Lyna Mohammad
The Brunei History Association (PESEBAR) achieved a 30-year milestone as the nation’s oldest association, while standing firm as an active group with great contributions to the development of Brunei’s history.
This was said by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, at a book launching ceremony which coincided with the association’s 8th annual general meeting yesterday, at the Brunei History Centre.
“Such integrity and the success of the administrative committee – as well as that of former and current PESEBAR members in organising several prestigious seminars and conventions at national and regional levels, along with publications – has left an impression on Brunei history research,” he said.
“The publication of books related to PESEBAR’s role in disseminating our nation’s history at each level is appropriate. What is more important is to ensure that it continues to be revitalised and maintained, as our civilisation and culture.
“It is reasonable to focus on ensuring that Brunei’s history will continue to be appreciated and studied in depth, particularly among the younger generation, so that they are aware of their roots, possess self-resilience and have a strong sense of identity.
“In this borderless era of globalisation, awareness of our nation’s history plays a critical role as a strong and effective protection against outside challenges which can threaten Bruneians’ core values.
“The use of digital technology undeniably has and will continue to shape and change our daily lives, without any irregularities on the efforts to maintain a sense of love and nationalism towards our nation’s civilisation.”
The minister also launched six PESEBAR publications at the event.
PESEBAR Acting President Dr Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong, meanwhile, noted, “Since the association’s establishment in 1984, there have been many reference and reading material on the subject of Brunei history for the general public, which was one of the objectives of its establishment, apart from studying, preserving and upholding the history of Brunei Darussalam.”
The lists of publications launched yesterday include The History of Development in Education in Brunei 1950-1985 by Associate Professor Dr Haji Awang Asbol bin Haji Mail, Associate Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim bin Haji Tengah and Dr Haji Tassim bin Haji Abu Bakar; Politics and the Brunei Sultanate 1804-1904: Enduring the Storm to the Blessed Shores by Associate Professor Dr Haji Awang Asbol, Associate Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim and Haji Moshin bin Abu Bakar; Brunei Darussalam Educational Policies in Six Decades: A Study of Developments and Challenges by Associate Professor Dr Haji Awang Asbol, Associate Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim, Dr Roziman bin Makmun, Dr Nani Suryani binti Haji Abu Bakar and Dr Hajah Suraya binti Haji Tarsat; Pengiran Bendahara Brunei and Bendahara Malacca: A Comparison of Roles and Issues of Daulat Derhaka by Associate Professor Dr Haji Awang Asbol; Brunei’s Culture in A Betelnut Shell by Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos; and Buku Melayu Islam Beraja: Amanat 1984 by Dr Muhammad Hadi.
Most of the publications are translations from the original Malay except for Melayu Islam Beraja: Amanat 1984 by Dr Muhammad Hadi, which is a compilation of 63 titah related to the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept was delivered in the country and abroad from 1984 to 2021 by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
The printing of these publications was sponsored by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, to support the practice, appreciation and implementation of MIB values which form the nation’s policy and the Bruneian lifestyle.
Meanwhile, the 8th Annual General Meeting saw the appointments of new committee members for session 2021/2023.