Picture Puzzle in Brunei As Hajah Mariam Loses Royal Status
By Malai Hassan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Many people have started to take down the picture of Hajah Mariam, the Brunei ruler's former wife from the walls of their premises as the royal announcement of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei divorcing her with "Talak Satu" continues to grip the nation.

Some, however, were doubtful if that was the right thing to do as there was no official announcement yet to advice the people of Brunei to do so after the announcement about the first stage of the break up of the royal marriage was made Sunday evening.

It has been the norm in the country that all commercial premises and government offices put up pictures of His Majesty the Sultan and his two royal consorts.

The royal portraits have to be placed prominently with the picture of His Majesty hung higher than his royal consorts. The picture of Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha should be placed on the right side of His Majesty's picture while the former Pengiran Isteri had to be placed to the left side and a little bit lower than the picture of Her Majesty.

After the recent royal announcement, while some wondered out aloud if the portrait of Hajah Mariam should be taken down, others decided that it was just the logical thing to do.

Many were not sure and called the Bulletin's Hotline instead to find out if there was already any official instruction to remove the picture of Hajah Mariam being made.

Some officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs when contacted said they have not received any instruction yet on what to do with the portrait of the former royal consort.

However sources at the Adat Istiadat's office when contacted said there was already an instruction from the Prime Minister's Office for her portrait to be removed from the walls.

"From now on only the portraits of His Majesty and Her Majesty should be placed prominently on the walls of commercial and government premises. The portrait of Her Majesty must be placed to the right of the picture of His Majesty and must be on the same level," said an official.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah announced the break up of the royal marriage over the state radio and television on Sunday that effectively put to an end to ongoing rumours and speculations about the rift between His Majesty and his second wife.

However when the announcement was made on the public reaction was mixed with many expressing shock and surprise.

But clearly the news sent people rushing to get information from the newspapers and the Internet. All copies of the Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata were sold out as people rushed to get more information. (Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin)

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