Lavish royal wedding celebrations get underway in Brunei

Excitement in Brunei approached fever pitch this week as the lavish wedding celebrations for the Sultan's daughter, Princess Hajah Bulqiah, began. Wearing a traditional baju kurung - an embroidered long-sleeved tunic worn with a sarong - the 31-year-old princess took centre stage in the Royal Palace's spectacular gilded throne room for the solemnisation of marriage ceremony with her groom Khairul Khalil.In line with royal tradition, Khairul's parents, the princess' father, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and his two wives, plus other members of the royal family, stepped up to dab coloured paste onto the palms of the bride-to-be's hands. They had a choice of seven different colours, which were laid out on crystal plates. Thursday's ceremony was just one of a series of events which will take place over a two-week period to mark the union. Its highlight will be the royal wedding ceremony on June 10, when Princess Hajah and her husband will be blessed. The following evening a lavish banquet will be hosted in an open-air marquee in the grounds of the Royal Palace.The royal couple, who both studied at British universities, live in the UK where they hold government posts.

Brunei : Value Sanctity Of The Family

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office called out to parents to provide clear moral values and play a more concerted role in building closer family ties.
The Crown Prince made the sabda at the opening of this year's Final of the National Adult Level Quran Reading Competition, held last night at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
"Drug abuse, incest, promiscuity, the breakdown of morality, a lack of discipline and discord in the family institution are some of the social problems which are currently affecting communities, and our country is no exception," His Royal Highness stated as some of the causes of social concern.
"'There is a need for husbands and wives, mothers or fathers, children or family members, to play a concerted role in building happy families," His Royal Highness elaborated further. "Family practices based upon ways of life in accordance with Islamic values, will lead to the types of community required by Islam ... that are not merely focused on worldly demands." The heir to the throne added: "To create a generation of com munities that are pious, rich in culture and that continue the tradition of living in an environment of harmony and tranquility, it is necessary for family members aril all levels of society to discharge Itreir respective roles and responsibilities, whilst also possessing solid caring attitudes."
A lack of faith and deviation from Islam, worldly demands and materialistic quests were also cited as challenges jeopardising the- faith of Muslims, Ills Royal Highness said, warning that "the acts of deviations have already occurred".
"This is why it is important for us to return to the Quran which has the revelations of Allah the Almighty to become our true guidance, source of wisdom and teaching," His Royal Highness said, adding that "by thoroughly embracing the Quran, one will without doubt derive happiness in this world and the hereafter".
'Seven finalists - three women and four men - recited verses from the Quran last night. A total of 92 participants had entered for the competition. The final results will be announced later this evening at the same venue.
The winners will represent the sultanate at the Finals of the International Quran Reading Competition in Malaysia sometime later this year.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times