Lyna Mohamad
The Merewang or Kampong Spirit stays alive in Brunei Darussalam on April 20 when 30 staff and family members of the Malaysian High Commission gathered to prepare Malaysian Hari Raya traditional delicacies.
It was carried out at Deputy Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nur Ezira Mahadi’s residence in Kampong Subok.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Dato’ Raja Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah and spouse Datin Roslina also attended.
Dato’ Raja Reza shared that the idea of organising the Merewang Raya is to revive the Kampong spirit of sense of community and solidarity and also known as ‘gotong royong’, where the community spent the day cooking three must-have delicacies for Malaysians served on Hari Raya – lemang, ketupat and rendang ayam.
“Kampong spirit brings to life the colourful characters of villagers whom normally get together to prepare a mass cooking for occasions such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha, weddings and other festivities. I believe the food will remind us of Malaysia and help to overcome our longing for our homeland and homesickness.”
He added that although there are instant ketupat, lemang and rendang available at supermarkets, preparing these delicacies the traditional way is a worthwhile experience.
As for cooking rendang, he said it requires patience, persistence in stirring and wisdom.
Meanwhile, Nur Ezira Mahadi said the sense of Merewang Raya joy were felt among the officers, staff and family members who participated in the preparation of iftar meals as well as Hari Raya menu.
Minister Counsellor Mohd Idris Abu Nawas said the preparations test their mental and physical strength under the hot scorching sun.
For Defence Advisor at the Malaysian High Commission Colonel Nor Azizi bin Abdullah, the programme is an annual routine for him as a military personnel, always engaging in gotong royong activities for Hari Raya preparation at the national borders along with fellow military personnel.
“This year is a bit different as we joined the programme with new friends under the Malaysian High Commission. The event helps to strengthen ties and the camaraderie spirit among the high commission staff members and Malaysians abroad.”
