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National day Khatam in all four districts

Izah Azahari & Daniel Lim

A Khatam Al-Quran ceremony was held in all four districts in conjunction with Brunei Darussalam’s 38th National Day by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) yesterday.

The hybrid event involved a total of 1,000 individuals – 38 were in attendance physically in mosques in the four districts and over 850 participants took part virtually via Zoom and livestream on the MCYS Instagram and Facebook.

For the Brunei-Muara District, the physical event was held at the Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Mateen Mosque in Kampong Mulaut.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin was present as the guest of honour.

Also present were Legislative Council (LegCo) members and senior officers at the MCYS. The event began with the recitation of the Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the recitation of the Surah Adh-Dhuha to Surah Al-Masad.

ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin taking part in the religious ceremony at the Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Mateen Mosque in Kampong Mulaut; and the ceremony being held in Belait District. PHOTOS: MCYS & DANIEL LIM

It continued with the recitation of Takhtim and the Doa Khatam and concluded with the recitation of Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan dan Brunei Darussalam.

In the Belait District, the event was held at the Zainab Mosque in Lumut and in attendance as the guest of honour was the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Joint Force Commander Brigadier General (U) Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin.

In the Tutong District, the event was held at the Haji Abdul Azim Mosque in Kampong Luagan Dudok and was attended by Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the MCYS Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud as the guest of honour.

In the Temburong District’s Kampong Belais Mosque was Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad as the guest of honour.

The recitation of the Khatam Al-Quran was done 38 times to commemorate the 38th National Day and involved students of Higher Education Institutions, Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), secondary schools and Arabic schools, members of youth and sports movement associations as well as officers and staff from government and private agencies.

The programme also aims at enhancing the understanding and cooperation between agencies involved in the development of youth and community education, especially as an effort to encourage their involvement in religious activities.

Australia accepts NZ offer to take boat refugees

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (AP) – Australia yesterday accepted a longstanding New Zealand offer to resettle boat refugees it sent to the remote island nation of Nauru.

Australia faced harsh international criticism for the way it treated boat refugees. It designed a policy of keeping them far from its shores to deter more of them from trying to make the voyage. But many critics said such policies violate human rights.

Under the terms of the deal, New Zealand will resettle up to 450 refugees over three years who are either living on Nauru or in temporary processing facilities in Australia.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key first offered to take 150 offshore refugees annually back in 2013, and the offer has been repeated by leaders since, including by current Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

But until now Australia always balked, arguing that if the refugees gained citizenship in New Zealand, they could use that as a way to move to Australia because of the two countries’ free-movement policy.

Refugee advocates stand outside the Park Hotel, used as an immigration detention hotel in Melbourne, Australia. PHOTO: AP

Australia did not immediately say what prompted it to finally accept the offer, although the office of Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the refugees that New Zealand accepts from Nauru will never be allowed to settle in Australia.

“This arrangement does not apply to anyone who attempts an illegal maritime journey to Australia in the future,” Andrews added. “Australia remains firm – illegal maritime arrivals will not settle here permanently. Anyone who attempts to breach our borders will be turned back or sent to Nauru.”

New Zealand’s Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said it was pleased Australia had taken up the offer.

“New Zealand has a long and proud history of refugee resettlement and this arrangement is another example of how we are fulfilling our humanitarian international commitment,” Faafoi said. “We are pleased to be able to provide resettlement outcomes for refugees who would otherwise have continued to face uncertain futures.”

Faafoi said refugee applicants would be subject to rigorous screening.

Australia has been steadily reducing the number of refugees it holds on offshore islands. Once numbering in the thousands, currently only about 110 refugees are actually living on Nauru while another 1,100 are counted as temporarily staying in Australian processing facilities.

In October, Australia ended a deal it had with Papua New Guinea to house refugees there, giving those refugees the option to move to Nauru or resettle in the United States (US).

That was after Australia struck a deal in the final days of President Barack Obama’s administration for the US to resettle 1,250 migrants that Australia had refused to accept because they had come by boat.

The new deal with New Zealand will not apply to the 100 or so refugees who remain on Papua New Guinea.

Refugee Behrouz Boochani was granted refugee status in New Zealand in 2020 after arriving on a temporary visa to talk about the award-winning book he wrote about the years he spent held against his will on Papua New Guinea.

PPB youth prepares meals for the deserving

Adib Noor

The Youth Development Centre’s (PPB) corporate social responsibility (CSR) project this year represented its trainees’ commitment as valuable assets in aiding Brunei’s development, said Chairperson of the project Siti Nurul Adibah binti Mohd Amin in her welcoming speech at the charity drive yesterday.

The guest of honour, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, presented food packages prepared by PPB’s culinary arts course and food preparation trainees to 50 families via drive-through.

The recipients comprised senior citizens, those who are physically and mentally challenged, and recipients of the Monthly Welfare Assistance (BKB) from Kampong Kulapis, Kampong Katimahar, Kampong Lugu, STKRJ Kampong Lugu and RPN Kampong Lugu.

Siti Nurul Adibah said the project was made possible by the collaboration of the trainers and trainees of both courses at the centre.

Acting Village Head of Kampong Kulapis Mohamad Asyramisayanie bin Kamis and Acting Village Head of Kampong Katimahar/Lugu Haji Bujang bin Haji Abdul Ghani were also present.

ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin presenting the donation to a recipient via drive-through; and Youth Development Centre CSR project chairperson Siti Nurul Adibah binti Mohd Amin speaking. PHOTOS: ADIB NOOR

Japan qualifies for World Cup after beating Australia

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) – Japan qualified for a seventh successive World Cup after beating Australia 2-0 in Sydney and ending the Socceroos’ chances of automatic qualification yesterday.

The result also qualified Saudi Arabia from Asia Group B.

Australia remained in qualifying contention in third place. It faced a playoff against the third-place team from Group A, currently the United Arab Emirates, and a possible final game against South American opposition.

The two late goals from substitute Kaoru Mitoma ended an entertaining game during which Japan had been wasteful. Takumi Minamino came close on five occasions. Australia, however, thought it took the lead after 26 minutes when Gianni Stensness headed home a corner only for the referee to rule Trent Sainsbury fouled goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.

Almost immediately, Minamino, who had four attempts on goal in the first half alone, almost gave Japan the lead, shooting just wide inside a crowded area.

Three minutes later, he headed against the inside of an Australia goal-post and the ball bounced into the arms of goalkeeper Matthew Ryan much to the relief of the home fans.

Near half-time, Minamino hit the woodwork again, shooting against the crossbar after a dangerous run and pass from Yuto Nagatomo.

Australia started strong after the restart, but with 10 minutes remaining a Minamino shot from close range was cleared off the line by Sainsbury.

With a minute remaining, Japan finally broke the deadlock. Mitomo replaced Minamino five minutes earlier and slotted home after a pull back from Miki Yamane.

Deep inside stoppage time, Mitomo’s low shot bobbled under Ryan and sealed the vital win.
On Tuesday, Japan hosts Vietnam, bottom of the group with just one win, while Australia travels to Jeddah to take on Saudi Arabia.

Japan’s Takumi Minamino attempts a goal during the World Cup 2022 play-off match between Japan and Australia at Stadium Australia in Sydney. PHOTO: AP

China’s foreign minister makes surprise stop in Afghanistan

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) – China’s foreign minister made a surprise stop yesterday in Afghanistan’s capital to meet with the country’s new Taleban rulers – even as the international community fumes over the former insurgents’ broken promise to re-open schools to girls beyond the sixth grade.

The official Bakhtar News Agency announced that Wang Yi will meet with Taleban leaders “to discuss various issues, including the extension of political relations, economic, and transit cooperation”.

The Taleban, who seized power last August during the last, chaotic weeks of the withdrawal of United States (US) and NATO forces from Afghanistan after 20 years of war, have been seeking international recognition in order to open up the country’s economy, which has been in free fall since their takeover.

China has not shown any inclination to recognise the Taleban government but has avoided criticising the new rulers despite their repressive rules directed particularly at women, who are denied the right to work and full access to education.

On Wednesday, the Taleban unexpectedly reversed plans to reopen schools in Afghanistan to girls above the sixth grade, reneging on their promise in a move apparently meant to appease their hard-line base at the expense of further alienating the international community.

China has also kept its embassy in Kabul open and has offered limited emergency assistance.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. PHOTO: AP

BMW’s latest coupe unveiled

Adib Noor

The all-new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé was officially revealed by QAF Brunei Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Albert Lau and QAF Auto General Manager Alisa Khoo in an exclusive media launch event held at One Riverside yesterday night.

QAF Auto Head of Sales Daniel Loo said the second generation 4 Series Gran Coupé features enhanced driving dynamics, a sharper design in line with BMW brand’s new design language and a refined premium feel for its interior as well as a host of innovations and connectivity.

The all new reimagined four-door coupé focusses on functionality as it sets to make a mark in the premium midsize segment. The vehicle provides comfortable access to the rear compartment, five full size seats, a large tailgate and a variable-usage load compartment – all of which allows for comfortable everyday driving on longer trips.

Meanwhile, performance is not an issue for the BMW 420i Gran Coupé M Sport variant.

Under the hood is a four-cylinder petrol engine that produces a maximum output of 135kW/184hp.

Baiduri Bank and QAF Auto also announced their collaboration to offer Baiduri Platinum cardholders a full waiver on processing fee when they convert the down payment to zero per cent instalment plan beginning today to April 30.

The public is welcome to take a closer look at the vehicle at its showcase at One Riverside beginning today to Sunday, from 10am to 9pm.

QAF Brunei Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Albert Lau and QAF Auto General Manager Alisa Khoo at the launch. PHOTOS: ADIB NOOR
ABOVE & BELOW: QAF Brunei CEO Albert Lau and QAF Auto Head of Sales Daniel Loo looking at the exterior and interior of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé

Osaka says therapy helping after Miami win

MIAMI (AFP) – Naomi Osaka regained her composure to breeze into the second round of the Miami Open on Wednesday before revealing she has begun working with a therapist to deal with the issues which saw her make a tearful exit at Indian Wells earlier this month.

The Japanese star, who had time away from the sport in 2021 because of mental health problems, has sought help after struggling to deal with being heckled in California during her loss to Veronika Kudermetova.

With world number one Ashleigh Barty stunning the sporting world by announcing her retirement at the age of just 25, the gruelling effect the professional tennis tour has on body and mind has been brought into sharp focus.

“I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this, but I finally started talking to a therapist after Indian Wells,” Osaka said.

“It only took like a year after the French Open (in 2021 when she announced she was taking a break).

“She kind of told me strategies and stuff. I realise how helpful it is. I’m glad that I have people around me that told me to, like, go in that direction.

“But, yeah, I was basically just remembering all the things that she told me to do, just to take deep breaths and reset myself when I need to.”

Osaka’s decision to step away from tennis last year was seen by many as a watershed moment for high profile sports stars who opt to prioritise mental well-being.

Naomi Osaka reacts after losing a point in her match against Astra Sharma at the Miami Open. PHOTO: AP

New warranty policy, attractive promotion for Wuling customers

Lyna Mohamad

Authorised importer and distributor for Wuling in the Sultanate, Premier Motor Co Sdn Bhd (PASB), has introduced a seven-year warranty for new cars starting March, covering Wuling vehicles for 180,000 kilometres for 84 months (or whichever comes sooner) to ensure peace-of-mind and hassle-free ownership experience for new customers.

The new warranty covers all warrantable items for engine, transmission and electronic parts including engine control units, engine modules and sensors.

Designed to the highest standards and rigorously tested to ensure their durability and reliability, Wuling vehicles are supported by global suppliers for its components and parts such as transmission by Bosch Germany, turbocharged engines by Honeywell USA, Engine Control Unit (ECU) by Continental Germany, and electric power steering by Nexteer USA. The brand has proven the reliability and durability of its vehicles in China, Indonesia and other parts of the world while maintaining affordability in its pricings and aftersales services.

Premier Motors is committed in providing high quality vehicles while maintaining excellent aftersales service for its customers. In conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations, the PASB is also offering a seven-year free maintenance package for a comprehensive aftersales coverage for Wuling owners.

The add-on offer covers all areas of maintenance on Wuling vehicles including maintenance parts, lubricants and service labour. Alternatively, new customers can also choose an exclusive Raya Voucher worth BND3,000 instead of the free maintenance package.

For more information, the public can visit or call the Wuling showrooms in Beribi and Kuala Belait.

A Wuling vehicle outside its showroom. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMMAD

Cyprus’ RCB Bank to close, cites Russia’s Ukraine invasion

NICOSIA, CYPRUS (AP) – RCB Bank in Cyprus said yesterday an “extremely volatile geopolitical situation” has prompted it to wind down operations and turn itself into an asset management company.

The announcement came exactly a month after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At that time, the bank announced that Cypriot shareholders had acquired all of the 46.29 per cent stake in its share capital previously held by Russia’s VTB Bank.

The bank yesterday said in a statement that despite its “abundant liquidity,” it will immediately stop opening new accounts or giving out new loans following an agreement with the European Central Bank.

Auditors Deloitte have been appointed to manage the bank’s transition and help settle all its obligations to depositors. The bank will carry on business with existing clients as usual until its transition is complete “in the coming months.”

Earlier this week, the bank announced a EUR556 million- (USD611 million) sale of its loan assets to Cyprus’ Hellenic Bank. Central Bank officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said the sale buttresses the bank’s liquidity to “fully cover” all its obligations to depositors amid concerns over a steady stream of withdrawals over the past few weeks.

A man enters in a branch of RCB bank, Russian Commercial Bank, in Makedonitissa area in capital Nicosia, Cyprus. PHOTO: AP

Overall deposits prior to the acquisition of VTB’s stake amounted to EUR1.5 billion (USD1.65 billion). Some 67 per cent was held by Cypriots, although that percentage has since dropped to just under 50 per cent.

Central Bank officials said deposits affected by sanctions against Russia were “under EUR50 million.”

Still reeling from a 2013 financials crisis that put the country on the verge of bankruptcy, Cyprus has been at pains to rehabilitate its image as a money laundering haven where Russian oligarchs could park their cash.

The Cypriot government has said the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be limited because of a raft of measures to reduce Cyprus’ exposure to the Russian economy.

Banking officials who spoke on condition of anonymity said that Russia-linked deposits in Cypriot banks amount to between four per cent and six per cent.

Leclerc shows potential to challenge for F1 title

AP – It took three laps for Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc to show why he is a potential Formula One (F1) title contender, heading into this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Sure, the slick driver from Monaco won the season-opener in Bahrain last Sunday in style: from pole position and with the fastest lap.

But what really stood out was the way he went toe-to-toe with world champion Max Verstappen – his former teen rival from their karting days – and came out on top.

Verstappen overtook him three times on Laps 17-19, only for Leclerc to show poise, control and aggression to win his place back on each occasion.

There wasn’t a hint of panic, despite who he was up against. Leclerc now tops the driver standings on 26 points, with teammate Carlos Sainz Jr second on 18.

“We are in the mix to fight for the title, it’s amazing,” Leclerc said. “We are both very happy to have a car capable of winning. And we will fight for it for sure.” Ferrari hadn’t won a race since Leclerc’s victory on the Italian manufacturer’s home track in Monza in 2019, the year he led F1 for pole positions 7-5 ahead of Hamilton.

Ferrari’s Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc celebrates on the podium winning the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in the city of Sakhir. PHOTO: AFP

In 2020, Ferrari went into freefall. Leclerc was eighth overall, Sebastian Vettel was 13th, and proud Ferrari was sixth in the constructors’ championship – trailing Mercedes by 442 points.
Ferrari’s gleaming red is catching the eye, but team principal Mattia Binotto thinks Red Bull has the edge. “They are still the favourites,” he said.

Yet Verstappen already has 26 points to make up on Leclerc. Last weekend’s late-race meltdown in Bahrain saw Red Bull score zero.

Verstappen and Sergio Perez were in second and fourth place nearing the end but retired because of a fuel pump issue. Verstappen was clearly irritated in Bahrain, making his frustrations known on race radio – especially annoyed at being told to hold back his outlaps when he felt he could have got ahead of Leclerc.

Verstappen was more diplomatic heading into the Saudi race this Sunday, which will again be under floodlights.

“Last weekend was a tough one for all of us to take,” he said. “We win and lose as a team and we’ll come back stronger.”

The 6.18-kilometre Jeddah Corniche Circuit is hosting F1 for only the second time, a few months after the penultimate race of last season.

With Mercedes sluggish, it could be another shootout in qualifying between Ferrari and Red Bull. Like last Saturday, when Leclerc edged Verstappen for his 10th career pole.

“It’s a really quick track with high-speed straights,” Verstappen said. “I’m really looking forward to it… it should be enjoyable.” Perhaps not for Mercedes. It has been struggling with weight and an aerodynamic issue called “porpoising”, which causes the racing cars to hop and bounce.

“We were clearly third quickest behind Ferrari and Red Bull (in Bahrain),” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said. “If you look at the pecking order today it seems a long shot to even be in contention.”

While Red Bull was undone by a reliability issue, it certainly did not lack speed. The circuit here could prove problematic for Mercedes.

“With a new car and new tires that we’re still learning how to get the most from, it will be a steep learning curve,” Wolff said.

McLaren has struggled with a similar problem. The team had a strong 2021 with five podium finishes, including a win, but in Bahrain Daniel Ricciardo finished 14th and Lando Norris was 15th.

“We just don’t really have a good enough car at the minute,” Norris said.

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Borneo Bulletin is the leading English daily in the country. It was first published by Brunei Press. Today, Borneo Bulletin has become the foremost source of information on local and foreign affairs, and the region’s business news.

© 2013 Borneo Bulletin Online - The Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak

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