| Azlan Othman |
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 Chancellor of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) expressed his concern over certain sections of students in Arabic schools who are unable to master the Arabic language properly and urged the authorities concerned to find resolutions to the issue.
In a titah delivered at the 6th Convocation Ceremony of KUPU SB at the International Convention Centre, Berakas yesterday, His Majesty said, “In Brunei, we have Arabic schools and I want these schools to stay really true to its name where there are various teachings incorporated in it, especially religious knowledge and the Arabic language. The students can be accepted to further their studies both at local institutions and abroad. Without a doubt, the school can make the nation proud.
“But the question is that there is hearsay that the students are unable to master the Arabic language despite its name. In other words, they can’t speak properly in the Arabic language (when) compared to English. If this is true, I hope this matter will be improved and make it the main task to find a solution as to why the acquisition of Arabic language is weak in Arabic schools,” His Majesty added.
“Does it have anything to do with teacher factors such as the shortage of teachers?” His Majesty asked before adding, “Or whether the teachers are less-qualified, or relating to teaching equipment like shortages of books or whether the books are no longer appropriate to be used or possibly, teaching methods that do not meet the criteria or any other matters?”
The issue should be analysed thoroughly and that the weakness and strength of a language should not be judged through examination papers marking as answers can be memorised. It should be taken note of, said the ruler.
The monarch also said that Brunei has stepped forward by establishing a compulsory Religious Education System and that this is a big responsibility.
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, Chancellor of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), presenting the certificate to one of the graduates during the 6th Convocation Ceremony of KUPU SB, at the International Convention Centre, Berakas. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
His Majesty delivering his titah during the convocation.
“Alhamdulillah, we have accomplished it. We need to make religious education truly shine, advanced and robust,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty also touched on the importance of teachers to inculcate decent values in the students.
His Majesty likened KUPU SB as a factory to produce high-valued products which is to produce individuals with high-moral values. This is the basic matter where its position should not be below but at the top, in-line with the declaration by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and narrated by Bukhari and Muslim that “I was sent to perfect good character”.
“The importance of values is felt especially with the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) where the community, including children, are exposed to elements that impair moral values. The elements are of all sorts and to control them requires careful and proper strategies through teachers who render their meritorious service to nurture decent norms in children and to guide and motivate them to become good and useful.
Parents are also required to provide better and Islamic environment for the children.
“We should not forget the Hadith that says a child is born like a pure white cloth and it is the parents who are responsible to mould them correctly,” the ruler said.
His Majesty also consented to KUPU SB’s idea of setting up a study centre called ‘Fiqh Al-Usrah’ to strengthen the family and educational institution. The ruler also highlighted that teachers should also understand that they are agents for the survival of the people and the nation. And as an agent, religious teachers should not just teach inside the classroom but also set an example or be a role model for the students and the community.
The ruler also congratulated the graduates for their success in completing their studies. “They should be thankful with this success as it comes from Allah the Almighty. Graduates from KUPU SB are accredited teachers and possess vast knowledge,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty also expressed his thanks to KUPU SB’s workforce especially to the chairman, university college members, Ra’es, senate members, core officers, academicians and staff for their contributions. “May their good deeds get rewards from Allah the Almighty and for KUPU SB to become a blessed institution,” the monarch said.
His Majesty later conferred 251 students with Master’s Degree, Postgraduate diplomas, Bachelor’s Degree and Higher Diploma in various courses.
These include Master of Religious Teaching (Aqidah), Master of Religious Teaching (Fiqh), Master of Religious (curriculum), Master of Religious Teaching (management and administration), Master of Religious (supervision), Postgraduate Diploma of Religious Teaching, Postgraduate Diploma of Religious Teaching (teaching Arabic to non-Arabic speaker), Bachelor of Religious Teaching (usuluddin), Bachelor of Religious Teaching (shariah), Higher Diploma of Religious Teaching (usuluddin) and Higher Diploma of Religious Teaching (shariah).
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