✰ Brunei Darussalam ~ NEWS & HILITES ✰

TheHawk

His Majesty shakes hands with PM Shinzo Abe.

Brunei, Japan In Landmark Economic Partnership Deal
By Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam and Japan yesterday signed a wide-ranging agreement of economic partnership, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between the Sultanate and second largest economy in the world.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe in Tokyo where the landmark agreement was signed. His Majesty and the Japanese premier discussed on how to work closely together to further enhance the stability, security and prosperity of the two countries. They also shared the view that the Brunei-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (BJEPA) would be one of the main driving forces in the realisation of this goal.

At the meeting, His Majesty extended an invitation to the Japanese premier to visit Brunei Darussalam.

After the meeting, His Majesty and the Japanese premier signed the Brunei-Japan

Economic Partnership Agreement. A Joint Statement was also issued. At the press conference after the signing, His Majesty expressed his appreciation and thanks to the Government of Japan and those involved in the planning and negotiation of the agreement.

His Majesty stated that the strong economic ties between the two countries had been built on Japanese investment and Brunei's supplies of oil and gas and the agreement consolidates more than 30 years of extremely valuable cooperation between the two countries, and it should open up even greater opportunities to further develop these important ties.

His Majesty also added that with the signing of the BJEPA, Brunei and Japan were now "partners" and looked forward to enjoying the responsibilities and rewards of this new relationship will offer to both the peoples of Brunei and Japan.

The agreement with Japan is Brunei's first bilateral partnership agreement. BJEPA is aimed at among others, to increase new market opportunities for Brunei in areas of Trade in Goods and Trade in Services, as well as attracting more investments to Brunei. Both countries can also increase cooperation in the areas of energy, human' resource development and capacity building. There are 11 chapters in the agreement covering Trade in Goods; Rules of Origin; Trade in Services; Investment, Energy, Cooperation; Improvement of Business Environment, Custom Procedures; General Provisions; Final Provisions; and Dispute Settlement.

In the evening His Majesty attended a dinner hosted by the Japanese premier at his residence. The dinner was attended by, several Members of Parliament and senior government officers from both countries.

In the Joint Statement, the two leaders said they are convinced that the BJEPA will serve as a main vehicle by facilitating the free flow of goods, services and investments, improving the overall business environment for the private sectors between the two countries and at the same time deepening and enhancing cooperation in the fields of energy, trade and investment promotion, small and medium enterprises, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, tourism, education and human resource development, information and communications technology, science and technology, environment, intellectual property and land transportation including through capacity building.

"We recognise the excellent relationship between our two countries, which has been built upon our strong economic ties, particularly in the area of oil and natural gas even before the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984. Today, Japan is a leading export destination' and an important investor for Brunei Darussalam, while Brunei Darussalam is an important supplier of oil and natural gas for Japan. We are convinced that there are still a lot of opportunities and potential to strengthen our bilateral relationship and renewed our commitment to enhance our ties," the joint statement said.

"As responsible members of the global community, we recognise the international concerns on climate change and the importance of ensuring sustainable economic development balanced with environmental conservation, so that our future generations will continue to appreciate and value the clean environment we enjoy today. In this context, Brunei Darussalam welcomes the proposal "Cool Earth 50", recently put forward by Japan as a strategy to address climate change. We shared the hope that the Bio-Diversity Centre in Kuala Belalong would be developed and utilised for research cooperation in the fields of biodiversity and conservation of the environment, making use of Japanese experiences and expertise in cooperation with academia, experts and the private sector," the joint statement further stressed.

The leaders are convinced that the BJEPA will contribute to strengthening the regional economic integration.

"As close partners in the region, we remain committed to further strengthening the partnership between Asean and Japan, particularly in establishing the Asean -Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP). Japan and Brunei will work together to advance the integration of the East Asia region through the Track Two study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA) and through the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA).

"It gives us great pleasure to witness today the outcome of our joint efforts. The signing of the BJEPA will bring our relationship to a new and higher level of partnership which will accelerate greater economic development and promote the well-being of the peoples of both countries. We are also of the view that the BJEPA will encourage greater participation and interaction by our private sectors and enhance contacts between our people," they also said in the joint statement.

According to Kyodo, this is the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in which Japan has successfully included energy provisions. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 09:00 PM ]

TheHawk

Contractor Pleads Guilty To Murder
By Ignatius Stephen & Rol Ezam

Bandar Seri Begawan - Money, love, drugs, drinks and violence featured in the trial of a businessman here accused of murdering his wife.

The man, Liew Say Koo, a 45-year-old contractor, initially faced the murder charge for the killing in a hotel room on July 12 last year, the penalty for which upon conviction is death by hanging. His wife Wong Ai Na, 26, died after a night of quarrel and violence, the court heard.

But the murder charge against Liew was reduced yesterday before Justice Dato Steven Chong in the Brunei High Court to that of culpable homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.

Liew had been in police remand ever since the killing. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge yesterday.

He said that he loved his wife and tried to reform her drug and drink habits and there was no reason for him to kill her. And he had also given her money, lots of it.

A statement of agreed facts tendered in court said that the deceased was the defendant's third wife. She was a Malaysian national and she lived in Limbang. She arrived in Brunei on July 9, 2006 and stayed at a hotel with the defendant.

On July 11, 2006, they checked out from the hotel and checked in to a different hotel in the capital. They stayed at Room No. 304.

On July 12 at about 10pm, one of the defendant's friends, Mr Chung Yung Woei had received a call from the defendant. The defendant stated that he had a fight with the deceased and that he had slapped her. The defendant also asked Mr Chung to call an ambulance. After a while; the defendant called Mr Chung again to ask why the ambulance was taking such a long time and he was told that it was on its way.

Mr Chung called the ambulance at about 11pm. Paramedics Hjh Rosni, Seri Diana and Eleme rushed to a different hotel but later saw the defendant standing downstairs and directing them to the hotel where he was staying. The defendant directed the paramedics through the front lobby and into the lift. In the lift the defendant said that his wife had probably died and that they had fought between 6 and 7pm. Upon arrival on the 3rd floor, the defendant led them to his room and opened the door using a key card.

The paramedics saw the deceased laying face up on the bed and showing no signs of life. One of the paramedics then informed the receptionist and asked them to call the police. Shortly later, the police personnel arrived.

The defendant informed the police that he and his wife had quarreled over a letter concerning a police report filed by the deceased at a Kuching police station. The defendant subsequently handed the letter, to PC 3981 Faizal Rizal P D Mohammad.

During police investigations, the defendant said that he had a fight with the deceased and admitted to punching and kicking her all over her body. He stated that he used his hands to slap and punch her head and face and that he used his legs to kick the deceased's legs and body. Although he admitted to causing his wife's death, he did not intend to do so.

A post mortem on the deceased was conducted by Dr P U Telesinghe, Specialist Pathologist at the RIPAS Hospital. The doctor noted 163 external injuries on the deceased.

In his medical opinion, "the causes of death are due to `sub dural haemorrhage following an assault and or subarachnoid haemorrhage'. She also had multiple contusions on the body".

The defendant admitted that although he did not intend to cause the death of his wife, his rash act in punching and kicking the deceased all over had caused her death.

The defendant surrendered himself to the police voluntarily and ever since his arrest on July 12, he had given his full cooperation.

The defendant has no previous convictions.

During the hearing yesterday, the Public Prosecutor, represented by DPP Suriana Radin and DPP Farhana preferred an alternative charge against Liew which carries a maximum sentence of five years. The charge was read to Liew and he pleaded guilty.

After the plea of guilty, DPP Suriana read out the Statement of Agreed Facts. Liew was represented by lawyers Mr Dalit Singh Sandhu and Mr Vincent Joseph.

In mitigation, Mr Sandhu cited that the principle of sentencing involved deterrence and reformation. The lengthy affidavit of Liew Say Koo was read out in court in which he said that he truly loved his wife although she had problems with illicit drugs. He spent a lot of money and never gave up in helping her to change. He supported her financially by giving her a monthly allowance of B$2,500 and also a car. He even paid for her school fees to study a course in a private college in Brunei.

Liew said that despite being together for a few years, they had no children and he spent B$30,000 for an In Vitro Fertilisation procedure at Jerudong Park Medical Centre and a son was born to them.

Liew said that his wife had a violent temper and most of the arguments between them were about him not spending enough time with her or about her going out with friends or that she had not given up her habit of taking drugs.

On the day of the incident, in the morning Liew and his wife had sexual intercourse. She insisted that he make love to her again but he was too tired. He left the hotel to attend to his business.

Later that day, he received a telephone call from someone to say that there was a report in a Chinese newspaper in Sarawak that six men had molested a 26-year-old woman from Limbang, Sarawak. Liew decided to return to the hotel to see his wife about this report.

Mr Sandhu read out the newspaper report in which it was stated that a beautiful woman aged 26, who got lost while driving in Kuching, sought directions from six men which resulted in them outraging her modesty and was nearly raped. The newspaper report said that the woman wore a short skirt and sexy clothes which had easily "seduced" the men.

When Liew went to the hotel room, his wife was sleeping. He looked into his wife's handbag and found the police report. He confronted his wife and a heated argument ensued.

They swore at each other which ended up in a fight in which the deceased managed to grab his genitals resulting in Liew hitting her and jumping with pain.

Then she scoured through her handbag and wanted to take something to sniff. A struggle ensued in the bathroom and she fell. Liew managed to flush the drugs down the toilet.

After that both rested and made up by taking a shower together, then the deceased lay in bed and watched TV while Liew made phone calls attending to his business.

When it was time for dinner, he tried waking her up but she did not move. He called the ambulance and the police. He rushed down to the lobby of the hotel for the ambulance and when the ambulance went to a different hotel, he ran after the ambulance re-directing it to the hotel. By the time the paramedics arrived, she was dead. He was arrested. Mr Sandhu informed the court that Liew cooperated with the police and mad( three statements, admitting to what happened When the family engaged the lawyers on July 24 2006, they asked for a post-mortem to be done but the body of the deceased was already released to the family and she was buried on July 17,.

TheHawk

Contractor Pleads Guilty To Murder
By Ignatius Stephen & Rol Ezam

Cont......


The issue before the court was the 163 bruise; found on the deceased by the pathologist, D. Telesinghe.

He was called to court in the afternoon. In at answer to Mr Sandhu's question, Mr Telesinghe said that it was not possible for him to say which bruises were the result of the incident of molest it Kuching and which were due to the fight between the parties on July 12. Mr Telesinghe further added that the deceased had consumed alcohol to the point of 75.6 mg/ml out of 100 mg/ml and this resulted it the dilation of her veins. If there was a rupture o the veins, the bleeding could not be stopped easily

Mr Sandhu informed the court that Liew had apologised to the mother of the deceased and had made an offer of compensation. In the affidavit o Liew, he made an offer of B$150,000 it compensation to the family of the deceased.

The court heard several testimonials from prominent people in Brunei, all saying that Liew is a good-hearted, generous, and soft-spoken and a hones person. These people have written to vouch for the fact that what happened was out of character of Liew and asked for a lenient sentence.

The hearing continues as DPP has indicated t< the court that she wants to cross-examine Liew of the contents of his affidavit. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 09:02 PM ]

TheHawk

Minister Calls For Healthier Menus
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - In the last 10 years, one of the causes of sonae of the main deadly diseases in Brunei Darussalam such heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure is closely related to diet. Foods that contain a high level of fat can cause obesity, high cholesterol, coronary diseases, diabetes and cancer.

This was said by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi, the Minister of Health as the guest of honour at the launching ceremony of Royal Brunei Catering's new healthier menu at the Airport Restaurant and Coffee Shop, yesterday afternoon.

He highlighted that "Research has proved that an imbalanced diet or too much food will endanger one's health. Therefore, good eating habits play an important role in living a healthy lifestyle."

"We live in a world that has experienced vast changes from the time of our grandparents and forefathers. Even though we are able to successfully control various infectious diseases through medicine and sophisticated medical equipment, we didn't pay much attention to the wellbeing of our body from the aspect of diet."

"The impact of globalisation on the intake of food is obvious, and Brunei Darussalam is no exception. Most of our lifestyle focuses on career and work, which has prompted us to eat outside foods that are extremely appetizing that we didn't pay much attention to the foods that we ate," he said.

He revealed that the Ministry of Health has taken steps in advising all levels of the community on the dangers of foods that contain a high level of fat and to avoid overindulgence as well as to practise a good eating habit by choosing the right foods.

Speaking on preparation of healthy foods, he said, "Many people have the perception that a healthy meal is not tasty, difficult to prepare and that the ingredients are hard to acquire. This is not so. Healthy foods cover foods that are moderate and cooking a variety of dishes in an appropriate amount, which have less sugar, salt, oil and fat."

"A healthy lifestyle encourages the consumption of fruits and vegetables."

He added, "In developed countries, the preparation of a healthy menu and ordinary menu has become the norm. It allows customers to maintain a regular lifestyle while still patronising their favourite restaurants."

The minister also urged all shops and food supply companies to give an option for a healthier menu. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 09:04 PM ]

TheHawk

An enforcement officer
(standing third right) speaking
with members of the unapproved
religious congregation

Unapproved Religious Gathering Broken Up
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - A Religious congregation which did not receive approval from the Islamic Religious Council was dispersed on Sunday night during a spot check conducted jointly by several enforcement agencies.

The area targeted was at Kg Limau Manis and the activity allegedly resembled "Tarikat" that practises self-defence and is connected with martial art groups in a neighbouring country. Over 50 enforcement officers from the Royal Brunei Police Force, Internal Security Department, Immigration and Akidah Control Section of the Syariah Affairs Department dispersed about 10 people, including the leader, who was reportedly performing recitations in a circle and wearing a white outfit.

An initial investigation revealed that the group conducted a certificate presentation that signified the end of the course. It was understood that the investigation found that a $1,500 fee was needed for an enrolment.

The enforcement agencies confiscated materials as evidence in their investigation, including books, pamphlets and a laptop. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 09:07 PM ]

TheHawk

His Majesty is greeted by Imperial
Majesty Emperor Akihito

Closer Brunei, Japan Ties

Bandar Seri Begawan - His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday afternoon attended a Court Luncheon hosted by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito.

The Court Luncheon was held at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo. During the Court Luncheon, His Majesty and His Imperial Majesty exchanged views on bilateral relations in general and expressed pleasure with the continued warm friendship and close relations between the royal families.

Also in attendance was Her Imperial Majesty Empress Michiko.

His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Abdul Azim.

Prior to the Court Luncheon, His Majesty granted an audience to three prominent Japanese parliamentarians - Toshihiro Nikai, Chairman of the Diet Affairs of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Chief Secretary-General of the Japan Brunei Parliamentarian's League for Promotion of

Friendship; Kozo Watanabe, Chairman of the Diet Affairs Committee of the Democratic Party of Japan and the Chairman of the Japan-Brunei Parliamentarian's League for the Promotion R of Friendship; and Tetsuma Esaki, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is also the Secretary-General of the JapanBrunei Parliamentarian's League for the Promotion of Friendship. The audience was held at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo.

During the audience, the Japanese parliamentarians expressed their appreciation for the excellent relationship established between the two countries particularly in the areas of energy supply.

They also expressed the hope to enhance cooperation between the two countries in other areas such as air services, youth and tourism.

His Majesty thanked the Japanese parliamentarians for their continuous efforts to enhance the existing excellent relationship between Brunei Darussalam .and Japan.

Later in the afternoon, His Majesty left for Brunei Darussalam.

Before leaving the hotel, a doa selamat was read by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti of Brunei Darussalam.

At the International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty were Mr Itsuo Hashimoto, the Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, and Mr Akio Isomata, Director of Second Southeast Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, as well as other officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Also at the airport were Dato Paduka Awang Haji Adrian bin Buntar, the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Japan, and officers of the Brunei Embassy in Tokyo.

Japan and Brunei on Monday signed a bilateral free trade agreement as Tokyo seeks stable energy supplies from the oil and gas-rich Sultanate.

The agreement will lower trade barriers, enhance economic cooperation between the two countries and boost Japanese investment in Brunei.

Tariffs on Japan's auto exports to Brunei are to be abolished within three years under the new deal.

"Prime minister, we are now, in the fullest sense of the word, partners," His Majesty told Shinzo Abe after the signing. "My government and people are delighted," His Majesty added.

"The economic agreement we just signed will raise the stable and friendly JapanBrunei relationship to a higher level," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said.

"I'm glad we were able to sign the deal only one year after we started the negotiations," he added.

Japan has been increasingly pursuing free trade pacts to secure access to raw materials and markets for its exports amid the collapse of global trade talks.

Japan is in ongoing negotiations with South Korea, Indonesia and with the 10nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as a whole. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 09:11 PM ]

TheHawk

Wife Killing Case Postponed
By Ignatius Stephen & Rol Ezam

Bandar Seri Begawan - The case of the death in Brunei of a provocative young woman who paraded in Kuching in revealing mini skirts that led her husband to kill her during a fight a year ago in a hotel was postponed till Monday, June 25.

Malaysian-born Brunei building contractor Liew Say Koo, 46, on Monday pleaded guilty before Mr Justice Dato Steven Chong to a lesser charge of culpable homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail.

Initially he faced the murder charge, which carries the death sentence.

When the husband came to know through a newspaper report that his pretty 26-year-old wife, Wong Ai Na, who operated a karaoke joint in Limbang, had been going around in the Sarawak capital scantly dressed which tempted six men to sexually assault her in an isolated place in Kuching, Liew wanted to know more.

When the wife refused to give details and began to accuse the husband of satisfying other women but her, a continuing quarrel became intense.

Wong, his third wife, did not keep house in Bandar Seri Begawan. Whenever she came here, the couple spent their nights in various hotels. Wong was visiting her husband in a local hotel here when the violent quarrel broke out on July 12 last year.

Liew said that when he threw a packet of white substance from her handbag into the hotel toilet bowel she tried to retrieve it. In the subsequent struggle she hit her head hard on the seat edge. Pathologist Dr P U Telesinghe testified in court that Wong died of subarachnoid haemorrhage and had multiple contusions on the body. She had 168 bruises, some of which could have been the result of the Kuching incident, the court heard.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Suriana Radin and DPP Farhana are appearing for the prosecution while Liew has retained Mr Daljit Singh Sandhu and Mr Vincent Joseph.

Liew was a poor boy when he came to Brunei from Sarawak 17 years ago but through a dint of hard work and perseverance he became one of the country's successful house building contractors.

Much thinner than he appeared in court before a year ago, he sat impassively throughout the hearing wearing a brick coloured shirt.

Yesterday DPP Suriana Radin applied to cross-examine Liew on the two affidavits that were tendered in court on Monday.

In your affidavit, you said the deceased grabbed your genitals and because you were in great pain, you had to kick and hit her to let them go?

Yes.

You gave three statements to police?

Yes.

Did you inform the police of the fact that the deceased grabbed your genitals that led you to hit her?

No.

Why did you not tell the police?

If I had said that I would have felt ashamed because I know a lot of people in Brunei. I belong to the construction industry. I did not know that it was important to my case.

You said the deceased was physically abusive? Yes.

Did you suffer any injuries?

The deceased slapped my face and grabbed my genitals twice during the quarrel.

Do you agree that you were examined by a doctor on July 13, 2006?

Yes. (DPP showed the doctor's report. Only three injuries, one on right foot and two abrasions on the neck. According to the report, no other injuries.) Did you complain to the doctor that the deceased grabbed your genitals and you were in pain?

I felt ashamed to tell the doctor. This was a private matter between my wife and 1. Later after a few days my genitals were swollen. Even before the doctor examined, I felt pain.

You said the deceased was physically abusive; there were only three injuries on you compared to 163 injuries on the deceased.

Because of the incident in Kuching ... the injuries were caused by them. As to the leg injuries, I stepped on her to let go of my genitals.

You were also brought to hospital on July15, 2006?

Yes.

Do you agree that you did not report any injury to the doctor at that time?

I did not complain to the doctor because this was a private matter and I was ashamed.

Do you agree that no external injures were recorded?

Yes. I agree.

In your affidavit, you gave a detailed account of what happened on July 12, 2006 but you never did so in your statement?

I felt ashamed of the matter as I knew a lot of people. I did not want them to know about this matter.

In re-examination, Mr Sandhu asked whether when the doctor examined Liew on July 13 and 15, 2006, he asked him to strip. "No," Liew said. Sandhu: "Did the doctor ask you any questions? Liew: "No. He only examined the upper part of my body. It was a general examination."

"Did he ask you to check your private parts?" Mr Sandhu asked. "No," Liew said.

Sandhu: "When you gave the three statements to the police, did you give the account in full detail?

Liew: "Yes, except for the part about my genitals being grabbed. I was too ashamed to tell them." Hearing continues. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Food Safety To Priority
By Kartika Rahman & P Marilyn

Bandar Seri Begawan - The priority of the Asean Task Force of Codex (7th ATFC), currently being held in the country, is to safeguard public health in Asean countries, as public health takes precedence over trade and should ensure that all the task force decisions are founded on well-established scientific principles and evidence.

Acting Director of Agriculture, Dayang Hajah Normah Suria Hayati binti Pehin Jawatan-Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Haji Awang Mohd Jamil al-Sufri, said this while declaring the 3-day ATFC open yesterday at the Orchid Garden Hotel. The Government of Brunei Darussalam is currently hosting and chairing the 7TATFC, a task force under the Asean Ministers for Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF).

"As the standard of living improves in the Asean region, the awareness of food safety has increased and has become more and more important. Trading of food needs to meet certain requirements and as the food safety issues across the globe are getting more attention, this in turn has increased the visibility and importance of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the major international mechanism for promoting the health of consumers through the establishment of food standards," said the Acting Director.

She went on to explain that the role of the commission is to harmonise and coordinate all food standards work undertaken by both government and nongovernmental organisations internationally. Its global charter is to protect the health of consumers and to ensure fair practices in food trade.

Further attesting to the value of the ATFC, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) now recognises codex standards as the definitive international food standards to facilitate global trade and also as reference standards for dispute settlements.

Among the objectives of ATFC are to promote information sharing and transparency in decision making; to formulate a common position on various Codex issues significant to Asean; and to promote an established Asean common position on Codex issues at Codex meetings.

In its aim towards providing a forum to discuss Codex issues of importance to Asean, the ATFC will deliberate on issues relating to food safety, standards and labelling.

Additionally, the agenda includes `Joint Asean Position on Codex Issues Related to Trade in Commodities and Agriculture', and `Update of Activities by the Appointed Asean Focal Points for Codex Committees'.

Evaluations of 30 subjects relating to Codex food standards and guidelines, including proposals to develop Codex standards for fish sauce, edible sago palm and chilli sauce, and the expected outcome of which will be used as a basis for developing respective joint Asean positions at the concerned Codex committee meetings. The Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Fisheries established the ATFC in October 2000.

Since its first meeting in 2001, the task force hasmet annually and ruminated on issues of importance to Asean relating to food safety, standards and labelling, and formulated common positions to protect Asean interests.

For more than five years, experts and specialists from multiple disciplines of the Asean countries, represented by ATFC, have worked together towards the common goal of looking into a mechanism to protect member countries' interests in Codex.

Delegates attending the 7th ATFC are from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Also at the meeting are representatives from the Asean Secretariat and Asean-US Business Council. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

TheHawk

Departments Urged To Monitor Expenditure
By Jon Tampoi

Bandar Seri Begawan - Permanent Secretaries, heads of department as well as Budget Control Officers were urged to control and monitor expenditure in accordance with the regulations.

At the same time, the ministries and departments were advised to hold consultations should they face budget problems in order to jointly overcome the expenditure problem and find solutions to ensure that it would not jeorpadise the services provided by the government to the public.

This was highlighted at the Ministry of Finance's Roadshow on Financial and State Tendering Board 2007/ 2008 yesterday at the Ministry of Finance.

Present at the ceremony were the Chief of Adat Istiadat, YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz; Permanent Secretaries, heads of department and senior government officers.

Dato Paduka Awg Hj Metassan, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and the chairman, delivered the opening remarks. The speakers were Awang Matali Bin Hj Apong, Secretary of State Tendering Board, and Awg Hj Rosli Bin Hj Mustafa, Acting Director of Expenditure.

The roadshow was held as part of a continuous effort to create an understanding among senior officers in handling, controlling and managing their ministry's/department's finances. The day's event- was dedicated to Permanent Secretaries and heads of department who are managing the finances of the ministries and departments.

At the event, regulations on tenders including those that are related to State Tendering Board and Small Tendering Board were also highlighted.

The event was a follow-up to the roadshow held in 2006 in line with His Majesty's Titah at the opening of the first meeting of the third session of Legislative Council Meeting in March this year.

The roadshow was aimed at reminding all government agencies entrusted with budget allocations to control expenditure with full accountability and to use them accordingly to ensure that the services are efficient and effective to smoothen the system, management and evaluation.

The roadshow was also aimed at creating awareness on the importance of proper and prudence finical management without sacrificing administrative smoothness that will effect the short or long term development. Within that scope, an opinion and plan should not only be considered `Value for Money' but also will present finical returns, either directly or indirectly.

The meeting was also aimed at sharing the vision of the Ministry of Finance through its Expenditure Division with the Permanent Secretaries and heads of department as an avenue for Expenditure Control Officers to jointly discuss problems faced in the process/forwarding expenditures of a financial year and getting feedback to fine-tune the annual expenditure to achieve the government's goal.

It was also held to develop further the effectiveness of purchasing/execution of projects and avoid slow payments as ministries/departments should always ensure that the financial allocation is prepared ahead of time, and address the rules and regulations before committing to a project.

The roadshow will be followed by various workshops that wifi focus on officers who are directly involved in every government ministry's/department's finances in preparing budget estimates and forwarding allocation proposals.

At the moment, about 90 per cent of the national income is based on oil and the national income and influenced by the prices of oil. At the same time, the government expenses also developed to 5.3 billion for the financial year of 2007/2008 with 70 per cent of the budget dedicated to non-flexible spending such as salaries and the likes.

The financial breakdown goes into five sections that are salary of civil services B$1737.88 million, recurrent expenditure B$1406.3 million, special expenditure B$586.82 million, development plan B$900 million and recognised spending at B$669 million.

Meanwhile the estimated revenue is B$5.766 million that is from oil and gas at B$5167 million, private sectorB$100 million and government services B$499.34 million.

The focuses on spending are national security and peace, strengthening the private sector and non-oil based economic development, development of human resources, building of infrastructure and public amenities and public awareness programs. Multi-economic development is also needed especially among the private sector. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

HRH Princess Hajah Masna during
her keynote speech.

Asean, China Ties At New Height
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said relations between Asean and China have grown rapidly over the years in all fronts and the ties have been elevated to a higher plane with our leaders' emphasis on an enhanced strategic partnership for peace and prosperity.

In her keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second conference on Asean-China People-to-People Friendship Organisations yesterday at the International Convention Centre, Her Royal Highness commended China for being the first Asean Dialogue Partner to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. The conference was attended by Madame Gu Xiulian, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, President of All China Women's Federation and President of the China-Asean Association.

"Economically, our trade volume has increased from around US$130 billion in 2005 to around US$160 billion in 2006. Our Free Trade Area is progressing well and we have a comprehensive

cooperation focusing on ICT, transport, energy, culture, as well as addressing natural disasters, emergencies and health issues. "These are the important developments and achievements in our dialogue relations which will surely benefit our people. This year, Asean celebrates its 40th anniversary and we are working towards establishing an Asean Community through the three pillars of political and security, economic and socio-cultural communities," HRH added.

HRH also said that this conference takes place against the backdrop of two recent successful summits, the Commemorative Summit in Nanning and the Asean-China Summit in Cebu. Our leaders have reaffirmed the excellent state of cooperation and the mutual trust, understanding and strong friendship that have existed between Asean and China.

HRH said China has surged onto the world stage and also made tremendous progress, especially in the socioeconomic sphere. With Asean's own impressive progress, I am optimistic that the deeper friendship and greater cooperation between our people will bring about a more prosperous and peaceful region.

"This is where I feel this conference can play its part and contribute to the overall objective of -a strategic partnership between Asean and China," said HRH.

Speaking on the theme, HRH said "Harmonious and Neighbourliness Friendship between Asean-China" augurs well in the pursuit of the pledge last year to collaborate and work together towards the creation of "a Zone of Friendship, Solidarity and Peace".

The conference is organised by the Brunei-China Friendship Association.

Meanwhile, Madame Gu in her speech earlier said, in recent years, political and bilateral ties, as well as exchange of dialogue between China and Asean have deepened. Last year marked an important year as China and Asean celebrated the 15th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties.

For the celebration, one of the activities organised was the first Conference on Asean-China People-to-People Friendship Organisations on May 17, 2006. The representative抯 from Asean friendship organisations signed the Declaration on Asean-China People-to-People Friendship and Cooperation and established the 10+1 people-to-people cooperation mechanism.

Mdm Gu added that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Asean and the meeting will be an important event.

"I hope that this meeting would further enhance the cooperation and bilateral relationship with each other, as well as to push forward the China-Asean strategic partner relationship," she said.

The three-day conference will see seminar topics on "How to grasp the opportunities and make new achievements in our work", "How to enlarge our influence and gain more recognition in the society", "How to organise 10+1 activities which are more practical and popular" and "What are the expectations of each organisation for better coordination among each other". A declaration will also be signed at the end of the conference. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 08:36 PM ]

TheHawk

Dato Hamdillah speaks at the meeting.

Call To Uphold Brunei's Green Image
By Kartika Rahman & P Marilyn

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam's involvement in sustainable forestry management will be a very long journey and it will incorporate continuous learning and improvement.

it will also form an integral part of the huge undertaking of developing project implementation plans to operationalise the Heart of Borneo (HOB) joint declaration, which involves the forestry departments of Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah bin Haji Abd Wahab, said this during the Peer Consultation Framework (PCF) in Forestry of Brunei Darussalam Plenary Meeting that began yesterday at the Bunker Meeting Room, Empire Hotel and Country Club.

Brunei Darussalam has volunteered itself as the pioneer country for the Asean PCF. It is the first AMC to be assessed through the Asean PCE Dato Hamdillah said, "In Brunei Darussalam, it is not too late for local agencies concerned to work together to strengthen our common effort towards sustainable development of the country's forest reserve.

"We should continue to play our vital role in maintaining the international `green image' of Brunei."

He added that the outcome of the PCF will benefit us and will help realise the strong commitment of our leadership in the country for a more responsible and sustainable forestry management. It will deliver a more independent and more up to date state of affairs of performance of Brunei forestry.

The signing of BJEPA between His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Japanese premier Monday adds another dimension to Brunei Global Environmental responsibility in which "Brunei welcomes the Japanese proposal of `Cool Earth 50' as a strategy to address the climate change, said the deputy minister.

Brunei's strong commitment and active participation in HoB could create many economic benefits like eco-tourism and offer many other positive spin-offs in addressing transboundary issues and public awareness, supportive to sustainable forestry management, said the deputy minister, adding, "We are aware at global level attention is being paid to the HoB Initiative and in this PCF process, Brunei is encouraged to take the leadership role in hosting the HoB Secretariat. This is one of the decisions that would be taken at the first HoB Trilateral Meeting, scheduled to be held here from July 18 and 19."

As organising committee of the host country, the Director of Forestry chaired the plenary meeting. The twoday meeting involves implementation of the Asean PCF in Forestry, reviewing a draft of report and recommendations of the Asean PCF in Forestry of Brunei Darussalam, and wrapping up of discussions upon endorsement of the report by Brunei Darussalam, as well as formulating the next step forward in preparation of the 10"' Asean Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF) to be held in Vientiene from July 12.

Attending the meeting was: Asean Member Countries (AMC); Asean Secretariat led by Dr Azmi Matakhir, Special Assistant to Asean Secretary General; Asean Regional Forest Programme (ReFop) representatives and consultants; and, local key forest stakeholders. Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary, Pg Hajah Mariana Pg Dipa Negara Pg Haji Abd Momin, Director of Forestry, Hj Saidin Salleh, various heads of departments under MIPR and senior officials from the Forestry Department.

PCF is considered to be `A Tool for Regional Cooperation and Mutual Learning'. It centres on the creation of knowledge, learning and capacity building. Its objective is to support mutual learning among individual AMCs and the Asean region, taken as a whole. It is conducted on a non-adversarial basis, relies on mutual trust and by this facilitates the exchange of `good practices'. It provides an opportunity for decision makers and managers to look at the experience of others.

The main objective of PCF in Forestry is to monitor AMCs forest policies and programmes and assess their effectiveness, inputs, outputs and results against the goals and policies defined in the Asean Forest Strategy.

At a national level, the PCF aims to assist in improving individual and collective Sustainable Forestry Management (SFM) performance; to provide comparative reporting and credible analysis for wider public in AMCs; to reduce proliferation of reporting requirements to international organisations and conventions; and, to showcase good practices, share experience and foster cooperation in the region.

The key purpose of the meeting is to discuss and adopt the assessment report encompassing the background, development and progress of the implementation of the Asean PCF in Forestry of Brunei Darussalam with Cambodia and Philippines as the Assessor Countries, as well as to formulate recommendations. The team is led by Dr Azmi Matakhir.

Among the main findings in the report, the assessors note that: Brunei's forests are a very promising national resource, combined with Brunei's outstanding conservation ethics and recognition of the forests' biological and economic significance, Brunei's forests offer a wide array of socio-economic and environmental benefits.

Also identified are a number of good practices that can serve as a model for some other AMCs; Brunei Darussalam makes an effort towards promoting. public awareness of its forestry sector and SFM by organising public events such as the World Forestry Day and excursions for the youth.

In addition, the tri-national Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative is considered to be a giant leap for the promotion of SFM in the region. Here, conservation through joint actions takes centre stage. This initiative is seen as able to create economic benefits for the country through sustainable eco-tourism.

The expected outcome of the meeting include assisting Brunei Darussalam in the fine-tuning of present national forest policy and its implementation in order to: enhance Brunei's commitment to both regional and international multilateral and bilateral cooperation especially for the ongoing Heart of Borneo Initiative; increase and sustain the economic contribution of the forestry sector in national economic diversification through optimum utilisation of natural and forest resources while implementing the conservation policy; increase the effectiveness of land-use management by various stakeholders as to support and catalyse the national development projects; and increase the country's fulfilment of global obligations and standards towards the sustainable development through SFM practices and disciplines.

The PCF exercise reflects the country's readiness and commitment on the realisation of the Heart of Borneo and Green Policy. It will thus raise the country's profile within Asean and international communities. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 08:38 PM ]

TheHawk

Kayakers In Historic Expedition To Labuan & Sabah
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - A Team of kayakers from Brunei's CARE association- made history recently when they reached the shores of Kota Kinabalu.

On hand to send the courageous kayakers off on their journey along the coastline of Borneo was Tourism chief, Sheikh Jamaluddin bin Sheikh Mohammad, who was the guest of honour.

In a speech, he urged more locals to be involved in extreme and challenging activities as part of efforts to promote tourism.

When the kayakers arrived in Labuan, they were received by the Labuan Kayak Association, President Encik Yunus bin Waidin.

The next leg of the expedition to Menumbok, Sabah took the kayakers eight hours and 15 minutes.

The team of kayakers finally arrived in Kota Kinabalu after taking a total time of 34 hours and 54 minutes. Their journey covered a total of 197 km.

The CARE association thanked those involved in making the kayaking expedition a success such as the Royal Brunei Police Force, marine police, Marine Department, Department of Immigration, Royal Customs and Excise, the Consulate General in Sabah, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei, Youth and Sports Departments of Labuan and Kota Kinabalu, Royal Malaysia Police, Labuan Kayak Association and Kota Kinahalu Kayak Association. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 08:39 PM ]

TheHawk

Kuala Belait

Belait Residents Frustrated Over Power & Water, Cuts
By Liza Mohd

Kuala Belait - Residents in Kuala Belait, Seria and Sungai Liang have expressed their frustration over the constant power and water interruptions troubling the district lately.

Just last 'week, many private residences, schools and business premises experienced power disturbance and two days ago, residents in certain areas complained they received no water supply for at least ten hours.

People expressed their anger, saying that they are deprived of the basic amenities almost too frequently. Consequently, the interruptions halted business operations and daily work.

A representative from the Belait water department clarified that cable installation works were carried out for the new main switch board and the transformer had to be shut down to allow the installation works.

The works also involved shutting off the electricity at the Seria water treatment plant in Badas.

Prior television and radio announcements were made informing the public that most areas in Belait District would experience little or no water supply for an estimated period of three hours from 8 to 11 am.

But due to unforeseen circumstances, the problem was prolonged. In addition to the installation works, one of the water pumps was also experiencing a major problem. However, the problem was resolved at about 8 pm last night and the water supply resumed as normal.

But since it takes time to fill up the water inside the storage tanks, residents will bf experiencing low pressure water for a while, the representative said.

The water treatment plant in Badas provides water to most areas in the district except for Lab and BSP housing areas.

Residents complained that they had received no water supply from 11 am till about 10 pm. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 08:41 PM ]

TheHawk

Pengiran Hj Hashim showing a
new $1,000 note.

New B$1,000 Polymer Banknote Issued
By Sonia K Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Currency and Monetary Board yesterday issued new $1,000 polymer banknotes for circulation.

These new polymer banknotes will circulate side by side with the present B$ 1,000 paper banknotes. Both will remain legal tender in Brunei Darussalam and in countries that accept them. The new polymer $1,000 banknote contains security features such as the local motive forms the complex clear window, initial HB1K can be seen when looking through the small transparent window to a point of light source, the crest of Brunei Darussalam is printed in vibrant red ink in a gold patch, the serial numbers are printed both vertically and horizontally in fonts of varying sizes, a design is formed through the combination of printing on both sides of the note when held up to the light.

Other features include a shadow image, of His Majesty's portrait and initial "HB" will appear when the banknote is held up

to the light and G-Switch feature which changes colour when tilted under the light source. When viewed at different angles, it alternates between two complementary colours, creating an optically reflective effect and lastly, the numeral 1,000 printed on a gold patch on the reverse of the banknote appears and disappears when the note is viewed at different angles.

According to Pg Hj Hashim Pg Hj Mohd Jadid, General Manager of Mint, Gallery and Marketing at the Brunei Currency and Monetary Board, the newly released B$1,000 is the last of the three denominations issued for circulation in conjunction with His Majesty's 60th birthday last year.

The other two denominations that were issued are the B$10,000 and B$500 notes.

The new $1,000 note has a picture of the Ministry of Finance's building printed on the back of the note. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 08:29 PM ]

TheHawk

Brunei Spearheads Digital Revolution

Singapore - Southeast Asian countries are aiming to define guidelines and encourage the adoption of digital television in the region by 2008, a broadcast report said Thursday.

Spearheaded by Singapore and Brunei, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Digital Broadcasting Cooperative Initiative is seeking to pave the way for more than 540 million people in the region to enjoy the sharper picture and sound quality of digital TV, according to Channel NewsAsia.

When the 10 member countries would do away with the current analogue broadcasts has not yet been decided, but officials said ongoing discussions would provide a clearer indication on how and when to make the switch.

"We are also hoping for cooperation between the industry players, the vendors and the manufacturers, for them to be sensitive to the aspiration of Asean and to make this new technology available without factoring in a big amount of the costs to retailers," Pengiran Dato Ismail Mohamed, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, was quoted as saying

Asean officials said more work needs to be done to establish a common digital broadcasting platform in the region, including closing developmental gaps, stepping up public education and offering more training and capacity building programmes.

"From the manufacturers' point of view, it will be easier to come up with a quantity of equipment which will be able to address the market needs in a very cost-effective manner," said Tan Chin Nam, Permanent Secretary of Singapore's Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.

Reducing the cost of set-top boxes required to receive digital broadcasts is imperative because high costs would slow down the adoption of the technology, he added. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 08:31 PM ]

TheHawk

Pehin Dato Dr Awang
Haji Ahmad bin Hj Jumat

Wake Up Call To Co-Ops
By Kartika Rahman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Cooperatives in Brunei Darussalam were told to get active and find ways to become the third engine of the nation's economic growth.

Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Ahmad bin Hj Jumat, attended a dialogue session yesterday between the ministry and National Cooperative Federation (Gabungan Koperasi Nasional, GKN) at the MIPR building, Berakas.

The brainstorming session was to discuss what direction GKN should take, how to solve challenges faced by GKN, and create a meticulous plan of action.

On the whole, the dialogue session yesterday addressed the dormancy of cooperatives in the nation as a worrying trend. The dialogue was a follow up to the Second National Cooperatives Seminar that was held in May, which recognised that internationally cooperatives have advanced as the third engine of national economic growth and Brunei Darussalam is far behind in this respect.

Regionally, cooperative efforts are taken up nationally, spurring their success in terms of contribution to the nation's economic development. For instance, 50 per cent of Singaporeans are shareholders of a cooperative, 20 per cent of Malaysians are stakeholders of a cooperative, but in Brunei Darussalam only five per cent of the populations are members of cooperatives. According to statistics gathered by Brunei Industry Development Authority (BINA), there are currently 160 cooperatives operating in the nation including 28 in agricultural activities, six in transportation, 14 in school related activities and 31 sundry stores of which only 12 are considered active.

The value of total shares after auditing is B$25,457,487 with assets included at $46, 586,749.

But of the 160 cooperatives operating in the country, only 22 are members of GKN, highlighted the minister.

Also, the minister said last year 31 per cent of the GDP was contributed by the non-oil sector and 35 per cent of that came from the private sector. It is time for cooperatives to grab opportunities as the non-oil sector has been growing steadily, he added.

The dialogue session looked into developing a stronger and more recognisable image for GKN, stimulating inspiration to follow through with previous resolutions, considering methods to increase economic activities and create opportunities, generate a programme for promotions and investments, and lay out issues related to supporting government commodities for improvement.

GKN, which was established in 1991, has only recently been reactivated in its efforts to merge cooperatives in the nation with more direction and organisation. This body was encouraged by the minister to act as a driver for all local cooperatives and be a representative once it is registered as a member of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). Lack of participation from other cooperatives is but one of the challenges faced by GKN. Further issues addressed by GKN include: funding to assist in operations, finding suitable leaders for administration and management purposes, calling for a review of legal acts and rules for cooperatives to create leverage, and collaborations with external organisations as catalytic agents of development.

Meanwhile, MIPR revealed that a working visit will be made to ANGKASA (Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad), a business plan is also currently being designed for cooperatives, as well as signing a memorandum of understanding with a specialised educational institution to respond to a call for capacity building and creating an education centre especially for cooperatives by Puan Raja Maimon, Head of Business and Entrepreneurialism Centre at Maktab Kerjasama Malaysia, during the Second National Cooperatives Seminar.

Also present during the dialogue were Deputy Minister of MIPR, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah bin HajiAbd Wahab; Permanent Secretary at MIPR, Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid bin Hj Mohd Jaafar; Deputy Permanent Secretary at MIPR Pg Hajah Mariana Pg Dipa Negara Pg Haji Abd Momin; Acting Director of BINA, Pg Sharifuddin bin Pg Hj Matali; administrative members of GKN and senior officers of MIPR and BINA. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 22-6-2007 08:33 PM ]

TheHawk

Members Express Fear Of Competition
By Kartika Rahman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Cooperatives are seen to have a role that is as valuable as the public and private sectors in terms of contribution to the nation's economic development.

Some members of the GKN expressed fear of competition yesterday and urged the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources to review acts and make revisions to provide them a competitive edge.

They sought all Shell stations and all school canteens to be operated by cooperatives only, not allowing non-citizens or non-residents to be employed in cooperatives, and limiting the quota for foreign employees.

GKN administrative members also articulated a need for more funding. One member expressed that there are some cooperatives that have over the past 10 years, been urging the GKN to find and give them financial support. Some of the suggestions included more government fiscal aid, making it compulsory for all local cooperatives to join the GKN and pay fees, enabling GKN to act as the distributor of financial aid for cooperatives through the assistance of certain agencies, and assisting GKN to take over a Shell station that is still under Brunei Shell Marketing.

To draw in more members, a road show was suggested to showcase the benefits of joining GKN.

As far as capacity building is concerned, it was recommended that cooperatives operated by students be promoted in schools as they would encourage entrepreneurship.

GKN's inactivity was said to be due to the lack of membership.

To be a member of GKN certain fees need to be paid to the organisation. However, some have said that it's not worth paying to be members of an inactive agency.

Lack of management and administration is another cause for concern, as currently there is no one who is able to commit to GKN on a full-time basis. Implementation of resolutions made in the year of their establishment, 199 1, and resolutions made after the First National Cooperatives Seminar, 1999, as well as new resolutions made after the Second National Cooperatives Seminar are feared to be seen only on paper, as barely any have come to fruition. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

TheHawk

Bruneian No. 1 in Phuket International Marathon 2007Posted by Z.M - June 19th, 2007

No, not me *haha* I was planning to write stuff on the Phuket trip once I got back home (we just got back yesterday, still REALLY exhausted) but since Fathi got 1st place at the 2nd Phuket International Marathon on 17th June 2007 (42KM - Male Category - Age 18-29) I have to post up about this one first. His net time was 3hrs 26mins (click HERE to look at the results). Congratulations dude!!! Made your country proud *hehe* So much for 揫i]asal saja abis lah

TheHawk

Imam at the sermon.

Hi-Tech Gambling Comes Under Fire
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Evil has now become hi-tech and comes in the form of the ever-popular short message service (SMS) on to your mobile, said the Imams in their Friday sermon.

4-digit lottery, gambling games, gambling quizzes and even auction sale gambles are now directly received straight into your hands on your mobiles, the religious leaders observed. Even the lottery tickets banned in Brunei comes on SMS, they said and so does the 4-digit gamble.

In what may seem to be a detailed explanation to clear the air among Ummah in the sultanate, Imams in a sermon lashed-out at those engaging in these prohibited and sinful activities and fed their families through this wrong source of income.

The religious authorities said Allah gave bliss, be it on one's mind or sight, to earn a living.

In earning a living, Islam prohibits the

Ummahs from acquiring sinful and prohibited sources of income such as being oppressive, taking interest, corruption, fraud and gambling.

Gambling means any matters that contain betting, trying one's luck for money be it small or large, either in the form of entertainment, games and so on.

Though it comes in various forms such as lottery tickets, four digits, betting, "Katam-Katam," Islam has already mentioned that it is a big sin and prohibited. Islam also outlines negative effects of gambling, but there are still those who ignorantly carried them out regardless of what is good and bad," they said.

Among the most rampant in the community is the 4-digit, which is like buying lottery tickets, in order to get rich quick in an easy manner without putting much effort.

Gambling is a vice and the cash obtained from it is Haram or forbidden and must not be used to feed the family.

If one does it, a severe punishment awaits the wrong doer in the life hereafter.

These include quiz competition, auctions and getting one's opinion through short message service (SMS) that are gaining popularity nowadays, most of which contain the elements of gambling.

These matters have been clarified to the public in the locally-published religious book pertaining to issues raised, "Irsyad Hukum 2004" and the government newspaper, 'Pelita Brunei'. However, it could not be denied that not all people would have read and acknowledged this issue.

It must be noted that some of the quizzes, auction sale or getting one's opinion through the SMS or its equivalent contain elements of gambling, for instance, quiz competitions through the SMS where the client is asked to answer the quiz. Normally, the rate of SMS in this quiz game is higher, like 50 cents compared to the normal rate of 5 cents per SMS.

The sms quiz is similar to a lottery whereby there is a fee charged for every entry to get the prize, and it depends on one's luck. The same goes to asking one's opinion through the SMS, for instance, the customer asks to choose whether to agree or not to the opinion. The SMS rate for every opinion sent through the SMS normally is higher than normal. Customers sending the highest SMS will receive the prize.

Meanwhile, with regards to auction sale through the s-ms, Imams differentiated the auction sale made through the sms and compared it to auction sale permissible according to religious Syara

TheHawk

Head of Treasury & Investment Division, Fatimah Masri
and Executive Officer, Siti Afizah Hj Othman.

Last Day For TAIB Investment Deposit
By Kartika Rahman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Today is the last day to get your hands on the highly sought after `TAIB Baraka Deposit Certificate', an investment-linked deposit product launched earlier this month by Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB).

The last date of purchase has been moved forward to today, due to an overwhelming response to the product that far exceeded expectations.

"TAIB itself is also participating in this investment scheme, but due to demands surpassing our expectations, TAIB is willing to reduce their own units to accommodate these demands," said the Head of Treasury and Investment Division, Fatimah Masri.

She went on to explain that the positive reaction and feedback they were receiving was extremely encouraging for TAIB to continue to create more creative and innovative investment products.

Executive Officer, Siti Afizah Hj Othman told the Weekend during the media conference, "Although the purchase period for TAIB Baraka Deposit Certificate is closing. It doesn't mean that it will be the last issuance. Due to the great response, we will most likely issue a second batch before the end of the year. So now is a great time for potential investors to start saving and accumulating their funds."

Before the end of the year, TAIB promises to launch numerous new innovative products. Head of Treasury & Investment Division, Fatimah Masri expressed that TAIB believes in the value of-saving and are working towards generating products that will encourage people to save. They also showed strong interest in educating their clients, especially locals, on investing. Plans for seminars on investment with TAIB are currently underway.

TAIB Baraka Deposit Certificate is an investment directly linked to SGAM Al Baraka Index comprising 30 of the best performing Syariah compliant stocks from the Dow Jones Islamic Money market Index. It requires a minimum deposit of B$1000 (10 units).

TAIB recognises the majority of locals to be risk-averse, therefore the investment is made in Brunei dollars and not in foreign currency as required by the majority of investment schemes; there is also 100 per cent Capital Protection at maturity, which means no matter what happens investors will have the amount they deposited; and, the certificate provides daily liquidity.

Detailed information can be found at www.taib.com.bn or by calling the nearest TAIB branch 223 2222. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

[ Last edited by  TheHawk at 23-6-2007 05:45 PM ]