By M K Anwar
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning consented to join members of the private sector for a 'brisk walk' at the Bukit Shahbandar Recreational Park in Jerudong yesterday morning.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.
Welcoming His Majesty at the event was Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Dato Dr Awang Hj Ahmad bin Hj Jumat.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Azim and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.
The event was a follow up to the first 'brisk walk', which was participated by Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, directors, senior officers and government staff.
Prior to the start of the 'brisk walk', aerobic exercises to flex and stretch muscles were conducted.
One of the aims of the MIPR in organising the event was to foster relationships and cooperation between the government and private sector in improving the efforts of the social and economical development of the country. Within this context, sport activities to promote a healthy lifestyle are conducted to further cement the cooperation.
His Majesty's presence showed the monarch's concern on the importance of cohesiveness and cooperation between the government and private sector. The ruler's participation also promoted the importance of healthy sports activities among the rakyat.
About 1,100 participants representing different bodies in the private sector -- small and medium enterprises, cooperatives, associations, young entrepreneurs and also women entrepreneurs -- took part in the exercise.
Other organisations that also took part included Royal Brunei Airlines, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company, BLNG, DST, b.mobile and Chamber of Commerce in the country.
For many in the private sector, yesterday's event was unforgettable and a matter of great privilege due to His Majesty's presence, which was a further recognition of their importance in the nation's economic development.
Others who took part in the 'brisk walk' included the Permanent Secretary at the MIPR, Dato Awang Hj Mohd Hamid bin Hj Mohd Jaafar and senior officials, officers as well as staff from the ministry.
- Borneo Bulletin
(19th June 2006)
