Malaysians urged to work for 'one nation'

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

THE Malaysian High Commissioner in Brunei yesterday called upon his countrymen living in the Sultanate to use the 52nd National Day celebration to look back and evaluate the community's achievement as one united people.

Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari urged participants at the 52nd National Day celebration held at the Malaysian High Commission, Jalan Kebangsaan, yesterday to renew their sense of belonging to overcome various upcoming challenges.

"For as long as we can remember, the support and efforts towards achieving independence began in shop houses, rubber plantations and fishing villages. Throughout the country, Malays, Chinese and Indians banded together at the time to fight and defend the dream of forming and ruling our own country," he said.

Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari said that such values and principles are proof of the dedication of the Malaysian community in working together towards producing a better future for generations to come.

"These principles will enable us to stand united to overcome the economic crisis and other unexpected challenges," he said.

However, he lamented that such values and principles are slowly fading among the newer generations.

"This is not something to be taken lightly, we must gather all efforts to nurture this value so that it is possessed by all citizens," added the high commissioner.

He said that it was now the time for the mutual renewing of the community's commitment in achieving undivided unity and loyalty towards Malaysia, in line with the 1Malaysia principle.

"The main thing in the 1Malaysia concept is to be responsible and transparent, which are also main factors in determining a good government," said Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari.

"Emphasis on performance and delivery to the community will also provide support to efforts of economic liberalisation and economic opportunities for all," he added.

He then advised the community to not abuse channels provided by Malaysia as a democratic country to allow its citizens to voice their stance and concerns.

"Use these channels wisely and appropriately. Respect the laws of the country so that we can live in peace and harmony," he said.

Yesterday evening's celebration, themed "One Malaysia: People First, Performance Now", began with the official flag hoisting ceremony which was accompanied by the singing of National Anthem by those present.

"This is a day that is looked forward to by Malaysians, particularly for those living in Brunei. The day when you can get together and celebrate and reflect on the achievements of a country is very significant," he informed The Brunei Times.

The celebration also marked the first time that the Outstanding Malaysian Citizen Award was presented, to Professor Dato' Dr Hashim Awang and entrepreneur Simon D Gelan respectively.

This was followed by a Sungkai dinner open to both Muslim and non-Muslim participants of the event.(MJH1)

The Brunei Times

Expats feel at home in Brunei

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

FAMILIARITY, peacefulness and a high quality of life are among reasons why Malaysians consider Brunei as the most favoured destination to seek job opportunities and further develop their careers.

Malaysian High Commissioner in Brunei Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari said that the interest Malaysians, particularly those from Borneo, have shown in Brunei reflects good relations of both countries share.

"I think this is a very peaceful country and Malaysians find this attractive. The people are friendly and pleasant. We also share similarities in culture, tradition as well as family and blood relations," he said.

"So coming to Brunei is just like visiting any state in Malaysia. You don't feel like you are visiting a foreign or strange land. You feel at home when you visit Brunei," he said.

Mohd Daud Ismail, a lawyer who has been working in the Sultanate for some 24 years, said that Brunei is a good place for foreigners, including Malaysians to earn a living.

"Brunei is very peaceful, the people here are very friendly and social," he said during yesterday's 52nd National Day celebration held at the Malaysian High Commission, Jalan Kebangsaan.

"It was also a good opportunity for me to expand and further develop my profession," said the deputy president of the Persatuan Kebajikan Melayu SeMalaysia (PKMS).

Mohd Daud Ismail also said that yesterday's celebration was an opportunity for Malaysians living in Brunei to show their patriotic spirit as well as to widen networks by further getting to know each other.

"This is a fantastic feeling," said the 56-year-old.

Kho Bok Choon, a Physics teacher at the Katok Sixth Form Centre, said that Brunei offers Malaysians a higher standard of living.

"The pay is higher and the benefits are better here," said the Kuching native who has worked in the Sultanate for the past 10 years.

Speaking on the National Day Celebration, Kho said that Brunei's celebration was quieter whereas such celebrations will be held on a much grander scale in Malaysia.

Echoing his sentiments was fellow Sarawakian Wong Chee Peng.

"Right now we can only celebrate our National Day at the High Commission and it is not as grand as the celebrations in Malaysia," said Wong who has been living in Brunei for the past 17 years. He however said that yesterday's celebration was a good opportunity to reunite friends who haven't seen or met each other for a long time.

The Sarawakian then informed The Brunei Times that many Malaysians living in the Sultanate have now gotten accustomed to the lifestyle of Brunei and are therefore applying for permanent residency.

"All our friends and families are now here. We are now foreign to Malaysia but I hope that everyone will still remember our Malaysian identity," he said.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Mohd Sabri Mohd Yussof from Kelantan said that he particularly enjoyed interacting with the friendly locals.

Having been in the country for almost a year, Mohd Sabri said that the similarities between both countries were among reasons why he had enjoyed his stay in Brunei so far. "Brunei has the same language, culture, tradition and food as Malaysia, so there is less cultural shock," said Mohd Sabri.(MJH1)

The Brunei Times

His Majesty congratulates Malaysia on Independence Day

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, August 31, 2009