Limbang folk hail Brunei move to drop claim

LIMBANG: It was a day of joy and relief for the people here after Brunei officially drop- ped its long-standing territorial claim on the area on Monday.

The historic accord, inked between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan, was described as "a wise decision" and the marking of a new era of development.

Tinah Kassim, 28, who grew up in Kampung Seberang Kedai, on the banks of Sg Limbang, hoped that the decision would put an end to the confusion that the village was located in Brunei's territory. "With this, I hope our status as Malaysians will become clearer."

Tinah was also happy that the decision did not jeopardise the relations between the two countries.

Azrin Ladis, 26, said although the situation here might be different from other places in Malaysia, the patriotism of the people was the same.
"The decision will definitely make people here happy because we have nurtured our patriotism for Malaysia since we were young."

He also believed that the leaders had decided on the pact after considering the feelings of the people of both countries.

Meanwhile, Limbang Chinese community leader Te- menggung Ang Kheng Shu, 74, hoped the solution would bring more progress to the town. He is among the few who lived here before independence.

Limbang is located on the banks of Sg Limbang, between the two halves of Brunei. It covers an area of 3,978 sq km, with a population of more than 40,000. -- Bernama

source from NST Online