R.B.A.F.49.

Salam, good day. Today, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces celebrates their 49th anniversary of their formation. Several events has been scheduled in conjunction for this year's celebration and it was highlighted with an defence exhibition and static display at Penanjong Garrison, Tutong. Since their formation, RBAF has achieved several development in the area of administration, defence and human resource development. The revised defence white paper, the formation of officer cadets school and the peacekeeper mission in Lebanon and the Philippines to name a few, RBAF has moved towards modern defence strategies. I believe under the guidance of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam as the Supreme Commander, RBAF will move forwards and further achieve their international acclaim.

Newly Formed Brunei Darussalam Cabinet Ministers.

(Just aired via state's radio and television).

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddien Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a Titah this afternoon, addressed the nation over television and radio, announcing a major reshuffle of the ministerial cabinet.
Under the reshuffle, His Majesty retained the portfolios of Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Finance Minister, and consented to appoint his son, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, as Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office. His Majesty's brother, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah remains as Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister.

His Majesty also consented to appoint Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong as the Minister of Education;

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof as the Minister of Health;

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman as the Minister of Development;

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar as the Minister of Communications;

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar as the Minister of Industry and Pirmary Resources;

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim as the Second Minister of Finance at The Prime Minister's Office;

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng as the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade;

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singa Manteri Colonel (R) Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar as the Minister of Energy at The Prime Minister's Office;

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman as the Minister of Religious Affairs;

Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman as the Minister of Home Affairs;

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah as the Minister of Culture Youth and Sports;

Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Wahab bin Juned as the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office;

Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustapha bin Haji Sirat as the Deputy Minister of Defence;

Yang Mulia Awang Haji Bahrin bin Abdullah as the Deputy Minister of Finance;

Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yusof bin Haji Ismail as the Deputy Minister of Education;

Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong as the Deputy Minister of Development;

Yang Mulia Pengiran Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar as the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs;

Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Laila Raja Major General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yusof as the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs;

Yang Mulia Datin Hajah Adina binti Osman as the Deputy Minister of Culture Youth and Sports.

The appointments are effective from today the 15th Jamadilakhir 1431 corresponding to the 29th May 2010. His Majesty expressed the hope that the newly-appointed ministers and deputy ministers will discharge their duties, powers and obligations with full sincerity, honesty and trustworthiness.

S.O.S.

Salam, good day. Today Brunei Darussalam observed Energy Day 2010. The Energy Division, Prime Minister’s Office invites individuals and organisations to pledge their support to follow and choose which action steps they would take during Energy Day.

The eSaving SOS campaign is one of the many activities lined up for Brunei Darussalam’s Energy Day on the 24th of May 2010 organised by the Energy Division, Prime Minister’s Office. This would be the third eSaving campaign with previous activities carried out during the Energy Day in 2008 and 2009.
Objective eSaving aims to bring together individuals and organisations in Brunei Darussalam to pledge to save energy during Energy Day so as to inculcate the habit of energy saving. The campaign would also be an exercise to show how much of a difference the people of Brunei Darussalam can make by taking simple action steps to save energy.
With the development of the energy saving habit, we hope that the people of Brunei Darussalam can change their mindset from living an energy wastage lifestyle to an energy-conscious one. For more details please log on to www.esavingday.com/

Images by bruneidaily

While yesterday, Chung Hwa Middle School (BSB) celebrate Childrens' Day with a number of colourful perfomances from their kindergarten students including my two daughter Zahra' (K3) and Sa'adah (K1). More than 500 students involved during the show before the school board of directors and their proud parents. Among the stage perfomances such as Flower Dance, Kung Fu Master, Happy Feet, Chinese Opera as well as aerobic-dance perfomance from the students. This year's Childerns' Day carries the theme "Love spreads joy and happiness".

I'm proud to see Sa'adah perfoming well as a first timer

Zahra' did well too on her third year

Zahra' with her classmates

...and Sa'adah with her best friend.

My adorable kids...

Hurry.

This is one funny stuff...

Interesting sports and politics headlines...all week!

Salam, good day. The news headlines in these few days was about politics in UK, Philippines and Malaysia. Whilst the sports news headlines comprises of Chelsea's 'double', Monaco F1 GP, Serie A, Primera Liga, Bundesliga, World Cup bid as well as Nadal and Federer showdown in Madrid wrapped up the week's sports news. It is not boring then, very very very interesting. What upset me the most is Schumacher's 20secs penalty after overtaking Alonso during their last lap at Monaco GP. I am a big fan of Ferrari as well as Schumacher and this ain't good for me. I hope the FIA will take a fair measure to solve the problem. The Sibu parliamentary by-election also came to my attention. Some have said, another political tsunami is going to happen. It's unpredictable:)

Road to South Africa.

Salam, good day. Radio Brunei (Government owned) celebrated their 53rd anniversary namely 'Radio 53' with a high note. Following their recent 'Menjejak Kampong' success in Temburong, now the main focal point move to Giant Hypermarket Tasik Rimba. Actually the activities at Giant begins on the 2nd of May, however only yesterday they push it to the full swing. Harmoni FM in their effort to be the leading radio station with family oriented programmes, yesterday has organised 'Pencarian Wanita Pesona' which is produced by Salmi Ibrahim. The main objectives is to educate and aware mothers on the importance of practising a healthy lifestyle which would drive them to a beauty looks and happiness. The programme is judged by the most acclaimed beautician Farrah Abdullah and Yusni Yusof. But early on, Nooridah Aniwati has produced 'Bersama Bintang' which lined up Harmoni FM's 'Bintang Radio'. Later in the afternoon, a crowd puller 'Bermukun' takes on stage. The 'Bermukun' is hosted by Zaini Yusof. A lot more to come from 'Radio 53' and the road show will conclude on the 16th of May. So, please do come:)

Dj Iskandar and Dj Salmi

Harmoni FM's 'Bintang Radio'

The schedules...

The 'frontstage' crew

As part of the programme 'No Drugs at All'

Kids was among the onlookers...but what are they looking at?

Haha, the elderly choice of entertainment the 'bermukun'.

The most acclaimed 'bermukun' moderator Zaini Yusof

You can hardly see youngsters, only the elderly.

The three of them are also consider as elderly...haha. My appologise sis!

From left: Dj Noridah, Dj Lia and Dj Fauziah.

Mum turns 60.

Salam, good day. May Allah's bless be upon my mum who turns 60 today. The age of 60 means a lot to our elderly in Brunei Darussalam in which they are entitled to receive their monthly pensions as well as my mum. Talking about my mum, she is a hardworker, she cooks good and a very fast learner. Actually, i don't know exactly what to write down here. But, she is everything and every mum is the coolest person on earth. I pray for your health, happiness and may you keep on obedient to ibadah, amin ya rabbal alamin. Love Azmi and family:)

Zahra' handed this to her beloved mother with mandarin wording on it...

...as well as Sa'adah. Well done to both of you dear.

Pursue further.

Studying the Quran in 1976: The Quran Versus many Non-Muslim Writers

Jamaal al-Din Zarabozo

You should keep in mind that this took place in 1976. This was before the Iranian Revolution and Islam being plastered all over the media. I didn’t know any Muslims at the time. (I was living in a relatively small college town and I incorrectly assumed that there were no Muslims there.) Thus, there was no one trying to convince me of the truth of Islam. In fact, I eventually converted to Islam before ever meeting a Muslim, doing my best to learn the prayers from a book written by a missionary, T. P. Hughes’ The Dictionary of Islam.
Therefore, the information I was receiving about Islam came mostly from non-Muslims writing about Islam. There were very few books available to me at that time written by Muslims. In fact, I only recall coming across one work written by a Muslim, a relatively small work by Maudoodi.[1] However, I was able to find a couple of copies of the Quran translated by Muslims. In particular, I was reading the translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali.
In essence, it was truly the Quran versus a number of works written by non-Muslims. In general, these non-Muslims were forced to praise Islam every now and then but always tried to find some fault with the very basis of the faith. Thus, they came up with many theories about the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran. I would be reading their critique side-by-side with the Quran.
Most of the authors I was reading were clearly saying that the Quran was not a revelation from God but simply written by the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him. Such was the view expressed by Richard Bell in The Qur'an: Translated With a Critical Re-arrangement of the Surahs, Arberry in his introduction to his translation of the Quran, Kenneth Cragg in The Call of the Minaret, ad nauseum.[2]
However, as Montgomery Watt noted, this in itself presented a host of questions. If Muhammad were a phony, did he do what he did maliciously? He was not known to be an insincere or malicious person beforehand, what then led to his change? Furthermore, if he did it maliciously, how did he come up with all of the information contained in the Quran, especially while living in a place like Mecca? Did he have teachers; if so, who were they and where is it documented that he had teachers?
To be frank, I was not very impressed with those who claimed that the Prophet had some teacher who gave him all of the information that later made up the Quran. In general, those authors would refer to chance or one-time meetings between the Prophet and specific individuals. Thus, for example, Muir and Margoliouth attributed the information found in the Quran to Baheerah, a monk that the Prophet may have met in Syria during his youth while part of a trading caravan, long before he claimed to be a Prophet. Such arguments are flatly illogical and extremely far-fetched. I did not spend much time with them.
Some critics were forced to admit that the Prophet Muhammad was known to be an extremely honest and sincere person. They also noted how he did not really materially benefit from his actions, as he continued to live a very sincere and humble life. Therefore, they concluded that he was honest and sincere but terribly deluded. But still, if he were deluded, where did this information come from? Some made it seem like it was from his subconscious. Anderson even called it “wishful thinking.” Others actually said that he was suffering from epileptic seizures and that the revelations were the result of such seizures. These theories may have been convincing to anyone who simply read what these authors wrote without taking the time to read and study the Quran itself. As shall be noted later in this lecture, there is simply too much information in the Quran that could not have possibly have come from one’s own subconscious.
Another common claim that I had read was that the Prophet Muhammad was some kind of “nationalist” leader whose main goal was to unite the Arabs. Typical of this way of thinking is what was stated in The New Catholic Encyclopedia: “About the age of 40 he received his ‘prophetic call’ to unite Arabs under a monotheism.”[3] This approach can be considered more complementary, as it does not seek to ridicule the Prophet in any way. Yet, at the same time, it made no sense to me just on the basis of one reading of the Quran. It is sufficient to note that there is not one passage in the Quran that is addressed to the Arabs. In the Quran, God speaks to humankind or the people, believers and disbelievers. If this book were meant for the Arabs only, why are they never addressed directly and, instead, these general terms that cross all of humanity are used?
In any case, the plethora of their different views concerning the Prophet was a sign to me that something unfathomable to those authors had occurred. This was all evidence to me that there was really something to the Quran, as otherwise just could have just discounted it as a trivial work, not worth the effort of refuting or discussing. It actually got me even more interested in the Quran. This is something that you will see again later: The works that should have dissuaded me from further pursuing the Quran made me more convinced that I need to pursue it further. (www.islamreligion.com).

Which team needs help?

Salam, good day. This morning The Right Honourable Datuk Seri Haji Mohammad Ali bin Mohammad Rustam, the Chief Minister of Malacca paid a visit to RTB to promote 'Jom to Malacca' campaign and the upcoming 'SUKMA Malacca 2010'. During his live interview at Harmoni FM, the Chief Minister has stated that Malacca is ready to serve all the officers and athletes during the games which provides excellent hospitality and international standard sports venues. The state has spent more than RM150 million in preparation for this upcoming event. The Chief Minister also stated starting from 2011 onwards SUKMA will be held every year, no longer once every two years. During the visit the Malacca CM also hold an informal talks in various issues with RTB senior officers and the Director of RTB also assure the visiting delegations that they will sending up their crew for coverage during SUKMA next month:)

Images by bruneidaily

The Malacca CM seated 1st from right at the Harmoni FM studio

During the live interview on Harmoni FM

RTB senior officers pictured with the visiting delegations prior to departure

The Malacca CM exchanging souvenirs with the Director of RTB