Malaysia's King Appreciates Malaysian Companies For Contributing To Brunei's Economy

From Razman Abdullah BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Brunei), May 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's King, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah today commended the government of Brunei for providing opportunities to Malaysian individuals and companies to jointly contribute towards the development of the country. He said Malaysian companies such as Petronas, UEM, MAS, Proton, Maybank, RHB bank and CIMB had taken up the challenge to compete at international level in line with the demands of globalisation. "I am grateful because Maswings has succeeded in expanding its wings to Brunei since Feb 1," his majesty said at a dinner with 300 Malaysians here Wednesday. Tuanku Abdul Halim and the Queen Hajah Haminah arrived in Brunei Darussalam here for a three-day official visit. This is the first overseas trip by Tuanku Abdul Halim since he was installed as the 14th Malaysia's King on April 11. Also present was Malaysian Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin as the minister in attendance. Tuanku Abdul Halim said the 30,000 Malaysians residing in Brunei, comprising professionals and students, would help build the image of the country. "I want Malaysian citizens residing in this country to always uphold the good name and image of the country in all their endeavours," he said. On his visit, Tuanku Abdul Halim said the visit to Brunei was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. "I am very proud that the friendship between the two countries is now extremely cordial with close cooperation in various fields," he said. Earlier Tuanku Abdul Halim and Tuanku Hajah Haminah arrived at the Brunei International Airport at 5.30pm and were received by the Sultan of Brunei's (Ruler of Brunei) son and daughter, Pengiran Muda Abdul Azim Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Brunei Education Minister Datuk Seri Setia Awang Abu Bakar Apong. On Thursday, the royal couple are scheduled to meet the Ruler of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman at 10.30am. In the afternoon the King and Queen will visit the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Exhibition Centre and attend a banquet with the Sultan at Istana Darul Hana. On Friday, Tuanku Abdul Halim will attend Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah with the Ruler of Brunei. -- BERNAMA