| Lyna Mohamad |
THE current social development is at a worrying state, particularly with the movement for legalisation of drugs gaining momentum in some western countries.
Such disturbing developments require specific responses in order to defend the country’s stance of zero tolerance against abuse of drugs and controlled substances.
This is in keeping with the Asean spirit of mutual respect for the sovereignty of each member state to determine and implement the best policies towards the region’s development and create a drug-free society.
This was stated by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman in her sabda at the launching of the seminar organised by the National Anti-Drug Association of Brunei Darussalam (BASMIDA) Seminar yesterday.
The theme of the seminar, ‘Prevention of Misuse of Drugs through Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) Values’, is highly relevant in the current challenging global scenario, Her Royal Highness added.
In the context of Brunei Darussalam, the MIB concept is very much relevant and has a significant role towards empowering the capabilities and resilience of the community to prevent any causes of social ailments, which include the misuse of drugs and its harmful effects to an individual’s identity, community and country.
Her Royal Highness noted that Preventive Drug Education (PDE), one of the objectives of the establishment of BASMIDA, is one of the effective and cost effective methods in tackling drug abuse.
“With the programmes that aim to strengthen awareness and knowledge on the dangers of misuse of drugs and drug addiction among all levels of society, especially those in the vulnerable groups, PDE is able to build a respectful identity and integrity among individuals, saving them from getting caught in the drug trap.
Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman during the the National Anti-Drug Association of Brunei Darussalam (BASMIDA) Seminar yesterday.
Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman touring the National Anti-Drug Association of Brunei Darussalam (BASMIDA) Seminar exhibition. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
“More importantly, PDE emphasises on efforts towards building good individuals with spiritual, religious, political, moral, cultural, and social attitudes and values and the instilling of these values starts from early childhood education through the dissemination of best practices, in a conducive social environment.”
Thus, added Her Royal Highness, the noble values in the MIB concept aim to strengthen the personality and mental strength of each individual from being gullible to the various forms of bad elements and habits including misuse of drugs and other controlled substances.
Aside from being visionaries, people also need to be positive and ethical with complete spiritual adhering to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah in achieving the Brunei Vision 2035 and the Zikir Nation aspiration, Her Royal Highness said, adding that involvement of every member of the society in building a community mind through holistic drug prevention education is the key to the success of eradicating the drug abuse threats.
She further added that the success of the seminar is not only seen through the dissemination of knowledge and ideas but there is also a need to ensure the nation’s development and create an Asean Community that is free of drugs.
Towards this, Her Royal Highness highlighted that BASMIDA, as the local NGO that has received the Asean People’s Award, needs to move further forward to spread its role and contribute more in ensuring the development aspirations of the Asean region.
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