March 31 declared 'Hari Adat Istiadat'
By Sonia K.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, yesterday declared March 31 as "Hari Adat Istiadat" or Customs and Traditions day.

The Crown Prince, who is also the Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, announced this during the launching of the Adat Istiadat Diraja Brunei (Brunei Royal Customs and Traditions) book at the International Convention Centre.

Also present at the launching were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and other members of the royal family. Also in attendance were Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, members of council, deputy ministers and other invited guests.

The Royal Customs and Traditions book is published with the aim of compiling Brunei's royal customs and traditions following the titah of the Sultan's late father Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien.

Other aims include ensuring that the customs and traditions will be known and practised by the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam as a way of life that will be passed down through generations to come.

This is because it will become a Brunei heritage and tradition that is of high value and the beauty, uniqueness and originality can be retained.

Before the launch, the Co-Chairman of the Brunei Royal Customs and Traditions official book launching, exhibition and seminar committee YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar delivered a welcoming remark.

He believes that the contents of the book that describe beauty and personal culture, as well as the Brunei Royal Customs and Traditions, will become a landmark and reference for the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam.

The co-chairman said it is also hoped that it will become the basis of arranging the Royal Customs and Traditions that are more comprehensive and related to the current and future demand so that it continues to be strengthened and becomes more dynamic in line with 'syarak' and the MIB (Malay Islam Monarchy) concept.

Later, the Crown Prince delivered a launching sabda, which was followed by the launch of the Brunei Royal Customs and Traditions book.

A synopsis of the book was delivered by Associate Professor Dr Haji Hashim Abdul Hamid.

The Brunei Royal Customs and Traditions book contains 14 chapters covering 774 pages. It is being sold for $40 at the International Convention Centre until April 12 from 8am to 5pm. - Borneo Bulletin (1st Apr 2009)


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