| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
THE concept for the design of the BND50 Commemorative Polymer Note is inspired by the wise and caring leadership of 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 towards his people that symbolises his character as the people’s monarch.
This was highlighted by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong delivering his remarks yesterday at the launching ceremony for the BND50 Commemorative Polymer Note, Commemorative Coins and the 5th Series of Coins in Circulation in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne, officiated by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
According to the minister, the new notes also reflect His Majesty’s priority in retaining religious principles and describe Brunei’s era of modernisation under His Majesty’s rule. These can be seen from the design and the selection of images used on the obverse side of the polymer notes.
The minister also said that the uniqueness of the BND50 Commemorative Polymer Note compared to previously issued notes is the coupling of His Majesty’s portrait with the image of his late father, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
“The pairing reflects the genealogy (Salasilah) of the past, present and future Sultans of Brunei Darussalam,” he said.
The minister then touched on the design of the Commemorative Coins which reflects His Majesty as the ‘Raja Payung Negara’ – a loving and protecting monarch who prioritises the safeguarding of his nation and welfare of his people.
“The 5th Series of Coins in Circulation on the other hand,” the minister continued, “underwent a significant change for the first time after 24 years where the reverse side of the coin now features an image of a Royal Regalia – the Mahkota – which was used during His Majesty’s Coronation Ceremony.”
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar also noted that the State Mufti’s Office book ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’, published in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration, is also available in an English version titled ‘The King Who Shapes History’.
According to the minister, both the Malay and English versions of the book are available in hardcover and paperback – priced at BND30 and BND20 respectively. A further discount of 30 per cent will be given for students.
“I believe that the publication of these books will be a great addition to the collection of books relating to the history and noble rule of His Majesty in his 50 years of leading the nation. I believe that the books will be useful as reference material for the younger generation, students, public, as well as local and international researchers and academics,” he continued.
In line with the title of the book ‘Raja Melakar Sejarah’, the minister said that the author – the State Mufti – has sought to highlight and analyse the role and leadership of His Majesty throughout his 50-year reign, which has seen Brunei continually developing and progressing in parallel with the monarchy system and Islamic teachings molded with the nation’s Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.
“This is one aspect that is sometimes less understood by foreign writers who have less understanding of the socio-political position of this nation. These books in Malay and English will be able to contribute towards projecting His Majesty’s image as the Head of State and Head of Government of Brunei Darussalam,” the minister added.
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