His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Yang Teramat Mulia Azrinaz Mazhar binti Hakim Mazhar, last night consented to grace the Gala Night of Titian Budaya. They were welcomed upon arrival at the Empire Hotel and Country Club by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Retired Major General Pehin Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad and the Malaysian Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Dato Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince; Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen. Also there was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.

The Titian Budaya is a joint cultural project between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia towards enhancing and improving networking in the bilateral close cooperation with ASEAN member countries especially in culture, arts and heritage. Before departure, His Majesty, Her Majesty and Yang Teramat Mulia Azrinaz Mazhar consented to receive greetings from the artists who were involved in the show.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and the Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, Friday ended their official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Before departing for the Wattay International Airport, Their Royal Highnesses attended an official farewell ceremony at the Reception Hall of the State Guesthouse.

They were introduced to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Retired Major General Pehin Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohamad at the reception. In his speech, the Pehin believes that the friendship envoys’ visit will further strengthen the friendly relations between the Republic of Korea and Brunei Darussalam, and deepened the mutual understanding of each other’s culture and art.

The Dikir Brunei Workshop will be implemented in stages starting with imams and bilals. It will commence next month with ten songs in the first phase and nine songs in the second session. A total of 27 Brunei Dikir songs have been recorded by ten Dikir groups from mosques in the country. It was compiled in a 7 volume set and is being sold to the public for 4 dollars each. Last night’s event was held at the Mohamed Bolkiah Mosque in Kampung Serusop.

Dato Haji Sulaiman added that the disciplinary problems need to solved wisely by taking into account the challenges and influence in life. He also believed that the strength of the forces do not depend solely on the capacity of its equipment or hardware but not less important is its human resource capability and quality. Earlier, the chief guest inspected the parade comprising 171 male recruits.

Prizes were given to best instructor and recruits. Best Instructor was Eddwin Shah bin Yusof, Best in M16 Rifle was awarded to Zunaidi bin Tuah, whilst Mohd. Ikhwan bin Awang Ramlee was adjudged Best in Heavy Barrel Automatic Rifle; Best in Physical Training was Harun bin Haji Osman. While the Overall Best Recruit was awarded to Masruni bin Ismail. The function was held at Penanjong Garrison.

The institution of Penghulu and Kampung Ketuas are urged to actively motivate their Mukims and Kampung Consultative Committee as well as to show their caring attitude towards solving the welfare of the mukim and kampung. The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs made the remarks at the presentation of appointment certificate to the new ketua of Kampung Penapar in Mukim Tanjong Maya, Tutong, Friday. Dato Seri Setia Haji Yusoff bin Haji Ismail in his speech added the institution should also maintain the prosperity and community unity practice while implementing their responsibilities and duties as His Majesty’s Government agencies

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces have acquired new defence equipment and arms. The procurement of such modern facilities will no doubt upgrade the strength of the forces in line with the changing of time and vast technology development. The forces received 130 new military vehicles, Friday, at a brief ceremony that was held at the Berakas Garrison.

Consumers who have not made any payment are therefore advised to do so to prevent their electricity supply from being cut off. Payments can only be made from 8 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon during workdays at the department’s office or branches. For those wishing to get more information may contact the Arrears Collection Unit of the Revenue Management Section in Jalan Kianggeh. The unit can also be contacted at 2220836 and 2225936.

Meanwhile those in the Belait, Tutong and Temburong Districts and also in the areas of Sengkurong and Muara Branch can contact their respective Department of Electrical Services Branches in that district. The department recorded debts in unpaid electricity bills at 250 million dollars of which 100 million dollars are owed by the public and 150 million dollars by the government.