MALAYSIA DAY RECEPTION
Dewi Mohd Sofri
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
The atmosphere at Malaysian High Commission came alive last night during the 50th National Day Reception as guests were given a glimpse of Malaysia from the food to the music.
Present as the guest of honour was Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, who attended the event with his spouse.
After his arrival both the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia was sung by a children?s choir comprised of children of the home-based staff of the Malaysian High Commission as well as citizens residing in the sultanate.
A Doa Selamat was recited followed by welcoming remarks from His Excellency Dato? Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, Malaysian High Commissioner.
"2007 is indeed a very special year for Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam," said His Excellency.
He continued that the state visit made by His Majesty the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and Raja Permaisuri Agong in early July and that of the Prime Minister last August "reflected the warm and close bilateral ties" between the two countries.
This established ties between both governments was enhanced further through the frequent visits made, by the leaders, senior officials and business people, he added.
His Excellency expressed his content at being the new high commissioner to the country for it made it possible for him to personally witness "the excellent state of bilateral relations" between the two countries.
"I am confident that the warm and brotherly ties between our two countries will continue to strengthen and flourish for our mutual benefits," he said and thanked the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the warmth and support extended.
A cake-cutting ceremony was held afterwards which was followed by the souvenir presentation.
The guest of honour was invited to tour the exhibition at the foyer and also the various food stalls displaying the assortment of Malaysian delicacies prepared for the guests to enjoy.
Invited guests include senior government officials, high profile businessmen as well as citizens of Malaysia residing in the country.
The night's entertainment include several musical and dance performances "Tanah Pusaka", "Penawar Rindu", Ngajat Iban, Chinese, Joget and Zapin dances to name a few by a ghazal group from Johor and dance troupe from Labuan who were specially flown in for the occasion.
The was also two lucky draws held towards the end of the night.
-- Courtesy of Brunei Times, 2 September 2007