What year is it?

We live in a wonderfully multicultural society: The largest group of people are the Malay Bruneians who are predominantly Muslim whilst the Chinese Bruneian are Buddhist. There is a small population of indigenous people mostly still living in the Temburong rainforest. And then there is a group of foreign workers who are mostly Christian. This would give us a great variety of celebrations; stepping into 2015 under beautiful fireworks, following the Lion Dance into the new lunar year, and stepping into 1437 with our Muslim friends' open house celebrations. 

Sadly, this won't be the case in Brunei. Rather than celebrating the multiculturalism and each others' faith and customs, all other religions and cultures than Islam are suppressed, more so since the phasing in of Sharia laws since last year.

Some of you may have read my post about banning Christmas. Now this matter has become relevant again at the eve of the Chinese new year as the ban has been extended to other religions. Roughly 12 % of the population is Chinese and the upcoming new year is their biggest celebration that isn't even tied to the religion but is to celebrate the new calendar, the start of a new year. Lion dances have been restricted, or banned all together, and fireworks are generally banned in Brunei. 

As we are going to slip amidst the masses in Singapore's China town to enjoy the local festivities, I can only reflect on how different choices these two countries have made with such extremely opposite results...

Happy year of the goat! Gong xi fa cai!

Read about the bans for example here: http://thediplomat.com/2015/02/brunei-cracks-down-on-chinese-new-year/

At the doctor's

Sounds like an English text book but sadly is a reality in our lives. In the last two weeks we have visited the doctor for several ailments for three different people. In theory we are lucky as we get free healthcare in this country through Phil's work. Everyone in fact is entitled to free state healthcare but we get to use the local medical centre which is just 2 minutes drive away rather than going to the hospital, or any other government clinic.