss, my wise and experienced aunty always say, most of the time, its usually men who stray from their marriage vows and thats a fact...men like younger women so all women should always be prepared..... sigh...

If men cant be espected to be faithful, why then should women be faithful?... hmmm....

The new "tower" in Kiulap...

Before the "tower" was erected in the roundabout, the Association of Brunei Automobile displayed several new cars on the roundabout. It created much criticism from the public as it not only make drivers drive more slowly at the roundabout hence created some congestion but it also increase the chances of accidents happening in the already accident-prone area.



I must say, when i saw the "tower" for the first time this morning, from a distance, my first impression of it was that it looked like a temple of some sort... But after nearing the structure, what can is say? it cant put to words what to call that structure.... a tower? not really since its not that high...... I wonder what is the automobile association thinking about?... and who design it.... hehehe... hmmmm.... kapihan eh... :P

The Brunei Times

The new English language newspaper published in Brunei Darussalam, printed their first edition on July 1st 2006. It's theme is Brunei's Quality Newspaper.

It is free to members of the public until the 16th July 2006.

The paper is not bad however, it lack local news, but this is understandable as the paper is new and need to recruit more staff.

However, if the paper is going to sell for $1, it better be worth the money, a.k.a. more news and information than what it currently has... For example, the Singapore's Straits Times or the Malaysian The Star newspaper are good example of good quality newspapers.

Flags Everywhere... except...

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam is now very colourful as the 60th birthday of the Sultan of Brunei nears.

The main event will be held on morning of 15th July 2006 at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Park for the royal solute, and the next event will be the award of state medals to the deserving members of the community, at Nurul Iman Palace. IN the evening, there will be a state dinner/banquet and the climax will be the fireworks display.





The colourful "pisang-pisang" flag flown within the vacinity of Bandar Seri Begawan. You will only see this flag being flown during the birthday of the Sultan.






However, the only place which seemed to be bare of any flags and other celebratory items is along the Gadong Highway, near the Government Complexes where there's no national flag being flown.

Patriotic Kampong

The award for the Patriotic Kampong (villge) should go to Kampong Tanah Jambu, Jalan Muara, Brunei Muara District.






The national flag of the country was attached to all the lamp posts along the main raod, within the vacinity of Kampong Tanah Jambu area.



The national flag is flown as a mark of respect on the occasion of the 60th Birthday of the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, which will fall on 15th July 2006.