"Pretender" to the Malaccan throne

Recently, the malaysian newspaper has been reporting on a man who claimed to be the 44th Sultan of Malacca. Its interesting to read the story because, he claimed the throne based on the "royal regalia" he had with him... The thing is, just because he had the royal regalia, does it mean that he had a right to the throne? Afterall, the Malacaan Sultanate had fell in 1511, so it is very unlikely that he would be installed as the Sultan, even if he is a real descendent of the Malaccan Sultan... But the amazing thing is that, he had his own investiture ceremony which over 500 people attended. Anyone who even think of doing this in Brunei for sure wouldnt get far... need i say more... heheh ....



KUALA LUMPUR, November 16th 2005: A 48-year-old man who proclaimed himself the Sultan of Malacca at a so-called investiture ceremony here on Monday night is willing to take the matter to court to stake his claim to the state’s “throne”.

Raja Noor Jan Shah Raja Tuah has evidence, and the regal artefacts, to prove the claim, said Azri Safian, who identified himself as the alleged ruler’s organising secretary.

“He is serious about being installed as the 44th sultan of Malacca,” Azri told reporters at Raja Noor Jan’s purported ceremonial hall in Gombak here yesterday.

More than 500 guests attended the “investiture” ceremony at a community hall in Taman Melati, where 150 people were also bestowed honorific titles.

Two of the four wives of the property businessman, who has given himself the title Sultan Ahmad Shah, accompanied him at the Istiadat Watikah Gelar Adan Kesultanan Melaka ceremony, which came ahead of the Rulers Conference in Malacca on Nov 21.

Azri said Raja Noor Jan had claimed he was a descendant of the last known Sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah (1488-1511).

He said Raja Noor Jan would hand over his documents for the rulers to discuss at their meeting. Another ceremonial gathering would be held on Nov 19 in Malacca, he added.

“We have the regalia, like two keris, a silver buckle, a royal crown and brooches from ancient Malacca and authenticated by the Museum and Antiquities Department,” he said.

Letters and profiles relating to the claim had been sent to the Rulers Council, the Yang di Pertuan Agong and the Sultan of Perak as well as the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Malacca.

“These items are proof to be presented to the Rulers Council,” he said. ” So far, we have not received any response.”

The Museum and Antiquities Department had authenticated the sultan’s genealogy, Azri said, adding that this further proved his claim.

Azri said the “sultan” had not pursued his claims until the regal instruments unexpectedly turned up two months ago.

“The sultan received some signs from his ancestors on the whereabouts of the regalia and, with the help of a pawang (traditional soothsayer) the artefacts were dug up from a place in Malacca,” he said.



KUALA LUMPUR, November 19th 2005:: Property businessman Raja Noor Jan Shah Raja Tuah Shah has left it to the Rulers Council, which meets on Nov 21 in Malacca, to discuss his claim to the state's “throne”.

“I respect the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the others who protect the rights of the Malay Rulers.

“But I think my claim should be debated at the meeting since I have shown my royal regalia as proof,” he told reporters at his ceremonial hall, Balairong Melaka, in Gombak yesterday.

Raja Noor Jan, who calls himself “Sultan Ahmad Shah”, claimed to be a descendant of the last known ruler of the Malacca sultanate, Sultan Mahmud Shah (1488-1511).

He said that he was hopeful that his claim would be taken up and debated by the council. He hopes to be installed as the 44th Sultan of Malacca.

He said letters and profiles relating to the claim were sent to the King on Nov 11 and to the council on Nov 16.

He hoped the relevant authorities would be “open” to studying his claim.

The alleged ruler's special duty official, Abdul Latif Daud, clarified that the Museum and Antiquities Department had not authenticated the regalia, which included two keris, a silver buckle, a royal crown and brooches from ancient Malacca forwarded to it but had merely admitted receiving them for authentication.

He said the “sultan” had no qualms about going for a DNA test, if required, to proof his claim that he was related to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.




PETALING JAYA, December 22nd 2005: Self-proclaimed “Sultan” of Malacca, Raja Noor Jan Shah Raja Tuah, has set up his own “palace” in Malacca, with a team of officials, to meet people he calls his “loyal subjects”.

His secretary Azri Sapian said the “palace” at Bukit Punggor was a gift from the people.

“There could not have been a better choice than a 70-year-old traditional Malacca house,” he said yesterday.

Property businessman Raja Noor Jan Shah, 48, claims to be a direct descendant of Sultan Mahmud Shah and the 44th Sultan of Malacca.

He held an “investiture ceremony” with 500 guests in Kuala Lumpur last month.

His claim to the throne, however, has been dismissed by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.



Kuala Lumpur, June 5th 2006: IF his story were true, the man claiming to be the 44th Sultan of Malacca certainly had good reason to be miffed on Saturday, according to Kosmo!

Raja Noor Jan Shah claimed that he received an invitation to attend a tea reception at the Istana Negara but when he got there he was denied entry.

Expecting a royal treatment, Raja Noor and his seven-member entourage, including his wife Che Puan Muda Zaidatul Mardiah, were instead told by palace guards to leave the grounds immediately.

Raja Noor, dressed in his yellow royal outfit, then went to the Kosmo! office to complain.

Citing what had happened, Raja Noor said an officer claiming to be from the Prime Minister's Department handed the invitation to his office in Gombak two weeks ago.

He said his entourage joined 50 other guests at the palace's main entrance at 4.15pm but when he showed the guards the invitation card he was told to leave.

“I was really embarrassed and did not have the chance to say anything. The other guests were staring at me,” he said.

“I would not have come if I had not been invited. I want an explanation,” said Raja Noor, who was shown holding up the invitation card.

All Information Taken from The Star, malaysian newspaper
www.thestar.com.my & pictures from http://forum.cari.com.my/viewthread.php?tid=194006

He claimed to be the descendent:

Sultan Mahmud mempunyai putera bernama Sultan Muzzaffar Shah I yang memerintah negeri Perak (1528-1549) sehingga kepada Sultan Perak Ke-22, Sultan Abdullah Muhamad Shah I Marhum Durian Sebatang (1851-1857) dan dari keturunan inilah munculnya Sultan Ahmad Shah Ke-44 yang bakal menjadi Sultan Melaka itu.

Brunei's Lost Information

The Brunei Government has commissioned several million dollars worth of projects and consultancy reports over the years and yet at the end of the day, these reports cannot be seen by the public, because these reports are owned by the certain department which commissioned the reports, and most do not want to release it for public viewing.

However, because these reports are sometimes worth millions, isn’t it worth to be viewed and research by the public. Who knows if such reports show damming evidence about the certain department, hence there’s a need to rectify problems? Such reports should lead to more investigation on why this and that happened and why the recommendations are not being followed.

One such report, which I have heard of, is the infamous development report of Brunei by the famous University of Manchester’s Business School, possibly commissioned during the 1980s. What happened to this report? I’m sure such report would cost millions of dollars and yet despite the report being made, nothing is heard of it. Once in a blue moon, people would make reference to it, saying that that report is not really practical for Brunei as it doesn’t take account of Brunei’s own local social and economic situation. If such report is worth millions and yet not implemented, then should someone ask question why this is so? Its “public” money afterall which is used to pay for such reports.

What happened to the report by BEDB’s Monitor Group? Is it open for the public to view it? How much did it cost to produce the report? Why cant the report be made several copies and put into the national library so that younger generations of Bruneians are aware of what was written years ago and to see if any of the recommendations being carried out and if not why?

Recent study commissioned by Department of Agriculture and given to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Australia in April 2006, on the Soil Fertility Evaluation / Advisory Service in Brunei, the public was not inform, how much it cost to commision the repot. Hopefully, once the report is completed, an extra copy of the report can be given to the natioanl libaray or the national archive for all to view and read on.

Whats holding Kampong Ayer up...

The old wood type - man, can you imagine how they do it? I wonder how this type of wood would last - maybe 5 years before they have to change new ones?



The modern stilts are thoes made of concrete

Children playing in Kampong Ayer...

Slowly bringing down the hom-made boat



See the water is not so deep afterall...



Ahh... this is how its done... its afloat!

More views of Bandar Seri Begawan

The extreme top left is the palace of the Sultan of Brunei. The mosque is the Al-Muthadee Billah Mosque in Kampong Sungai Kebun in Kampong Ayer.



The school on the front of the picture is the Lela Menchanai Primary School (name after the Sulu (Or Javanese) wife of the 5th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Bolkiah).



The mainland Bandar Seri Begawan, with the view of Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque and Yayasan Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Shopping Complex. This picture shows that the Mosque is no longer the highest building in the City. Previously its taboo to build buildings which are taller than the Mosque (Double-click the picture please, for better and larger image. Its quite sad to see that the Mosque is no longer the highest prominent building in the city as its surrounded by other dull-coloured buildings.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III Mosque

The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, one of the loviest Mosque in southeast asia, was built in February 1954, completed and opened in September 1958. The mosque was designed by an Italian architect. The golden-domed structure, 52 metres high, was the tallest building in the city (until the new Islamic Bank building overtake its height), has Italian marble floors and walls. The stained glass was hand made in England and the carpets brought from Saudi Arabia and Iran. Granite were imported from Hong Kong, and its chandeliers from England. The Mosque can fit about 3,000 worshippers.

A stone replica of a 16th-century barge rests in the Brunei River in front of the mosque.






An arch presented by Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Dato Seri Setia Hj. Mohammad Yussof on the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in August 1968. The arch was originally located in Kg. Sultan Lama but it was moved to its present location during the construction of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in October 1993.



The 25th Anniversary Arch of the renaming of Brunei Town (Bandar Brunei) to Bandar Seri Begawan (1970-1995). Seri Begawan was the title hold by the Sultan’s late father, Maulana Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III, after his abdication from Brunei’s throne in 1967.

It cost $60,000 to built, paid by Brunei Shell Company and designed by Arkitek Idris and Jutera Tempatan.

Tonight's dinner (June 3rd)

Curry Prawns & Egg




Fish, Fried Beef, & Never Missed, Chicken

Istana Darussalam

The residence of the late Begawan,
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei


Location: Jalan Kampong Sumbiling

The Palace has seen many important and historic events in Brunei's modern history, among them, the present Sultan, was born in the palace on 15th July 1946. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin became the Pengiran Bendahara on 15th July 1947 while he resides in this palace. In 1951, the Royal Family moved to Istana Darul Hana and Darussalam's Palace was no longer used by the Royal Family.

Tamu Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan

Tamu Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan


There will be more people going to the market if its on Friday or Sunday.



The Perahu (boat) ferrying people to and from Kampong Ayer to the mainland Bandar

Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer (Kampong Air)

“Venice of the East”? I wonder who actually said this? Some references that I have come across, suggests that it’s in Thailand that the “Venice of the East” was mentioned, but not Brunei.

Kampong Ayer over 100, 200 years, still has the same problem. Rubbish, faeces and sewerage waste. On top of that, there are many houses which are now occupied by illegal immigrants and migrants as well, who pay rent to the landlord of the house.

The issue of preserving the Kampong Ayer is possibly more than a decade old question. In 1906, it was the British Resident, MacArthur, who moved “Brunei” from its watery origin to its present land based area. In the 1980s, after independence, the Government pursued the policy of resettlement of the Water Village people to the land, hence we have the National Housing Scheme.

Now, to be nationally conscious, there’s a need to preserve the Water Village, which is a Brunei Heritage Site. But how to make it more interesting? I had the opportunity to visit the Kg. Kianggeh night tamu, which overlook the Kampong Ayer. What I see is quite disappointing. It’s not as “bright” as it used it. The view of Kampong Ayer is quite dull. And the big signboard – say no to drug – is a big eyesore.

How to preserve Kampong Ayer then? Not really sure. Can people be forced to live in the village, once they are used to the land? Can people there depend on the little amount of tourists who venture into the village support the incomes of the people who want to venture in small cottage industry? I don’t really know.

What is the issue of Kampong Ayer then? If it ain’t broken then don’t fix it… heheh…

(For the record: The River is cleaner than what I had expected)... )






Bandar Seri Begawan

Nasi Ayam Percel ...

I'm not sure if the spelling is right, some say its Percel, some say it's Percik... whatever the name is, its an Indonesian sauced chicken... and its best to eat with the hottest sambal that they can serve (sambal can be served with the "rating" of mildly hot, or the hottest and spiciest sambal)...



This rice cost $3.00 (without the rice, just the chicken will cost $2.50)
The raw vegetables are ok, once in a blue moon eat the raw veg is not bad at all

Do you know...

In December 1408, the Emperor of China, at the request of Xia-wang, the 4 years old newly selected King of Puni, conferred the mountains in the country of Puni, the name “Mountain Which Will Ever Peacefully Protect the County”.

(OF course, it was Xia Wang's uncle who told the Chinese Emperor of the request, so that if China was known to protect Puni, other nations such as Majapahit and Sulu will not attack the Kingdom, now under the rule of the 4 years old king)

After Brunei became an Islamic state, the Arabic translation became “Darussalam”, the Abode of Peace, which Brunei is now known as.

Beach view...

view from the Serasa beach of Pulau Muara Besar...

Chinese "ketupat"

The Chinese Ketupat



How the "Chang" look-like



The end product:...




In the ketupat for satay.. the difference, there's nothing except rice but for the Chinese Chang, they put a lot of ingridents same like the steam paus.

The Making of "Chang"

Pulut Rice



Ingridents: Talor Masin, Chicken, Dry Nuts and Mushrooms






Warraping Up

Son of Sultan Abdul Momin...

Have anyone come across the name Pg. Md. Tajuddin "Binjai" who was the son of Sultan Abdul Momin, but because he was physically challanged, he could not succeeded the throne?

Hence, the throne was passed to the Pengiran Temenggong...

of Sulu and Brunei...

Sulu sack Brunei in 1369, Brunei conquered Sulu by the 16th century, Sultan Bolkiah was said to marry the Sulu Princess, Putri Laila, grand-daughter of Shariful Hashim, the first Sultan of Sulu...

Spanish conqurered Brunei in 1578 and put Pg Seri Lela as the Sultan... Spanish left, and Pg. Seri Lela killed.

Civil wars again... In 1704, Brunei gave Sulu, eastern parts of North Borneo, for their help in crushing the rebellion in Brunei...

Now, Sulu sultans, with too many claimants, who is considered to be the actual ruler is not known..

Canon at the Brunei Museum

Donated by the British High Com in 1972 to the Museum. Another one was placed at the 12 Roof (Bumbungan Dua Belas), the former residance of the British Residents/High Com until the middle of 1980s...










Hmm... history relates that Brunei cannons were taken by the British in the 18th or 19th century and melted for bullets in their fight in Europe during that time...

Some say Brunei cannons were a lot then, but the colonialists who visited Brunei at that time noted that the canons were just for display... it wasnt really functioning they say....

Best Cake in Town

What else but......



Vanila Fruit Cocktail............






They could use less cream though - helps keep the people in this country, from consuming too much sweet and fatty food (a.k.a diabetic danger).... hehehe

Mamih Restaurant...

I like to eat the $1 Mamih Restaurant's Nasi Lemak. I love the sambal and because its only $1 with chicken (note the famous chinese nasi katok dont have chicken on it, ARS nasi lemak always give half of chicken wings and less sambal)...

However, the service at Mamih Restaurant are to be desired...

If you're of "whiter" colour, don't even think of being served first. Their staff at the Qlap branch will ignored you, until someone else came along ,sitting in the other table near you. They had to serve that person who sat in the next table first even though they came late, rahter than than someone who had sat for about 3 to 5 minutes earlier... this is not the first time it happened. At the Jln Muara branch, the same experience... not once, and not twice... it was one of the reasons why I havent been there for quite sometime.

I had to go there recently because a friend asked us to go there for "yam cha". we thought the service would have changed after so long... but never... still the same ignorant staff with the same attitude.

Not going there anytime soon... you dont want to serve us, nvm, i can take my $$ and go to somewhere which will serve us better - even CA Mohammad staff are better than them.

"Man" of the Forest

They are the natural inhabitants of the land and they are an endangered species. Humans had more brain and are bigger than them, so their world are destroyed without any consideration. Inorder to survive in this diffcult world of theirs, they had to "encroach" into human "territory"... With higher chances of human contact, the lower their life expectancy - just see today's Borneo Bulletin's news item - the picture of the poor baby monitor lizard and two "puppies"...




Quick, how many monkeys can you count in this picture?

Woman Sultan of Brunei?

What is the possibility that a woman Sultan ever existed in Brunei?

Highly likely.

In Acheh, there were four queens who ruled between 1641-1699 after the death of the famous Sultan Iskandar Muda while in Pasai, one of the earliest places which Islam was brought into Southeast Asia, had two queens in 1405-1434.

In Brunei, the Chinese recorded that,
"During Wanli Period (1573-1619), the King of Puni died without posterity, his relatives fought for the throne and there was a great war in the country... a daughter of the late king was put on the throne".

The the Sultans reigning during that time, according to the official Tersilah were:
7) Saiful Rizal (r.1533-1581)
8) Shah Brunei (r.1581-1582)
9) Md. Hassan (r.1582-1598)
10) Abdul J. Akbar (r.1598-1659)

The Queen who ruled Brunei at that time could probably be Raja Dungu, the daughter of Saiful Rizal who was thought to be a boy before its birth. Raja Dungu was married to Pg. Bendahara Pg. Mohammad and their son became the infamous Sultan Abdul Mubin, 13th in the genelogy (r.1661-1673).

During that time, it's not impossible that dynastic qurrels and feud occured because after the death of Saiful Rizal, two sons of his, ascended the throne. Knowing that Sultan Saiful Rizal had high hopes for his firstborn, but dissapointed as the son was actually a female, neverthelss, he still gave Raja Dungu large tracts of land to rule over. Being married to Pg. Mohammad, Raja of Bajau, also increase her chances to claim the throne as she and her husband would have many followers.

Despite being a woman, it is not impossible that to think that, all the Brunei court knows that her father favoured her but because she was a woman, she was "passed over" in the succesions (this is the 20th century thinking, rather than during that time, i imagine)... weather or not, Raja Dungu actually became the de-facto ruler, there need to have more research to be done on this issue before a final conclusion can be made.

On the other hand, since the Chinese records noted that the female ruler's father didnt have sons, maybe that ruler was Sultan Shah Brunei, who either abdicate or died after just about a year on the throne. Did his daughter took the throne at the people's support but not recorded when she was overthrown?

Senior members of the royal family compete for the throne. The 12th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Mohammad Ali, was killed by Raja Dungu's son Pg. Abdul Mubin because the Sultan's son killed Pg. Abdul Son, thereafter Brunei recorded its first Civil War.

Another history note of Raja Nur Alam, the daughter of Sultan Mohd. Kanzul Alam, and sister of Raja Api as being the Queen of Brunei reigning between 1822-1824 (taken from Donald Brown, 1970).

She wanted her son, the future Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II, to rule after the death of her husband, Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam I in 1804, but this was opposed by his brother Raja Api (Muhammad Alam) who wanted to be the next Sultan. It is not difficult to imagine that maybe Raja Nur Alam prevail in her quest to make her son as Sultan because Raja Api was known to be very unpopular, without any support because of his cruel and inhumane nature. Because her son was young, she could have took over the throne, in the name of her son?...

The Brunei official history, however, recorded that Sultan Muhammad Alam a.k.a. Raja Api instead was the Sultan of Brunei, reigning between 1826-1828.

Mother's Day, 14th May

Gimmick or not, just join the crowds in celebrating Mother's Day. It is true that Mothers Day should be everyday, but then again, how many people would actually go and celebrate Mother's Day everyday?

"Consultation Fee" In Brunei Darussalam

Many say, corruption is a culture brought by the Chinese... I have always disagreed with this statement... but after thinking about it, maybe it's true. Afterall the Chinese culture is over hundreds of centuries old, hence that's why because of wheeling and dealing in the daily lives of the people then, it flourished and became part of the culture/society (survival of the fittest?).

But if the locals are so against corruption, they why do they actively solicite it? Why do approval of buildings has to go to several departments before it is apporved? Several buildings, stretch from Belait to Jerudong to Muara are not approved just because the contractors refused to give corruption. Those who are rich can afford to let the buildings rot, but others who have to depend on the bank, rather pay several thousands dollars to settle the matter. One contractor say that corruption in Brunei isnt that big as compared to Indonesia or Malaysia, but the fact that it exist seemed to be part of the Brunei culture (note that Bruneians have a lot of hutangs, hence the more hutangs they have, the more they need to ask for bribe, esp those working in government sectors).

One would have assumed that the contracts in the leading oil and gas company in the country wouldnt have this problem. This is not true at all. One always hear that if that particular person is very high up in the management post, then his wife or his sibilings or other in-laws companies start to mashrooming here and there and these companies will be the ones favoured and who will win the contracts. As one "insider" said - the dealings in this sector is "very very dark, and very very ugly"...

No country is free of corruption, and nothing can stop it. as long as there's power and authority, there will always be corruption. Sad for some, good for the rich, (opportunity to enrich themselves and their relatives - more mercs, bemears, mansions, expensive holidays).... laws are not severe, it is lax and unenforcable... made worse with a slow court system the country currently has...

Zheng He voyages (again)....

Still no sign of a visit to Borneo Island by Zheng He.... why? since the King of Puni went and sent tribue to China since at the end of 14th century? ...

Zheng He was born in 1371 in Kunyang, a town in southwest Yunnan Province. His family, named Ma, were part of a minority group known as the Semur. They originally came from Central Asia and followed the religion of Islam. Both his grandfather and father had made the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Zheng He grew up hearing their accounts of travel through foreign lands.

Zheng He sailed away from the coast, westward across the Indian Ocean. The ships traveled for days out of sight of any land. Then they encountered a hurricane. The ships tossed wildly in the fierce storm and seemed to be on the verge of sinking. The terrified sailors prepared to die; some prayed to the Taoist goddess called the Celestial Spouse. Then a "divine light" suddenly shone at the tips of the mast. "As soon as this miraculous light appeared, the danger was appeased," Zheng He wrote.

Because the sailors had prayed to the Taoist goddess, they believed it was her sign of protection. From then on, they followed wherever Zheng He led them. That was why he later placed a pillar of thanksgiving at the Temple of the Celestial Spouse in Fujian province.

Zheng He probably isn't even in the tomb. He died in 1433 on his fleet's seventh voyage and, given the hygienic concerns of the day, it's virtually certain he was tossed overboard.








(Note: cut and paste from other websites)

Zheng He Didnt Visit Brunei...

Will this change people's perception that Zheng He didnt visit Brunei hence not part of the 600 years of his voyages?





by the way, what happened to the Sunken Treasures of Brunei Shipwreck? How did it change the history of Brunei if any?

Paper by Allen Maxwell, 2002

If anyone got kang-tao in the University of Alabama, can someone get the paper written by Allen Maxwell on "Depth of Historical Legacy: The Brunei Genealogy and a Problem of "Generations".

This paper was presented in the March 2002 University of Yale, USA's Generations: Continuity and Conflict in Southeast Asia, Inaugral Conference and Celebration.

Thanks!

Another Robert Nicholl who poke holes in the history of Brunei?

Boni

From this map, it clearly shows that Boni (Poni) is located somwhere around Sarawak... so how can historian say that its BRunei?

Pu-ni, the West Coast of Borneo

History of the Sung Dynasty (960-1279)

The country is situated in the south-western, 45 days from Java, Palembang (San-bo-tsai), 40 days and from Champa 30 days.

There are 10,000 souls living in this town and it rules over 14 different places. The house in which the king lives is covered with palm leaves adn the cottages of the people are covered with grass.

In 977, the King Hiang-ta, sent three envoys to bring as tribute of Camphor, tortise shells and elephant tusks. In 1082 King Sri Madja (Maharadja) sent again an envoy.

History of Ming Dynasty (1368-1643)

In 1370 Emperor send as envoys to Pu-ni. The king is called Maha Mosa, was haugty and did not show them any politeness. At that time the country had been loundered by those of sulu so that it was weak and poor and the king excused himself on this account, asking permission to bring tribute after 3 years.

Now this country had hitherto belonged to Java... By 1373, Puni envoys went together with the Chinese back to the imperaial court. In 1375, the Emperor ordered that the mountains and streams fo this country to be included in the sacrifices to the mountain and streams fo the province of Fukien.

In the year 1405, the King Maradja Kala sent envoys and bring tribute to China. The Emperor granted him the title of King of Puni and gave him a seal, a commission and silks of various coulours. In 1412, Hia-wang came to court with his mother.

During the Wan-li (1573-1619AD), the King of Puni died without posterity, his relatives fought for the throne and there was a great war in the country... a daughter of the late king was put on the throne.

- taken from WP Groeneveldt

Po-li identified as Brunei, how true is it?

In the Liang Dynasty (502-557AD) it was mentioned that Po-li envoy visited China in 518, 523 and 616 AD, in the Sui Dynasty (589-618AD).

Liang Dynasty mentioned that it takes 50 days from East to West and 20 days from North to South to reach Po-li (sailing of course), while the Sui Dynasty says from east to West is 4 months and from North to South is 45 days.

The name of Po-ni was accepted to mean Po-li as written in the Sung Dynasty (960AD to 1279AD). Records from the New Tang Dynasty cannot be accepted as

a) it’s a re-writing of the old history (618-907, but only written in the 11th Century, hence much editing)
b) confusingly written
c) does not give a separate notice on Po-li

- Roland Bradell (1949).


History of Liang Dynasty (502-556AD)

Kingdom of Po-li (Pa-li, Pa-ri or Ba-ri) is southeast of Canton, an island in the sea, distance of two months from Canton. There are 136 villages in it.

When the king goes out, his carriage which is made of different kinds of fragrant wood is drawn by an elephant. The King’s name is Kaundinya and never before went to China or had contact with China. In 518 and 616 AD they sent an envoy to China.

“I humbly consider the emperor as my true Buddha. I am the king of the country Poli and now reverently prostern myself and do homage at the feet of my Lord…” – part of the content of the letter to the Emperor.

In the Tung-his Yang K’au (1618), Brunei (Bun-lai) is the same as Po-lo, in the year 669AD the king sent envoys to the Court. In 1406, the king sent his minster to the court with a tribute of products of the country.

It is told that the present King is a man from Fukien, who followed Cheng Ho when he went to this country and who settled there: for this reason ther e is a stone with a Chinese inscription near the king’s palace.

Sulu in the History of Ming Dynasty (1368-1643)

Sulu is situated near to Puni and Java. Shortly after the year 1368, they attacked Puni where they made a large booty and only retired when Java came with soldiers to assist this country.

- WP Groeneveldt

Lunch and flowers

This lunch - buttermilk chix and rice is quite nice. Different from the one served at Nonya (for the record, the one served at Nonya is not as good as the one served years ago - maybe the cook left?).. this dish was served in one of the chinese restaurant at mangalait... its quite nice and with a sprinkle of grounded peanuts, the dish is one of the best i might say...



Nice or not this flower?... wonderful colours... in order to bloom, this plant need a lot of potassium - the ingridient needed for explosives....

Saturday nite dinner...

Chix, fish, veg, prawns and never forgetting the chili padi (preferably - Thai chili, the hottes of them all)

Rabbits

hey, dont eat my flower...

that kangkong in the box is for both of you...

Miri...

Miri, just like Seria, developed rapidly as part of Sarawak's oil town. Now, not much is heard about Miri's oil but some say that Miri oil wells are still producing oil.



The Old Lady -
The Grand Old Lady is a must see for all visitors to Miri. Historically, Miri is a town founded upon oil and nothing captures this relationship quite so well as the "Grand Oil Lady" or Miri Oil Well No.1.

Situated on Canada Hill, this is the first oil well in Malaysia to be drilled by Shell Company in 1910. After a productive six decades and estimated 660.000 barrels of oil, it was shut down in 1972. It was eventually declared a national monument.

A lookout tower near the monument ensures the hilltop site's popularity. It offers one of the best views of Miri - the hinterland to the east and the townscape in the other direction.

The Grand Old Lady is accessible through narrow bypasses from the town center area and from the other side of the hill. A petroleum museum has been built here. Its current exhibition is the Islamic and Science Exhibition.

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miri#Grand_Old_Lady)





View of Miri Town