NAJIB CONFERRED BRUNEI PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

From Caroline Jackson

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib
Razak was Tuesday conferred the Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Dihormati (DK),
(The Most Esteemed Family Order Laila Utama), which carries the title Dato Laila
Utama.

He received the award from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at an investiture
ceremony at the Istana Nurul Iman (Nurul Iman Palace) here in conjunction with
the 64th birthday celebration of the monarch, who is Brunei's Head of State.

Among those present were his wife, Rosmah Mansor, the sultan's consort Raja
Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha and Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun
Hussein.

The award is only bestowed by the Brunei Sultan on royalty or heads of
gove rnment based on close bilateral relations, such as between Brunei and
Malaysia which are neighbours besides being members of Asean.

Later the Prime Minister and his delegation were feted to a luncheon at the
same venue before departing for Kota Kinabalu the capital of the Malaysian state
of Sabah.

Najib, who arrived here last night from Kuala Lumpur, is the second
Malaysian leader to have received the prestigious award, reflecting the strong
ties enjoyed by the leaders of both countries.

Former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would also be receiving the
same award here on Thursday, which would officially mark the start of the
month-long celebrations.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the first Malaysian statesman
to have been bestowed with the award.

Meanwhile, the capital city has been spruced up to celebrate the sultan's
birthday in grandeur with roads and prominent areas being decorated with
colourful arches and illuminated by neon lights at night.

Apart from special promotion rates being offered by many hotels and
restaurants here, Radio Television Brunei has also aired special mini
documentaries to mark the remarkable reign of the sultan in conjunction with the
joyous celebrations.
-- BERNAMA