‘Small’ Brunei Praised For Big Tsunami Donations
By Azaraimy HH

Bandar Seri Begawan - Donations for victims of the tsunami disaster have continued to come in from around the nation and a senior government minister has heaped praises on Bruneians for their sustained contributions.

Organisations, private enterprises and associations have pledged huge amounts and individuals are donating whatever amount they could; everyone seems to want to help in some way, no matter how big or small.

Yesterday, more than $21,000 was contributed to the Relief Fund for the Tsunami Victims, initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in January.

The Relief Fund has now collected around $2.4 million, according to government officials since it first began accepting donations on January 3 this year.

This amount does not include donations to other relief funds such as through the DSTCom's SMS donation drive or direct donations to UNICEF and so on.

The amount, in respect of the nation's small population, said Pehin Dato (Dr) Haji Awang Hussain, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, during the handing-over of the donations yesterday, is no small amount.

Also present at the ceremony was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Awang Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal.

Pehin Dato (Dr) Haji Awang Hussain, said he was pleased and thanked the people who have contributed so far. He said that this showed the people are kind-hearted and generous.

Given the small population of Brunei, he said, the amount is a big and he hoped that individuals and organisations would continue to contribute to help the victims of the tsunami disaster.

Yesterday the Department of Audit contributed $2,024, Gurkha Reserves Association gave $6,819, Pertiwi Association donated $8,000, Jerudong Park Country Club handed over $908, Department of Port Community presented $2,080 and BT Shipping gave away $2,000. Recently, NBT had contributed $13,017. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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