AMMIRUL ADNAN
BRUNEI-MUARA
Monday, September 2, 2013
TO COMMEMORATE the 56th anniversary or Malaysia's independence which was officially celebrated on August 31, the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei organised a reception for the National Day last night at the Indera Kayangan Ballroom at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.
Present as the guest of honour was the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar, who arrived with his wife, Datin Noryasimah Abdullah.
The guest of honour and his spouse was greeted by the Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei, Haznah Md Hashim.
As soon as the Minister of Energy and his wife, as well as the Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei arrived at the Indera Kayangan Ballroom, the national anthem of Malaysia was played, followed by Brunei's national anthem.
Haznah was then invited to give a welcoming speech, as soon as the Surah Al-Fatihah was recited.
She started by thanking the guest of honour and his spouse for taking their time to be present as the guest of honour of the Government of Brunei Darussalam. "Yang Berhormat Pehin's presence in our reception today is indeed a testimony of His Majesty's Government's commitment to continue work closely with Malaysia and to further strengthen the special ties that bind our two brotherly countries," Haznah expressed.
Haznah then stated that national interests should always prevail and such spirit of nationalism is in line with the theme for this year's celebration "Malaysiaku Berdaulat: Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku" which translates to "My Sovereign Malaysia: My Native Land."
After her speech, she then invited the guest of honour and his wife along with the Excellencies Heads of Diplomatic Missions from ASEAN countries to cut the celebratory cake and to show the ASEAN spirit.
The guest of honour then received a token of gratitude from the Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei, who then also presented the guest of honour's wife a gift.
The guests present during the celebration were then invited to enjoy the delicacies made ready. Also present were members of the Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia.
The Brunei Times
