| James Kon |
EFFORTS by the local Chinese community to translate ‘Melayu Islam Beraja: Suatu Pendekatan’ (Malay Islamic Monarchy: A Closer Understanding) book were lauded by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, during the launching of a new Chinese edition yesterday, at the Chung Hwa Middle School in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The Chinese edition of the book was launched in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration 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’s Accession to the Throne.
In his remarks, the minister said the book contains comprehensive and sufficient information on Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) values and principles, to allow for a better understanding on the subject among members of the Chinese community.
“Brunei Darussalam has established ties with China since the 7th Century,” said the minister. “It is also stated in history that the Chinese have long existed alongside members of the local community, as residents and citizens of Brunei Darussalam.”
As the citizens of His Majesty, he said, “The Chinese also receive and enjoy numerous facilities such as free education in government schools and government scholarships for further studies, whether locally or abroad. Meanwhile, several Chinese are holding main positions in the government and private sectors; and the Chinese community has also carved a niche for itself in the business sector.”
YB Ong Tiong Oh, a Legislative Council (LegCo) member and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Chung Hwa Middle School, said the Chinese version of the book is intended to provide the local Chinese community with an in-depth understanding of the MIB concept.
“It is also hoped that the book will help businessmen and foreign Chinese tourists to better understand the culture, traditions, regulations and government policies that are based on the MIB concept,” he said.
Also present at the book-launching ceremony were Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin; and Yang Jian, the Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, along with several officials from the Ministry of Education and prominent figures in the local Chinese community.
The Chinese translation of the book – originally written in 1998 by Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain bin Haji Serudin – was initiated by former Legislative Council (LegCo) member Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin with Haji Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong, the Senior Special Duties Officer at the Secretariat Office of the MIB Supreme Council, on August 27, 2014.
Numerous discussions and meetings were held since then, in the office of Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin.
A total of 3,000 standard-sized copies, 300 hard-cover copies,
and 200 big-sized copies of the book are now available for purchase at the Chung Hwa Middle School in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The post Chinese community lauded for MIB book translation appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.