HAJI K PERSONALISED ZONE: February 2009

28 February, 2009

Recital of Zikir to Commemorate Prophet Birthday

Alhamdulillah, Negara Brunei Darussalam started the nightly recital of the "Zikir Maulidur Rasul" on 25th February 2009. The event marked the beginning of the nation-wide celebration to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), our beloved Guidance and Leader. The annual event will be held for 12 consecutive nights.

Members of The Balai Ibadah Kampung Sengkarai were no exception. "Zikir Maulidur Rasul" is one of the activities they have continued to organise every year. I have the opportunity to join one of their nightly events so far. The event was held at the residence of Imam of the Religious Hall himself.

Back in 1980s, I was one of the active members of the Zikir team in my village. This particular event reminded me of the many invitations we attended during that time. I still remember all the special attentions given by every hosts, who invited us to perform Zikir in their functions. What a special honour!!!

Lets all make this NEGARA ZIKIR a reality.

24 February, 2009

Negara Brunei Darussalam 25th National Day Anniversary

Let me start with warm wishes for greater success to all citizens of Negara Brunei Darussalam. It has been 25 years since we celebrated our first celebration back in 1984. 1984 was the year I left Brunei to further my study in UK, and how time flies so fast.

The 25th National Day carries the theme "Kedewasaan Bernegara" or Maturity of a Nation. Lets all be mature and become responsible citizens. Every small actions and simple touches you made in whatever you are doing are contributing to the building of a mature Brunei society. So, my humble advise is for everyone at all levels of the society to do everything to the best of their ability and capability they have in their body and mind. Or maybe stretch it a little bit and contribute something good to the nation.

Congratulations everyone. Syukur dengan nikmat Allah keatas Negara Brunei Darussalam. Alhamdullilah.

KDYMM Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

YTM Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah

One of the Government agencies

One of the schools - our future leaders

One of the Private agencies - BLNG

11 February, 2009

Flood and Landslide Recovery

The weather has been very kind lately.

Hopefully the sunny days will help to reduce the impacts to those who are currently suffering from the recent tragedy. Some places are still flooded for up to 1 meter (3 feet) or more. So, the water level is still considered high and risky.

The same goes to those who are suffering from landslides. Lets hope the weather will be "right" for us here in Brunei. I mean "right" weather = Not too hot, not too heavy rain.

I am sure there are some learnings picked up by the relevant authorities from this unexpected disaster. "Pusat Khidmat Bersepadu" was created in some places so that assistances can be given immediately to the victims. I was hoping for the National Disaster Management Center to have its own 3 digit hotline number rather than sharing a 3 digit hotline number with the Fire and Rescue unit. Although NDMC is under the custodianship of Fire and Rescue Unit, the scope, membership and magnitude of NDMC problems differ quite tremendously.

I am also hoping the Ministry of Development will pull their acts together and react to resolving problems as quickly as possible. The PWD (Water) did quite a number of excellent initiatives which deserves our admiration, e.g. putting extra water distribution points, introducing plastic-container water supplies, etc. However, the PWD (Roadwork) needs a wake-up call. The potholes are too many to be ignored. I have seen and heard a few cars have suffered severe damages because of these potholes. Luckily, there are no casualties yet but PWD (Roadwork) should not wait for that to happen before they react. Right?

The Department of Electrical Services, I think, will have the biggest challenges of all. It is not as simple as replacing the electrical towers or poles. The DES must give due consideration to make sure there is no risk of future landslide which could affect these tall structures!

Anyway, well done to all the relevant authorities and keep up the good work. The country needs all of us to work together and take responsibility.

I leave you with some photos of the landslide in Sg Liang.

Electrical pole(s) leaning towards the BSB - KB main road

Coconut trees are known to withstand heavy storm and hurricane. But, these unlucky trees failed to withstand landslide

This is the house behind the coconut trees shown above. Pity to the owner and occupants of the house.

09 February, 2009

Dare to Break the Rules

Found this at stranges-world.blog. Would you dare to break the rules? Anyway, I just want to remind all the drivers out there to drive safely.

RED SIGN MEANS STOP

I am not sure if it is already on trial in Japan tho

07 February, 2009

Heavy Rain, Floods and Landslides. Is this the wake up call?

Brunei is experiencing heavy flooding in a number of low-lying places. Those who think they are safe living high up on hills should think twice now too. With the continuous rain falling everyday, some hills are also experiencing sand movements and landslides.

Who could deny the wills of Allah, The Almighty. We could make up thousands of scientific reasons to explain the current tragedy. It is time we look back at our belief and think if this is a reflection or warning from Allah of the things we did in the past.

Most Bruneians tend to look for ways to make easy money and then spend them unwisely. Trusted people becoming dishonest and forgetful of their obligations when they see a lot of money in their hands. Some even try to take some money which do not belong to them (e.g. Al-Gharimin money cases?) Please remember: As easy as the money came, it was easier for Allah to take them away again.

Some Government agencies tend to be complacent when it comes to approval of development permits. In addition, they failed to monitor the execution of major projects in the country. In some cases, the building/widening of roads are left to the mercy of unskilled contractors. How many times do we see potholes, leaks and cracks in our roads even if the road is less than 3 months old?

Some contractors tend to take short-cuts. Some even deliver their projects without meeting the minimum standard of quality expected from them. This is not limited to projects awarded by the Government agencies. The same goes true to contracts being awarded by private sector or individuals.

I pose the question to everyone to think if the tragedy we are experiencing now are caused by our dishonesty and complacent behaviour? Have we ALL improve our sense of responsibility in the past 2 weeks? Are we ALL learning from these past mistakes, or did the tragedy only touch the hearts of a few caring citizens? Are we ALL pulling our act together now? What will be our long term plans or will the problems disappear as fast as the water level receded? Allahu Akbar.