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HRH The Deputy Sultan Receives Two Envoys
By Amin Hosni
Bandar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, yesterday consented to receive in audience two foreign envoys Mr Abolfazl Khazaee Torshizi, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran; and Mr Ha Hong Hai, the outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, respectively.
First to be received in audience at Istana Nurul Iman - was Mr Torshizi who had presented his letter of credentials before His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on March 20, 2007.
Next in audience was Mr Ha who had been the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam since December 6, 2003 and is due to leave the country in early June, 2007.
Also present in both audiences was Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Abd Hamid bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Yassin, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Minister Scrutinizes Public Facilities
By Azlan Othman
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Municipal Department in the capital and the new Municipal Board building in Jln Kumbang Pasang which is nearing completion came under, scrutiny by the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan yesterday.
The visit was to take a closer look at public facilities under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Board and its environment including food stalls and business premises, and aimed at scrutinising their job duties, plans and actions in the aspect of management, handling and guidelines of every division in the department.
The visit began with a briefing followed by a tour to various sections including the car park attendant section, internal audit, building and project maintenance and finance sections on the fifth floor of the building.
Pehin Dato Hj Adanan later proceeded to the sixth floor and toured the licensing and building tax, administration and building development and control divisions During the visit, the minister reviewed the licensing process and tax payment guidelines. Complex where he interacted and shared the problems faced by the stall operators.
He also visited the first floor of the Bumiputera Commercial Complex, business premises at the multi-storey car park, viewed the, parking space especially the safety aspects. It was learnt that the visit was made following recent comments by Bulletin readers in the opinion columns of late April, echoing their views on the safety of the car park and the deteriorating conditions of the escalators and lifts there.
Also present were the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Hj Awg Dani, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Dato Paduka Hj Idris Belaman and senior government officials.
The visit reflects his concern to view the public facilities towards enhancing more efficient services to the public.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Four Months Jail For Overstaying
ByMalai FadleyRizal & Rol Ezam
Bandar Seri Begawan - An Indonesian woman was jailed for four months, after she pleaded guilty to overstaying in the country, in the Bandar Magistrate's Court yesterday.
Damayanti Desi, 29, was arrested by CID personnel Thursday evening at a place she rented at Simpang 208, Kg Pintu Malim in Jalan Kota Batu, the court was told.
The defendant was arrested after she failed to produce her travel documents when asked by members of the raiding party.
Two days later, the defendant was handed over to the Immigration Enforcement Section where further investigations found that the defendant held a social visit pass that had expired on June 28, 2006.
The Immigration Department found no further extensions on her social visit pass, the court heard.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Immigration Briefing For Mukim Ukong, Rambai
By Azaraimy
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Department of Immigration and National Registration is ready to give 'appropriate consideration' - when processing an application for citizenship status - to a person who has fulfilled the criteria.
This was stated by the Director of Immigration and National Registration Awg Zainal Abidin bin Dato Paduka Hj Ahmad in a briefing session held by the department for village residents of Mukim Ukong and Mukim Rambai, in the Tutong District, yesterday.
The director also reminded passport holders to keep their passports safe, as a person who loses his or her passport would be liable to a charge of B$150 for the first time and $300 for the second. "The strict law is a necessary measure," he said.
The session was held following a visit by the Minister of Home Affairs to Mukim Ukong last April 7, 2007 and a meeting between the members of the coordinating board of Mukim and village consultative councils and Penghulu Mukims, heads of villages and longhouse chiefs in the Tutong District on April 10. The objective of the meeting was to give information to the village residents of the two mukims on matters related with the Department of Immigration and National Registration, and to bring awareness on the importance of registration for every citizen and resident in Brunei Darussalam.
The briefing on the roles, functions, rules and regulations as well as a brief history of the department was delivered by Hj Muhsin Hj Ahmad, Assistant Director of Immigration and Hj Saiful Hazme bin Hj Sulaiman, Senior Head Officer of National Registration.
The session began with welcoming remarks from Acting Tutong District Officer Hj Jamain bin Momin.
Also present at the briefing were Awg Hj Haris bin Othman, Assistant Tutong District Officer, YB Orang Kaya Putera Awg Hj Muhd Taha bin Hj Abd Rauf, Penghulu of Mukim Keriam, Penghulu Mukims and heads of villages in Mukim Rambai and Mukim Ukong as well as members of the village consultative councils and residents of both Mukims.
Also present were other senior officers from the Department of Immigration and National Registration and the Tutong District Office. Awg Zainal Abidin also acknowledged that there were cases of Smart IC cards becoming worn out or damaged, adding that those with a damaged IC could apply for a new one for free.
He also said the department is open to any constructive suggestions or ideas from anyone. Among the other issues raised during the session were matters regarding offences under the passport and immigration acts, as well as application procedures for citizenship and permanent residency status.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Kick Brings Down Kitchen
By Yusrin Junaidi
Bandar Seri Begawan - Thousands of bricks are needed to build a house but it may take just one to bring a house down ... or a kitchen in this case.
The owner of a house in Kampong Sungai Besar, Hj Mohd Osmena Abdullah, was trying to fix thewindow frames during renovation works at his house when he kicked a brick that was sticking out of the wall. His kitchen collapsed right in front of his eyes to his utter dismay. "This was not due to a natural disaster or an earthquake. This happened because I kicked a small brick and the kitchen collapsed.
"Thank God, luckily no one was inside the kitchen," said Hj Mohd Osmena surveying the scene where his kitchen once stood.
He said that he kicked the brick to ensure the safety of his children but what followed was too difficult for him to comprehend. He immediately ran out of the house fearing for his safety.
Hj Mohd Osmena and four other families totalling 14 members have been asked to move out of the house for safety reasons by the Fire and Rescue Department personnel. The officials said the house is not safe to live in. Apart from the Fire and Rescue personnel, Royal Brunei Police Force from Bandar Seri Begawan, as well as the Natural Disaster Management Centre officials were also at the scene. Hj Mohd Osmena said, as the kitchen started to tilt to a side, he decided to repair it. As he didn't have enough money, he said he decided to fix it himself with help from his son-in-law and his son, who live with him.
As he was aware that the kitchen was in dire need of repairs, Hj Mohd Osmena had asked his family to move out all the things inside the kitchen to another place. But when the kitchen suddenly collapsed it took with it some of the tables and chairs' into the water.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Prince Arrives In Islamabad
Bandar Seri Begawan - His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Her Royal Highness Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah arrived in Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, yesterday afternoon, where His Royal Highness will attend the 34th, Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers Meeting from May 15-17.
On arrival at the Islamabad International Airport, Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed by Abdul Moiz Bokhari, Additional Secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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2 Local Men Go Missing In Jungle
By Yusrin Junaidi and Hj Minor Absah
Bandar Seri Begawan - Two local men have been reported missing in a forest in Kampong Sungai Belukot since Saturday afternoon.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department and family members, the two are Zainuddin bin Jabin, 39, and Zulhazmi bin Abdullah, 29.
They went to the jungle near their house to set a mouse deer trap, said Zulhazmi's wife, Nurliha binte Muhammad. By 11 am, when the men did not return home, she reported to a family member that her husband is missing.
At 2pm, Awang Rosli Bin Hj Omar, said he felt that something might have gone wrong because Zulhazmi has asthma. He reported the case of the missing men to the nearest police station.
More than 15 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department in Bandar Seri Begawan and Muara Stations, the Royal Brunei Police Force, and six personnel from the Gurkha Reserve Unit and the K9 Unit, are still looking for the two missing men.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Religious Minister Visits Islamic College
By Hussin HJ
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Md Zain Hj Serudin praised Brunei Islamic College for its efforts to ensure students perform practical religious duties diligently and put a deeper emphasis on Arabic language studies.
Efforts must begin at the grass root level and limitations should not become a hindrance by working out collectively between pertinent agencies, the minister said.
He spoke during his working visit to the college in Tutong on Saturday to know how far the students have achieved in performing the practical obligations and the effectiveness of Arabic language studies taught there. The college principal, Ustazah Hjh Omi Hj Md Noor, highlighted the achievements of PSR, PMB, SPUB and 0 憀evel' examinations, which showed a significant increase in the number of passes every year.
She said the students' performance have been very encouraging every year although there is a lack of parental support and transportation.
In Arabic language studies, students make it a habit to practise Muhadasah (informal daily conversation).
To understand the importance of learning the Arabic language, workshops, seminars and visits are held, supported by government agencies, she added.
Accompanying the minister was the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dato Paduka Hj Ishaaq Hj Abdullah and other senior officials. The minister toured several classes before having lunch and performing a noon prayer at the college's surau. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Financial Talk For Parents Of Spendthrift Children
By Azaraimy
Bandar Seri Begawan - Having worries that your children are spendthrift? Want to know more about ways to instill the right concept of financial planning in your children from young?
How to make children realise it is not easy making money and not to compare branded goods or luxurious cell phones with their friends?
If parents are interested in the answers, they can attend a financial planner talk organised by Chung Hwa Middle School Parent-Teacher Association (CHMS PTA) and ISI Business Network Co. The speaker, CS Wong, the founder and CEO of ISI Business Network, is the columnist for Oriental Daily News, Nan Yang Siang Pau, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, Business Network Magazine, Money Compass, Further Studies Intelligence and The Huang Clan Magazine.
The principal Kho Guik Lan pointed out that the talk will help parents explore reasons why children overspend and ways to improve children's money quotient. The speaker will also talk about how to educate children to have the right spending habits such as to carefully plan first before spending.
CHMS PTA understands parents' concerns and difficulties in educating children to manage their finances. It knows parents wish to equip their children with adequate financial planning ability to prepare them for the future.
It is sad to see that some teenagers remain distant from their parents after having an argument about how to spend their pocket money. Therefore, CHMS PTA thinks organising a financial talk to help parents address those issues should be on top of the agenda.
The talk is targeted at teachers and parents of the pupils in school. The talk will be held on May 19, 2007 at Darussalam Hall from 7 pm to 9 pm. Admission is free for parents of pupils in CHMS, BSB. Those interested, can fill up the registration form and hand it to the respective class teachers in CHMS, BSB.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Cable Thieves Exploit Rising Metal Prices
By MK Anwar
Bandar Seri Begawan - "The nation was recently hit by a massive power cut caused by electrical thefts, resulting in power disruptions in 60 per cent of the areas in the Brunei-Muara and Tutong Districts and causing the government to incur losses amounting to B$50,000."
The statement made recently during the Friday sermon says it all. The potential danger that lurks due to scrap metal thieves has never looked more imminent and the damages they have done have reached, what was described as, `massive' proportions.
The Minister of Energy has said that such acts were highly irresponsible and had gone beyond the limits of tolerance of society and the country and that it needs to be eradicated at an early stage before it could lead to an accident or possible death.
In 2005, the Electrical Services Department revealed that more than 60 substations in the Brunei-Muara District alone have been vandalised and 'stripped' bare by the thieves.
The damages done to these substations have also caused disruptions in the maintenance schedules. Electrical outages have occurred in some areas due to the theft of equipment from the substations. Precious time and government money have been wasted trying to replace the stolen items. Made mostly from aluminium or copper, the cables and other equipment have been targeted by the unscrupulous thieves.
In a recent annual crime report by the Royal Brunei Police Force for 2006, metal continued to be on top of the list of stolen items. Though down from the previous year, it was still considered high as 150 cases of missing metals comprising copper wires, metal gratings and aluminium doors were reported last year.
The economic factor was again highlighted by the police as the main cause of metal and cable thefts in the country. Brunei is not the only country to suffer at the hands of these unscrupulous thieves, as neighbouring countries and even developed countries like Japan are also facing this scourge.
Thieves are simply taking advantage of the growing demand for metal in this region. The rise in copper prices recently has led to a rise in such thefts in the country.
Despite the heavy penalty under Section 380 and Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail sentence and a fine, thieves are said to be getting bolder, more organised and better equipped.
Those assisting in the concealment of stolen items or those receiving them can also be jailed and fined Previously, thieves reportedly struck in the middle of the night to cut the cables but now they have been found operating during broad daylight.
In Kg Tungku recently, thieves vandalised the fencing to enter the area and managed to cut off parts of the live electrical cables.
It is difficult to comprehend why copper cables or any other metal item that costs thousands of dollars to install are sold for a meagre amount to scrap metal dealers. It has become a sort of cat-and-mouse game between the thieves and those that replace the cables. An electrical substation, for example, where missing cables and doors are replaced, is targeted again by thieves in just a few days' time.
Besides government property, several private properties too have fallen victims to metal thieves as metal gratings, aluminum sliding windows and doors have vanished in quick time.
Vehicle workshop owners told the Bulletin that they have also become victims of these thieves who are looking for metal spare parts. A construction worker also said that thieves could easily strip even newly constructed houses of its windows and gratings. Public awareness coupled with monitoring by enforcement agencies is essential in curtailing this kind of crime. The public is reminded not to be ignorant and if they come across any suspicious activity they should report it to the nearest police station.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Police Blame Media For Publishing Untruths
By Azlan Othman
Bandar Seri Begawan - Police yesterday quashed claims made by the brother of a boat incident victim who survived the ordeal that the Marine Police did not do anything to help in the search and rescue operation as the boat sank on May 6, 2007 near the Champion offshore oilfield.
Referring to the article "Survivors of Boat Accident Thank MINDEF, BSP" in a newspaper (not the Borneo Bulletin) last Sunday, the Director of Operations of the Royal Brunei Police Force, Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Ag SAC Hj Hasrin B Hj Sabtu said following an investigation, the police found that every information provided by Awg Ishak B Hj Kabon was incorrect.
"What has been said by Awg Ishak, who acted as a spokesperson for his elder brother, Awg Kahar B Hj Kabon (the victim of the boat incident) and others is misleading and not responsible as he is not giving the correct information or the true facts."
"This matter, if not clarified, will give a negative perception to the public. The police immediately ordered an operation order soon after receiving a call asking for assistance through the 993 hotline. This was found based on the recorded conversation between the caller and 993 hotline operator," Pehin Hj Hasrin added.
He said every call made to the 993 hotline is recorded as part of the police strategy to deal with any events. A better picture of the situation could be determined after an analysis was made of the conversation between the caller and the 993 operator pertaining to the boat incident.
Pehin Hj Hasrin outlined the sequence of events on May 6 starting at 10.06 am through the 993 hotline records. "A call was received at 10.06 am through the 993 hotline but was cut-off. At 10.07 am, another call was received where the caller sought a rescue boat assistance as their- white fibre glass boat measuring 28 feet was under water and sinking in the Champion 2 area."
"The 993 operator asked for more details on their position, the number of people inside the boat and their situation at that time. These facts are important as a platform for the rescue operation to avoid serious injuries or fatalities."
He added that after receiving 'the information, the 993 operator immediately contacted the Operations Room of the Police Force and gave details for the Marine Police and other relevant agencies to carryout the search and rescue operation.
The Operation Room then contacted the Marine Police, Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Brunei Shell Petroleum, and ordered a rescue operation.
Based on the information from the Marine Police, BSP was informed at 10.15 am as their officials were closer to the Champion 2 while Marine Police were still preparing their equipment and force for the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, the 993 hotline continued to receive calls and the operator communicated with the victims for updates on the situation. "What is crucial is their safety and whether the rescue boat was on its way or has arrived. This communication helps to ensure there is no panic," he added. Based on the recorded 993 conversations, several calls were made by the family of the victims asking about their situation and the rescue operation. The 993 hotline operator gave the latest information on the situation professionally.
At 11.18am, the 993 operator was informed that the BSP Search and Rescue had successfully carried out the rescue operation, and that all the victims were safe.
"Hence, the claim made by Awg Ishak B Hj Kabon highlighting the incapability of the Marine police to conduct the rescue operation is not true. Marine Police have their, contingency strategy should anything happen and the police did not compromise in the rescue operation and in entertaining the public."
He refuted claims that 10 calls were made to the 993 hotline. Based on the 993 hotline records, only four calls were made. Pehin Hj Hasrin reminded the public to provide a true picture to the media to avoid any misinterpretation.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Kayak Teams Do Brunei Proud
By Rosli Abidin Yahya
Bandar Seri Begawan - Ariffin Hj Zainal and Mamud Hj Mohammad did the nation proud when they emerged as the champions of the recent Labuan Round island Kayak Challenge considered as one of the toughest kayak races in Malaysia.
The duo completed the 50-kilometrelong doubles race, which was participated by world-class teams from Malaysia and Hungary. In last year's event, Ariffm also secured the top spot in the doubles event with his brother Hassan.
In the singles event, Brunei's Asri Hj Ismail and Rohaimi Osman came in second and fourth place respectively.
In the doubles event, Brunei pairs Morali Hamit and Jefridan Yusof secured fifth place, while Cpl Nazri and LCpI Faisal were ranked sixth, and Hassan Hj Zainal and Murni Hj Zainal came in seventh.
Meanwhile, in the Labuan-Brunei International Extreme Kayak Challenge, Brunei kayak rowers Saini Hamit and Mamod Hj Muhammad finished fourth. In fifth place were Pte Shahlan and Pte Sarol, while Cpl Supian and LCpI Harridan were ranked seventh. In ninth place were Ariffin Hj Zainal and Hassan Hj Zainal.
The two-day race was organised by Labuan Corporation and supported by Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. It was co-organised by the Labuan Backpacker's Association, Labuan Canoe Association and Brunei National Kayak Association.
The race, which was launched by Dato Paduka Hj Jemat bin Hj Ampal, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, was participated by 21 teams from Brunei, Malaysia and Hungary.
According to coach Major Talip Tahir, Brunei was represented by five teams three from Brunei National Canoe Association and two from Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
He said that the Brunei teams will be training for the Malaysia International Kayak Endurance (MIKE) race to be held in Kuala Lumpur this August.
"Our teams may also participate in kayak races in Korea and China this August," he said, adding that this would prepare them for the SEA Games to be held in Thailand in December.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulle |
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Asean- US Customs Workshop Opens
By Lyna Mohamad
Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam, through the Royal Customs and Excise Department, is hosting the five-day 4th Asean-US Training Workshop on the Implementation of the AHTN (Asean Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature) that began yesterday at the Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong.
The workshop's opening ceremony was officiated by the Controller of Customs, Pg Abd Haris Pg Hj Shahbudin, who highlighted in his opening speech, that Customs administrations in the 21st century are required to operate in a constantly changing international environment.
Customs administrations, he said, are now given an important role in the implementation of the government policies and contribute to the achievement of a number of national development objectives.
A well-performing and ethical Customs administration can not only make a major contribution to effective revenue collection but also assist the government in the implementation of trade security and facilitation policies as well as improving the investment environment. In view of this, capacity building programme have been found as one of many models that would facilitate the realisation of these objectives.
"It can be clearly stated that capacity building activities are becoming increasingly important to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Customs administrations. And workshops or training activities are the core aspects and therefore, international best practices with regard to workshops will be one of the models for them," he added.
"Thus appropriate training for Customs officials is indispensable to develop capacity of each Customs administration in order to fulfill its missions."
Member administrations, through activities conducted in training, workshops, technical assistance and capacity building programmes, will be very well equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out their duties in the modern international environment.
Partaking in activities related to sound management, they (member administrations) can raise their awareness of how to manage and administer their human and financial resources in a cost- effective and responsible manner.
The Asean Secretariat in recognising the importance of enhancing trade facilitation through the application of international best practices and recognising the importance of implementing collective activities has provided many opportunities for officials of the Asean Customs administrations to participate in capacity building programmes.
"This is where, I believe, 2007/1, is one of the tools for our members to increase their effectiveness and efficiency in terms of trade facilitation," the Customs Controller said. AHTN which was developed based on the World Customs Organisation's Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System, simply better known as Harmonised System (HS), will surely help traders to determine the classification of commodities.
Such clearer coding will reduce clearance time and costs, ensure the proper collection of Customs duties as well as solve the disputes between Customs and traders, where all these will lead to the facilitation of the regional and international trade.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin |
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Originally posted by TheHawk at 15-5-2007 08:29 PM
Police Blame Media For Publishing Untruths
By Azlan Othman
Bandar Seri Begawan - Police yesterday quashed claims made by the brother of a boat incident victim who survived the ordeal that t ...
awu cam marah pehin kesian eh ada kah inda patut patut |
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Originally posted by TheHawk at 14-5-2007 11:09 AM
2 Local Men Go Missing In Jungle
By Yusrin Junaidi and Hj Minor Absah
Bandar Seri Begawan - Two local men have been ...
bisdurang ani kedapatan kah udah alum uncle hawk. ujar nya orang tua tua bila sesat di hutan tebalikkan segala yang tani pakai banar kah tu uncle hawk sekadar bertanya pada yang lebih ariff lagi namanya uncle hawk orang lebih tua |
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Originally posted by DkNatasah at 15-5-2007 11:06 PM
bisdurang ani kedapatan kah udah alum uncle hawk. ujar nya orang tua tua bila sesat di hutan tebalikkan segala yang tani pakai banar kah tu uncle hawk sekadar bertanya pada yang lebih ariff l ...
Uncle Hawk kurang pereksa tu Dk sama ada dorg ani selamat atau nda. Newspaper kitani ani plg tah jarang ada follow up. Nanti tah Uncle betanya tanya arah kawan2 hmm! |
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Category: Negeri & Negara
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