By James Kon
"We are our history and, like any people looking back at their past, we rejoice together in its good times and share its moments of sadness."
His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, begins with these words in his latest book entitled "Remember, remember..... The 8th of December" and goes on to reveal some of HRH's emotional thoughts.
Based on recollections of people who lived through the Brunei Rebellion in 1962, the book is His Royal Highness's personal account of events during the incident.
It was officially launched by Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah in a ceremony at the Balai Penghadapan, yesterday.
HRH Prince Mohamed is a passionate student of Bruneian arts and history. "Remember, remember..... The 8th of December" is the second book written by His Royal Highness following the huge success of his first book "Time and the River" - a Memoir (Brunei Darussalam 1947-2000) in 2000.
Also present at the ceremony was His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah as well as other members of the royal family.
Cabinet ministers and foreign dignitaries, as well as prominent figures from the local community were present at the ceremony.
Upon arrival, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah were welcomed by Prince Abdul Qawi, Executive Deputy Chairman and Director of QAF Brunei.
Also present to greet the royalty were Mr Reggie See, General Manager, and Hazizah Osman, Deputy General Manager of Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.
After the launching ceremony, Her Royal Highness was presented with a souvenir by Mr Reggie.
This was preceded with a multimedia presentation on the contents of the book.
"Remember, remember..... The 8th of December" is published by Brunei Press Sdn Bhd and currently available in hard and soft covers. The book is sold in bookstores nationwide.
- Borneo Bulletin
(13th Nov 2007)
