Retire Ministers : Dr. Mahathir has retired. What about our two Ministers - Pehin Aziz and Pehin Isa - who are in the same group? Shouldn't they retire? Both are getting older and older as the years go by. .Both are not probably as sharp as before. Won't they follow Dr. M's example and go as well - i.e. retire voluntarily. Please retire and give a chance to the younger generation. Kenapa kan kerja sampai mati? Bye Bye Boys   retire@yahoo.com  05.11.2003

Tourism consultant : Why does the tourism department need a consultant to do product and marketing plan/development for the department? It is very fashionable to spend or waste a lot of government money to employ a consultant. Why can't the tourism chief do the product and marketing plan himself with the cooperation of a think tank from within his department? Doesn't he have an MBA degree in Strategic Marketing? What good is the MBA in Marketing if he can't do his own plan but must engage a consultant? Shame on your Sheikh. Degree MBA atu kita beli kah? Curious   curious@yahoo.com  05.11.2003

Thomas Cowan chemical truck reappears : Is This honest?. When the original posting appeared the management moved their chemical truck away from the location. They knew the government agencies would be checking. So the truck was parked in a different location for last two weeks. Now it is parked back to the same area. Opposite a tailor shop and one of the restaurants. One of the restaurants is closed as it’s the fasting month but the other restaurant is open. This is just a dishonest company. Get your truck away from the restaurants and residential area permanently. You selfish foreign capitalists. You just care about your profits. Why can’t you give some consideration to the health of the people living in the area? They don't want to breathe the dangerous fumes and chemicals from your company and truck. environmentally conscious alam@yahoo.com 05.11.2003

To saddam hussin 2 : Hello Mr. SadDamn. How are your 2 beloved sons in hell? Were they in bad shape? I hope so. That's what they deserve for torturing and killing more than two hundred thousand of your own people. You ask the people to fight the aggressor. But where were you? Are you brave enough to fight beside the brave fighters? I don't think so. You are a dead stupid damn coward. No action, talk stupid only. You just like to see the brave fighters die for you. But you were hiding behind the walls. You are the real munafikin. You behave like a pig. I think you must be a pure pig. Rotten old pig. The most dirty pig. The most haram pig. That is why your stomach became bigger and bigger......so kiss your rotten pig's behind. Tomahawks From Hell  05.11.2003

Adi Adi Adi-PGCTE :) : You make my heart Sing !!!! Vapour   VapourItis@yahoo.com  05.11.2003

Brunei : It is only in Brunei that expatriates are given priority over locals. What a shame thing to happen in a small country with a small population. Yet with a huge percentage of unemployed graduates, the problem is the bosses of the companies are themselves foreigners. So no wonder they are willing to employ their own people. They've been here so long that they know how to get pass the red tape in Brunei that even locals can't seem to get around. The question is when is it gonna end? Finally they take advantage of sifat orang melayu yang ada ijazah PhD...Perasaan Hasad Dengki ....atas kaum sendiri....mau diri sendiri atau ahli keluarga sendiri saja yang sanang. If they help others, they fear that this person would get on top of them one day. Melayu  05.11.2003

Tourism: Good news about this expected influx of tourists to Brunei. Just have one question.  What was the actual number of tourists in 2001 where Sheikh's target was 1 million? I'm surprised. It just fizzled away towards the end of 2001, where in 2000, the hype made by Sheikh was tremendous. MAT!!! awg_md_2@hotmail.com 05.11.2003

Local Decision making at BSP : Localisation Supporter.
Very interesting comment. Everybody in Brunei wants BSP to be localized. But at what expense. I look at the situation in two areas. As you can see BLNG is different than BSP. If you are a true Shell person you know that. Ask our really bright young locals who are now at the top of the pinnacle, even Dato Hamdillah. They all would agree BSP and BLNG are two different operations. So the requirements for the top jobs of those two companies are different. Yes. It is nice to have locals in all the positions. But like I said "NICE TO HAVE AND MUST HAVE" are two different things. Even Singapore, our most sophisticated neighbours have non-locals more in some top positions in their private companies. Please don’t say at the moment our Petroleum Unit and our ministers are not really doing anything. Remember they have "helicopter View". You have "Bukit Teraja View". They know when, where, how and why to replace those positions, you mark my word. Please don’t look down on our own blood who are running the Government. Remember about 20 yrs ago they froze the promotions of PR in BSP because they wanted to give citizens chances. Now they have reopen the positions because a lot of Brunei Malay Citizens are already sitting on the top management and Senior Staff positions. Let them deal each problem one at a time. We don’t want to end up like NIGERIA, do we? First they kicked out all Shell Expatriates and ran the whole oil business themselves. Later on, they found out they acted hastily and recalled nearly hundreds of expatriates back to undo the damaged they did to themselves.
What I would suggest for you is to see the real problem in some areas in BSP which are contracted out and our local companies employ mostly foreigners. You should bring this point. You should help our locals to secure those jobs that can be done by our people if you can. You help our government. Don’t pressure them, Remember our Sultan said "DONT THINK WHAT THE COUNTRY CAN DO TO YOU! THINK WHAT YOU CAN DO TO YOUR COUNTRY". People like Job Seekers and the rest of those unemployed graduates should be given the chance to work in those positions filled in by non-locals. I hope you are not one of those impatient young men who want to get the top job in Shell, are you? Sabar lah brother! Your time will come. Look at Dato Hazair. He waited patiently and did his job well. Now he is a Permanent Sec. Look at Hj. Zainal Abidin. He was bullied, pressured and kicked around when he was young! I am now very proud that he became No: 2 man in BSP. He might be the No: 1 in the future. Who knows? But for you. Please remember if you are already in those positions please don’t look at the sky all the time. "Pandang pandang lah rumput di bumi". Also don’t sell Brunei to Malaysia like IT area in BSP. If I am given the chance to pinpoint the areas where locals can do the jobs (Clerical, Supervisory, managerial areas) in those BSP contracted areas I swear I would be able to do that. But I am only a Big Bad Wolf. Wolf can only bite and eat with good Survival instinct. Big Bad Wolf. 05.11.2003

Brunei's Education System : I don't agree that Brunei's Education System is the best in the world.  Just imagine from primary I to 3 all subjects are in Malay languages except for English subject.  But in Primary 4, all subjects are taught in English except for subjects like Malay, Ugama and Sejarah.  So imagine our children whose mother tongue is Malay. This makes it difficult for them to easily understand what is being taught, especially the Science and Maths subjects.  Children in private schools are luckier than those in the Government schools because teachers in private schools speak English everyday with their students as most of the teachers are foreigners. Kusai 05.11.2003

Truck speed limit indicating lights : Most of the Brunei heavy vehicles like trucks, road tankers, buses & trailers are installed with 'speed limit indicating lights'. These indicating lights now look like decorations to the vehicles! I wonder if 5% of those installed indicators are working? I have many times come across this type of vehicles travelling with a speed of more than 100 kph, even within the 60 kph speed limit residential area! Neither of the speed limit indicators of these vehicles are found to be on. If I am lucky, I could see vehicles with both indicators flashing on the road during the day time, still travelling with a speed more than their speed limit. I am sure that many people will agree with me that nowadays many Brunei heavy vehicles are travelling very fast on the road. This is very dangerous to the other road users. Can someone from the authority tell me how do these speed indicators work? Is the speed limit law for heavy vehicles still in place?? Speed Limit shlow50@yahoo.com 05.11.2003

Saint Names : Catholic P...:To Gov’t Supporter: I totally agree with you about the old priest being in their positions for too long. An official too long in their position breeds complacency. This will never happen in our Gov’t Departments if new tough procedures are made. Anyway, I disagree with the idea that we should force our Religion into Schools of other faiths, which was what happened in the Catholic Schools.  Has this happened because we have to? Does our Religious or Government officials dictate this. I could write a lot about it but I am not going to because the outcome will always be the same. The point I am trying to say is that Brunei is an Islamic State. The Islamic faith is the first Government of the Country and everyone here should follow it. In order to carry out this, there should be no compromise. Perhaps non-followers should be given a special place or land to follow their own Religions the way they see fit. The laws of Islam and its culture are so specific and rigid that close proximity with others causes friction. This has as shown up by our Gov’t in trying to dictate how another Religion should be ran. Summing up, I would like to see Brunei to be ran as a Islamic State with a section for other faiths and cultures. Because at the moment by following our faith we look like the bad guys.tj 05.11.2003

Culture Shock.. : Hahaha again...To anyone who likes to compare that any other nation is much better than Negara Brunei Darussalam and keeps nagging about it, then leave. Why waste your time in Brunei? Don’t think that you are the only one who has been on foreign soil (Limbang & Miri included) mun ganya Canada alumm......macam SAKAI kebaruan pulang.
It’s simple. Brunei will take care of its citizens FIRST just like parents will take care of their children FIRST! Get it!
To ungrateful Bruneian residents who can’t find a job here but constantly blaming it to YELLOW IC holders for taking away that job and if you think you are better, then leave Brunei, too. Why do you complain endlessly? If you think there are greener pastures elsewhere then leave Brunei accordingly.
If you refuse to love and live "in harmony" in this Great Country of Peace, then do what most dissatisfied people did before. Leave and stop your bitchin.. my say is... 05.11.2003

Instant noodles : Hi, Mr. Wolf (Big bad wolf). Thanks for your info on INSTANT NOODLES though it was ages story. NOODLES 05.11.2003

New at 10 newsreader : Don’t you know that Hj Azrul is 'remote-controlled' by his superiors, namely Jay Jay and Man'af? Unless you are a girl cum woman, you can’t have your own style of reading. But, mind you, Hj Azrul's English is really off putting. YES!! Even BBC and CNN newsreaders aren’t like that. How ironic.. hahahihi liau@haha.com 05.11.2003

Job seekers : Our snail mail address is:
Aman Setia Company
P.O.Box 1103
Gadong BE3978
Negara Brunei Darussalam
We will assure that whoever sends us their cvs will have matters looked into. Our piece of advice is PERSEVERANCE is also what it takes in everything we do. Amansetia 05.11.2003

happy man : It was just a matter of sharing thoughts to make life better for all of us. Have a happy holiday man! Rachel San Jose 05.11.2003

big bad wolf : My nick is peace keeper and not peace keeper of KB, Mr. Wolf. You sound a bit selfish to me but that’s okay. I understand. Sorry by the way for I kacau you. I surrender lah. Thank you. Regard, shim. peace keeper 05.11.2003

B? 7090 X5 : DEAR OWNER, PLEASE DON'T BE PROUD JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE DRIVING A BRAND NEW EXPENSIVE VEHICLE. I KNOW YOU MUST BE EXCITED UNTIL YOU LOOK DOWN AT OTHERS. I THINK YOU KNOW WHO I AM. I HAVE A BRAIN. I WON’T KNOCK YOUR INSTALLMENT PAID LOVELY CAR. DONT WORRY. WHAT DID YOU MEAN WHEN YOU WAITED FOR ME OUTSIDE THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK? TO ARGUE? WELL, YOU MUST BE TOO EGOISTIC. SORRY TO SAY, THERE ARE LOTS WHO ALSO CAN AFFORD TO DRIVE X5 OUT THERE, INCLUDING ME! ESPECIALLY NOW THAT CAR PRICES HAVE BEEN REDUCED. JUST LIKE YOU! enemy 05.11.2003

News at 10.00 RTB : To Bored at 10.00. I agree with you. Must be orang putih pantat hitam. I can understand Brunei English for educated news reader very well. But when someone talks to me in English using his nose, Habis lah I go blank! Chickychicky  05.11.2003

Bored at 10.00 - News at 10.00 RTB : To Bored at 10.00
Hey!! Back off! You are one jealous dude! Haji's pronunciation is good and he has a solid voice. Good for commercial. Maybe you should read the news and see whether you piss in your pants or not. Terminator  05.11.2003

For Sofian :  Sofian, Banar pulang what you've said that we "pray a lot in one day due to our love & respect to God". But I suppose all other races do the same, too.  My colleague, who is a Christian, seems to go to church every day. There are prayers everyday of the week, from Monday to Sunday except only at different times I suppose. Not only on Sundays.  So what  you've said about ...."In Churches, Christians only go there once a week which is on Sunday” is not true at all.
It will be good if we get our details correct before posting eh ?? Liz liz_4_hamid@hotmail.com 05.11.2003

Re:Re: Discrimination against PR : Hello EKOH. Your comment is acceptable. Your statement: This is always our mentality in Brunei that "If you don't like it, tough luck, you can migrate to a greener pasture". Well, you've got it right there. But PR in Brunei has option to choose and not for us to enforce them to migrate. Like I mentioned before, it's a fact of life. Hopefully, those mentality can be changed. How soon, I can not answer. "Rambut sama hitam, tapi isi hati berlainan". I've PR Chinese friends who migrated to Canada because they felt they were treated unfairly in Brunei. After years, they visited Brunei and said they regretted migrating in the first place. They even mentioned Brunei is still a good place to live even under PR circumstances. Yes, it's also true we lost qualified people, not only PR but our own Bruneians working outside the country like in Singapore. The message is " everyone has options to choose, whether positive or negative". My advice to Brunei PR, be patient as good things happen to those who make the right choice. Not all Bruneians are racists000 but some are biased. Good luck. Zuki Oman   semrz1@hotmail.com  05.11.2003

Prawns and Vitamin C  : Please can some experts clarify the following which I came across in my e-mail
PRAWNS & VITAMIN C
"DO NOT eat shrimp/prawn if you have just taken VITAMIN C pills!! This will cause you to DIE in ARSENIC (As) toxication within HOURS!! Maybe Sheep in the city can help. Big Bad Wolf 05.11.2003

Sofian's Reply to Miss Mosque : Bravo Sofian. You are absolutely right. Miss Mosque or Miss Mosquito should be slapped that way. Zai 05.11.2003

Dinapokpok : Youuuuu. You are really chicky you know! Anyway where is your place located. I might come and see you. Deal? Then we have dinner at one of the beaches. What do you say, love? Big Bad Wolf 05.11.2003

Reply to Jobseeker : If you are a female, how would you like to be a babysitter?  While waiting for a proper or permanent job, you could babysit my kids as I don't trust those foreigners in my home any more.  I have such bad experiences with them.  I can't pay you much but at least you have something to wait for at the end of the month.  Now I have entrusted my neighbor to look after my kids. I can do all the household chores while I am at home but I have to depend on someone to look after my small kids while I am out to work. My neighbour is a full-time housewife and she doesn't demand any pay for her service  but when she has to go out she’s entrusted her foreign helper to look after my kids. Tasbih 05.11.2003

Reply to Mark Green : Please contact the Sheraton Utama Hotel, They should have all the information about Steve in their record.  Sheraton's contact no. can be found in the yellow pages of the Brunei Telephone Directory. unofficial director 05.11.2003

K H Lim enquire on Halal Food : Please contact Halal Haram Section, Ministry of Religious Affairs, The phone number should be in the Telephone Directory. unofficial director 05.11.2003

Big bad wolf : I don’t see that race has got to do with the feeling of pengasih and penyayang. This feeling comes from the heart, isn't it? It lies on each individual. Everyone is unique in his own ways.
Correct me if I am wrong. Cheers. Lene 05.11.2003

Copy&Paste : It seems like all these pork and noodle issues are copied from fwd emails that have been circulating around for quite sometime, if anyone had noticed. The writer of those issues is not that expert after all. Cheers! SayifyouAgree copy_paste@hotmail.com 05.11.2003

To jobseekers and kembayau : I think we should stop blaming other nationalities and expats for the unemployment rate in Brunei.
I am a Bruneian expat, and basically the company I work here pays for my TAP equivalent, and it is a lot higher.
From what I heard, lots of Companies in Brunei would jump at the opportunity of having a Bruneian working for them. Unless they are a little bit cautious, as past references of Bruneian workers have undesirable work ethics. I have suffered from this and a lot others, including you guys are suffering from this as well. BUT, it is not the end. I have worked hard, consistently just to prove that not all Bruneians start work at 0900, coffee from 0930-1100 and then off to pick the kids up at 1130, back from lunch at 1400 and coffee at 1500, ready to pick up kids from Ugama at 1600. You can show them that you don’t have 50 weddings in a year to attend to and that you are capable. To start off with a small salary is normal. It’s up to you to fight for what you think is right. You gain negotiating power when you get something to offer. But, for this you can only get through hard work and passion for your work. Good luck birdseye birdseye@hotmail.com 05.11.2003

to CRITICIZE : Thanks a lot! At least now I realise there are fellow locals who have got it damn right. Glad to know that. Most of the times those I hang around with, pointed to me that I was the one who got it wrong, especially when they thought highly of themselves after being so many years in UK! I have only a local education level!! Well, regarding Malays ada mata biru kan? Yes ada indeed and yo got it right again. I use blue contact lenses!! I like it as long as I do not make others susah. So I guess it’s not a crime anyway. Again I didn't mean to BE MEAN lashing out at anyone but was just mere curiosity sometimes. Why should one bother to comment on other’s bad English when the THAT's MEAN is wrongly used widely like I said approximately 90% of locals are using it. It makes one such as myself thinks that may be they are correct. But, again, I cannot deny the thoughts of I must check this out. Again, I didn't mean to offend or look down on them. I suppose that’s the way it is with them. They are happy with it so long as it doesn't cause damage. Fair enough! So, I didn't mean you any penghinaan. I was just honest asking you and others. Perhaps, who's willing to correct. No big harm intended. Like I said I'm a Malay, born a Malay, but likes pakai lenses biru, to make my mata hitam biru!! And I know very well even if I speak very good English or French or Spanish and pakai lenses biru. Those guys wouldn't accept as one of them. I cannot become European!!! Even though I wear blue ctc lenses!! Anyway, a big thank you for clarifying it to me. And if somehow or rather I have offended you, ma'afkan ku!!.SEKALI LAGI.....,MA'AFKAN KU...!!! Melayumatabiru birumatahitamku@html.com 05.11.2003

RBA Schedules : Sky@yahoo.com - I have no hesitation in agreeing with you that the government has pumped millions of dollars into our ailing national airline. It is true and there is no point in denying it. But when I made the statement: "This is why RBA still flies today. If not, we would have gone bankrupt by now", I was referring to the fact that RBA still flies because it caters to a niche market: international budget travellers. By that, I was pointing out the  logic that RBA has international passengers and while it is operating on the red, the losses are not as significant as it would be if it only catered to the Brunei market. There is simply no feasibility in operating an airline if it only caters to the 400,000 population and even then, not everyone can afford to fly. You are correct in assuming that I did not apply the TARA analysis as I did not see the need to. Back to the subject of RBA schedules, why not give a little support? Sit back and see how the schedule unfolds. If it flops, make a scene and complain to the Board. I know that is what I will be doing if and when that occurs. Also on a side note, I agree with Airline Observer and the concerns that he has voiced. They need to organize the Corporate affairs of the airline and quickly, too. Huh? 05.11.2003

to Phil on PR discrimination : Dear Phil (if you really are a British expatriate). Are you saying that Brunei should follow your British standards? How would you feel if Britain is ruled by Pakistanis and Indians who are immigrants in the country and are in the minority. Please don't judge our country by your standards. And by the way, why should we listen to you when your elected leader lied to his people about the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? Wake up and think before you speak! Smallfoot Smallfoot@brunet.com 05.11.2003

Melayu mata biru : Melayu mata biru... Hey dude. Well. I’m also really a very (triple very!) bad English speaker or writer. English is not even 'like' my mother tongue. Malay is. You know what? Even if I used to say 'that’s mean' which is wrong in English. But since I came to this school, we have to speak English every minute, every second, every hour. I realized that everyone says ' that means'. So, everyday my friend will correct me if I keep saying 'that’s mean' or ' it’s rain'. It is supposed to be 'it rains'. You see how lame I am in English. Eheh "but others in our ASEAN friends would say "THAT MEANS" when they wish to explain the meaning of something and would say THAT'S MEAN, when they try to express something that is discreditable or unworthy". Melayu mata biru 2.11.2003<---- mm. I got no comment for this because I didn’t know that our ASEAN friends would say  'that’s mean' in order to express discreditable or unworthy of something. I only knew that 'that’s mean' is wrong in English...erkk. I thinkk...-ZinK-
* Still on the process of learning English :).... tick tock tick tock...
By the way, Melayu mata biru can I be your friend so that I can call myself Melayu mata kucing?..hehehe.... jokin jokin~~.. Xitto 05.11.2003

$1 for Smarter : THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT TO THE CAMPAIGN $1 FOR SMARTER AND HOPE THERE WILL BE MORE SUPPORT FROM ALL LIFE OF PEOPLE OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM. SMARTER BRUNEI KIDS 5.11.2003

Halal food enquiry : I would like to obtain some information on the guidelines set by the authorities on how to ensure that food (and preparation) is halal. Can someone advise me on how to obtain a halal certification for a restaurant?K H Lim m4r5l4m@yahoo.com 4.11.2003

Growing up with cats good for allergies: I cannot believe the article (Growing up with cats good for allergies). I am asthmatic. I grew up healthy until my sister bought cats (not one but two) and they 'lived' with us. Through that I have 'contracted' asthma as my doctor diagnosed. I have difficulties breathing , and in compact places, I start wheezing and all symptoms appear. I must include that until today when I visit my friends, who have cats, I can never be in the same room for more than 5 minutes as I start wheezing, sneezing and gets blurry eyes. Angel falnangel@hotmail.com 4.11.2003

Amansetia: I was so touched by amansetia who would look into this matter for me and others jobless locals. Foreigner say local people are helpless, rude, selfish, etc . But today I can prove they are wrong about us local, as you can read what I have posted on 2 Nov. And by the next day I got a reply from even someone who would pay me to cut grass for his /her backyard rather than pay the Indian to do the job. This shows how we Bruneians  help each other to pass the most difficult time as what  I am going through.
amansetia, just want to ask. Do you have P. O. Box address so that I can send my c.v. or resume to you? I don’t have my own CPU. The only way I visit Brudirect is butting  in while my neighbour’s  son logs into his CPU.. Thank You Very Much! Job seeker  4.11.2003

Hj Adi-MKJB/UBD : I still like you!! Vapour  Vapouritis@yahoo.com 4.11.2003

Example of hypocrisy : The Minister of Education says Brunei has one of the best education systems in the world. On par with the best. This is the most dishonest public statement. The Minister shouldn't be lying in public especially during Ramadhan. Only the Minister believes his own propaganda. He is jacking up himself. Only he would get high with his comments. Why do I say that? A few weeks ago his boss, our beloved Prime Minister, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan in a 'titah' talked about indiscipline, truancy (punting sekolah/absenteeism) and gangsterism in school. The Sultan speaks the truth. It seems in Brunei only the Sultan speaks the truth and tells it like it is. That is the system the Education Minister is in charge off since Independence. 20 years now. No improvement. He cannot deny the blame for the shambles the education system is in. After the Sultan made his comments, the Minister was noticeably absent for a few weeks. When the mud was flying around he was keeping a low profile. Penakut benar. The Minister of Education is a sinful and hypocritical man. Otherwise, why does he go for umrah every year? Does an honest and just man need to do this? No, only a man full of sin needs to go for Umrah every year to purify himself. What a tragedy for the Education system to be in the hands of a man such as this. Habis-lah Brunei. The longer it continues habis lah Brunei. Actually, secretly some of the Ministers prefer it this way. If the education system produces so many misfits, the current crop of Ministers can keep their jobs forever. They will never be challenged in their positions. It’s a very sad state of affairs for Brunei to have people like the Minister of Education who are clearly senile and cannot think straight any more. Yet being the selfish individuals they are, they haven't retired voluntarily. He is still clinging to power, fame, money and position. My admiration for a person whom I thought was alim is totally gone. call a spade a spade   aceofspades@yahoo.com  4.11.2003

big bad wolf : Just passed by the site to say hi to you, big bad wolf! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! dinapokpok@angelfashion  4.11.2003

Life/happiness and things in between : Rachel San-Jose, whooa, that was powerful. I don't think you are scholarly to create all that by yourself. If yes, you are better than Shakespeare. If no,  it’s plagiarism. So which good book did you steal all those good words from? happy man   happy@yahoo.com  4.11.2003

Catholic priests and nuns:The expose : This is a reply to Tj.  Catholic priests and nuns were kicked out of Brunei to make way for the locals. When it happened it was shocking. In hindsight, it was the right move. It forced the church to localise. In 1979 Brunei signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with UK to gain independence five years later in 1984. All the organisations started to localize, including government, BSP, BLNG, RBA, banks etc. Except the Catholic church. 1984 came. Independence came. No localisation in the Catholic church. 1989 (5 years after independence) came.... no localisation in the Catholic church. Government's patience was starting to run out. Diocese also called Miri-Brunei diocese. Not a local church. Controlled from outside. From Miri. Why should Brunei Catholics obey a bishop from outside? A foreigner? Who lives abroad? So government's patience was running out. They forced the pace. They have nothing against the Catholic Church. Only want the church to be local. Only after the foreign priests left that local diocese was set up. The diocese of Brunei Darussalam. Nothing wrong in that. Very proud moment. It showed that local church was mature and could stand on its own two feet. Self-sufficient and independent. Who to thank? Pope in Rome? No way. Missionaries - like Mill Hill? No way. Those priests were onto a cushy life here. They wanted to stay here sampai mati. They didn't do much to support the locals to be priests. Only prayer for vocations. Keep praying for vocations, for local priests. Pray. Pray. Pray. That's all. Nothing happened for years of praying the prayer for vocations. Missionary priests (Mill Hill) were content to die here. Same as colonialist everywhere. Want to hold onto power longer than necessary. Good job, what, England so cold. Now so old. How to go back there? Whom they know there after all these years abroad? Some long past the retirement age. Then complications set in. Funds from local churches and local schools (Catholic only) being siphoned out to Miri. To help the poorer churches and schools in Sarawak. Why? Charity begins at home. You help your locals first. So government got fed up with the Catholic church after giving them so many chances. Government felt the only way to get change is to get the foreign priests and nuns out. To force them out. Because they won't retire voluntarily. So now the church is local. Because of whom? Local church did nothing much to localise itself from within. Forced to do so from outside. Because of government "pressure". So first and foremost credit for local church is because of the Muslim Government's vision and foresight. No credit to Rome. No credit to Missionaries in the later stages of their lives in Brunei. Don't just believe the church propaganda. Don't let them make you geram hati against your own government lah. Give the credit where it’s due - to the government. And let’s face facts. Buka mata one and all, including the church leaders and church layworkers - local and foreign. Government supporter   supporter@yahoo.com  4.11.2003

RBA schedules  : This is a reply to Huh. You must read the posting carefully. The original author said that he found the three or is it four weekly flights to Auckland too many. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Let’s give the airline the benefit of the doubt. Let’s wait and see. I think the original posting is correct. During the school holidays, flights will be full. Rest of the time now. Auckland is not a happening place, lah. Let’s face that. Excessive flights to Auckland will not make profits. Loss-making flights to Auckland will contribute to more losses. Nowhere in the posting did the author mention that just because SIA and Emirates are flying the same route. RBA shouldn't. I read the author as pointing out the varieties and options available to the traveller. And the impact of competition from others. Huh, he is deceiving himself. Maybe your mind, sir is in the clouds like one of the RBA jets. Millions of passengers are not sitting there waiting to fly on RBA! Millions are not coming through Brunei International Airport. There is precious little to do here even at the airport if you are in transit. Again, the passenger has options: Singapore, KL, Bangkok.
I know of a Brunei passenger who travelled to Manila to pick up a PAL flight to London. I asked him why go East to fly West again. He said he wanted to sample different airlines and hadn't flown PAL. Next he will try to fly to Taipei to pick up Eva Airways flight to London. Point is: There are many ways to go to Auckland - not just RBA's flight. rational local   rational@yahoo.com  4.11.2003

Ms Mosque : Ms Mosque. Based on my knowledge to reply your previous posting, Brunei, for sure, outnumbers their mosques than temple/s or churches. 1) There is no permit given to build another temple or church. Reasons: KIV. Need we say more Mr Mosque  4.11.2003

reply to saddam hussin 2 : Reading your point of view made me both sad and angry. The world is in a terrible state because of people like you who really don't understand what they are saying or writing about. You are so keen for all the British and American soldiers to die. But, I bet you, most of them don't even want to be in places like Iraq. They are just doing their job following orders, and as for killing all the Jews, why do you say such terrible things? Do you actually know any Jewish people? I bet you don't. If you ever got the chance you would probably find they are just the same as you and me, trying to get on with their lives the best way they can. I feel that you are a very angry and bitter person who needs counselling before you end up doing something that you will spend your life regretting. jules   jules_2311@yahoo.com  4.11.2003

acele@carikosendiri : Nampak tah ko ani jelama kurang hajar!...Kedia banar banarkan bemberi sumbangan iklas ko perli dan ketawakan tah pulang...Ko gunakan tah akal mu sendiri...kanak kanak umur 1 dan 2 tahun atu pandai membaca kan?...Mun kanak kanak damit inda pemandai tentu tah sudah yang membacai tu peindungannya....kalau ko inda tau tanya bisai bisai, ani kau ketawakan tah pulang....Kedia atu orang tua tua, banyak sudah pengalamannya mengubati orang...yang ko, apa pemandai mu ah!!!!.....ko sudah benar benar menyakati hati nya, ertinya ko tanggung tah sendiri perbuatan mu atu...kerana mulut celupar badan binasa...cari tah ko pendefend yang banar banar handal yang dapat melindungi ko...kalau terjadi apa apa hal arah mu, jangan tah ko cari kedia ...Katanya dalam masa 3 hari(mulai sekarang) ko akan merasai lain macam tu....ada rasa bisa, pedih, ampus, miang, gatal, rambut luruh, semangat hilang, mua biut, kemaluanmu inda berfungsi dan sebagainya....Katanya lagi, ko sendiri jua yang meminta dan terpaksa tah jua di bagi nya arah mu....Kedia sudah bersumpah inda lagi kan masuk arah hys kerana sumbangan iklasnya di salah ertikan ... macam atu jua kediaku...ubat penyakit yang akan ko hadapi atu ada di TANGANNYA........cari ko sendiri, bah ketawa tah ko puas puas. KAWANNYA(Tabakan Bujak Ghaib)  4.11.2003

to racehead : You are so funny tamiya boy. Thanks for the offer. But no thanks. vtecdohcter @ vteczone 4.11.2003

Peace Maker : Hey Mr Shim- Peace Maker. Peace be with you my brother. Don’t be like that lah. Why are you so cruel to me? Hai ya Ni How Ma? I think you really is kodok lah. Brudirect is where you post certain topic and open for discussion. Everybody can join in. I said a lot because I want to stand on my own opinion. Bukan mau menang. It is typical of you "tembak saja" I like to discuss things. I am not like you. Hey those topics which I discussed were my favourite. Don’t brag about your work with the old persons home. You don’t know what I do all these times. You don’t even know who I am.  If I tell you my identity you will say " Eh! Sorry brother". That time I tarek your telinga. Look! I do not brag like you. Old person home at Seria is just a small thing compared to the voluntary jobs I do. It  is now under the Church and ran by people, who run the Church, please correct me if I am wrong. I help them meaning I help the Church. Those poor residents are mostly non-Muslims and not citizens of Brunei. Correct? To me, I know that you are not a Muslim. It is only fitting that you do your part as a non-Muslim and non-Malay local of this country to look after those unfortunate souls. We, on the other hand, would look after our own kind. You guys are lucky because some big tawkehs are supporting and providing for your need. Which I see should be. Because those poor souls at the Seria Old Persons home are disowned by their own children and relatives, who have migrated to Canada and other places. Please don’t tell me talk only. You just keep on the good work. Maybe, just maybe, you would go to heaven for your good deeds. Tapi don’t brag about it lah or you will be disqualified from the HEAVEN’s list.  By the way, if you are non-Malay local, you must be the third generation. You see? I don’t see third generation children non-Malay abandoning their old folks at the Seria Old Persons Home. You know why " They have the feeling of pengasih dan penyayang' like the rest of us Bruneians." Praise the LORD and may God Bless You . Big Bad Wolf 4.11.2003

New name suggestion for 'Saint' Schools! : I agree with Santa Klaus 1:11:2003, lets change:
Saint Angela's to SEKOLAH WALI ANGELA.
Saint John's to SEKOLAH WALI JOHANES.
Saint Margaret's to SEKOLAH WALI MARGARET.
Saint James's to SEKOLAH WALI YACOBUS.
Maybe those people, who make noise, prefer to use Malay language. Name does not mean anything. It was accepted by Brunei Government to allow the use of "Saint" for school due to the fact that name on the school does not mean the students become a Christian. Let’s see it this way, how many Muslims use Christian name like Jeffrey, Diana, etc. etc? And how many Christians use Muslim name like Aziz (e.g. ex foreign minister of Iraq) and finally how many Muslims in Brunei use neither Muslim nor Christian names like Besar, Damit etc. So what’s wrong with using "Saint" in a school started by Christians which has helped many Muslim students without jeopardizing their belief in Islam. As a good Muslim, we should thank these Christians who started these schools. SOfian  4.11.2003

temples : Hi miss mosque ..just want to let you know that it’s not they don’t want to build another just that. Will the government approve for that? Check out for yourself for that before doing anything. bruneian citizen  4.11.2003

IC oh IC..... : Assalamualaikum..... warga HYS.... ani kan mengomplain sal IC anak ku ahhhh.... brapa lama kan membuat ic ani kan .... cuba deh pihak2 yang berkenaan (yang sewaktu dgn nya)... juz imagine ahhhh dari bulan Mei hingga tah Oktober yg bru lalu , alum tah siap2 nya ic anak ku 2 .... lau nda silap 4 tau 5 kali udah ku kesana ke pjb. Pendaftaran Kebangsaan, KB ahhh...nada lain iatah ganya bisdurang gtau alum ada, nanti tah kami menalipon...  antah berapa kali udah ku membagi no. tpon arah bisdurang ahhh pai balek2 ku kesana... alum batah ani bah ... anak ku sampai nda ke sekolah Ugama ptg rezki plg iakan be IC a2, bleh ku tanya kah?????   Apa hal nya 2,   nda kan nda ada budget kan membuat kad nya 2....  ani kana suruh dtg tahun dapan.... baik tah panjang umur 2 mun nunggu pai tahun 2004 ahh...... heran bin ajaib....  Bukan plg kan marah ni ganya kan halnya bah... napa jadi cam a2 kan.......  nda kan menyusahkan paindungan mengambil balik2 ke sana g pun bekeraja kali ahhhh
 org ani bukannya kan suka2 ati kuar masuk pejabat ani mun ganya buang masa ku sekadar ganya kan ke sana mengambil... bah a2 saja... SElamat berpuasa n buat tah keraja a2 dgn komited supaya mendapat ganjaran pahalanya....... org biasa  4.11.2003

Miss Mosque : First let me ask you a question Miss Mosque. How many mosques are there in Manila, Bangkok or Hong Kong? Not many, right?? Why? Because not many Muslims live there. Now in Brunei the majority are Muslims. So why do we have to build temples and churches in every kampong? In Mosques, Muslims go there every day, five times a day for prayer because we Muslims are the only people on earth who pray a lot in one day due to our love & respect to God. In Churches, Christians only go there once a week which is on Sunday. In temples, Buddhists only go there may be once or twice a year. They only squeeze once or twice a year. So that’s not too bad compared to Muslims who had to squeeze every Friday prayers during those times when we didn't have many mosques. So why are you complaining about not many churches and temples in Brunei? If you notice in every Chinese shops and houses there is already an altar for prayer. Brunei Government did not forbid them from having this in their shops, homes or offices. This shows how flexible our government is. Lucky for these non-Muslims. They  are not living in a country like those ran by the Talibans. My advise to you is next time why don't you go to Japan or Taiwan and carry out your research on mosques there!!! Anywhere. I just doubt if you are a real Muslim! alaikum sam. SOfian 4.11.2003

infatuated or in love : Gorgeous white sand.... before you let your feelings grow. Have you check if this guy has no GF? Don’t let a smile fool you! It can only be just a friendly smile & nothing to it. Or he's going out with someone already. So don’t try to break another woman's heart. Remember what goes around comes around. If he really is available then by all means, go for him & hope he is Mr. Right! Syg 4.11.2003

Brutalk Down ? : Does anyone have a clue as to why Brutalk has not be accessible for days? Could it have something to do with the stabbing at a certain Bank in a supermarket? Is Brudirect, which is also part of BB, trying to cover this story up?? Like all other stories?  Interesting .... Liz   liz_4_hotmail.com  4.11.2003

tamiya power : 200 bucks for a winding tamiya? Waste of money. But it can do 0 to 100 mph in 2.2 seconds? Hmm.. must be some winding motor you got. Maybe we should use that kind of tech for  our failing E-speed. Fanatic 4.11.2003

RE:churches and temples  : That’s very true miss mosque. What a pity! Some people sometimes misunderstood the importance of these places for others to get nearer and closer God! Perhaps you didn't know about the temple that was being demolished in Muara town many years back! Nice to know that you are aware of the things happening in this country.  Neutral Neutral 4.11.2003

Local decision making at BSP : Prime Ministers Office should urgently insist that more local managers are appointed to Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd's top management team. The Managing Director is still an expatriate. Out of the 11 top managers in the Management team only five are locals - less than half. Six foreigners. There are more foreigners appointed to top management positions than locals. No point having 50% share of the company when decision making still in foreign hands. BSP always has an odd number of top managers say 7, 9, 11 so that the majority will always be foreign. Sengaja bah tu. When compared to Brunei LNG Sdn. Bhd. the comparison can be seen easily. BLNG's MD is a local. And that has enabled him to insist that out of his 10-man top management team, seven or the majority are locals. Well done Dato Hamdillah. Will the Chairman of BSP Group of Companies please take notice and do something to improve things at BSP - like having locals as the majority of managers at BSP top management team. Come on Pehin Abdul Rahman Taib, you have been a Minister for a long time. You don't expect a secondary school student like me to notice this and post it here to tell you about it. Come on, tuan you can surely do better! Localisation supporter   sharpeyes@yahoo.com  4.11.2003

Schools with saint names : Tj, if you're asking whether the principal of St. Angela's school is a Father, No it isn't. I believe currently the principal of that school is a woman. And no she's not a nun. But she was one of the undergraduates from UBD. Questions aNd Puzzles 4.11.2003

A Crash course on discrimination: In reply to the person criticizing Cynthia’s Viewpoint On, I I am a student in Canada for almost 4 years now. For those who have not experienced life in both countries will find if almost impossible to give a fair comparison. Simply assuming that Cynthia does not know anything, I have to ask how you came to that conclusion. Even IF she hasn't been here long, I think I am in the position to say that her views are more justified that yours. The argument here is not about the "orang putih" or "non-orang putih". Canada is pretty much a multicultural country and the decisions that they made about the way of running this country does not come from just a person with white skin but more importantly from a person who represent the thought process and behavior of humans in general.
I am truly appalled by the discrimination of social status in terms of work opportunities. Does the society really need this discrimination? Are they justified? The society and individuals are OK to discriminate but you need to know and realized where to draw the line. The problem of not being able to distinguish when you've crossed the line can be seen worldwide and it’s definitely a serious problem.
Humans are given the ability to discriminate for survival reasons. Discrimination in everyday normal lives include being able to tell the difference between an apple and an orange, an A from a B, a girl from a boy, a kid from an adult, and even the usual a white from a black. But discrimination of social status in the workplace, is that justified discrimination? Is there any difference between a Chinese who holds a yellow I.C from a Chinese who holds a red I.C? And don't you start giving me that crap that those who hold yellow I.C's are more loyal to Brunei and notice that this is not about a case of Malay against Chinese. When your give birth to a kid, is it engraved in their genes that they should be loyal to Brunei? Heck NO! If kids of PR parents born in Brunei are given the Citizenship BY DEFAULT, they would be as loyal as any other kids born to a Yellow IC parent. See why discrimination is faulty and useless here?
On the other hand, discrimination of skills in the work place is justified merely because to do something, a person who has that skill will most likely perform better than someone who does not possess that skill. It is as simple and obvious as that. Eric Wong 4.11.2003

EASICARD: I was away from the country on the 24th. October, before which I recharged my hp and the balance was $40 plus.  I left my hp at home and nobody used it.  When I came back home on the 31st. Oct, I found out that my credit was only $11 left. I was so surprised because as I know I didn’t use it.  Just recently I tried to send an sms to a friend, when I found out that I can’t send it because DST says I can’t send any sms because my credit was not enough. I tried to call 159 when it said that my account has been barred. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?????? DST OUT THERE REPLIES ME; EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MY ACCOUNT??????HA? WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY THAT MY ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED???????? VERY FRUSTRATED CUSTOMER 4.11.2003

Let Brunei Free from Polluted: It's a good initiative and step for BSP taken into consideration to keep Brunei Darussalam environmentally health. Congratulations! To make more Brunei free from pollution, I will suggest that any body in Brunei regardless government sector or private should aware of vehicles using diesel engine which produced more polluted smoke from their engines. That body will responsible in controlling the amount of polluted smoke produced should be in minimum stage. Perhaps BSP experts or engines mechanics/engineer may have brilliant ideas or knowledge to improve diesel engine in reducing amount of polluted smoke produced or alternatively diesel car user should maintain or service their car engine in reducing that kind of polluted smoke in regular basis. By this cooperation, both to experts/engineer and user, I believe Brunei will have a free polluted and healthy environment.   Mahkota   mahkota@brudirect.com  4.11.2003

RBA Schedules: I would like to reply to the comment made by Huh. My Dear! Open your eyes and ears and I guess u didn’t do TARA analysis when u said “This is why RBA still flies today. If not, we would have gone bankrupt by now." Do you know how much money has the Brunei Government inject into RBA? Millions and millions of dollars and what do we get - unprofitable airlines. That is why it does not go bankrupt - its our national airlines - the Government will always be there - for better or for worst - so the current management can what they desire. Get it Flies in the Sky   sky@yahoo.com  4.11.2003

News at 10: Hj Azrul why do you drawl your voice like that when you're reading the news?  It makes you sound very robotic, and makes following the news difficult and not quite as enjoyable as it should be.  Please try to be more relaxed and natural.  A deliberate and forced deep voice like the one you use is very off-putting. Bored at 10 4.11.2003

Shim-Peace Maker : Hay  Shim The Peace maker. I am disappointed with you for saying what you said to Big Bad Wolf. After  Tracy "puji you". Now you become big headed. Come on lah after reading your comment, I can tell who you are. You are no difference than tj. Do your research first and don't "condemn". We know who Big Bad Wolf is.  His dedication for his voluntary job. Do you know he even spends his own money to help in his "Voluntary Activities?". I think you owe him an apology. (talking about him for talking too much, but not doing anything.) Terminator  4.11.2003

reply to SXHKS  : I have been in the race from the 2nd Brunei race n ko belum pernah ikut lumba n have no experience n u are telling u can beat a 200hp vtec in drag race ...u think people will listen to u??!!! kalau a dyno testing u can win, tapi klu drag race I doubt u can even with NA vtec... money is worth nothing compare to experience. I'm not that experience but at least I know I'm more experience than u... ehh; I have my REAL EXISTING EMAIL. So contact me if you have what u said... aku nda takut because I have what I said I do!! Looking forward for your email. Vteczone@brudirect.com vtecdohcter @ vteczone 4.11.2003

Tengku Nazaziah wants to meet Sultan: The Istana will be opened to the public on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Hari Raya. Take this opportunity to meet the royal families but unfortunately only the men can meet the male royal families while female royal families welcome ladies from all walks of life. Rapture 4.11.2003

Jobless Bruneian: I agree with "Bengkutut" (what an odd name!!!).  The Gov’t should do something to stop foreigners to come to work in Brunei, if it's only clerical, secretarial or administrative work there are many locals who can be trusted to do the job better than foreigners.  I think the reason why companies don't what to employ locals are because they have to register their local employees to TABONG AMANAH PEKERJA.  They prefer to give a bonus at the end of the year to their foreign employees to having to pay every month to TAP. In private schools like PDS, Sunshine there are many foreign teachers there, they are not even qualified, there are wives and relatives of expatriates.  These expatriates are provided with quarters by the government so it's easy for them to house their families without having to pay for accommodations while in Brunei. Kembayau 4.11.2003

Sister Racey: Once upon a time, few years back, I was driving along the highway from Muara to Jerudong. Just after the turning off toward Gadong (UBD , MS etcc), I saw this car in the mirror, yellow Integra Type R round light model, speeding up really quickly behind me, and I was doing 130 or something. When the car over took me, I saw it was a girl, long hair, glasses, driving. I tried to catch up la, for fun, but gave up after 10 minutes. I reached around 185 km/h, until my car cut out. I changed my perception of women drivers after that, although I have had a few accidents with some women after that. If anyone knows that girl, I’d be really interested in meeting her though, but maybe not around anymore. Been there 4.11.2003

RBA schedule: Huh, You have made good observation on the airlines operation. I quite agree with you in some way. RBA schedule was devised by consultant brought from Germany. The study was made in less than a year by the consultant. The study was a perspective of a person with experience at big airport operation. He was from Frankfurt airport and work for Lufthansa consultancy. On paper the schedule is perfect. But the bottom line is will it makes RBA profitable, how long it will take RBA to return to black. The schedule is investment and it bears cost. How much is the cost of investment? RBA retrenched many experience staff to cut cost. How much did they save from the retrenchment and the voluntary retrenchment scheme? RBA will operate four types of aircraft Boeing 767 and 757, Airbus 319/ 320/340.  RBA requires different type rating of pilots to operate different aircraft. The cabin crew cannot operate multi type aircraft. How many new pilots RBA have to recruit? How many cabin crews do they need to recruit? Pilots are very expensive; more cabin crew has to be recruited.
RBA is the choice because it is one of the cheapest. What happen if RBA raise their fares? Can Brunei airport handle flights efficiently? Last but not least Marketing? Market segment? Target market? You have to get answers for all of these.   Airlines observer 4.11.2003

check on background : From my point of view, the owner of the school should check on the background of every teacher he's going to employ which will include their qualification whether this teacher are qualified to teach the level and their quality of teaching. The most important is to check whether they had any criminal cases before. One more thing, the owner should strictly check on the account of the school every end of month and make sure to remind the students to receive a legal receipts of the school. Zipp   cutdcrap@hotmail.com  4.11.2003

Big bad wolf: I'M BACK: just took some rest the past few days....tired of playing my acrobatics. How are you lover boy? Are you missing my naughtiness??? It must be love you know.... just kidding! I read a lot of feedback for you. Well, well, well.... don't worry, I’ll be by your side, all through your life, till death, do us part! Will you marry me, my loving wolf? Or you wanna say grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Se you on the web! dinapokpok@angelfashion 4.11.2003

Big Bad Wolf: Tq for your information about noodles, because me with family likes noodles very much Sejati 4.11.2003

No. of churches and temples in Brunei : Hi all! I am a Bruneian student doing my degree programme overseas right now. Last summer, I chose to do a project on architecture of religious buildings in Brunei. Being a Muslim myself, I chose to carry out my research on temples (for Buddhist) and churches (for Christians and Catholics) so that I can deepen my knowledge on other religions. Arriving back here in June/July, I learnt that Brunei does not have many religious buildings but when it comes to mosques, we find it in almost every kampong. I know Brunei is a Muslim country, but I pity the non-Muslims having to squeeze in a little temple (the one in Bandar and it happens to be the biggest in Brunei!!!) when there's a religious occasion. My point is, shouldn’t they build another bigger one?? Finally, due to shortage of information, I chose to carry out my research in Singapore and Malaysia instead as they have more of these buildings. From here, I could say I learnt a lot from these two major religions which broadened my mind. Miss Mosque   mosque@hotmail.com  3.11.2003

RBA schedules : To Phil. Do your research properly before you post? Bangkok is not a lossmaking route especially when it is transit stop and tagged onto European destination namely Frankfurt. Promotional fare on RBA does not allow you to fly by Thai if I am not mistaken. This is not a code share route. Comments by local businessman are real and need to be looked into..... Haji Bakar bin Hangus   customer@yahoo.com  3.11.2003

To Coure Jet : I think my car is the fastest in Brunei right now.. It only cost me around $200 to buy. 0 to 100 mph in 2.2 sec.. It's small and very light.. .. No turbo, no nitrous, no supercharger, no Vtec, No 4Age, No Sr20.. no driver.. cuma pakai winding saja.. It's called Tamiya.. wanna race with me.. huh?? heheheheheh bye Race Head 4.11.2003

Kain tenunan: can anyone tell me di mana lagi ada bejual kain tenunan brunei untuk sinjang and where can i get the one with good quality but at reasonable price... tq Kain tenunan freak 4.11.2003

Dwarf Most powerful tia karang? : Pehin xxxx not the most powerful man in Brunei. Most powerful man is none other than our beloved His Majesty the Sultan and Yang-DiPertuan. Pehin is just a usurper for power. Where he sees a convenient vacuum he will step in. He is the Brunei Rasputin. For those who don't know Rasputin was a Russian mad monk. Pehin looks like Rasputin. Maybe he will share the same end. (rasputin was poisoned). Papa Doc antipa@yaho.com 3.11.2003

schools with saint names : One question only? Who is running the School?  What is the name of the Principal?  Is it Father ......, Well I rest my case. Tj  3.11.2003

PR discrimination : I do find the PR situation weird in Brunei. Many of them are 2nd generation who are born here, but still have very few rights.  They don't even have the same access to education as full citizens.   As a British expat, I know that when a Commonwealth citizen settles in the UK they can IMMEDIATELY vote in British government elections, access free education (and home-rate university education after 3 years), free hospital treatment, welfare benefits, and they can even work in UK government jobs.  And every settled person can get British citizenship after 4 years.  There is no discrimination allowed in the workplace.   In the UK if ANYONE refuses to offer you a job on the basis of age, race, sex, sexuality or religion then you can take the employer to court... even if it is the government!  When I compare this to the situation in Brunei, it makes me really annoyed! Phil 3.11.2003

To job seeker : You sound desperate, ok try emailing me your letter with CV and I will try my best to look into this.
For all the graduates from ITB, who have difficulties looking for job, can email too. Email is : amansetia@hotmail.com amansetia  3.11.2003

need more sounds.. : Music...it usually relieves all your stress and etc. But seriously, don't you think our country is focusing too much on only "Hip-Hop"? No offense to all those hip-hop lovers out there but for these past few years, all you get to see is.."See local performers perform in JPCC!" and 90% of the chances usually go for hip hop. Err..HeLLo?! There are tonnes and tonnes of talents in this country but the problem is that, they can't get to show it off because most of the time it only goes for rap songs or hip hop. From what I can see, there are so many great vocalists out there (for e.g winners of pilihan's akira talentine singers) but what has happened to them? Why aren't they performing anymore? So please...give these people chances by organizing more singing competition because I'm sure that there's too much hip-hop concerts. Kt  3.11.2003

Re: Wanna know (Brisbane to Brunei) : Return ticket will cost you $1100+ and one-way will cost you $670+. This only applies for Economy class. When are you planning to go home to Brunei? As far as I know, RBA for Brisbane to Brunei for Nov is fully booked. Try contacting RBA lagi la ah..hehe..aku pun nda tau banar. Helper 3.11.2003

RE:POOR SERVICESS : Kristal Astro can you pleasssssssssssssssse send me the bill before the due date. I always received the bill after the due date. Sometimes I forget to pay the bill then there is a $5 charge for a late payment. Not  that I can’t pay the $5 late charges.I am only unhappy with your services since Brunei population is not as big as KL..... Stecan   kaoloni@hotmail.com  3.11.2003

moving thought: a message of life : 
Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.
When the door of happiness closes, another opens. But often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.
The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it is the best conversation you've ever had.
It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it,but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.
Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back! Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours. It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.
Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one who makes your heart smile.
There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real!
Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.
Always put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the other person, too.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
Happiness lives for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.
Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss and ends with a tear. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.. Rachel San Jose-Dominguez   pysjd@yahoo.com  3.11.2003

Big Bad Wolf : Mr. Wolf you sound like very educated person. As for me I am not so educated. What I am trying to say is you talk to much mahu menang tidak mahu kalah punya type neh. You always insist you are right all the time, like you are perfect. Stop posting unnecessary, let together  do something meaningful, like lend a helping hand to the old, handicap beside posting and hurting each other. I am here  not to condemn you or whatsoever. Don’t talk only, action needed. If you would lend a helping hand come and meet me at Seria old folk home because I need some more volunteers like you to help the old people. I am available everyday from 1 pm till 6 pm at the old folk home. Regards shim peace keeper  3.11.2003

To Doraemon and others who are concern : Well, to Doraemon and the others who are interested in making money, this is the website of the direct sales which Ii am earning money that is www.tiens.com.my
The benefits of the bonus is much more easy and better compared to the others. Some advantages are the membership is cheap and its for life, ranks and points will stay permanently even if you are not active, cheap to maintain unlike other direct sales...and lots of benefits compared to others. Please contact me, if you want further info and guidance to become a skillful marketing professional. From this direct sales you may be able to learn how to communicate with different kinds of people, give presentations, knowledge about health products for your health and so on. Hope to hear from you doraemon, and the others too.... be rich and stay healthy... Jack jack2rock@hotmail.com 3.11.2003

MORE B??T?RD U.S. AND BRITISH ARMY KILLED: I WISH MORE AND MORE AGGRESSORS/OCCUPIERS, TERRORIST ARMY DIE EITHER BY SUICIDE BOMB OR OTHER LETHAL MEANS. LET US MAKE THEIR LIVES UNBEARABLE. IF POSSIBLE CARRY ANOTHER ATTACK AT THEIR COUNTRY, THE DEADLIEST THE BETTER. LET US SHOW TO THEM THAT IF THEIR HEARTLESS ARMY COULD KILL MANY INNOCENT IRAQI, THEN THEY (THE IRAQI) HAVE THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO STRIKE BACK. AND THE HAPPIEST MOMMENT WILL BE THE KILLING OF ALL THE JEWS, AND THEIR LEADER. THIS BASTARD U.S ARMY AND THE SOB BRITISH ARMY MUST BE KILLED BY ALL MEANS. I AM VERY HAPPY TO HEAR THAT MORE AND MORE OF THIS STUPID ARMY GOT KILLED.>>>>>JIHADFISABILLAAH>>> saddam hussin 2  kabanaran@yahoo  3.11.2003

tj and saints in schools' names: tj, what did you mean when you said in your message that "Obviously, we are not following the true teaching of Islam and making our own laws to suit ourselves"? What did you mean? Did you mean we Bruneians must make laws that suit ourselves? How can you be very pompous and ignorant at the same time? Laws are not passed so they would SUIT OURSELVES! Rules are created and passed for us to follow them. Are you an anarchist or something? The something being Saddam's relations? Or is it bin Laden's? Don't be intolerant. The world does not revolve around Muslims only, Brunei is not the centre of the universe. Learn to tolerate other religions. It will serve you best when you go out of the country. tracy  tracy@aol.com  3.11.2003

Instant Noodles: The following is something I received from my friend. I hope "Sheep in the City" can throw some light.
INSTANT NOODLES
Dear instant noodle lovers,
Make sure you break for at least 3 days after one session of instant noodles before you eat your next packet! Please read the info shared to me by a doctor. My family stopped eating instant noodles more than 5 years ago after hearing about the wax coating the noodles - the wax is not just in the Styrofoam containers but it coats the noodles. This is why the instant noodles do not stick to each other
when cooking.If one were to examine the ordinary Chinese yellow noodles in the market,one will notice that, in their uncooked state the noodles are oily. This layer of oil prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Wantan noodles in their uncooked state have been dusted with flour to prevent them sticking together. When the hawker cooks the noodles, notice that he cooks them in hot water and then rinses them in cold water before cooking them in hot water again. This process is repeated several times before the noodles are ready to be served. The cooking and rinsing process prevents noodles from sticking together.
The hawker then "lowers the noodles in oil and sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking if they are to be served dry.Cooking instructions for spaghetti require oil or butter to be added in the water when boiling the spaghetti to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Otherwise, one gets a big clump of spaghetti!
There was an SBC (now TCS) actor some years ago, who at a busy time of his career had no time to cook, resorted to eating instant noodles everyday. He got cancer later on. His doctor told him about the wax in instant noodles.The doctor told him that our body will need up to two days to clear the wax.There was also an SIA steward, who after moving out from his mother's house into his own house, did not cook but ate instant noodles almost  every meal. He had cancer, and has since died from it.Nowadays the instant noodles are referred to as "cancer noodles". Big Bad Wolf  3.11.2003

That's mean & That means to Mata Biru: Hi Melayu Mata Biru. (Ada Melayu mata birukan?)
Thanks for the comment. You are right. But whatever I wanted to say,  my mind is always being distracted by your name Melayu mata biru. I scratch my head (Ada Melayu mata birukan?). Now I don’t know what to say! Maybe you use blue contact lense. Sorry !!! Critizecritize 3.11.2003

Cynthia chiew...Culture Shock kali..:  HAHAHA! Another case of CULTURE SHOCK!  You think living/studying in an "Orang Putih" country for just a short time makes you a better person & know everything??? Well, my girl...WRONG! You ain’t learn nothing yet...hahaha What you think you in Canada for just a short while, already you think that they are better ahh! HAHAHAHA. If my memory serves me right, they are even worst than us dulu. Many cases of people migrating from here having a hard time settling down! YOU ARE THE ONE WHO REFUSES TO ADAPT TO THE BRUNEIAN CULTURE! YOU ARE THE TYPICAL "I RATHER ACT WESTERN THAN TO RESPECT & OBSERVE BRUNEIAN (NOT AT LEAST MALAY) CULTURE"
You have not learned enough yet...orang putih can be 100x racists than Bruneians! hahaha..to be continued! My Say is... no_email@mail.com 3.11.2003

Jobless Bruneian: To the relevant Authority.  Fifteen years ago, I see my country fellowmen living in a comfortable life with a good pay. Now the legend is gone. What you see are Bruneians hanging around the town smoking their times away. When Bruneians got interviewed with the local company, what they get as answer from them: "We will let you know!". Well, let me tell you. The next thing you see is, they employ Malaysian or Filipino. Are we Bruneians not capable to do the job? No! Much better than foreigners in terms of human network and other resources. The relevant authority has to do something about it, implementing "USE LOCAL FIRST" in all sector. Otherwise after 10 years, you will see our anak cucu, hanging around town, worse if  they become "PROSTITUTE", or landed themselves in Jerudong (not the playground.) You would feel sorry to these miserable generation and seeing  foreigners laughing their way to the bank cashing their salary. Better do it now, before it's too late! Bengkutut   trekkersbn@hotmail.com  3.11.2003

Job - Job Seeker: Well, now this is interesting. It is really a pity. I hope our government can really "fuse this off". How many of our unemployed locals are this desperate? And how many more would want to terminate themselves? This is only the "tip of the iceberg". How would it look in the international news something like this "Bandar Seri Begawan: ...sadly now many unemployed Bruneians jump off from the "Jamie Mosque" minerat as they are so hungry because they couldn’t find jobs."
To job seeker: May I ask you some questions. What can you do? What is your limitation? What would you like to do if given the chance to choose? Of course, what you want to do depends on what you really have. How old are you now? Do you have any weaknesses that  made people turn down your application? Or your strong points that you are aware of that can help you in your pursuit for a job or survival. There are approximately 330,000 of us in Brunei and few thousands unemployed. You don’t look to me like a person who chooses on jobs if you know what I mean. I just wonder how come our local  brothers, who  have made a living as fishermen, can survive and even have got cars, big houses and few even "pasang dua". Some of our unemployed youngsters now open small gerais selling cakes etc. They can even afford to have mobile phones. Please remember this is not the end of the world or end of everything. Perseverance is the name of the game. If you find a place in Brunei where you find a foreigner doing a job that you can do (you must have the same requirement) then go to the Labour Department and point out to them, say I can do that job if you give me the chance. Knowing our Sultan and his government are "orang pengasih dan penyayang", cares for his subjects. Those orang Brunei working in the Labour Depatrment will do something about that position you mentioned. TRUST them. Have faith in our government. You can be what you want to be. If you WORK HARD at it, you can be what you want to be!!!!! Big Bad Wolf 3.11.2003

Reply Job Seeker: I sympathize with you. I wish I can do something to help.  If you are not choosy in finding a job, I can employ you as my driver.  I am tired of driving my kids to school, especially during this puasa month. It's hot and sticky out there.  But, unfortunately, I can't afford to give you a good salary as the VIPs and the wealthy do. Or you can help me cut the grass around my house. The Indians charge too high for only a small area.  My daughter, who is now sitting for his AS examinations, is also looking for a temporary job but I can't help her to find a job and I can't take her as my driver cause she has no driving licence yet. Problem solver!!!  3.11.2003

Sheep in the Big City: Your statement is falling short of its consistency.  Veterinarian does not support eating non-veggies.  So what is the heck.  Eat the veggies and stop the crabs on the your piggy business.  Unless you are one of the Wolves under the Sheep’s skin. Sheep in the Big City 3.11.2003

Morinda Citrifolia Plant: I am currently looking for people anywhere in the world to market this product.  We have a proven system that has the potential to generate enormous income. Take a look at this website then get back to me www.system.plugandplay.com  Joel Balotin balotin@mindspring.com 3.11.2003

How To Meet His Majesty: I'm a Malaysia citizen. And wants so much to meet His Majesty. Can you arrange for me? Thank you. Tengku Nazaziah Tengku Abdullah   subaina2002@yahoo.com  3.11.2003

To peacekeepers of KB: To peacekeepers of KB: Kudos to you. I congratulate you on such a broad point of view in life that you have. If only there were more people like you in this world we'll live more peaceful lives. MAY THERE BE MORE LIKE YOU. Tracy tracy@aol.com 3.11.2003

Doing IC: I went to get IC last Saturday at 1:00 pm. When I arrived there the polite lady said "maaf ah! no habis" and the indication of the number displayed there was 98. walani   chanteq@hotmail.com  3.11.2003

Reply: Discrimination Against PR : Well said Zuki Oman !!! multi purpose 3.11.2003

View points to Cynthia Chiew: Welcome back to Brunei, Cynthia. Every word you said are true and I fully support it. But then you forgot that you are comparing orange and durian. You seem to love the ideology and the system in Canada. Please go back to Canada. Chickychicky 3.11.2003

Reply to Wondering Reader: Yes, Pehin Isa is still our Minister of Home Affairs, I guess his presence in that ceremony was in his capacity as Special Adviser and not as a Minister. stayput reader  3.11.2003

sistahhracers: Hey, no one will stop you from being what you wanna be. What’s your car? Are you into 'looks' or 'performance'? Or both? By the way,  not all dragrace drives nice, lowered, big wheel sporty car. Some of us just drive a 'kancil' or 'wagon R' to work and race a little beast on the track. Those are guys/or gals who go for performance. So you won’t notice them (in fact even me). Nada duit kah modified daily driven car wahhh,hehehe.. Welcome to the motorsports world. Maybe one day I will see you racing on track jua ok...cioa! vtecdohcter vteczone@brudirect 3.11.2003

VegeDiet-Be a vegetarian: Hai vegeDiet: Ya lah kesian those animals. But what to do! I don’t like to eat veggies lah. People like us who eat meat are actually helping to control the population of the animals. If we don’t eat the animals, their number will multiply and we will be overcrowded by them. Jalan pun susah. Tahi lembu and kambing and not forgetting pigs will be everywhere. Susah juga kan. He he he...  In India, I heard (only heard) tahi lembu everywhere because they cannot eat the cows. Is it true? Wo pu she tau!   : -) Big Bad Wolf 3.11.2003

Discrimination against PR: Reply to Zuki Oman & Big Bad Wolf (BBW):
To: Zuki Oman: As a Brunei Citizen, I disagree with what you said. This is always our mentality in Brunei that " If you don't like it, tough luck, you can migrate to a greener pasture". With this simple gesture, we are giving other people wrong impression that we are an arrogant society. Because of this mentality, we had lost many qualified personnel and professionals to other countries. Do you see any improvement in our country in the past ten years while others are fairing better than us??  Give PR a chance and treat them right. You will see their contributions toward our nation building. Also be more open-minded.
To: BBW: Are you implying Singapore mistreated Malays? I wonder have you ever dealt business with the Singaporean Malays? I do. And many times I had encountered with them. They are far more superior in business negotiation, strong command of English language, and excellent in personality than I thought. Compared to Brunei Local Malays, they are at least 20 years ahead, sad to say that. Singapore now has an ACE Malay Fighter Pilot. Do we have one yet? Bruneians only like to boast around and Tunjok Lawa saja, Kereta mahu besar, pakaian baju mahu chantek2 semua degan Ibu/bapa punya wang, Siapa Tidak Pandai?!. If we don't improve ourselves right away, wait till Minyak2 dan Gas2 atu habis bah, ketani semua ni akan makan pasir. Wake up! EKOH 3.11.2003

Infatuated or In Love?: Hmm... I am rather 'speechless' at this very moment though there are a million words that I'd like to say... especially about this particular someone. Someone whom I've just recently been having eyes on... Sigh! I wouldn't like to claim that I am in love with this person but one thing for sure, the heart kind of aches. It's been sometime since I’ve felt this way. But I might be wrong. However, there have been occasions when he seems to be interested back. There are other observers, too. Tonight, I felt rather guilty for not even acknowledging his presence when he would acknowledge me, simply by smiling usually. Perhaps, shyness got the best of me. What's more, he was walking with us that night. By coincidence he and his friends were going to the same place as my friends and I did. Though we never really conversed then, his presence was undeniably comforting and reassuringly protective. Sigh! But, unfortunately, life on my part is a very busy one and I could only look forward to one thing everyday - the weekend. That's when I would and could only see this unknown person whom my heart so desires... Gorgeous White Sand 3.11.2003

To Big Bad Wolf:  Hey BBW, I think you are an open-mind and jovial type of person! I want to share this with you.
 
Subject:   
Our Meaningful Lives In Years! 
Want to know why you are working so hard?
(An interesting & meaningful story for you)
On the very first day of the world, God created the cow. He said to the cow:
"Ah Gu (cow), today I have created you!
Your job is to go to the field with the farmer all day long. You will provide the energy to pull things!
You will also provide milk for people to drink!
You are to work all day under the sun! In return, you will only eat grass. For that, you will have a life span of 50 years."
Ah Gu objected.
"What.. I work all day under the sun and I get only to eat grass!
On top of that, I have to give my milk away!
This is tough and you want me to live 50 years! I'll take 20 and you can have the remaining 30 years back!" God agreed.
On the next day, God created the dog.
He said to the dog.
"Ah Kow (dog), I have created you for a purpose.
You are to sit all day by the door of your master's house!
Should anyone come in, you are to bark at them!
In return, you will eat your master's leftovers.
I'll give you a life span of 20 years."
Ah Kow objected.
" What!
I have to sit by the door all day and will need to bark at people, and what do I get...LEFTOVERS.
This isn't right, I'll take 10 and you can have the remaining 10 years back!"
God agreed again.
On the third day, God created the monkey.
He said to the monkey.
"Lao Kao (monkey), your job is to entertain people.
You will make them laugh, act stupid and make faces!
You will also do somersaults and swing on trees to amaze them.
In return, you will get to eat bananas and peanuts.
For that, I'll give you 20 years to live."
Naturally, the monkey objected.
"This is ridiculous,
I gotta make faces and make people laugh let not even come to the part about the trees and somersaults.
Tell you what, I'll give 10 years of my life to thank you for my
existence and I'll take 10.
What do you think?"
God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created humans.
God said to the man.
"You are my best piece of work, for that, you will only need to sleep, eat, sleep, play, eat, sleep again and do nothing else. You will get to eat all the best things and play with the best toys.
All you need to do is enjoy all your life.
For this kind of life, I'll give you 20 years."
Just like the rest, the man objected.
"What, all I need to do is relax and enjoy myself and I have only 20 years to live?
Tell you what, you've 30 years back from Ah Gu, 10 years from Ah Kow and another 10 from Lao Kao and you probably don't know what to do with all those lives. Why not I take them all and I'll have 70 years to live?" God
being such good natured, agreed with a smile...
AND THAT IS WHY...
We eat, sleep, play and enjoy for the first 20 years of our lives when we are growing up.
Work like a cow for the next 30 to raise our family.
Sit outside the door and bark at people for the next 10 when we are retired.
And finally, we make faces and perform monkey tricks to entertain our grandchildren for the final 10 years.
GET IT ????? Teddy Bear 3.11.2003

to vteczone: You said strokerkit atu waste of money saja di bali? hahahaha I think your vtec atu yg wasting. Do you think that you can get power as my sr22det? hahaahaa you must be joking tu..kalau NSX vtec lagi mati2an kan dapat 400hp. Are you driving civic or integra? accord vtec? or NSX? aku ani alum pernah join drag race pulang ni, But I will join kalau ada nx race. SxHKS 3.11.2003

Dinapokpok: Hey dinapokpok, angelfashion. Why are you quiet? Don’t you love me anymore? I thought you wanted to know me and play with me. Must be my biiiig teeth or is it my big black fang? Scary huh? Still want to play acrobat with me. Big Bad Wolf 3.11.2003

To tj-sch: to Tj: If we are to abolish schools with the word Saint...(because of religious reasons) then should we kill all our non-Muslim friends in Brunei? Should America kill all the Muslims? Tear down all the Chinese restaurants, etc...and the rest of the non-Muslim countries do the opposite!