Blues toff-ease...

Salam, good day. Today marks the 48th Anniversary of the formation of Royal Brunei Armed Forces. Mass parade held this morning at the Royal Brunei Air Force Base in Rimba. Since it's formation, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces has developed convincingly. In terms of human resource development, administration, infrastructure and international relations, Royal Brunei Armed Forces have shown their credibility as a very professionally trained agency. Though I couldn't attend the parade this morning due to office commitment. This year's celebration carries the theme "Strengthening Defence in Supporting the Mature Nation':)

Image infofoto

HM Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah,

the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The Supreme Commander of RBAF and the

Minister of Defence.

S-League no more?

Salam, good day. Again, I appologise on being outdated on my post. I've got slight fever on Friday and even today. Meaning that bruneidaily unable to roam for news coverage but expect more story by next week. I'm heading to Singapore on Monday on a working visit. Alright, if you happened to read today's local newspaper sports headline, i'm sure you'll dead shock. Brunei DPMM FC participation in the S-League might be terminated. This is due to the complexities over Brunei Darussalam Football Association (BAFA) which had an impending impact on it's FIFA's membership and the status of Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD) which is yet to be recognised by the international governing body of football. According to Pengiran Haji Muhd Waslimin (Acting Club Manager of DPMM FC) the club is deeply saddened by the recent development although the club believes that all parties concerned have given their due consideration in the matter. He added that the club will try to appeal to the appropriate authorities in the hope that 'reconsideration' be given to the club in this particular circumstances. This long saga is yet to be resolve. Let's wait for the outcome soon:)

Awesome Barca!

Salam, good day. The opening ceremony of the Finals of National Al-Quran Reading Competition held last night at Plenary Hall, ICC. HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah has consented to officiate the event. Four qari and four qariah has performed their recitation and the results will be announce later this evening. While in Europe, Barcelona clinched the UEFA Champions League after defeating Manchester United 2-0. Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi scored at either half of the match and gave the catalan their third silverware this season under their debutant manager Pep Guardiola:)

"In this era of globalisation with the current sophistication in info-communication, the knowledge contained in the Quran is being given due attention and analysis, discussed as well as studied by the non-Muslim community. What is certain is that the divinity of Islam and the Quran continues to be revealed through the intellectual discoveries of researchers," the Crown Prince said in HRH's 'sabda'.

One of the contestant, Hj Muhammad Fahmie

Super Reds 0-0 DPMM FC

Salam, good day. Later this evening 'Pertandingan Membaca Al-Quran Bahagian Dewasa Peringkat Akhir Kebangsaan' will takes it place at ICC, Berakas. Four qari and four qariah will be vying for honour, the champion from both categories will automatically chosen to represent Brunei Darussalam in the international competition. Last year's champion Ak Md Adibul Amin Pg Marjuki and Nurfaezah Emran will again competing this year as a defending champion. Last morning I've attended the full rehearsal which was also attended by ministers and senior government officials. Since I was also on duty later, so don't expect much coverage on bruneidaily:)

Invited qari from The Republic of Indonesia

While last night Brunei DPMM FC and Super Reds only manage to get a goalless draw in their S-League campaign at Yishun Stadium in Singapore. Not a bad result, but what really bad is five players picked up yellow cards in the first half. Yusof Salleh, Wardun Yussof, Abdel Hamid, Oh Ddog Yi and Rosmin Kamis were booked by referee Abdul Malik in the first 45 minutes of play. After last night's match DPMM FC stays third, 14 games played manage to collect 26 points. Meanwhile, the team will open their League Cup campaign on June 2 against Albirex Niigata in Singapore.

Super Reds FC vs DPMM FC, tonight!

Salam, good day. Now we are in the month of Jamadilakhir in the Islamic calendar. Don't you think that times flies very fast? Really it was. We almost reach the fifth gear now. Why not, it is only a month left for us to reach Rejab, later Sya'aban and followed by Ramadhan. Are we ready yet? I hope we will, Insya Allah:)

Later tonight, Brunei DPMM FC as a visitor this time around will face Super Reds FC at The Yishun Stadium, Singapore. In their first round clash, DPMM FC took full three points at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium by 2-1 scoreline. Follow the live commentary on Harmoni FM 94.1, at 7.45pm.

Brunei DPMM FC vs Super Reds FC

But, Bar, Rai & Mas at Monaco.

Salam, good day. Weaheyy...Yesterday, an eventful weekend it was! In the morning I went to Chung Hwa Middle School in which they are celebrating Childrens' Day. In the afternoon I went to Studio 'A' RTB for Bintang Radio semi-final which was organised by Harmoni FM, RTB. Later I went to Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien for the Energy Fair in conjunction with the Energy Week. However I missed out the Netball Final at the Multi Purpose Hall HBNS Complex. After being discharge from the RIPAS ward on Wednesday and on medical leave for two days, back to work on Saturday and Sunday...I owe my family much of their time! My kids keep on saying '...boring bapa, working all the time...'. What can I do dear:)

CHMS board of directors

KG 3 children belting out 'Bunyi Gitar'



KG 2 children doing their 'Ase re je'

Bintang Radio finalists

Ten finalists vying for the final of Bintang Radio which is schedule to be held on the 28th of June. Hey, Brunei never dry of new singing talents! The ten finalists did well during the semi-final which was being judged by Salmaya Husin, Abdullah Kifli and Pg Shaiful Rizal Malek Faisal Pg Merali. A big hand to Harmoni FM, RTB on their effort to organised such contest. Also, all the participants are belting out oldies numbers (as the regulations stands for Bintang Radio). Very nostalgic! That is actually what differentiate the Bintang Radio to any other singing contests.

Harmoni FM DJ's

In their capacity as the working committee

The emcee DJ Iskandar

Contests for the cutest eyes (chinese look alike)

Energy Fair at Taman

A lot of activities

However, this is the aftermath

Conserve Energy!

Salam, good day. Last evening QAF FC clinched the Cup Winners' Cup after defeated MS ABDB 2-0. It is also as a curtain raiser match for DST Group BPL 2009/2010. QAF FC took the lead in the 22nd minutes from a woderful strike by Viban Bayong. However the second goal only came with only two minutes left from time by Adie Arsham Muhammad Salleh who is also chosen as the man-of-the match. The match last night was not as I would have expect. Both teams unable to show their rhythm and could not convert few chances. According from both the teams managers, they've lost some key players which is on loan to DPMM FC for the S-League campaign. After all, it was a good match and we expect more crunch matches coming up in the DST Group BPL 2009/2010. Alright, this morning I went to Chung Hwa Middle school for Children's Day while in the afternoon I will be covering the semi final of Bintang Radio 2009 at RTB Complex and The Energy Fair at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien. The coverage is on tomorrow's post. Pleasant weekend:)

HRH Prince Abdul Malik upon arrival

Back drop for the press conference, nice...

I couldn't catch much the action on my SLR cam
since I was also on duty


The Minister of CY&S with the official from ABDB,
Culture, Youth & Sports Department and DST Group

Man-of-the-match

Adie Arsham Muhammad Salleh of QAF FC

Runners-up, MS ABDB

Their first silverware of the season

The last but not least, Mr Rano Iskandar.

Your silverware is coming mate!

BPL kicks off tonight.

Salam, good day. Yesterday and last evening I missed out two functions. In the afternoon I missed out the signing of sponsorship between DST Group and FFBD, for Brunei National Football League. Another one was Tausyeh final which was organised by RTB and entirely funded by Perbadanan TAIB, Insurans Islam TAIB and Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd, which was held last night at Dewan Raya RTB. Alright, after the U14 and U16 now it's time for us to go more challenging with DST Group BPL which kicks off tonight. As a tradition, the curtain raiser Cup Winner's Cup match between last year's Division I Champion (QAF FC) and Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) at the Track and Field Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex in Berakas. It is going to be another eventful weekend in Brunei, one after another. It's good to see people very active these days be it in sports, community activities etc. Let's hope it will drive the nation to the right path of success:)

2nd away defeat in a row.

Salam, good day. Alhamdulillah, we are in another Friday. The leading day in a week for muslims. In today's sermon, the khatibs and imams has urged the rakyat to step up their awareness to conserve the usage of energy. In islam, the muslims are also being teached and asked by Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him not to over spent or over use everything in their whole life. Enough to spend or use it just to fulfill the needs. While this weekend Energy Day and Energy Fair will be held at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien in the capital. Public are welcome. While last night, Brunei DPMM FC lost 1-2 to Woodlands Wellington in their S-League campaign. Abu Bakar Makari pulled one back just a minute after the home side lead by 2-0 (33' & 64'), to set up a close finale. After the game, DPMM FC stays third collecting 25 points from their 13 games played:)

Every Friday, activities in Brunei Darussalam is more on family oriented, they might be a family gathering. The best time for it is having lunch together. Also, lunch dishes on Friday is very much differ from the weekdays. That is why Friday lunch is a bit special for families in Brunei. For me, it is a must to go out on Friday to 'pasar tamu' or 'pasar ikan' to get my self fresh vegetables and fish. On my thought, your Friday would mean nothing if you are not going out. But I have few tips before you go out on Friday as follows:

1.Don't leave home without having breakfast. If you go out in hunger, your spending might incerase.

2.List out the stuffs you are going to have.

3.Never go out late, the fresh stuff will run out!

By looking at this cars, expect a senior government officer on visit

(I took this picture while driving, on my wife's handphone). Yep, I'm right. YB Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan DSS Haji Awang Adanan (blue hat), The Minister of Home Affairs was on a working visit to Gadong Wet Market this morning. He has a looked inside out the 'pasar' and he doesn't look happy. Thanks Pehin for your concern. Since YB Pehin took over the ministerial job at The Ministry of Home Affairs, the capital looks very improving from time to time. YB Pehin has implemented a lot of new systems which bring mordenisation in the country. He cleared up the 'Pasar Tambing', and the capital no longer stinks. Now under development is Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront. The latest is the new parking system in the capital and Belait District. All round of applause to YB Pehin...

DPMM FC vs Woodlands tonight.

Salam, good day. I was still on my medical leave, so please don't expect much alternative news on bruneidaily. Brunei Darussalam is one of the country in this globe (after middle east country of course) which is still applying 'jawi' (arabic letters) widely. We can see 'jawi' everywhere in Brunei such as government offices, commercial buildings, streets label, shops, schools etc. As Bruneian, I'm glad to see that. I'm really glad! But one thing plays in mind, mainly on shops label the 'jawi' does not synchronised with their brand. Sometimes they use the 'jawi' to directly translated the company label or brand. Actually I'm yet to know the procedure. I have few examples below. What is you thought? Cheers:)

Gran Truck-ismo! The truck actually overtook four cars to get infront, including me. It is very dangerous to see truck running that fast. Also, the truck is fully loaded!

This is what I mean. The brand was Great Eastern (on your left). But the brand changes to Timur Raya in 'jawi' (on your right). Maybe the jawi should be something like this ga, ro, ya, ta (great) and alif, sin, ta, nun (eastern). Hahaha, maybe something like that. But on my opinion it shouldn't be directly translated.

Golden Music Centre goes to 'Pusat Muzik Emas' in 'jawi'. People will never know where is 'Pusat Muzik Emas'.

See...'jawi' is everywhere. Brunei identity



It is a must to include 'jawi' in every signboards




I have problem with my air-conditioner. Water pouring for the whole day.

Then I go for servicing. I have one very good thai air-cond mechanic name Sujai (Sut-chai). He charge $40.00 for general service. Previously I've used mechanic with the asking price ranging from $25-$35. But the outcome is not as you would expected. Sometimes they ask you an additional charges. Not with Sujai, the $40.00 covers all problem. The outcome not that bad too.

Revive MIB Council

Salam, good day. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'zzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam last evening has consented to attend a forum entitled 'Forum Melayu Islam Beraja' in conjunction with The 25th National Day Celebration which was organised by People who was being bestowed a title. The forum took place at ICC Berakas. Yesterday on my post I promised you my coverage for that forum, but I'm unable to attend. I was admitted at RIPAS Hospital for few hours last night. So I could only watch it and follow HM's titah live on telly. My appologise:)

HM during delivering the 'titah' (Image infofoto)

In the titah, HM has stated on the need to reactivate the national executive council of Malay Islamic Monarchy or MIB concept which is very silent for over the last few years. Also part of HM's titah '...The last appointment for members of the MIB National Executive Council was in 2001 for the duration of five years and it lasted till 2006. Now we are in 2009 and the news of such council is not heard today. Are we running out of persons eligible to be elected as new members or whether such council itself is no longer relevant? Whatever the problem is, I would like to listen and find out the answer...' (Borneo Bulletin Azlan Othman / Lyna Mohammad).

The Minister of Communication

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna DSS Hj Abu Bakar

was the forum's chairman (moderator)

The Minister of Religious Affairs

YB Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja DSU

Dr Ustaz Hj Mohd Zain touches on 'Beraja'

YB Pehin Siraja Khatib DPSS Hj Yahya

has stated a very interesting fact about 'Islam'

As well as YDM Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja DP Hj Hazair. YDM Pehin also touches on 'Beraja'. It is very rare to see such a high profile personnel to give such talks. I think they should make use of their intellegence to give such forum or talks continuously since it can be very inspirational.

This (pain-killer) was given to me to bring home... At first the physician is planning to admit me to the ward, but after the blood test everything is ok. But I was being advised to get enough rest.

MIB Forum tonight.

Salam, good day. As I've told you and as I've expected, few assignment is to be done...weaheyyy. Above all, that is your job. You gain income from it. Keep on doing your job and keep up the good work! Alright, later this evening at Plenary Hall ICC, 'Forum Melayu Islam Beraja' is scheduled. I'm yet to know the detail of the function but expect the coverage on tomorrow's post. Few events also schedule to be held, as follows:

1. DST Group Brunei Premier League Launching on 23rd May (Track & Field HBNSC).
2. Tug-of-War (tarik kalat) Final on 23rd May (Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien).
3. Energy Fair on 24th May (Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali saifuddien).
4. Aerobic and Walkathon Mukim Berakas A on 24th May (Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium).

Back to work.

Salam, good day. Today I'm back to the office. My tray-in is full of letters. Weaheyy, I have a lot to update! I expect more to come (assignment)for me in the coming weeks and months. In Brunei, people involve with media seems very busy for almost the entire year. On my thought, only in the month of March (after The National Day) until the end of May media people was a bit of relief. Media in Brunei still plays a big role in supporting the government and private sectors to achieve their aspirations. It seems that, media people was a friend to be for everybody. Also, as a media people be it a journalists, reporter, author or etc we should also respect and follow the regulations being underline for media publications. We are not allowed to touch on sensitive issues or sensationalising stories. Media is to give out correct informations in which Insya Allah will drive the nation's on the right path for success:)

Why this picture? Alright, during I was on leave I took an opportunity to tidy up my place. Ooooh...in Bahasa Melayu we call it 'ampar' (exhausted), a lot of things to clear up. Some of the stuff I just threw it away in order to get more space since we have a month old baby in the family. About this picture, I've just found it during the 'cleaning campaign'. This was taken in Tagaytay, Philippines. During the time I was there, people was keep looking at me. Why? This place is very cold (highland). People around is donning thick cloths. But look at me, a piece of shirt and I was shivering then...shame you! It took me 2hours++ from metro Manila to reach there. I really miss this place, very nice and of course very romantic for loving couples!

I appologise for the quality of this picture. My friends while in Manila from left; Nurzainah Ramlee (3rd Sec), Omar Abdul Hamid (3rd Sec), me and Haris Tuah (1st Sec) at The Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Manila.