Locals' new year expectations

Locals' new year expectations

MELVIN JONG
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, January 1, 2009

MANY locals are glad to see the year 2008 end due to concerns over the global financial crisis and hoping the new year will bring a more relaxing environment in all aspects.

"I am just going to take it easy and relax a bit in 2009," said a father of three who only wanted to be known as Martin.

The man in his mid-40s who runs a private business said that even though 2008 was a good year despite the global economic crisis, it had taken its toll on him both mentally and physically.

"It was tough. It might get even tougher in 2009 but I am hoping for the best," said Martin.

When asked about his expectations in 2009, Martin replied that he would be happy if everything remained the same.

"The country is already very good in terms of looking after the population. The country is very safe, has good benefits and also very good social services."

These sentiments were also agreed upon by a mother working in the construction line who requested to be known as Hjh.

"Brunei has done really well despite the global economic crisis, maybe because of the rise in oil prices," she said.

Hjh said that she is looking forward to 2009 as there will be a number of new construction projects which could help boost the economy of the country while also assuring her job security.

She also spoke about her anticipation of the implementation of the new national education system (SPN21) as her child will be part of the intake in just another couple of years.

Hjh added that what she really wanted for 2009 was world peace for everyone to live in peace and harmony, especially after all the wars and disasters that has burdened other parts of the world this year.

"I just want to get credits for all of my subjects in the upcoming GCE 'O' level exams while getting enough sleep," said Wang Eynn, a 16-year-old student of Chung Hwa Middle School in the capital. He said that he was a "bit worried" about the upcoming examinations and feeling anxious to meet the challenge.

However, the eldest of three siblings said that he would prefer to spend more time with his friends and classmates in the new year instead of studying as it would be his last year of school.

"I just hope that everyone will stay healthy and enjoy themselves as much as they can," said Wang Eynn.

Ling, who is in her 20s, hopes to be in a more serious relationship with her boyfriend this year.

"I have already settled comfortably with my job so I am hoping to concentrate on some of my other issues in life," said the Malaysian who has been living in Brunei for the past 12 years.

She added that 2008 was just like any other year as it did not make a significant impact in her life. "It went by quietly, maybe because I am not really up to date about what has been going on in the country,"she said.

She said that it would be better to focus on the present than the future.The Brunei Times