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His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah at the launch of “Association” yesterday at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan. Their Royal Highnesses are accompanied by QAF CEO, Albert Lau (R) and Brunei Press Deputy General Manager, Hazizah Osman (L)

THE latest book authored by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, titled ‘Association’ has been described as a film in the form of a book.

Association records the history of the Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) from the tentative meeting of its founding fathers in 1967 to its modern role under the Asean Charter of 2008, through His Royal Highness’ experience as the longest serving minister in the AMM and the only remaining minister who had worked directly with the Asean founding fathers.

The book also reflects on His Royal Highness’ personal memories and observations about the AMM, its role in Asean and His Royal Highness’ personal role in its development.

HRH noted that Association is not a traditional book. In many ways, it is a film in the form of a book with a director, a script writer, a cameraman, leading actors and a supporting cast of over six hundred million. That’s why there is so much visual content.

“The story is the AMM. The location is Southeast Asia and the setting is time… not the symbolic ‘t’ of scientific study but a short period of less than 50 years in real time.”

On His Royal Highness’ feelings about the publication of the book, His Royal Highness stated, “Great appreciation to my Asean ministerial colleagues down the years … to all my friends, colleagues and staff who have given me their personal and professional support. And, also to many of our own people who have contributed, especially some very talented young people.”

His Royal Highness has published several books before Association, namely, ‘Time and the River – a memoir,’ ‘Remember, Remember….the 8th of December,’ and ‘A Southeast Asian Community – more than a matter of Geography.’ All four books focus on two central themes, which is the universal and eternal meaning of ‘time’ and the specific moments that give time its reality for ordinary people; and the relationship between ordinary people and those who govern them.

HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah officiating the launch of “Association”

The book upholds that the Asean Ministerial Meeting is far more than a matter of slogans, abstractions and symbols. Events, places and even time itself are real and measured in terms of human action, human friendship and cooperation and human understanding.

The title stresses the importance of the meaning of ‘association’ as opposed to ‘organisation,’ proposing that ‘association’ is the essence of Asean policy to build a “Regional Community”. The theme of the book is inspired by the ‘Games’ or “shared fellowship” which binds Southeast Asians in groups and societies which form a “community” of nations.

The narrative is structured around six Southeast Asian games symbolising the classic values of Southeast Asian societies played across the region and the inspirations they offer to the people who form the community of Southeast Asia.

These portrayal of symbolism in each game is as follows: teamwork in Tarik Kalat; the daring leap of Lumpat Gatah; the skill that spins the Gasing; the knowledge and strategy of Congkak; the perseverance of Sepak Takraw Bulatan; and the beauty, vision and excellence of Seni Silat.

“Association” is published by Brunei Press Sdn Bhd follows the launch of HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah’s second book “Remember, Remember… The 8th of December” in 2007.

The book will be available at bookstores nationwide starting April 9, 2013. It retails at $68 for hard cover copies and $48 for soft cover copies. Those who wish to purchase a copy can contact 8777656 or 8160055. Source: Nazirul Hakeem and Hakim Hayat. Images by Azrol Azmi and Bahiyah Bakir of Borneo Bulletin.

Association now goes on sale at bookstores

 

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What will happen today? hmmmm

 

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This was taken a few days ago that spread on social media

It was a case of a chicken hung out to dry on a mop that alerted local authorities to temporarily shut down a local Chinese restaurant in Kg Kiulap for a blatant violation of hygiene practices.

The picture of the hanging chicken circulated in no time via WhatsApp and other social media platforms, prompting the Law Enforcement Unit of BSB Municipal Board to close down the restaurant yesterday.

The cook had explained that the chicken would be crispier if it is hung out to dry in the open and that it was not meant for customers, but rather the restaurant staff.

An investigation found that the restaurant had failed in a hygiene test, obtaining only 46 per cent. It will only be allowed to reopen once it has scored a certain percentage in terms of hygiene.

The Law Enforcement Unit wished to convey its appreciation to the public for highlighting the matter, and welcomed their input on unhygienic restaurants.

Restaurant owners are urged to maintain the cleanliness of their premises, especially when handling food. Meanwhile, enforcement personnel will continue to conduct inspections under the jurisdiction of the BSB Municipal Board. Text by James Kon of Borneo Bulletin.

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An illustration drawn, taken from CK’s FB