Sultan Bolkiah's daughter hits out at critics

PUTERI Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, a daughter of Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, is reportedly in distress over the distasteful remarks passed about her parents’ divorce. 

Utusan Malaysia picked up excerpts of a letter that she sent to a leading news website in Brunei, in which the young princess described as inhuman the comments that were made against her family. 

Apparently, members of the public have posted their opinions to the website, some writing in a thoughtless and rude manner. 

“We can take your views but those cruel and heartless comments are tearing me and my brother apart because you are talking about our parents,” she said. 

“This was actually a private matter that has been mismanaged, abused and taken advantage of and the fact that you think you know better only shows how ignorant you all are.” 

“This has been one of the best smear campaigns in history and I wish to thank all of you for your heartless comments,” she added. 

A royal announcement on its state-run television on Sunday stated that the Sultan, 56, has divorced his second wife Mariam Abdul Aziz, 46, who is of mixed parentage. 

Mariam, a former flight attendant, was stripped of all her royal titles. Puteri Azemah is one of the four children from that 1981 marriage. 

There have been rumours about a rift in that marriage. On Thursday, Berita Harian carried a report about a “mysterious young Indonesian singer” that might have played a role in the matter. 

The princess’ letter led to a flood of response from readers who gave their moral support. 

One reader wrote: “I share your sadness. Just to let you know, not all people are heartless and cruel.” 

“There are many who care. You and your brother are still very young. Be strong. Life must go on.”