Olympic Games Beijing 2008

With so many TV channel offering Olympic coverage, sometimes you have to jump from one channel to another channel to see your favourite sport. Don’t go away, said the TV presenter. But of course we have the right to choose. The finger is the power especially when there’re a lot of commercials. What is you favourite sports? For me the athletics is the best. But while waiting for the finals, some sports also appealing to me. In Brunei Malay words “teranah meliat”. I do concentrate on the competition especially on boxing, volleyball, gymnastic, and weigh lifting.

I put two of the sports, weight lifting and gymnastic as the core of my weekly writing in Pelangi FM’s Katak Atas Tempurung and National FM’s Ole Ole Pop; I really was stunned to see the pin size Chen Xiexia who is just 5 ft tall, lifting 212 kilogram to win the first gold for China. 212 kilogram is equal to approx to 20 sacks beras wangi.

Another sport was gymnastics. But I’ve yet to see the present gymnasts. The one I commented was 1976 Montreal Olympics, beautiful Nadia Comaneci from Romania. Nadia was 14 when she participated in Montreal Olympics in 1976 and became household topic when she got “Perfect Ten” in uneven-bars category. All in all she got six “Perfect Tens,” five gold, one silver and one bronze. I remembered this because I was working as Assistant Producer at that time when everything was done in manual. No such thing as live telecast. Good old day 30+ years ago.

History Centre Customer's Day

Hari Pelanggan Pusat Sejarah was officiated by Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Pehin Dato Major Jeneral Haji Mohammad at Risqun Hotel.



To know the content, you need to know the old Jawi writing of this old document. This is one of the objectives of Pusat Sejarah; providing the reference for writers and historians.



"Is that me ?," said Pg Dato Haji Badaruddin. focusing on old group pic of Brunei students. Pg Dato was the product of secondary school in Singapore before pursuing his degree in Universiti Malaya.


I was invited to Rezqun Hotel for the Pusat Sejarah customer's day. This function seem to be gathering for old friends especially those working in Dewan Bahasa. Pehin Haji Jamil was the director then. Now he is still the boss in History Center while us, are already pensioners.

Everytime I meet Pehin he usually greets "mana si John, Sin ?" When RTB was established I was transfered from Dewan to this new department. At the early stage of TV Brunei in 70s the top management were taken by expetiates especially from BBC. My English boss, John Watkin was holding the post of Head of Programmes. He tried to reduce the religious programmes which was opposed by Pehin. At the time Pehin's English was still "kampungan" but he was brave enough to blantly said to John Watkin: "You foreigner, this is my country. You cannot do as you like" John was stunned and reversed his decision. That was the story behind "Mana si John, Sin"

I appreciate Pehin for his photographic minds. At 80 plus he remembers a lot. At the gathering another book was published written by Pehin- Melayu Islam Beraja, Hakikat dan Hasrat. The other book, AKBS, Asrama Kerajaan Brunei Singapura contains stories and pics of Brunei students in Singapore in early 60s It cost me $40.00 but it worth it. Old pics were there.

National Day Song Competition 2009

Ashraff, try you hand on patriotic songs. I know you can. You'll be remembered not only by your young peminat nowadays but by cucu cicit in future, 2050 perhaps......

Invitation is now open for interested parties to participate in song writing competition organized by Culture Youth and Sports Ministry in preparation for the 25th anniversary of National Day next year. This is a good chance to put oneself in record or in Brunei history. I’m sure the celebration will be grand.

The songs will be having patriotic theme. My friend Ashraff should try this, not just songs for the young as in his two albums. Manipulate you computer right now, brother.

Knowledge Convention - Acara Sampingan (sideline activities

Winners with Jawatankuasa. With Seminars held during Knowledge Convention now many had clear picture what is Negara Zikir and which direction we are going to .


It was a tough competition. In short story catogory alone (cerpen), there were 41 participants;
both participated by new and veteran writers.


A prize money and a certificate. Its worth. Someday you may become a prominent writer


This afternoon 5th August, I attended a prize giving ceremony for Acara Sampingan Majlis Ilmu. It’s part of the Knowledge Convention activities on writing skill and competition in conjunction with His Majesty 62nd birthday. The competition was divided into four; namely Cerpen (short story), Rencana (essay), Children Short Stories and Khat Writing. I submitted two. One for Cerpen and another for Rencana. I was richer by $1,200 after winning 2nd prize in Cerpen writing.

The question of young and old

Shalizan was my former staff. Seeing from his face, I'm sure he felt younger than his age standing beside the beautiful Thai actress


How about other pensioner friends ? Do you feel "muda" seeing this pic. Taken in one of the Kuala Lumpur kareoke lounges years ago.


Don't worry about your age. Young at heart, may be. Haji Rahman with his "crew"at the end of a concert at Jerudong Park. Jangan marah ya....

Young or old ......
From June and up to now there seem to be endless wedding ceremonies; weeks after weeks of invitations. What would you do while waiting for makan and Bersanding ? Most of the invitees chat-chating with endless topics. I still remember one topic which we raised during this gathering. How do you measure you age ? Of course people say refer to your IC or birth certificate. It stated which year you’re born. But the document is not really reliable. People changed their date of birth to make them older or younger, depending on the need, to make them eligible for certain job. I heard some youth in 60ies claimed they were old just to enroll into the army which required minimum age of 18 years.

My friend, who invited me to this Majlis looked young but he is to become a father in-law. Within one year or so, he will be a grandfather. Is he old or is he still a young man ? This is the thought of my writing in Ole Ole POP this week; broadcast on 6th August 2008. Tune to National FM at 7.45 am.

Many reluctant to go upfront for Majlis Berbedak by telling “orang tetua saja membadaki” (old people only to perform the Berbedak). Yes that is true. Majlis Berbadak is supposed to be performed by older relatives. But these friends forgot, they were already in that category. In a very near future, they would become fathers in law/grandfathers.
Well, the life circle goes on.

“Giliran kitani sudah ni menjadi orang tetua” kata seorang. Sambil bekurapak atu ia menoleh ke arah teman yang menjemput kami ke majlis perkahwinan anaknya. Ia sedang bersalaman dengan tetamu lain.

“Auw, jangan inda sadar” Kawan ani cepat mengiakan “Inda kerasaan setahun ani. Tau-tau karang jadi nini tia member kitani atu.” Ia merujuk kepada kawan yang bersalaman.

“Kita berapa sudah cucu ?” Terdengar pula soalan. Penyoal tahu si teman atu sudah bermenantu.

“Dua” jawabnya ringkas.

“Boleh tahan kita ani eh. Mua lakat lagi cam orang muda. Sebenarnya kitani ani sudah tua. Nganya inda terasa tua” Ia menyatakan realiti sebenar.

“Time kitani sudah ni. Time dapat menantu. Tap tap esok lusa kita pulang bejabat. Kita pulang mengahwinkan anak.” Ia mengajukan pandangan pada sahabat yang termuda dalam kumpulan kami ari atu.

“Aku inda pulang kan mengelak di galar orang tetua atu. Tiga kali ku sudah mengetuai rombongan meminang anak buahku. Maknanya abis sidia sudah mengiktiraf kitani ani sebagai orang tetua.” Ia menjelaskan kedudukan dirinya.

“Ada jua orang mengelak di gelar orang tetua kan ?” Terloncat soalan dari seorang lagi teman.

“Ada. Banyak saja. Kita kan meliat contohnya. Cuba kita liat masa bebadak. Ada yang beriri-irian inda mau ke hadapan.” Si kawan ani terus memberi gambaran.

“Auw banar jua. Ada orang inda mau. Orang tetua saja, katanya. Padahal dirinya sudah layak di kategerikan pada kumpulan orang tetua”

“Kita cam mana ? Bila kan bemanantu ?” Soalan atu nampaknya ditujukan arah kawan yang lagi antadi mendangar saja.

“Kitani ani mengikut saja kemahuan anak-anak kitani. Anakku sudah graduate. Usulnya bekawan-kawan jua sudah. Bila kan kahwin aku inda tau. Tapi mun esok ia mahu kahwin, inda pulang kami melarang. Orang tetua karang ani mana boleh di samakan dengan orang tetua zaman kitani jadi kanak-kanak.” Ia memberi penjelasan panjang.

“Pencen kitani umur 55 taun. Tapi mun sudah umur lima puluh taun atu iktiraf tia diri sudah jadi orang tetua. Buktinya anak sudah basar panjang. Jangan tah lagi gauk. Syukur sudah dipanjangkan umur atu”

Perbualan kami terhenti sebentar kerana kawan kami yang mengundang bersama barisan saudara maranya sudah hampir untuk menjabati kami.

“Terima kasih, terima kasih, ucapnya dengan penuh riang.” Setiba teman yang mengundang menghadapi kami. Tangan kami digenggam erat.

“Selamat menjadi orang tetua”, kedengaran terkeluar dari salah seorang yang bersama kami bekurapak antadi.

Teman yang dijabati menolek ke arah suara itu. Dia hanya senyum saja. Mungkin mengia kan ucapan atu.

08082008 - Olympic Games

Sunset on the horizon. Will 08082008 would effect the livelihood of people ? To the certain extend, yes. But after that it goes back to the routine. It just like the sun rises in the east in the morning and disappear in the west in the evening.


Some people would celebrate 08082008. Is number *8* really give them luck ? Some say Friday 13th also strike a luck. So you decide which one to believe. Or you don't believe on numbers. Let life goes on.



Seeing this pic. you feel relax, cool, less stress. I took this pic years ago in Langkawi. So, I think, life does'nt depend on numbers. It's inside your heart. If you want to be happy just feel happy.

Another nice enviroment that brighten your outlook. This one I snapped years ago in Chiang Rai Thailand. I think it's still the same even you visit on 08082008. 08082008 is just another day. Do you aggree ?

Many people got exited approaching 8th August 2008. This morning I heard from Kristal somebody greeted for the 30th birthday of her family member on that date. She announced early. So must be a big function this coming Friday.

Lucky date, that's what they say especially among Chinese friends. Now you've problem. With so many wedding invitations on the special date, you cannot decide which one to go. For my weekly writing on Pelangi FM, Katak Atas Tempurung I'm gonna mention the date in relation to Beijing Olympic Games which is to be officially opened on the 8th August 2008.

"Angka lapan sebagai simbol kekayaan dan nasib baik lebih banyak dipercayai oleh orang Cina. Angka lapan bukan saja sebagai tanda tarikh perkahwinan. Masyarakat Cina sanggup membayar harga tinggi untuk mendapatkan nombor itu untuk nombor telefon atau pendaftaran kenderaan. Kepercayaan ini dikuatkan lagi dengan tarikh berlangsungnya sukan Olimpik di Cina bermula pada 8hb Ogos 2008. Penganjur Sukan Olimpik Beijing yang merancang upacara pembukaan rasmi temasya sukan itu bermula pada pukul lapan malam berharap angka lapan dapat membantu kelancaran penganjuran temasya sukan terbesar dunia itu. Sukan Olimpik turut menarik perhatian ibu bapa apabila lebih 4,000 anak damit dinamakan dengan nama Aoyuns, bermaksud Sukan Olimpik dalam bahasa Cina.

Rakyat Cina telah digerakkan dengan daya tahan dari segi fizikal dan mental untuk berdepan dengan pelbagai kerenah manusia dari pelbagai pelosok dunia dengan latar bahasa dan budaya yang berbeza. Jawatankuasa Penganjur Sukan Olimpik Beijing 2008 sejak bulan Disember 2007, giat mendapatkan tenaga sukarelawan yang boleh berbahasa asing bagi sukan berprestij itu. Antara kriterianya ialah boleh berbahasa salah satu daripada 55 bahasa yang disenaraikan oleh Jawatankuasa Penganjur Sukan Olimpik Beijing 2008. Menurut laporan, lebih daripada 730 ribu orang rakyat Cina mengemukakan permohonan untuk menjadi sukarelawan.
Bahasa Mandarin menjadi bahasa rasmi Sukan Olimpik Beijing 2008. dengan slogan “Satu Dunia, Satu Impian”. Proses peciptaan slogan ini dijana dari idea 200 000 orang rakyat Cina di Cina dan di luar negara dan dimulakan pada 1 Januari 2005. Kempen tersebut telah menarik 210 ribu penyertaan melalui surat dan e-mel daripada serata dunia, antaranya termasuklah dari Tanah Besar China, Hong Kong, Amerika Syarikat, Britain, Perancis, Jepun, Korea, Cuba, Norway, dan Brazil. Cadangan slogan dicipta dalam bahasa China, Inggeris, Perancis, Sepanyol, dan Portugis.

Selepas melalui proses tapisan, sebanyak 800 slogan telah disenarai-pilih. Jumlah tersebut kemudiannya ditapis lagi. Akhirnya, hanya 100 slogan sahaja yang berjaya dalam saringan. Pemilihan 100 slogan cadangan itu telah diperhalusi lagi oleh sekumpulan pakar Olimpik, cendekiawan bahasa asing, pakar dan pengajar bahasa Inggeris, pakar bahasa Cina klasik, pakar perunding asing, dan profesional perhubungan awam. Ide daripada 100 slogan cadangan digabungkan menjadi satu yang membawa maksud yang mendalam, “Satu Dunia, Satu Impian”.
Bukan mudah untuk mencari slogan walaupun hanya menggunakan 4 perkataan.

Rakyat Cina ternyata menunjukkan iltizam dan jati diri dalam penganjuran Sukan Olimpik ke-29 dari setiap aspek, termasuk menonjolkan bahasa dan budaya mereka seperti dalam kempen pencarian bahasa slogan yang baik, sesuai, bermutu, dan bermakna. "

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukur - 1st Malaysia Angkasawan

Dato Dr Muszaphar with Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ismail, VC of Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Phew, at last I manage to squeeze time to download some materials. I was too buzy doing some last minute scripts for radio. Biasalah. Timetable Bujang Sigandam. This week I just wanna load some part of Ole Ole POP. It was about the experience told by the first Malaysian Angkasawan Dato Dt Sheikh Muszaphar. I composed it into Ole Ole POP script. Thanks Dr for autographing my Menggapai Bintang.

"Hari Khamis lalu saya dan beberapa orang rakan pencen melasutkan diri di tengah-tengah siswa dan siswi di Dewan Chanselor Universiti Brunei Darussalam, bagi mendengar secara dekat pengalaman Dato Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, Angkasawan Pertama Malaysia tentang dunia angkasa lepas yang diterokainya. Saya ceritakan perkara ani dengan teman-teman pencen lainnya. Ada yang merasa kesal kerana inda mendapat tahu tentang acara atu.

“Sayapun tahu dari maklumat radio” kata saya “tapi hebahannya inda malar. Sebab atu kali ada yang inda terdangar”

“Mun biskita membaca akhbar tempatan sehari sebelum tarikh atu, ada sedikit berita mengenainya” celah teman saya yang sama-sama pergi hadir ke majlis itu.

“Apa tah cerita Dr atu ?” teman ani ingin tahu.
“Banyak.” Kata teman yang seorang lagi. “Menurut Sheikh Muszaphar, kalau orang Brunei mau jadi angkasawan, orang atu jangan terlalu tinggi. Sebabnya pesawat Russia atu muat-muat badannya saja. Masa tidur katanya, ia ada beberapa centemeter saja untuk bergerak”

“Tinggikah badan Sheikh Muszapfar atu ?” Soal teman itu lagi.

“Memang tinggi. Secara beibun ia mengatakan Vice Chanselor boleh menjadi calon angkasawan Brunei.” Memang semasa masuk beriringan ke dalam dewan, ketinggian Vice Chanselor hanya setakat bahu Sheikh Muszapfar.

“Sayang saya inda bepeluang mendengar ceramah atu” Sekali lagi teman pencen atu menimbulkan kekesalannya.

“Menurut Sheikh Muszapfar lagi, ia adalah pilihan dari 110 ribu orang pemohon. Seorang calun mesti sihat mental dan fisikal”

“Ada ia membari contoh ?” Tanya kawan saya penuh minat. Kueh yang dipegangnya masih ada di tangan. Belum sempat di puluknya.

“Ada. Dari segi fisikal, kata Dr Muszapfar seseorang calun mesti inda ada bakat bagas luka atau operesen. Gigi inda boleh betampal. Mesti original”

“Mun cam atu memang halus banar saringan pencarian seorang angkasawan. Anak-anak kitani banyak yang rumpang. Banyak yang sudah betambal gigi, alum lagi umur sampai dewasa.”

“Untung abiskita mendangar ceramah atu. Mun ku tau tatap ku membawa tape recorder, kamera” kata teman atu lagi.

“Auw eh. Hari atu bepancaran saja lampung kamera bah. Ada lagi sesi menandatangani buku yang dijual. Ni nah, kawan kitani ani membali dua buah buku. Di sain Sheikh Muszapfar lagi.” Ia menuding kepada saya. Saya mengeluarkan buku yang dimaksudkan dari beg bimbit saya dan melihatkan kepadanya. Lama ia mebelek-belek buku atu. Ia ani pun kaki buku.


“Banyak cerita dalaman yang inda didapat dari tulisan akhbar. Misalnya pengalamannya berhadapan dengan tekanan G9 semasa masuk balik ke ruang bumi. Bagaimana ia bernafas menggunakan perut. Ada jua cerita-cerita cali” Teman ani memngambil nafas dan meliat reaksi kawan yang inda sampat ikut ceramah angkasan atu.

“Misalnya ?” Ia tidak menyoal panjang, seakan mahu supaya terus saja diceritakan tentang ceramah angkasawan Melayu atu.

“Misalnya ia meliatkan jamban angkasawan lelaki. Mun buang air terus disiruk dalam container khas. Mun inda najis dan air kencing terapung-apung. Sheikh Muszapfar jua meliatkan cara ia mandi dan bersembahyang. Kaki diikat, mun inda, payah sujud katanya. Badan terapung. Cam atu jua masa ia ambil sarapan. Video menunjukkan biskut yang dimakan terapung-apung. Selain atu, angkasawan ani jua memaparkan latihan-latihan yang dijalankan seperti hidup di Siberia pada suhu 40 darjah di bawah sifar, berenang di laut dan survival di hutan tanpa makanan dan minuman beberapa hari” Teman saya atu inda mencelah. Ia terus mendengar saja apa yang diceritakan.

“Yang bagusnya ada lagi soal jawab. Soalan-soalan yang diajukan oleh siswa dan siswi atupun menarik. Misalnya kenapa kuman kanser di buat penyelidikan di angkasa lepas dan inda di bumi saja. Ia dijawab dengan berpandukan pengalaman dan pengetahuan.”

Memang cerita-cerita mengenai angkasa raya ani amat menarik kerana ia merupakan ruang baru bagi kebanyakan orang dan setiap penerokaan akan membuahkan tambahan ilmu. Jadi jangan heran bila sejak zaman dulu sudah diceritakan tentang pengembaraan seperti dalam peristiwa Israk dan Mikraj. Ini menunjukkan tentang kekuasaan Allah subhanahu wataala. Mudah-mudahan kita lebih bertambah takwa bila mendengar tentang ciptaan-ciptaanNya.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah 62nd Birthday

As Rakyat, I wish to congratulate His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam. This latest pic was taken by my son this morning 15th July 2008, during the ceremonial parade at Taman Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien BSB


His Majesty during his Majesty childhood at Istana Darul Hana. 62 wonderful years, Happy birthday Your Majesty. Kekal Karar Memerintah Negara Brunei Darussalam.

TV Brunei 33rd Anniversary

If you drive along Sungai Akar road towards Muara you'll see this magnificient building. This is RTB new digital complex. The dark blueish glass walls reflex the surrounding scenery while inside, now house highly tecnological broadcasting apparatus. I was invited for the 33rd TV anniversary on 8 July 2008.


It was a religious function combining the 33rd TV Anniversary and Majlis Berpindah to new complex. The function commenced with Maghrib prayer. Followed by Sembahayang Hajat.


Among attending the function were former Directors. The good old days stories surficed during the chat chat. Each of those attending were presented with commemorative Surah Yassin book+
Ratib Al-Atas.


Students from Hapitz Centre were there to read verses of Al Qur'an. They came early in the evening to finish reading the 30 Juzuk of Al Qur'an.

Women staff were there. Some day, 10 to 20 years, they will say, I was there during the opening ceromony of Sungai Akar building. Well, this pic is a history by itself.

Another history in a making. Will this camera will be used in 10 years time ? I doubt, cos technology changes so fast.

RTB staff performing Dikir Marhaban. Its a misconception to relate TV Brunei with entertainment stuff only. TV has programme varieties today which they broadcast through TV1, TV 2 and TV International. Audience could also view programmes through RTB City www.rtb.com

Its a long journey from simple TV set up in 1975 to a complex new millinium. And of course the future are more competative. Lets pray for the success.

Small token distributed by this charming ladies during dinner. The centre will be fully operational in August. At present the POC (Play of Centre) is already there.

No more chairs, so back to original kampung style, makan bersila. In a month time, the place will look different with equipments and furnitures in place. Happy 33rd TV anniversary and good luck for having a new building.

Pilihan-Akira 2008

I went to JPCC Jerudong last night, 6 July. Big crowd of singing and music enthusiasts turned up for grand final of Pilihan Akira 2008.


This is the 7th year collobration between RTB's Pilihan FM and and Intracorp (B) Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of TT International Limited Singapore. The Pilihan-Akira Talentime has grown from strength to strength.


Of course a lot of thought and planning given on the plenary stage to organise this function. Two of the senior officers Helen and Harun involved as members of working committee.


Everybody in radio service had their own task. Atul and Hjh were given duty to hand over the prog books to the audience. A lot of sponsors poured in and giving support according to their specilities including printing the nice prog book.

Supporters with their national flag. The Telentime was devided into 2 catogeries; Bruneians and non-Bruneians singers. Those participated in non-Bruneian catogeries include from Philippines and South Africa.

Sunday night was a good time to relax. A couple among the big crowd attending the Pilihan-Akira Telentime 2008

A very energetic performance from Hjh Maskiah Hj Omar. She won the Brunei catogery.

While performance were on, happy looking Mimi had to stand by at the enterance to welcome the late comers.

Guest Judges from Malaysia Puan Hjh Siti Hajar Ismail (in red) and Puan Hajah Zinlili Hj Abdul Latif (in black) accompanied by Ema of Pelangi FM and Hanim from Kuala Lumpur.

Buzy counting the marks. Telentime was first organised in 1963 by English service of Radio Brunei to scout for local talents in singing and music.

Another important people behind the scene. In 70s Talentime underwent several revisions. In 1971 the contest was devided into female/male contest both solo and group. In 1972 it was organise as an open contest for female and male solo only. The last Talentime contest held was in 1974 before the introduction of colour TV in Brunei.

VIP guests from Police and Information Departments. Beside local companies, the project also had good support from government departments. Through the 80's Talentime was taken up and produced for broadcast on TV as well.

In the New Milliennium in 2002 to coincide with Radio Sapphire jublee (45 anniversary) Talentime was again revived initiated by Pilihan FM supported by main sponsor Intracorp (B) Sdn Bhd thus branding Pilihan-Akira Talentime.

It's not easy to have photo with this Akademi Fantasia lecturer, Hajah Siti Hajar. Sorry I didn't have photo of Fairuzneezan, Pilihan Akira 2003 winner and Hady Mirza from Singapore who performanced during Interlude. Hardy was Singapore Idol 2006 and First Asian Idol 2007.