Happy BirthDay To Jimah Cawan D *winks*: Assalamualaikum JiMaH!!!
Happy BirthDay JimaH!! How does it feel like being a year older than last year?? PreTTy ExCiTiNg HuH? So... I HoPe You're HaPpY in BruNei with your family and friends. Schools And Homeworks and ExaMs.. haha..  Belajar rajin2 ah.. I hope when I go back to Brunei,  you would be slimmer, spotless, and um.. less marung.. haha.. Oh.. Birthday.. reminds me of the time when I was back in western Europe on Mount Tibidabo. It was beautiful. There were trees and I saw this woman.. so beautiful. She was sitting near the lake but she was crying. ~~~ i forgot the script.. antam saja lah.. Have A Good Day!! Kena Belanja Ni Eh!! huhuhuhu.. Love Alwez.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! (06-10-2003) SayWhat?  5.10.2003

No lights on Panaga-Shell road: There are no lights on the very stretch of road beside the Panaga Golf course. Why? From F1 to F5 or 6 it’s in pitch darkness. There are no street lights except outside the MD's house. What is so special about the MD? Is he the only one living on the street? The road is very straight and people tend to speed. At night it is pitch darkness. I have even seen cars in the roads when they try to over speed and cannot negotiate one nasty corner on the road. This road is Shell's responsibility. Do they only talk about safety? Do they only talk about HSE? What about putting their money where their mouth is? Improve road safety. Light up the sides of the road. This is a Shell road. They are responsible for lighting and making it more safe. This is a small expense compared to the money they have been getting from Brunei all these years. local citizen   observer@yahoo.com  5.10.2003

Local MD for BSP?: When will we get a local MD for BSP? In Sarawak Shell many years ago they had a local MD. When they couldn't find a Malay, they were even brave enough to choose a Chinese! What about Brunei? Don't they trust a Malay to be MD. Don’t the authorities want a Malay because they don't want the locals to know how much royalties Shell International pays to Brunei? Is this a state secret? Is this why they don't want to nominate a Malay MD after all these years of exploiting Brunei wealth? local lady  5.10.2003

Whores of asia?: I agree with the original posting. Filipinas are the whores of Asia. I have a sad experience. I am a nurse. During my night duty, the maid was fooling around with my husband. They were having sex and oral sex and anal sex. All types of sex. Now he throws me and my children out of the house and chooses the maid as his second wife. The maid has the cheek to say, "You cannot satisfy your husband. That's why your husband chose me over you. If you are good in bed, your husband will not choose me. I am better than you at satisfying your husband.” Words to that effect. She was bragging about her sexual prowess. That she could come to Brunei as a maid and then stole my husband. They are many like her. So I agree. Filipinos are the whores of Asia. I agree 100 per cent. Posting atu tepat sekali. They cause a lot of heartaches for local women. Government should freeze the recruitment of both man and woman. They are more than 30,000 Filipino labour. That's not counting the maids in the royal palaces. Government should siasat their background. Why do they come to Brunei? Are they single parent? Do they have kids in Philippines? Do they plan to stay in Brunei, memuluk ugama Islam and steal someone husband in the process? Nurse   sedih@yahoo.com 5.10.2003

Food prepared by non-muslims: Assalamualaikum, recently I have noticed there's a lot of debate here concerning halal-haram in food especially about restaurants that have non-Muslims chefs and cooks. Actually. Muslims can eat food prepared by non-Muslims as long as we know that the ingredients used are halal, clean and not causing harm. For example, people are questioning about meats and other products in various fast food outlets and other restaurants in the country. Since the halal-haram comittee has done regular checking on our meat supply (and other products) and so far they have approved that those meats are halal, then they should be halal even if the food are prepared by non-Muslims. I must agree we must always be cautious on the food we eat. But if we are sure it's halal then do not doubt it further (ragu-ragu) as "ragu-ragu/was-was" will make the food otherwise.
Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), states:
"As far as Islam is concerned, Muslims are allowed to eat any food prepared by ANY HUMAN BEING as long as it is clean, healthy and prepared with halal ingredients. It is not a requirement of the Syariah to have Muslim cooks and Muslim food servers." For further reading/guidance:
http://www.islam-online.net/fatwaapplication/english/display.asp?hFatwaID=8010
or better yet ask the fellow ustaz and ustazah in Brunei.Wassalam. Penguin Penguin   5.10.2003

Ills of globalisation: Unknown to many, more and more international companies and notably banks are reducing their manpower locally and moving their back office/IT operations overseas. Their rationale is to save cost but in actual fact it’s not, as they use it as a guise to move more of their investment offshore and also charging them as expenses, they end up paying less tax. Offshore processing is harmful to a developing country like Brunei. It reduces the chances of Bruneians from attaining skills, which other countries have. We are left to depend on others all the time to process even the normal office work. Less opportunities means more unemployment. The government should levy more tax for companies who process offshore but give tax incentives to those who process locally in Brunei. This will help reduce the number of unemployed. The most harmful move is the removal of IT functions from Brunei. This means Brunei will never attain an acceptable standard in IT, yet we read that authorities are spending so much on ICT projects, some of which are totally reliant on foreign experts who do not transfer their skills. When the project is completed, they leave and no locals have been trained to maintain the system. Please, someone wake up, stop talking, and start some action to save Brunei from remaining un-developed. Save our jobs  5.10.2003

Pizza Delivery or Pisser Delivery: It is really an interesting topic about locals not given the opportunity to work in private sectors such as Pizza delivery. Accusation of local being lazy, unrealiable, etc etc. When we come to think of it and be honest with it, yes, we do have these bad apples. But what we local also forget is that  some of these employers have  this attitude of "locals are difficult to control, talk and argue too much." Worst is if I employ local, they will learn my secret and they will start same business. In the end, I have a competition! I mati lah no business. If we all look in the mirror and see ourselves and ask why? Another basic question is: there are almost 60,000 Indons. approximately 40,000 Filipinos and approximately 20 to 30,000 from other countries working in Brunei. How can +-7,000 Bruneian unemployed?. Please don’t point fingers at the foreigners. It is all our fault. Look into the mirror and say again and again "it is all our fault". All races in this world, all human being wants to survive. Even animals, birds want to eat. The weaker, the lazy and the one that wait for a plate to be served will starve. Let it be our burden/responsibilities to lessen the number of foreigners in Brunei, by filling with locals those 130,000 positions now being held by the foreigners. While we are still dreaming and sleeping, let the foreigners do what they are paid to do. Let them be in peace. Just remember they don’t want to leave their loved ones thousands of miles away if not for SURVIVAL. Little Daisy  5.10.2003

buzz off u PHILL: Philip or Phill  you guys ar edamn sucks....clever but naaaaaa just eggs Curious  5.10.2003

NO Environmental effects from ALCOA: To all of you who are concerned about the environmental effects of ALCOA!!!!! I think the ALCOA project should carry on.
Alcoa businesses and operating locations have continued to deliver on the commitments they made to the reduction of waste and emissions set forth in Alcoa's 2020 strategic framework for sustainability. From a baseline in 2000, these include a 60 per cent reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions by 2010, against which we had achieved 12.9 as of the end of 2002; a 30 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions by 2007, against which we have achieved 24.5 per cent; a 60 per cent reduction in process water use and discharge by 2008, against which we had achieved 12.9 per cent; and, a 50 per cent reduction in land-filled waste, against which we had achieved 37.3 per cent at the end of 2002.
In addition, we have achieved 17.6 per cent of our targeted 25 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions measured against a 1990 baseline; a 29.1 per cent reduction in mercury emissions against our goal of an 80 per cent reduction by 2008; and a 13.0 per cent reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) against our 50 per cent goal by 2008. We also closed two major bauxite mines in Western Australia and Jamaica and are returning the land to sustainable and productive use.
Compliance with all environmental laws and regulations is a basic requirement for all our operating locations, and we continue to close the gap on our 2004 goal to eliminate instances of environmental non-compliance. This, too, is foundational for achieving sustainability. Patriotic about Brunei's Future   patriotic_bruneian@hotmail.com 5.10.2003 

Just an Observer: As for $1 for Smarter, what is it actually? I think it must be for Charity otherwise not a wise idea. But to whoever is organising it, I have never heard of such an idea before, never in other parts of this region. So I am interested to hear more from the public  and government about these two issues: ALCOA AND $1 FOR SMARTER. Are the people aware or listening or helping you guys . Just an Observer 4.10.2003
For your information, SMARTER Brunei stands for Society for the Management of Autism Related issues - in Training, Education and Resources.
It is a Parent Support Group for their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They have opened two centres to help their children to get Early Intervention Program. Autistic Children are not disabled or handicapped. According to Simon Baron-Cohen, autism is an imbalance between two kinds of intelligence: the kind used to understand people (he calls it "empathizing") and the kind used to understand things ("Systemising'). Therefore, AUTISM is not a disease in need of a cure. It's a mental style that people can learn to accommodate. Sometimes it's even a gift.
The $1 for SMARTER IS A CAMPAIGN TO COLLECT MONEY TO HELP THEM RUN THEIR TWO CENTRES. They have 5 qualified therapists/teachers especially for Autism, so thank you for your interest and do help them Smarter Supporter   5.10.2003

Lawyer vs Istana Stampede: Just out of curiosity. What are you really up to,  Borneo Bulletin?
You give such a detailed report about the lawyer (to the extent of giving out car registration number, bank account numbers etc). I can’t think of anything that you may have missed out.  Anyone reading it could have been there. That's how exact and true your article seems. YET, couple of weeks ago, when a pregnant woman was killed in the ISTANA STAMPEDE along with her daughter, nothing was said. NOTHING AT ALL !!! It was completely swept under the doormat. Why didn’t that story receive the same coverage as the lawyer? Are you being paid any extra for covering up? And if you do think that you've done a great job by detailing the lawyer's traumatic journey, you can forget it because you have just made matter worst by doing so!
Buck up Borneo Bulletin. If you are the Nation's Number 1 News Provider that you claim to be, then for God's sake, do your job well. Liz  5.10.2003

ALCOA: The Aluminium plant. Are we inviting the devil??? Nothing is known to the people of Brunei and perhaps to the Government too, what such a factory can do to harm us.We know our Government tries to do the best. But did they know this time what they are up to? Did they take an Independent Environment Assessment Study into consideration.Which is a must for any responsible Government?
Concerned as I am, I looked in the internet. There is a campaign against almost similar plants in Patagonia - South America, and I transfer their warning figures to Brunei.We should be very, very worried. The Patagonia plant of 440.000 tons will impact (meaning harm) an area of 10.000 ha.
That is a stretch of 100 km length and 1 km wide, or 50 km long and 2 km wide.In clear terms, the pollution will reach Bandar or Tutong and Kuala Belait at least.Or from Sungai Liang to Muara and beyond. Stinking and poisoning.If the wind drift south, it will reach the Mulu caves, a World Heritage site. Brunei, you surely get a bad name! Then the sulphur gas. Sulphur dioxide attacks tissues in our throat and lungs.
(Kids, no football playing near the factory. No sports.) Such a plant does much more. There are these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons released. (meaning it stinks to heaven).And toxic (poison) organic material. Not to forget the PFCS. That is the cancer maker. No one escapes. PFCS develops when temperatures on the anodes- so I read- are too low. PFCS are released into the air. This poison lives for ever (8000 times longer than carbon dioxide). Which cancer do you like?
Take your pick:
Prostate cancer
Testicular cancer (in both cases you cannot do it   anymore)
Breast cancer (how to feed the babies)
Liver cancer (hard to live without one)
Not to forget the brain damage.
Did you know such studies exist?
To produce 440.000 tons of Aluminium, the plant will produce 660.000 tons of toxic waste (That is 66.000 tipper lorries per year. A total length of 440 km approximately, if you line them up.)
That is: 4 lorries beside each other, from Bandar blocking the highway until Kuala Belait.
How many of these trucks are constantly in operation?
Bye bye, peace and tranquility for everyone from Tutong to Kuala Belait.
What about the schools????? The kids?????
In other words, in one year the toxic waste produced is sufficient to burry all Government buildings in 30 ft of poison material, 600 ft wide and 900 ft long.
Only in one year!
This material is not shipped out. No illusion on that.
Only aluminium and profit will leave the country.
Where are they going to dump it? 660.00- tons every year. On land?
On dry days, the wind will blow the death breath into our houses
and schools and Kinder gardens.
In rainy days, it will seep into the ground..
And Brunei goes into the Guinness Book of Records after 15 years operation.
For the highest toxic mountain in the world.
Dump all in the sea?
The fish will be poisoned, we eat them and die slowly.
No more fishing for the small scale fisherman. No more prawns
sold at local markets from the coastline.
A million tons of carbon dioxide is released into the air in Patagonia. How many more greenhouse effect we need. Not hot enough yet?
What about us?
It will affect our lovely Brunei and the surrounding land for the future to come.
Bye bye Eco tourism. Close the just started National Park.
Is the tourism boss, our Sheik not standing high up and ready for a imaginary fistfight, seeing all his efforts - and invested money- going down the drain?
And the forestry department the forerunner of eco-tourism with all their investment for leisure and tourism.
No tourists come anymore, that is assured.
(Maybe aluminum smugglers)
The list goes on. Too long reading makes me tired, so I better end.
I know there will be important fingers arguing. We will provide jobs and earn income besides oil and gas.
Let’s be realists. After the construction period which may employ
4000 people, (many foreigners) the plant will need to operate 500-1000 men. By far not all locals.
But it will destroy the well-being of maybe 50.000- 100.000
Bruneians.
We are not experts and I hope, I wish, I pray, that those figures are not correct.
Therefore, we need an Independent Environmental Assessment study.
These companies have constant problems with the environment.
Getting Law suits and heavy fines  in industrialized countries.
That is why you find them in African countries, shipping for 10.000 km their pest.
In countries without laws and where people have no say or do not understand.
Now ALCOA found Brunei on the world map.
They will ship from anywhere. In unsafe ships maybe in so-called soul sellers. (The Marine Department know what I mean)
How many will sink with the cargo???
Our government has become in the years so used to decide as it may fit.
Good for them. But in such crucial decisions, they must ask the experts and the people as the fisherman must have a chance to go for his catch tomorrow, too.
The farmer needs clean soil to plant and pick the durian, not fearing contamination.
We cannot eat aluminium.
 Is it true AlCOA plans 800 tons output?
Then just double the figures - and the horror.
Allah grants his blessing to the faithful.
This week, I will pray for wisdom of these, our decision makers.
There must be an Independent Assessment study first.
Join in this prayer, please. For the sake of Brunei and our children. hidup sehat 5.10.2003

Hi: I response again to Brunei berarak something..Well  I'm not an American. I'm a Bruneian. Who are you to classify the Americans as criminals. Let's be honest with ourselves. Think for a  minute. There are  so many anti-American countries and anti- American people in the world. Why do people  hate them? And why can’t people destroy them? The simple answer is THEY ARE JUST TOO POWERFUL. That’s a fact. PEOPLE JUST ENVY THEM AND ARE JEALOUS OF THEM. With  such power, they can simply lead an Iraq war with some excuses of WMD. So words alone are useless. If only those people can develop their countries and be as strong as them, they can defeat them with force not with those coward words. I may sound like an American supporter but I'm not. The fact is I'm envy of them. In fact, everyone should learn from them BUT not to abuse those powers.. Critical thinker  5.10.2003

response to brunei berarak mendung: Well, you point out that those tourists say that Brunei is clean. What would you say when a group of RTM crew approach  you and ask you regarding the cleanliness of, let's say Limbang? Well, I bet you would say that it's clean and everything is fine even though it's not. And by the way, do you think RTB will show the nasty comments from those tourists  if there's any?  And everyone has a freedom of speech and discussion. Who are you to call me with those harsh words….those words are only used by uncivilised people. If I'm wrong correct me. Not with those insults. You’re calling yourself a Bruneian but using such vulgar words. Fellow Bruneians, maybe we do have different views on the AL smelting plant. But I think all of you would agree with me that those insults are from the "uncivilised". Or I would say "low class". One more thing...regarding the aluminium thing….BEDB is an organisation with expertise. If it weren't, then it's sad that His Majesty has not done anything to remove them from their post or something. Just think. If His Majesty didn’t  approve this project, will these talks go on? If you guys are still not satisfied, it means that you are questioning His Majesty's decision (correct me if I'm wrong. I'm willing to learn but not with those harsh words, please). They must have done all the maths before drawing such conclusions. There’s a risk in everything. But the thing  is that the income (which is not that important) outweighs the problems. And, most importantly, the investors’ confidence on our country. Do you guys know how important  investors' confidence is?? Think about it critical thinker  5.10.2003

Using the name "Malai": For the person who is using the name "Malai" as your other name in this forum. Please let it be known that there are hundreds of us using the name Malai and we are the rightful descendent user of that name, same like Pengiran, Ampuan, Engku. So please don’t smear our name. People could be mistakenly think that it is their friend Malai next door or husband/wife, anak who wrote the nasty things about others. Tolong jaga lah sikit and respect those innocent ones. They don’t do any harm to you. I have a good friend who asks whether I wrote the comment. I replied "Gila kau ani eh! you think I would do that sort of mean thing kan?". If you are the real descendent of the Malai families, please write your full name so you can answer to the public what you have been writing without involving other Malai families. Same like the Pengirans and the  Ampuans we do have families, parents, uncles who are respectable. It is all our responsibilities to also protect their good names. Like the Datos and the Pehins, their children and families as well as their friends look after their reputation. We are BRUNEIANS. It is our Bruneian way of life to protect our loved ones, our families, friends even extended families. So please, if you are not what you are, don’t be what you’re not. Don’t bring us into the toilet. Thank you for understanding.  God Bless You. Another Malai  5.10.2003

So-called "Duh Local Staff" (PizzaHut: Whoever you are, don't say locals don't give  their commitment. Even the close relative of the boss NEVER gives 100 per cent commitment to help in the business. Only to act bossy and bragging around that so and so is my relative (so that people would say....Ooooh...). Come and go just like commitment? Hell..llooooo, duuuh....I'm sure you yourself (who made that statement) is not local and people like you NEVER respect locals!  Foreigners  are marrying locals only to get RED I.C. so that they can settle down and have business.  Hey nobody stop you!  It's your right, it's your life but at least respect others before you want others to respect you!  Most foreigners settling here never respect the locals (after they get what they want, especially either RED or YELLOW I.C or starting the business) SO LOCALS BEWARE especially RICH LOCALS, do not be blinded.  Everybody wants easy life. But stop being USED and behind you they are laughing hard and joking that BRUNEIANS ARE STUPID and EASY TO CHEAT!  Just bring in beautiful ladies, nieces, female cousins walla you will have your business here. To the so called "Duhhhh Local Staff" watch out of what you’re saying, your spending B$ and your blood and sweat is part of it!  GOD is not blind. Ekseeeen eksen_mu@hotmail.com 4.10.2003

Mspizza: Hahaha, well, you are mad. So which sector in Pizza are you working with? Do you handle job interviews for those who want the job. Let me tell you something you don't know. What kind of training are you talking about? I had been working for Pizza Hut almost 3 years and  I had been given training for the first few weeks of my job only. After that you train by your own, and all the things I learn from Pizza Hut is what I learn by myself. No, thank you from your department. I was once chosen employee of the month. But did you know what I got? NOTHING. Just a certificate. I was hoping that the owner would say something and say Thank you. But NO, I just got the certificate. I was not appreciated by the company. So I look for another job and finally I got a job with the government sector and the salary was way too good compared to that at Pizza Hut. I worked 14 hours in Pizza Hut and I got $400. I am working for only 9 hours in the government sector but I get $700. Wow...what a life and for Pizza Hut,  I change your name into something suitable....
'Pxxxxxxxx Dxxxx' ...hahahaha so MSPIZZA. Then you say it is difficult to find local workers. Think again and do your research more because local people want the job but your company is too choosy....hahahaha.... Whatever  4.10.2003

More about Pizza Hut: Are you sure that local don't want to work hard? Well, I did apply for work at Pizza Hut as a delivery man. Yes I am a local. I was also interviewed and you know what the manager told me, “Sorry, we don't take local for delivery man”. THEY rejected me even though I have motorcycle license. The same was true with my 5 other friends who wanted to be delivery men for Pizza Hut. The same answer was given. Now I am working as a delivery man with other fast food company. So don't you even think of saying that local people are lazy. If you don't know what the office people are doing, just keep your mouth shut tightly. Local staff  4.10.2003

Safe waters: Are the seas along Brunei beaches safe to swim in? For example, I hear from a friend there are trenches not far off Muara beach, and there are underwater currents. I think buoys or floats should be put in the waters to mark where people are not supposed to swim. Since Baywatch facilities are not present, at least this simple thing may save lives. To Brudirect keep up the good work! Baywatch   sonicblast911@hotmail.com 4.10.2003

Whore of Asia - Jenny (Filipina Maid): Dear Jenny, I agree with your comment. I am a Bruneian. I am ashamed if any of my fellow countrymen say all those things about you and other maids (Indon or Philippines) working in Brunei. It is not  the race of the country that is bad. Bruneians are alike. Maybe worst. What you said about your boss' sister-in-law is just the tip of the ice berg. The person, who wrote those comments, doesn’t even know that there are Bruneian teenage girls in Bandar Brunei at the Yayasan and other shopping complex where you can make love to them with a payment of $20/- easi card only. Talking about other races! S..! These people don’t event know that there are bigger s..ts at the back of their messy backyard caused by their own people. People who make those comments are just spitting to the sky and the spit falls on their own face. Or  pissing against the wind. Jenny, we are so sorry. Like you said not all Filipinas or Indonesians are bad. Same goes with us Bruneians. Not every one of us are as bad as you think. I am sure you have a lot of Bruneian friends whom you have kind words in your heart. Have a nice stay in Brunei "Wishing you GOD's perfect touch today and Bless your heart with LOVE! Have a nice day. Little Daisy  4.10.2003

1 2 B scandal wit me!!: Hello there, I'm a man aged around twenty+. So, for those who want to be on scandal with me, please email this address. Randy   ragustovo@yahoo.co.uk 4.10.2003

ALCOA OR ALUMINIUM and ($1 for Smarter): Hi guys. It’s been interesting to read on HYS for the last weekend and weekdays. It has been lots of issues no matter it is sensible to read or not . Anyway what interests me most is about this Alcoa or aluminium issue and $1 for SMARTER. The Alcoa issues must be looked into very seriously by everybody -  be in the government or public because it’s the future of the country that matters most, especially the next generation. Brunei is a small country and it is just relying on gas and oil and this upcoming project is another added value to the two main incomes to the country. But is it .....??????  So please to those more knowledgeable, please please please.....!!!!!
As for $1 for Smarter, what is it actually? I think it must be for Charity otherwise not a wise idea. But to whoever is organising it, I have never heard of such an idea before never in other parts of this region. So I am interested to hear more from the public  and government about these two issues: ALCOA AND $1 FOR SMARTER. Is the people aware or listening or helping you guys . Just an Observer 4.10.2003

Local Deliveryman: Ya lah, why Pizza Hut has no local?  But Why Jollibee and Mc Donald can get local riders? Why?  Racism?  Anti local?  Salary no good? Everywhere it’s the same, especially fast food restaurants.  It depends on  the management.   Foreign or locals hold the high post, depending on the person's charisma and personality.  So stop being angry and hateful.  The food are all good and delicious.  Local or not, as long as delivered in one piece man!  Sometimes I pity the delivery man. I give them tip and they are happy.  No complain.   They do a good job.  So do I get Free Tuna Pizza?  Tuna Delight Lover   Oh_Tuna@hotmail.com 4.10.2003

WIJAYA FC: To those who are badmouthing about jersey 11 wijaya, please stop it. Don't give the lad more pressure. He has an important game coming up and all these gossips about him might affect his performance. Worst, his relationship with his beloved one might also be affected. He's one of Wijaya's most talented players and the team needs his full concentration for the next match against Indera Fc. Maybe, this is just a strategy to pull Wijaya down by spreading rumour about one of its BEST players. Well, guys you got it all wrong!! No matter how much you try, Wijaya will still be one of the BEST B-League teams. To Jersey 11, don't care what people say about you. Just bear in mind that all of this is a challenge for you. You are one of Brunei's BEST top footballers and rumours are spread to bring you down. Be glad that all these people are talking about you. They're just making you stronger by facing all the hurdles in achieving your dream. Thank them. You know, you are the BEST So prove them wrong!! Never give up yeah!! I know you are very determined so be strong for the next game!! Go JEEMBO! go JEEMBO!!! hehe ok girls. If you still think you are capable of having him, go ahead. I'm sure you wont be frustrated in getting to know him. I’m supporting him just because he's one of our national players but Kasuka FC is still my favourite. Please girls, jangan lihat keburukan seseorg, try and see kebaikan seseorg. inda salah kali ia lirik-lirik, inda payah tunggu pemain bola, other profession ada jua suka melirik orang. Don’t be prejudiced. Try and see the good qualities that lie within him. GOOD LUCK KASUKA FC & WIJAYA FC!! Okay enough, I’m afraid my beloved one might get jealous if I’m praising jersey 11 so much..tee hee. To other readers, don't get emotional reading this because I’m just saying what I want to say. This is the truth and nothing but the truth. I know jersey 11 well, so please, I'm not here to argue ok. J'adore  4.10.2003

Who Killed Sergio d'Milo-UN Rep in Iraq: Nobody claimed to have planted bombs at UN HQ in Iraq. Fingers were pointed at the Iraqi people who resisted occupying forces in Iraq. Two days after the bomb blast that killed him, d'Milo was interviewed by the BBC Penorama Programme. It was shown by BBC today 4th Oct 2003 at 5pm. If you saw the programme, he had put his critical views about the presence of the occupying forces and their ability to secure the security problems faced in Iraq. The views were damaging to the Yank and Brit forces image. I won’t conclude who is responsible for his killing, but there is likely some conspiracy by the bigger forces other than the Iraqi resistant forces. Lately, UN is becoming very bolder criticizing the US draft resolution, ask WHY? They may now have the trump card. I let you all ponder. Who is the terrorist?   Mat Bond-----a  4.10.2003

Ref My Posting - Damages Done By Alcoa: Dear Webmaster,
Why is my posting on the subject matter (Pasted below), which was out for a few hours today, deleted from the HYS room. I thought that this "Have No Fear - Have Your Say" Room is meant for everyone to put forward what is best for all. Just wondering why it was deleted. Is it because you are safeguarding someone’s interest and not the interest of the public. Please explain. (Answer: it was push down to the next page, please click more English messages.Thank you!) Brunei Berarak Mendung  3.09.2003

Alcoa: I, too, am concerned about the Alcoa plant.   I think it will be good for the economy but without a strong government inspection regime, the toxic emissions could be very bad for the environment and people’s health.   Governments in the UK and Europe have very stringent emissions control, and companies cannot get away with very much without being fined millions of dollars.   But I worry that the Brunei government will just not have the skills or expertise to monitor emissions from Alcoa. And they will be scared of imposing fines on Alcoa for breaches of the rules anyway because they would be worried Alcoa may leave Brunei (and Brunei needs all the private sector companies it can find).  Bad days ahead I fear.   I hope the government recruit some good chemical inspectors! Phil 3.09.2003

whores of asia : I am a Filipino maid working for a prominent politician in Brunei. We are not whores. We are as human as you are. We have feelings too and it always takes two to tango. There are always bad apples in the barrel but surely not the whole boat! Why?? There are the same bad apples in Brunei .My boss’ sister-in-law is one. She had an affair when she was married. When her husband found out, she just ignored him. She has continued the affair openly. She has 4 children and they go on holidays together with her boyfriend. She is now divorced and is still looking for the rich boyfriends. If you have money to buy her thing then she can be had. She is Bruneian and she is a whore!!! She’s now training her daughters to do the same trade! Everybody knows her. If she wants a contract from the municipal government, she goes on with an affair with the man there.
Are all Bruneian women whores just because of a bad apple? No. Sometimes as maid we are forced to endure things just to keep our job. Don’t blame us. Blame your itchy husband whom you cannot control! jenny  3.09.2003

aluminium: (In response to the posting made by Critical Thinker dated 2 October 2003). Who are you Critical Thinker giving us your stupid remarks for putting aside the environment problems that will be experienced by everyone of us here when worst things occur out of this stupid project. Yet comparing rubbish as an issue to say Brunei is a dirty country and approve this stupid project labeling Brunei as a dirty country so as for you all to dump your deadly toxic waste without thinking what worst comes next. I guess you have evil eyes commenting Brunei is dirty where most foreign visitors articulated that Brunei is one of the cleanest countries around this region. Who are you actually? Are you a Bruneian? If you are, I believe that you are an idiot or son of a bxxxx or a bxxxx to be exact. If you are a member of the American company or the immediate associate members, who want this stupid project to go on, I suggest you just keep your mouth shut because we know every criminal American wants to do in order for this project to go on by trying to convince the population with the lovely state income that the government will receive. Sorry Critical Thinker, I don't buy your words because history has taught us that this will be a fatal disaster for everyone here in Brunei Darussalam. Once again, my call to all Bruneians to stand side by side to put a petition to the government of His Majesty that this Project must now be STOP to the END Brunei Berarak Mendung  3.09.2003

Why: why do the media have to reveal the name of the rape victim? Shame on you!!!!!!!!! Philip   philip_2598@hotmail.com 4.09.2003

Go ahead, build the smelting plant: The industry that pollutes much are those industry which at all times destroy our trees. You know which industries? Believe it or not, accountancy, financial sector and banks, and education institutions.  Because they use paper. Lots of them. Paper uses up trees. More trees have to be destroyed to produce more papers. That is what I think.
Aluminium production is good for the world. Vehicles will be lighter. Aeroplanes will consume less fuel. Cars made of aluminium will also be lighter. The plant still destroys the environment. But I can see there are more benefits than damages that it causes. Dear government, please go ahead.  If you are forever negative, there would not be our UBD. We would not have cement manufacturing plant. Neither would we be able to process our own oil refinery.  All these pollute our environment.
To those who worry too much about environment, for a start, stop using paper. Ask your kids to write on woods. Do not use toilet paper. Use leaves. Do not use baby pampers, use cloth. Do not go to work by car, go on foot and use bicycles. And don’t breathe out carbon dioxide, ooops ... ok Awangku Aluminium   ak_mastianon__878@hotmail.com 4.09.2003

Kidnapped Lawyer: To The BB, Yet another goofed-up front page report which will cause more hurt to the victim than the criminals. Well Done (NOT!!!). KBBoy 4.09.2003

To LKY: Solutions to the private/government sector mismatch. 1) Reduce all government servants’ salary to private sector level. 2) Eliminate or reduce all those special allowances/bonus 3) Install a time card machine (those caught misusing it or MIA from work, sack them) 4) Get someone to audit them (i.e. what they did in the week, how fast they work, efficiency, etc, and if not doing the work as expected, sack them) 5) Banks should not discriminate private sector employees i.e. usually seeking Government servant as guarantor (Is this the practice in other countries? Don't think so. Sack them too).
If all those above suggestions are implemented, I guarantee there won't be any choosy locals, waste of resources, plus our country will progress faster. Cheers. Be fair Sonicblast911@hotmail.com 4.09.2003

HANG the KIDNAPPER!: I vote for the lawyer’s kidnappers to be sentenced by hanging to death so in the future this will not happen to our loved one. Keep Brunei free of this ill mentality type of people. Citizen 4.09.2003

Get Alcoa: I totally agree with the environmentally conscious comments which have been posted concerning Alcoa. As a mum, a Bruneian and as a person who values the beauty of Allah's creations, I would like to appeal to somebody, somewhere to start a petition and to send it to the Ministers (esp. MIPR) and to our beloved Sultan himself. The damaging evidence is there to show the true negative extent of this industry. On a country the size of Brunei, any negative repercussions (e.g. health problems, environmental damages) will be swift.  There are verses from the Quran which specifically mention taking care of the environment as it is part of our duties as human to do so as Allah's vice regent on Earth. The environment is a silent stakeholder in this case. We need to vocalize our valid concerns about this opportunistic American company, which is eye-balling our destruction gleefully because we are such pushovers for them. We cannot be timid in this matter. This is our livelihood, our future, our children. Imagine our children being kept indoors and prevented from playing outside because of the acid rain or the pollutant smog emissions. Imagine them dying in front of our eyes, gasping for breath, wanting clean air; imagine their lives being stripped away because we wanted a few measly dollars. Just the idea of it makes me cry. Has the MIPR Minister signed our death certificates when he signed the MOU? Alas, I fear that he has. He has certainly signed his grandchildren's health away if this goes on. I wonder what possessed him to agree to this deal. (I am not suggesting any illicit activities here at all). Leadership is a great responsibility, to act in wisdom as a leader is more honorable than to bow down to external influences (e.g. the promise of money, creation of jobs etc). To say no to openly negative activities takes courage and wisdom. Sadly, something went wrong here. Wealth for the country should never be put ahead of a nation's health. There are other means to achieve wealth and create jobs.
I beseech those out there to become organized and do something quick! I am sure that together we can do something. I would like a sustainable earth for everyone. I value healthy life more than money. This just isn't worth it. I would like the Alcoa CEO to stand in a public forum and defend his intentions to the Bruneian population. We are not stupid nor are we gullible. Do not degrade our intelligence by expecting this to stand unchallenged. We can find ways to stop this disastrous initiative; we just need to think as one nation. Ya Allah, please help the Bruneians before it is too late. Amin. Anti Alcoa 4.09.2003

Shocking story of kidnap: Ref to one of the most shocking stories that ever happened in Brunei. What happen to the security CCTV monitors at the building where the victim works? To the building managers, you create basement parking spaces but you don’t provide CCTV cameras? What about security guards? I overheard from someone that there is only one security guard in every shift taking care of five floors + basement+ surroundings. How true is that? What happens to their so-called 'good' management team? I wonder if the 'OWNERS' of that fateful building know all these happenings.  knapa? Inda ada budget ka to maintain the security? Makan gaji tinggi tinggi tapi orang lain menanggung?  Hope the 'OWNERS' of that building will take necessary action on their management for causing this unfortunate lady to suffer and bring down the name of this place. If there was CCTV, the victim wouldn't have to suffer this much! May god bless us all? Inostupid 4.09.2003

Ref My Posting - Damages Done By Alcoa: Dear Webmaster,
Why is my posting on the subject matter (Pasted below), which was out for a few hours today, deleted from the HYS room. I thought that this "Have No Fear - Have Your Say" Room is meant for everyone to put forward what is best for all. Just wondering why it was deleted. Is it because you are safeguarding someone’s interest and not the interest of the public. Please explain. (Answer: it was push down to the next page, please click more English messages.Thank you!) Brunei Berarak Mendung  3.09.2003

Alcoa: I, too, am concerned about the Alcoa plant.   I think it will be good for the economy but without a strong government inspection regime, the toxic emissions could be very bad for the environment and people’s health.   Governments in the UK and Europe have very stringent emissions control, and companies cannot get away with very much without being fined millions of dollars.   But I worry that the Brunei government will just not have the skills or expertise to monitor emissions from Alcoa. And they will be scared of imposing fines on Alcoa for breaches of the rules anyway because they would be worried Alcoa may leave Brunei (and Brunei needs all the private sector companies it can find).  Bad days ahead I fear.   I hope the government recruit some good chemical inspectors! Phil 3.09.2003

whores of asia : I am a Filipino maid working for a prominent politician in Brunei. We are not whores. We are as human as you are. We have feelings too and it always takes two to tango. There are always bad apples in the barrel but surely not the whole boat! Why?? There are the same bad apples in Brunei .My boss’ sister-in-law is one. She had an affair when she was married. When her husband found out, she just ignored him. She has continued the affair openly. She has 4 children and they go on holidays together with her boyfriend. She is now divorced and is still looking for the rich boyfriends. If you have money to buy her thing then she can be had. She is Bruneian and she is a whore!!! She’s now training her daughters to do the same trade! Everybody knows her. If she wants a contract from the municipal government, she goes on with an affair with the man there.
Are all Bruneian women whores just because of a bad apple? No. Sometimes as maid we are forced to endure things just to keep our job. Don’t blame us. Blame your itchy husband whom you cannot control! jenny  3.09.2003

aluminium: (In response to the posting made by Critical Thinker dated 2 October 2003). Who are you Critical Thinker giving us your stupid remarks for putting aside the environment problems that will be experienced by everyone of us here when worst things occur out of this stupid project. Yet comparing rubbish as an issue to say Brunei is a dirty country and approve this stupid project labeling Brunei as a dirty country so as for you all to dump your deadly toxic waste without thinking what worst comes next. I guess you have evil eyes commenting Brunei is dirty where most foreign visitors articulated that Brunei is one of the cleanest countries around this region. Who are you actually? Are you a Bruneian? If you are, I believe that you are an idiot or son of a bxxxx or a bxxxx to be exact. If you are a member of the American company or the immediate associate members, who want this stupid project to go on, I suggest you just keep your mouth shut because we know every criminal American wants to do in order for this project to go on by trying to convince the population with the lovely state income that the government will receive. Sorry Critical Thinker, I don't buy your words because history has taught us that this will be a fatal disaster for everyone here in Brunei Darussalam. Once again, my call to all Bruneians to stand side by side to put a petition to the government of His Majesty that this Project must now be STOP to the END Brunei Berarak Mendung  3.09.2003

Angry : What I've read today had left me shock, anger and disgust. Is our country safe like it used to be??? When I read the article about a Bruneian female lawyer being kidnapped in broad daylight, extorted money and sexually abused i.e. 'raped' by foreign people, in this case by 'MALAYSIANS', it makes me wonder if the police are actually doing what they are supposed to do??? Or is it because the authority is letting people in too easily??? Or is it because we have too much foreign workers  now that we are seeing the negative side effects??? This really worries me. To the family of the victim, I just want to say I feel your pain and all we have to do it just 'bersabar' and pray too for 'her' well being. Hopefully, the 'Bastards' would get what they deserve. That is to suffer for what they have done and be burned in hell. To the authority, please deal with this disturbing agenda as soon a possible because others my suffer too!!! And to the Malaysian government, 'LOOK AT WHAT SOME OF YOUR PEOPLE ARE DOING' Lifeless  davidgrey312@yahoo.com 3.09.2003

PIZZA HUT : I want to protest with all the comments regarding PIZZA HUT. I do not have local employees. FYI, PH do have very good and strong local employees at present. Now, they hardly find local because most of them do not want to work hard. They just want to have easy work that’s why PH has to get foreign employees. Local people intend to stay at home rather than to find job. Nowadays, job is very hard to find yet locals continue to be choosy. PH has a good reputation. I don’t think they want to take lazy employees, of course lah, they have to find the right person to fulfill the company needs. I don’t think PH wants to pay employees just for the sack of money only. Of course, PH also wants the employee commitment. DUHhhhhhhhhh Local Staff 3.09.2003

PIZZA HUT: Do you know why Pizza Hut cannot recruit a  local Delivery man. This is because Bruneian men or boys do not have bike licence. That's why Pizza Hut has to get foreign staff who have bike licence to send all the deliveries. You guys should be grateful with it. If not, you guys have to visit the restaurant or you have to do the pick up. If you think that you can do better job than Pizza Hut so...........do your own business! Then you know how difficult to find someone who really wants to do the job instead of staying at home.
As for all the ex Pizza Hut staff, you should be grateful because Pizza Hut has made a lot of change for you by giving special training class before you start working. Before joining, you guys are like a baby. NOW, you are mature enough to know what you guys are doing.
Talking about Sri Lanka and Indian Management, that is not true. You guys just want to create a bad reputation for PIZZA HUT.
So stop talking about other people for now. Just see for yourself whether you are prefect or not. Thank you Ms Pizza   cheekiong@hotmail.com 3.09.2003

xx7508 : To Farouk & c_tau,
Thanks for your response. It's good to know that someone's keeping an eye out also. Peace! KBBoy  zoomtees@hotmail.com 3.09.2003

BV3157: I just want to say that I really admire the passenger of BV3157 Red BMW, the girl with black shirt. If someone knows her please send my regards to her!! Strider   strider@hotmail.com 3.09.2003

Jersey 11 Wijaya: Oh, I just wanna add something to it. I get to know jersey 11 early this year and we’ve become friends through his football career. He's very caring and yes, definitely gorgeous! And to those yg ucapkn gfnya nda lawa..well, to me she's beautiful. They seem cute couple to me. eh sadang tah kan ngucap org ani eh. Lawa jua his smile, Subhi is definitely 10/10!! He's one of Brunei’s best football players. I think he can go far if he’s got the chance. He he ok atu saja..malas puji lebih2..nanti ada org jealous and I might get scolded. To those yg kan kenalan with him, I must say good luck. Definitely, you'll be the luckiest and happiest girl ever. Trust me! Anyway good luck to Kasuka Fc and Wijaya Fc for the last match k. Wijaya, hope the cup is yours this year!! J'adore  3.09.2003

SUE THE PRESS FOR DEFAMATION! It is very sad to read the ordeal of a local woman kidnapped by four men from Labuan. The woman had been under a lot of pressure and distress for what she had endured. It is not right for the press to disclose her name as this. It will only ruin her good reputation. Don't the press follow etiquette? I strongly suggest the family of the victim should sue the press for defamation! No to Defamation!  3.09.2003

KIDNAPPED LAWYER: Deeply saddened and shocked to hear the relevant authority publicized this matter in full extent up to bank account nos. Our sympathies to the lawyer's family. May the CJ give the toughest sentence as a reminder to other future criminals and not let them go so easily. MEOWMEOW   MEOW487@HOTMAIL.COM 3.09.2003

To analysis : Easy answers to why locals prefer Government over Private Sector: Priority:  Money  - High salary, many special allowances, confirm bonus, easy car and house loan;  Working hours - short and flexible working hours such as can come late and go home early, easy to go out during working hours, long period of tea break; Others: Easy to get loan from banks, 'life' employment LKY 3.09.2003

RBA I Have No Fear : To My John A W:  I miss your touch.  I can’t get you out of my mind.  I have a husband and five children but I still miss you. When I was in your class, my thoughts were not on the subject you taught but the "naughty" things that we did in the classroom, in your office.  How I waited impatiently for everyone to go home so I could see you and make love to you.  Always missing you.  Mrs.M, Avionics. Have my say 3.09.2003

'Damages Done By Alcoa In Brunei'. : Well done to our friend 'Brunei Berarak Mendung' (2.10.03) on the above subject. I support him fully for his views that every Bruneians should stand up and try to save this Nation of ours for our future generations.  We should organise a petition to our Government to put an immediate stop to this aluminium smelting plant in Sungai Liang and rubber tyre grinding or recycling plant  in Pulau Muara Besar, which will make Brunei into one of the world's largest industrial dumping grounds. This Alcoa company is a very large American company that has established over 42 projects worldwide.  Not all of them is a success not even in USA and Canada, as a lot of them ended in disaster where a lot of the local and indigenous people, their animals, water supplies and the environment are left poisoned and having to suffer ailments such as cancer and other permanent sickness.  In most cases these communities are just left like that without any compensation from Alcoa.  We should hereby sincerely ask our Minister of Industry and Primary Resources and Chairman of BEDB to open their eyes and to do further studies towards the consequences of this project.  They should put a stop to these projects immediately.  I just wonder why does Pehin need to employ an orang putih CEO like John Perry to assist him, who most likely will be bias towards Alcoa and other foreign companies. (pasal commision jangan tah lagi!)  Likewise, the same goes to the consultants employed to do the feasibility studies who most likely had been bribed by Alcoa already. 
Also just consider the amount of electricity that the plants will require which is nearly double what we are currently consuming through the state of Brunei.  Then there is the problem of  the discharge of pollutants and chemical waste into the air, the rivers, the ground and the sea.  What effect will it have then to our people?  Our beaches at Sungai Liang and Pulau Muara Besar are so beautiful and could have been better utilised as holiday and tourist resorts and  hotel areas for our tourism industries rather than being destroyed as heavy industries suitable for third world countries only.  Lastly, please look at the following web sites: 1.<http://www.abc.net.au.rn/talks/bbing/stories/s579605.htm>  2.<http://www.nativenet.uthscsa.edu/archive/nl/9708/0010.html>  3.<http://www.earthisland.org/eijournal/archives.cfm>
I do hope that all our students will be aware of damages we will have to endure if these projects will be pushed through and, hope that they will start an awareness campaign in all the schools.  wassalam. Mat Salleh. 3.09.2003

To Babu d rumah : So Babu like these foreigners selling door to door selling low end items ?  Malai  3.09.2003

Alcoa and other projects : I am just giving my view here after reading all those cries to conserve the environment.
Do you think the public can do anything? It’s useless to go against the government. Take USA for instance....the Kyoto Treaty...Green Peace....Dept of Environment, can they stop their government?
This is an issue for the Dept of Environment in Brunei to handle. They are professionals so they should know better...otherwise? You all should write to them to get their support or their point of view. environment conscious  3.09.2003

Shocking Story Of Kidnapped Local Woman  : The reporter of the subject mentioned should not have revealed the identity and registration car number of the victim. The victim had already been much hurt (physically and mentally) and humiliated. Why do you have to reveal the victim's identity? Reporting the occurrence of the ordeal should have been enough for the public to know. Why? Why? Why?!!!! Iamme 3.09.2003

parents :  Go Brett, You must have great parents.. wayne cambron    wayklean@webtv.net 3.09.2003

e-speed,  value for money?  It’s been a week already that the e-speed connection in my vicinity is sssooooo  slooooooowwww.....   e-speed is no longer speedy, it  is getting lousier and lousier. Not long ago, I was unable to connect to the server for more than 24hours.  That is how lousy e-speed is.   And do you think it is a great value for our payments?   Now JTB is introducing the 'fixed phone services' . Do they think they can manage it?  They can’t even manage e-speed problems properly!   Suckers gettin bored  2.10.2003

Fried chicken anyone?: Where can I get the best fried chicken in town? I have always liked Sugarbun. But I heard a new one from USA is coming here. Can’t wait.. Do you think there's anymore 'space' for more fried chicken restaurants?
What does Brunei lack? I personally think there are too many cafes and Japanese restaurants in town (Kiulap especially) already. But sadly, we always feel that there's not enough places to hang out at... why? Foodie 2.10.2003

aluminium: The country is gonna produce 300,000 metric tonnes of aluminium by 2008..
Therefore income from income from aluminium
 = 300k metric tonne * $US1412 * 1.75
= $B 754 mil
which is about 10% of the GDP....good investment I say..
Regarding environmental problems,  if Brunei is so clean, why do I see rubbish everywhere  along the road side. Are Bruneians really that concern about the environment or just the "HYS users"... critical thinker  2.10.2003

Aluminium and Rubber: I am scared of acid rain.  Can we organize for a petition to cancel this project? Please..... Siti Khadijah Muhammad 2.10.2003

Damages Done By Alcoa: Damages Done By Alcoa: Well done Omar Shariff and also few other members of this lovely HYS for the hard works you have done and the many valid comments by the other unhappy Bruneians who have posted their remarkable and valued testimony to be taken into consideration by every single Bruneian who understands the impact of this imminent disaster to be for all of us here in Brunei Darussalam in the very near future. I understand and support your uproar toward this phenomena and I fully support your vision to stop this project for the reason you and everyone else have in mind though I am really sad to note that.  How much will those most trusted ministers and the other various appointed senior government official to seriously understand and take appropriate action to hold and thereafter to withdraw and to terminate the project completely in ensuring that future catastrophe or tragedy will be avoided. For now, my true sense of belief is that, the so called appointed official will ignore this call because I will not be surprised to tell you all that they will only take that "BELATED" action when the worst happened. Action must and need to be taken urgently now. Nothing more. But to stop the project completely and would therefore like to call upon every single loving citizen of Brunei at this very critical stage, in support of you and the others, to honestly VOTE for a "NO" for this worthless project and thereafter to lobby or put forward to the government of His Majesty to consider this significance call. Thanks. Brunei Berarak Mendung. Brunei Berarak Mendung  2.10.2003

Geriatric Ministers: GERIATRIC MINISTERS: Time to hang their cow boy boots!
Thank you I say to you, my buddy Pro Ash Baker. Greetings and thanks for your support. When you say the ministers are debilitated grannies, you are hitting the nail right on its tiny head! Not only are they debilitated, they are also decrepit, and out of date….modal lama bah, lahib sudah. They belong to the geriatric ward and should be prescribed with a heavy dose of Geratol!
To rely on those tired ninda-ninda simply indicate that this country is already scraping the bottom of the apple barrel, macamtah inda ada lagi orang yang lebih cerdik pandai di sini.
Brunei has invested a lot in sending its young men and women to Britain and other far-flung places. Hopefully, they will come back to take over from those you have so kindly referred to as "debilitated grannies". Yet many of those we sent abroad ended up in mediocre government positions. A lot more have since retired.
All the while the "debilitated grannies" still remain at their post getting paid $40,000.00 a month or more. Maybe, they will still be there to draw that amount until their last breath. I think, like old cowboys of the Wild West, they want to die with boots on like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood.
A handful of them are certainly approaching their seventies, one or two are perhaps past their eighties, mungkin jua sudah lali dan pastilah inda lagi productive. I agree with your remarks about brain cells dying off and not growing back. Brain cells do not reproduce, that we all know.
I am not saying that people in their seventies and eighties are no longer capable of running a country, and running it well too at that. Take Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir, for example, he was able to transform Malaysia from a nation of kampongs, rubber estates and tin mines to an up-and-coming industrialized nation in just over two decades.
In roughly the same period as Brunei has been independent, Malaysia has developed its infrastructure to a point which amazes us all and built up its light to medium industries. It can now produce cars, motorcycles and even aircrafts, not merely producing kepingan getah mantah and getah sikarap. In the same period, we are still just struggling along to survive, not able even to build a single national bicycle. 
The local economy in shreds and tatters, contractors and other business people are cutting costs, lowering prices, struggling to get what little business there are to be had. We literally gouch each other's eyes out in our scramble for what little businesses that is left.
I'd say off with a lot of them and ELECT new ones in their place. Perhaps, only then will we see real progress?  ASH BAKER Ash Baker  2.10.2003

Concerning small accidents on main roads: With regard to one person's posting concerning traffic jams caused by small accidents, this is so true!
The other day, I was stuck in a 45-min traffic jam at Kiulap as well, only to find out that one lady rammed the back of another person's car.  The police was there though.  But, as I look closer, there was a small bump at the back of the person's car, although the lady's car was a bit more damaged. Nevertheless, both cars were still in good condition. No one was hurt, the cars could still move.  So why couldn't the police escort them to an area, which was around the corner, where there is the Jubilee fountain??  I think it's brainless of the police to actually resolve the matter at that point when people were getting restless.  ON THE ROAD, DONT THINK ABOUT YOURSELF. THINK ABOUT OTHERS AS WELL.  I have seen this so many times.  You people must think that your cars are one of a kind or something so you can use the road to leave your car as you wish?  THINK!!! Commentor  2.10.2003

Owner of small white pet dog: To the owner of a small pet dog. I nearly ran over your pooch in front of Jame Asri Mosque. It had a terrified look on  its face. Please keep it  indoor where it belongs. Swerved to avoid hitting it and got angry honks along the way. I wonder what happened to it now? Hope it’s not part of the roundabout decoration. To the Kijang that nearly hit me because of this - Sorry!!. Superwoman Superwoman@yahoo.co.uk 2.10.2003

No Peddlers, Please!: To Malai, Re your "Door To Door Vendoring". You might like to know that some of those "DOOR TO DOOR PEDDLERS (vendoring is too kind a word for them!) have been found to be non-Bruneians,  visitors of Brunei. Can you visualize our anak Brunei berjaja or peddling low end items house to house? Na, don't think so. Babu d rumah  2.10.2003

yeaaaa......: CREEEEeeeeeping death.....no comments in Brudirect....yg tulisan nya panjangz-panjangz nda payah d baca..yg pendekz a
je yg slalu org nak baca...hehheheeh,the real one ...`BE RILEXXX`......
...and the metallica is:-
1)Hit the lights
2)The four horsemen
3)Motorbreth
4)Jump in the fire
5)Pulling teeth (Anesthesia)
6)Whiplash
7)Phantom lord
8)No remorse
9)Seek & destroy
10)Metal militia
ok lerzz...be rilexxxz.....nanti lagiz..byezzz....with METALLICA (Ride the lightning). METALLICA--->No commentz   creepingdeath@yahoo.com 2.10.2003

$1 FOR SMARTER: TO SMARTER BRUNEI YOU ARE DOING A GOOD JOB AND EFFORTS ALL THIS WHILE. BUT, ALAS WHO EVER IS MAKING THEIR COMMENT IN HYS, SAD TO SAY THE RELEVANT AUTHORITY IS NOT READING IT AT ALL. WHAT MORE, THOSE BIG CORPORATE IS NOT EITHER LOOKING ON WHO YOU ARE AND WHO IS IN IT.  SO TO SMARTER, JUST BE PATIENT.  HOPEFULLY, SMARTER WILL BE SUCCESSFUL AND THE CHILDREN WILL BENEFIT FROM YOUR TIRELESS EFFORT THROUGH THE TREMENDOUS TEAMWORK ALL THE PARENTS HAVE BEEN CONTRIBUTING. MY DOLLAR IS READY FOR YOU.... RE : $1 for SMARTER  2.10.2003

RE:$1 FOR SMARTER: I will support your campaign when you guys come to my sight even tough I am not really aware of what is it? So I just wait and see.
To the big and rich people, do help them.  Don’t close you eyes to them. I think they are not big shot just small fry. So don’t worry the $1 is for a good cause I think. LAM LEE LEE  2.10.2003

Amahs: Haku, you don't need to have an Amah you know!! People in most countries do the house cleaning themselves.   If you don't trust your amah, do it yourself. Phil  2.10.2003

Aluminium And Rubber - 2008!: Well done for our sister Norhayati (1.10.03) for writing such a beautiful but melancholic poem for us to share.  I do hope our senior officials would have the time to read them and to digest its contents. The signing ceremony by our chairman of BEDB and the CEO of Alcoa looks very impressive.  However, it is for the future downfall of Brunei and to the destruction of our population and environment.  As we all know, Alcoa had been responsible for a lot of damages all over the world as a result of their mining of bauxite and the smelting of aluminium.  A lot of people and children had suffered from cancer and other related diseases as a result of the tailings and air pollution right across the world.  As a result of their smelting plant, we will require to produce double the amount of electricity that we are currently consuming nationwide just for their use.  Please look in google search engine under the subject 'destruction by Alcoa on people and environment' and you could find several pages of interesting and educating listing which you should read.  I hope our Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources through BEDB should be more careful in selecting industries for Brunei which are 'clean for our people and environment'.  Some of the interesting readings are as follows:

1)<http://www.chemlink.com.au/oxalic.htm> 2)<http://www.moles.org/ProjectUnderground/drillbits/6_01/1.html> 3)<http://www.203.202.189.6/waste_stop/act_09.htm>  4)<http://www.baddevelopers.green.net.au/Docs/Alcoa.htm#top> 5)<http://www.yptenc.org.uk/docs/dailygeco_news/archives/22.07.02.html> 6)<http://www.earthisland.org/eijournal/new_articles.cfm?articleID=166&journalID=46> 7)<http://www.nativemidwifery.com/environment.html> 8)<http://www.tuscaroras.com/graydeer/pages/Toxicturtle1.htm> 9)<http://www.saxakali.com/saxakali-magazine/serv02.htm> 10)<http://www.saxakali.com/saxakali-magazine/saxmag31t.htm> 11)<http://www.blackrhinoceros.org/actions/environmentaljustice.htm
Let us all wake up and lobby against this wrong decision by our government for our future generations especially those living in the Sungai Liang and Lumut areas in particular.  BEDB is destroying our future generations just for 'a few dollars more'.  I do hope that His Majesty will be aware of the consequences of this irresponsible actions by his officers and will request a full study be presented to him before any stupid decision is taken.  Wassalam.   Mohammad Sabri  EmbunPagi@hotmail.com 2.10.2003

Government and Private Sectors: Why do anak tempatan choose Government jobs than Private Sector jobs? Appreciate your feedback. Analysis  2.10.2003

MoU between DBP and UBD: I really wonder if it is really necessary to have MoU between government and government or ministry and ministry as what  happened between Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) recently. UBD is a statute body having its own charter and acts but is fully backed and financed by government. I suppose there would be more MoUs signed in the future between DBP and other government departments and ministries if DBP wants to seek cooperation with other departments and ministries.
I thought cooperation between the government and ministries is simply an internal process agreed upon between the directors on a piece of paper called a memorandum without much publicity and drum beating. Then the implementation is between the relevant sections of the departments. As simple as that. This is what de Bono referred to as "simplicity". Simple yet effective and productive.
DBP should be pioneer in the development and propagation of the language and literature in this country. Is it its lack of staff and decrease in capability that DBP should seek the assistance of a higher institution such as UBD to help it promote the language and literature in this country? I’m sure UBD would help to promote language and literature but in different aspects. We cannot deny that the main functions of UBD is the development of language and literature, especially in promoting the development of literary critics in this country. But the production of books and magazines is still the functions of DBP. Rashidi   a_rashidi@yahoo.com 2.10.2003

Pizza Hut: So much talk about foreign managers in the Pizza Hut outlets. Preference is always given to foreigners. Why? Because the boss is also foreign-oriented. Years ago, he emigrated (so to speak!) to Canada, citing mistreatment and kononnya, leaving Brunei to start a new life in a country where he thought one could be treated fairly. Then he crawled back to Brunei and made all the bucks. One wonders where is he investing all these bucks? Mana harap urang ketani. Michael Lau  2.10.2003

Actually im 47!! : A 47-year-old man decided to have a facelift for his birthday. He really liked it. He was heading toward McDonalds when he stopped and asked a man, "excuse me for asking, but,  what age do I look like?" The man said, "To me, you look 35." The guy said, "Really! I'm actually 47!" and walked on.
Once he got to McDonalds, he asked the waiter the same question. The waiter said, "To me, you look 29." The guy said, "Really! I'm actually 47!" and then left.
At the bus stop, he asked an old lady the same question. She said, "I'm 87, my eye sight isn't that well. Although, I can tell your age by having my hand down your pants for 10 minutes." The guy saw no one around and said what the hell and let her... ...after ten minutes, she took her hand out and said, "Alright, you're 47." The guy was surprised and said, "WOW! How did you know?" The old woman said, "I was standing behind you at McDonalds." Bedtime Story For Adults 2.10.2003

Perfect Man: THE PERFECT MAN
The perfect man is gentle
Never cruel or mean
He has a beautiful smile
And keeps his face so clean.
The perfect man likes children
And will raise them by your side
He will be a good father
As well as a good husband to his bride.
The perfect man loves cooking
Cleaning and vacuuming too
He'll do anything in his power
To convey his feelings of love on you.
The perfect man is sweet
Writing poetry from your name
He's a best friend to your mother
And kisses away your pain.
He never has made you cry
Or hurt you in any way
Oh, Fxxx this stupid poem
The perfect man is gay. Bedtime Story For Adults  2.10.2003

Alcoa : It’s true, I don’t understand why Alcoa wants to build its smelter here. There is no aluminium deposits, and more expensive to import cheap labour to Brunei. Maybe, it was kicked out from other countries or not welcome there. Maybe, it is a troublesome company,  always making residents unhappy or  it is sued endlessly due to pollution, land grabs and those other evil thing. If that is true, then Brunei is being fooled here. hahaha. Skeptic  2.10.2003

Sharon 27/9/03 : INSIDER:  Malays are more loyal to our Majesty?! Let me point out a few things to wake up this caveman. (1) Looked at 1960s rebellion time, It was Melayu yang PengMerontak against the late Sultan Begawan! And it was the Chinese Policemen who defended the country  and died in action (I  was told by the late Pg. Muda who told me the whole stories!) (2) Trustworthy?! Who are those guards currently guarding the Istana? (3) Loyal?! Who Guarded the Ammo Depot in the Army Camps?!And you have the nerve to blame other religions despising Orang Muslims?! Let me tell you why! Just because there are many people like you in this world, saying and doing bad things disguised under the name of Islam instead of promoting good things about the religion! You shouldn't use the name INSIDER because you are as ignorant and superficial as the cavemen mentality, sad to say. EKOH  2.10.2003

Mix Marriage (All NAMES are FICTITIOUS):
To me, mixed marriages can be HORRIBLE if you don't know the language.  This is a story of how sometimes a mix-marriage can turn sour.
 There was once a beautiful young girl in our school, hot 'babe' by the name of Mary Chee. All the Chinese guys were annoyed with her because her preference was for Indian guys. Then came this dashing Punjabi guy by the name of Darshan Singh (fondly known as 'Bai' ) who managed to woo her.
 They fell in love and decided to tie the knot.
 Expectedly, both sides of the family were not so thrilled with the choice of their respective children, especially the girl's parents, who are the 'old-fashioned' type of Chinese, but gave in, seeing them so happy together.
 On the wedding day itself everything went on fine until it was time for the wedding reception! As soon as the crowd began to gather, the girl's side of the family appeared to be very annoyed, staring at the stage.
After a while, they could not hold back the anger and started shouting in an abusive manner to their new in-laws!!
The girl's dad kept on saying in between sobs, " I vely malu you say my laughter (daughter) like this, you stupid bangali-singh???"
The guy's side of the family could not understand what was going on because all the planning was done jointly until Darshan's brother Kuldip whispered to him: " Baya (brother), look at the backdrop-lah, who put the "&" so small??".
 " Aiyoh !!! I neverrrr thought this will happen!!!" cried Darshan, staring at the backdrop down on his knees, which read .....see below...."HAPPY MARRIAGE TO CHEE & BAI " Little Lily  1.10.2003

Working Long Hours: Some food for thought.  Here's an extract of a  speech delivered  by Mr. Narayana Murthy,  CEO of a premier IT company of India, during an employee session with another IT company in India. He is, incidentally, one of the top 50 influential people of Asia according to the latest Asiaweek publication and also the new IT Advisor to Thailand's Prime Minister.  LOVE YOUR JOB, BUT NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR COMPANY BECAUSE YOU  NEVER KNOW WHEN YOUR COMPANY STOPS LOVING YOU - Narayana Murthy I know people who work 12 hours a day, six days a week, or more.  Some people do so because of a work emergency where the long hours are only  temporary. Other people I know have put in these hours for years. I don't know if they are working all these hours. But I do know they  are in the office this long. Others put in long office hours because they are addicted to the workplace. Whatever the reason for putting in overtime,working long hours over the long term is harmful to the person and to the organization.There are things managers can do to change this for everyone's benefit. Being in the office long hours, over long periods of time, makes way for potential errors. My colleagues, who are in the office long hours, frequently make mistakes caused by fatigue. Correcting these mistakes requires their time as well as the time and energy of others. I have seen people work Tuesday through Friday to correct mistakes made after 5 PM on Monday. Another problem is that people, who are in the office long hours, are not pleasant company. They often complain about other people (who aren't working as hard); they are irritable, or cranky, or even angry. Other people avoid them. Such behaviour poses problems, where work goes much better when people work together instead of avoiding one another.As Managers, there are things we can do to help people leave the office.First and foremost is to set the example and go home ourselves. I work with a manager, who chides people for working long hours. His words quickly lose their meaning when he sends these chiding group e-mails with a time-stamp of 2 AM, Sunday.Second is to encourage people to put some balance in their lives. For instance, here is a guideline I find helpful:
   1) Wake up, eat a good breakfast, and go to work.
   2) Work hard and smart for eight or nine hours.
   3) Go home.
   4) Read the books/comics, watch a funny movie, dig in the dirt,play with your kids, etc.
   5) Eat well and sleep well.
  This is called recreating. Doing steps 1, 3, 4, and 5 enable step 2.
  Working regular hours and recreating daily are simple concepts.They are hard for some of us because that requires 'personal change'.They are possible since we all have the power to choose to do them.
 In considering the issue of overtime, I am reminded of my oldest son.When he was a toddler, if people were visiting the apartment, he would not fall asleep no matter how long the visit, and no matter what time of
 day it was. He would fight off sleep until the visitors left. It was as if he was afraid that he would miss something. Once our visitors left, he would go to sleep. By this time, however, he was over tired and would scream through half the night with nightmares. He, my wife, and I, all paid the price for his fear of missing out.Perhaps, some people put in such long hours because they don't want to miss anything when they leave the office. The trouble with this is that events will never stop happening. That is life!! Things happen 24 hours a day. Allowing for little rest is not ultimately practical. So, take a nap. Things will happen while you're asleep, but you will have the energy to catch up when you wake up. Hence "LOVE YOUR JOB BUT NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR COMPANY" Have a great day ahead !! Keranaallah  1.10.2003

Salty Coffee: To all married couples:
Love your partner:
Maybe we can all learn from this
------------------------------------
  He met her on a party. She was so outstanding. Many guys were chasing after her, while he was so normal, nobody paid attention to him. At the end of the party, he invited her to have coffee with him. She was surprised but due to politeness, she promised.
   They sat in a nice coffee shop. He was too nervous to say anything. She felt uncomfortable. She thought, please, let me back home. Suddenly, he asked the waiter: would you please give me some salt? I'd like to put it in my coffee.
   Everybody stared at him, so strange! His face turned red, but  still, he put the salt in his coffee and drank it. She asked him curiously: why do you have this hobby? He replied: When I was a little boy, I was living near the sea. I like playing in the sea. I could felt the taste of the sea, salty and bite,  just like the taste of the salty coffee. Now every time I have the salty coffee, I will think of my childhood, think of my hometown.  I miss my  hometown so much.  I miss my parents who are still living there. Saying that,
 tears filled his eyes. She was deeply touched. That's his true feeling, from the bottom of his
  heart. A man who can tell out his homesick, he must be a man who loves home, cares about home, has responsibility of home. Then she also started to talk, talked about her faraway hometown, her childhood, her family.That was a really nice talk, also a beautiful beginning of their story.They continued to date. She found actually he was a man who met all her demands: he was tolerant, kind-hearted, warm, careful. He was such a  good guy but she almost missed him! Thanks to his salty coffee! Then the  story was just like every beautiful love story: the princess married to the  prince, then they were living the happy life. And, every time she made coffee for him, she put some salt in the coffee, as she knew that's the
 way he liked.
   After 40 years, he passed away, left her a letter which said:  My dearest, please forgive me, forgive my whole life lie. This was the only lie I said to you----the salty coffee. Remember the first time we dated? I was so nervous at that time. Actually, I wanted some sugar but I said salt. It's hard for me to change so I just go ahead. I never thought that could be the start of  our communication! I tried to tell you the truth many times in my life,but I was too afraid to do that, as I have promised not to lie to you for anything. Now I'm dying, I am afraid of nothing so I tell  you the truth: I don't like the salty coffee, what a strange bad
 taste. But  I had the salty coffee for my whole life since I knew you. I never feel sorry for anything I do for you. Having you with me is my biggest happiness  for my whole life. If I can live for the second time, I
 still want to know  you  and have you as my whole life wife, even though I have to drink the salty coffee again.Her tears made the letter totally wet.Someday, someone asked her: what's the taste of salty coffee?
  It's sweet. She replied. Have a nice day! Keranaallah  1.10.2003

Chicken: 1.10.2003 chicken sandwich A little boy and a little girl attended the same school and became friends. Every day they would sit together to eat their lunch. They discovered that