His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam ended a four-day State Visit to Malaysia with the fervent hope that close ties can be maintained through an exchange of visits.
His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Saleha's last State Visit to Malaysia was in 1997, while His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin and Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah visited Brunei Darussalam in August 2002.
His Majesty ended the State Visit with a farewell audience yesterday afternoon at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur, making a courtesy call to His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin and Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah.
Also present at the ceremony were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam, Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Datin Seri Endon, the Deputy Prime Minister and wife as well as other cabinet ministers, RTB reported.
On Friday night, His Majesty and Her Majesty consented to attend a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and wife. The function was held in Putrajaya, outside Kuala Lumpur.
Also present were the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and several other cabinet ministers.
Late Friday afternoon, His Majesty and Her Majesty consented to attend a gathering with Bruneians currently in Malaysia. It was held at Rumah Awang Alak Betatar in Kuala Lumpur.
Yesterday morning, His Majesty was the guest at the Terendak Army Camp in Sungai Udang, Malacca.
Among the programmes of His Majesty's visit at the camp included an army parade mounted by personnel of PARA 10th Brigade, static, weapons and vehicles display from the 3rd Infantry Division.
Terendak Camp, originally known as Fort George was built by the British in 1958. It houses the 28th Commonwealth Brigade, which was at the time the army reserved unit of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation - SEATO. The camp was handed over to Malaysia in 1970 and since then, it houses the First Infantry Brigade followed by the 3rd Infantry Division in 1976.
During the historic visit, His Majesty was presented with the Maroon Beret and the 'Honorary Parachute Wing' from the commander of the Malaysian Land Forces, Dato Seri Jeneral Abdul Aziz Zainal.
Several military performances conducted by the 8th Royal Rangers Regiment as well as free fall display and an assault demonstration have also attracted His Majesty's attention.
As an army trained in Sandhurst Military Academy, His Majesty viewed the displays highly.
Meanwhile Her Majesty had a separate programme, visiting the Craft Complex located in the Malaysian capital. The complex, which housed Malaysian handicrafts, is one of the agencies under the Ministry of Culture, Art and Heritage.
During the visit, Her Majesty made a stop at the Karyaneka Kraf Boutique, which supplies quality local craft products to both domestic and foreign markets.
Her Majesty then had a closer look at the Crafts Sales, an event held every weekend. The sale promotion were opened to both local and international craft producers. Her Majesty had the opportunity to view products by some 33 entrepreneurs.
Her Majesty also consented to watch a performance to welcome Her Majesty's visit. The dance was staged by 25 children from the Johor's Art Foundation.
- Borneo Bulletin
(1st May 2005)
