His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha yesterday paid their final respects to Lee Kuan Yew at Sri Temasek with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the son of Lee Kuan Yew. Image taken from The Brunei Times.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha yesterday paid their final respects to Lee Kuan Yew at Sri Temasek.

During his brief visit to the city-state, the monarch also signed a condolence book and spoke to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to extend his condolences.

The Singapore founding father passed away aged 91 at the Singapore General Hospital yesterday. Lee left behind three children including the current prime minister.

Their Majesties were greeted by the prime minister and his spouse, Ho Ching, upon their arrival at Sri Temasek, which is located within the Istana grounds.

Prior to visiting the official residence, Their Majesties were greeted by Foreign Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam and his wife, Dr Seetha Shanmugam, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Image taken from The Brunei Times.

The Black Ribbon to commemorate the late Lee Kuan Yew

The Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei said Singapore was successfully transformed and recognised worldwide as one of the most developed countries in the region under Lee’s 31 years of leadership. Brunei and Singapore have a strong bilateral relationship with extensive cooperation covering finance, economy, defence, education and health.

In 1990, His Majesty conferred Lee with the decoration of ‘Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati’ (The Most Esteemed Family Order Laila Utama), which carries the title Dato Laila Utama.

Lee was the first prime minister of the republic from 1959 to 1990 before he was appointed senior minister until 2004 and later, minister mentor until 2011.

The late leader was born in Singapore on 16 September 1923 and graduated in Law from Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam College in 1949. He was then admitted to the English Bar in 1950. Their Majesties were accompanied to the city-state by Second Finance Minister at Prime Minister’s Office YB Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim.

Also present were Second Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng and Energy Minister at PMO YB Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar. Text courtesy of Rabiatul Kamat of The Brunei Times.

 

Pg Laila Kanun Diraja Pg Hj Bahrin, Aman Pg Izad-Ryan, Datin Hjh Masni, Sarina Hj Masri, Shazali Dato Sulaiman (former Honorary Consul), His Excellency Ambassador Thomas Kupfer, the Swiss Ambassador to Singapore, Rinawaty binti Abdullah @ Suzanne Rahaman Aeby, Pg Salleh Ab Rahaman bin Pg Hj Damit, Pg Pg Izad-Ryan bin PLKDR Pg Hj Bahrin (new Honorary Consul), Azhani Abu Daniel and Pg Irwan Pg Salleh Ab Rahaman

The handover of the official credentials to Pg Izad-Ryan from Shazali Dato Sulaiman while His Excellency Ambassador Thomas Kupfer looks on

Yesterday was a milestone for my neighbour, Pg Izad-Ryan bin PLKDR Pg Hj Bahrin, partner in the Brunei law firm Pengiran Izad and Lee. He was appointed as the new Honorary Consul of the Swiss Confederation in Brunei Darussalam. Earlier in the month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade presented Pg Izad-Ryan with the Exequatur, authorizing him to act or carry out certain duties in Brunei on behalf of Switzerland.

The previous honorary Honorary Consul was Shazali Sulaiman who served in that position for a good long 14 years. He was very appreciative towards the Switzerland Embassy in Singapore for their guidance and support. He also thanked Pg Salleh Ab Rahaman bin Pg Hj Damit and especially Rinawaty binti Abdullah @ Suzanne Rahaman Aeby, a Swiss, for being not only a good friend to Shazali but also a great mentor while serving as an Honorary Consul. Shazali also went on to thank his wife, Sarina Hj Masri and lastly his secretary, Yvonne. He wished Pg Izad-Ryan the best in his new role as Honorary Consul.

Pg Izad-Ryan hopes to strengthen the bilateral ties between Switzerland and Brunei Darussalam in terms of travel, education and commerce. He thanked his predecessor Shazali and also to His Excellency Ambassador Thomas Kupfer, the Swiss Ambassador to Singapore for considering his new position. He ended his welcoming remarks in thanking his wife Azhani Abu Daniel and his family for the support.

Also present during the appreciation and appointment ceremony was Shaikh Hj Fadilah Shaikh Hj Ahmad, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, government officials, members of the diplomatic corp, private sector and friends.

H.E. Thomas Kupfer said he was very pleased with the appointment of the Exequatur for Switzerland and looked forward to the cultural and economic opportunities that could be created between Brunei Darussalam and Switzerland. He also emphasized the appointment “serves to underline the warm relations between the two countries”.

It is always great to know someone that I’m familiar with taking such a high position that can create value to the nation and also globally. Shazali is a person whom I got acquainted many years ago and he has such a humble character that goes along with his cheerfulness. The funny thing is that Shazali is an accountant by profession while Pg Izad-Ryan practices law. As for my neighbour, Pg Izad-Ryan, he will definitely do his best to fill in the shoes left by Shazali. I’m very proud of you, Pg Izad-Ryan, and I look forward to your new journey as Honorary Consul of the Swiss Confederation in Brunei Darussalam.

Shaikh Hj Fadilah Shaikh Hj Ahmad, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (left) among the invited the guests

His Excellency Todd Mercer, Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam speaking to the crew of Origin Films

Hitesh Ramesh Bhawani, Director of YMRM Galleria, was happy about the appointment and applauded Pg Izad-Ryan, saying how he has a very good background and he believes that Pg Izad-Ryan is suited for this position.

Ken Han having a chat with the new Honorary Consul of Switzerland to Brunei

Posing with the flags of Brunei Darussalam and Switzerland

Behind a successful man like Shazali, there’s always a supportive family.

Shawn Cassidy Narcis, Manager of McHouse Interior Decor Sdn Bhd, said that he has know Pg Izad-Ryan for a few years and he has a lot of audacity to do what he wants to do. He has build his name and career in the past few years and for Shawn, he has looked up to him and he is a very good mentor and great supporter.

The smiles from Origin Films with Yasmine casts