E-newsletter of High Commission of to Negara Darussalam (July – December 2018) OFFICIAL VISIT OF YAB TUN DR MAHATHIR PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA TO NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

The 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad undertook an Official Visit to Negara Brunei Darussalam from 2 to 3 September 2018. It was YAB Prime Minister’s second official visit to Southeast countries as part of his introductory visit to the region since his appointment on 10 May 2018. YAB Prime Minister and spouse was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, YB Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah and officials from the Prime Minister’s Office as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the 2-day visit, YAB Prime Minister had 4-eyed meeting with Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah followed by a Luncheon hosted by His Majesty As this was YAB Prime Minister’s inaugural visit after 16 years, YAB Prime Minister took the opportunity to engage with Malaysian diaspora in a dialogue session during dinner at the Rizqun International Hotel.

YABhg Tun Dr Siti Hasmah was also treated with the same courtesy when she had an audience with Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha and members of the royal family accompanied by members of the delegation. 1 2 OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA TO NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (JULY – DECEMBER 2018) NEWS

OFFICIAL VISIT OF YAB TUN DR MAHATHIR, PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

The visit provided a platform for the two Leaders to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation. It also allowed Malaysia to highlight the government’s latest policies and its stand particularly on issues of mutual concern. Furthermore, both Leaders had the opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues that are of common interest to both countries.

Brunei Darussalam is one of Malaysia’s closest and important neighbours. Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah was the first foreign Leader to have paid a private visit to Malaysia to personally congratulate YAB Prime Minister after assuming the position on 10 May 2018.

In 2017, Malaysia’s total trade with Brunei Darussalam amounted to US$1.14 billion, an increase of 70 percent compared to US$0.67 billion in 2016, making it Malaysia’s 35th largest trading partner globally and 7th largest trading partner in ASEAN. 3 OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA TO NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (JULY – DECEMBER 2018) NEWS

YABHG TUN DR SITI HASMAH’S MORNING COFFEE WITH PERWAKILAN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

YABhg Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, wife of the Prime Minister with ladies of Malawakil Bandar Seri Begawan’s PERWAKILAN and Pengiran Datin Hajah Noor Yashimah binti Pengiran Anak Haji Hashim (wife of Minister- In-Attendance) as well as Datin Dayang Hajah Mariani binti Haji Bongsu (wife of Brunei Darussalam’s High Commissioner to Malaysia).

Below: PERWAKILAN members and staff of the High Commission singing YABhg Tun Siti’s favourite song “Biar Bulan Bicara”. 4 OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA TO NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (JULY – DECEMBER 2018) NEWS

DIALOGUE SESSION WITH MALAYSIAN COMMUNITY

A Dialogue Session with Malaysian diaspora in Negara Brunei Darussalam. Approximately 600 gathered at the Rizqun International Hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan to welcome YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and YABhg Tun Dr Siti Hasmah and their delegation. Followed by the much awaited “no-holds-barred” Dialogue Session with Malaysian Community in Negara Brunei Darussalam moderated by Prof. Osman Bakar.

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DISTINGUISHED LECTURE BY PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA AT UNIVERSITY OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (UBD)

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) hosted Distinguished Lecture by YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad entitled “Brunei- Malaysia Relations from ASEAN Perspectives”. 250 people comprises of government officials and students attended the lecture with a questions and answers session.

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OFFICIAL VISIT OF YB DATO’ SAIFUDDIN ABDULLAH TO NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

At the invitation of YB Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohammad Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Negara Brunei Darussalam, YB Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia undertook an official visit to the Sultanate on 13 August 2018. The visit was considered as part of Yang Berhormat’s introductory visits to ASEAN countries pursuant to Yang Berhormat’s appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia on 2 July 2018.

Despite his packed schedule with his counterpart and audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Yang Berhormat also took the opportunity to visit the High Commission. Although the visit was brief, Yang Berhormat managed to interact with all staff of the High Commission and shared the “New Malaysia” Government’s policies and directions including Malaysia’s foreign policy direction under his leadership. 7 OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA TO NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (JULY – DECEMBER 2018) NEWS

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 61ST NATIONAL DAY OF MALAYSIA

The High Commission held a flag raising ceremony in the morning of 31 August 2018 in conjunction with the 61st National Day at the Chancery. The annual celebration of Malaysia’s was attended by approximately 200 Malaysian citizens who are either working, studying or residing in Brunei Darussalam. The Charge d’ Affaires a.i. delivered a brief speech themed “Sayangi Malaysiaku” which was then followed by singing of Malaysia’s National Anthem, “”, “Jalur Gemilang” and 2018’s Ntional Day Theme Song “Kita Punya Malaysia” with the community. After that, the crowd was served with light refreshments comprised of Malaysian signature dish ‘Nasi Lemak’, Mee Soto and fruits (durian, pomelo and pineapples) compliments of FAMA . 8 OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA TO NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (JULY – DECEMBER 2018) NEWS

#2018QuranHour AT THE HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA

To mark the 61st National Day of Malaysia, the High Commission also held a #2018QuranHour event at the Chancery on 31 August 2018. Staff of the High Commission together with around 20 Malaysians and particularly 15 students from UNISSA sat down to recite selected verses of the Quran together.

The High Commission’s #2018QuranHour was led by Tuan Haji Ibrahim Seddiqi Talib, Director of Tourism Malaysia (Brunei). Racitation of selected verses of the Quran included Surah Al-Fatihah, Surah Al- Baqarah (1-5) and Surah Al-Hujarat. In meeting the requirement for the event (Tadabbur dan Tazakkur), Tuan Haji Ibrahim also elaborated further on the meaning of the verses and lessons that could be learnt from it. 9 OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA TO NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (JULY – DECEMBER 2018) NEWS

MALAYSIA’S 61ST NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION

The 61st National Day Reception in 2018 was held on 10 October 2018 at the Rizqun International Hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan. The Guest of Honour, representing the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam was YB Maj. Gen. (R) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of Negara Brunei Darussalam and his wife Datin Nurhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim.

The 350 guests comprising senior government officials, friends of Malaysia, Malaysians and members of the diplomatic corps were entertained by the Sabah Performing Arts Troupe from Sabah Tourism Board. After a brief remarks by the Charge d’Affaires a.i., YB Minister and wife as well as other ASEAN’s Heads of Mission in Bandar Seri Begawan gathered on stage for the Cake Cutting Ceremony. 10

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