| 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 called on the private sector to readily accept locals, especially graduates, who are still looking for jobs, advising them not to disappoint jobseekers.
In a titah delivered during the Hari Raya celebration organised by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday, His Majesty said if this responsibility is successfully carried out, it will give a meaningful contribution to the nation.
“I also urge graduates to avoid the attitude of being choosy, because any job is considered a rezeki, or good fortune. It is not just working in the government sector that is considered a good fortune, but working in the private sector as well. In fact, engaging in business, farming and fishing is also a good fortune. If all these are done with patience and perseverance, you will reap multiple rewards,” the monarch said.
Touching on this year’s Hari Raya gathering theme, ‘Developing the National Economy by Empowering the Private Sector’, His Majesty said the private sector can be empowered by increasing productivity through hard work or human effort.
“I am delighted to welcome representatives of the private sector as well as degree holders who are still waiting for employment as participants (of the celebration) this year. These two groups have the potential to help each other to empower themselves.
“Everywhere, the private sector has long been known as a driving force of economic growth. In our country, many resilient businesses have long been in existence, facing the challenge of building the economy. This machine of course requires fuel for it to work. Such fuel is none other than the quality of its manpower,” His Majesty said.
“I was made to understand from JobCentre Brunei data that there are 1,800 graduates with the potential to help empower the private sector. There are also more than 200 companies that require the services of graduates.
“We hope that both the private sector and the graduates will use this golden opportunity today to foster friendship. Each of them can contribute to the country’s economic development to ensure that it is enjoyed by all levels of people in this country,” the monarch said.
Highlighting the Hari Raya festival, His Majesty said, “Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to Allah the Almighty for his blessings that allow us to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with full of gratitude and joy.
“In Brunei Darussalam, Hari Raya spirit is not only visible among families, relatives and friends, but also shared by people from all walks of life. This good tradition needs to be continued as a means of nourishing relations and respect.
“In the month of Ramadhan, the culture of helping each other flourishes in our society. Concerned groups come forward to donate or provide assistance to those in need for them to equally enjoy the atmosphere of Aidilfitri.”
“One is considered not faithful if he allows a Muslim to be deprived of food while his own home is filled with various delicacies. This is the teaching of Islam,” His Majesty said.
Also present at the gathering yesterday were Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Yayasan; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
It is the 15th Hari Raya celebration organised by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah since 2003. The annual celebration gathers participants from different backgrounds to give them opportunity to share their love and strengthen friendship in a lively atmosphere. They include important members of various community groups who play key roles in creating a welfare nation.
This year, highlighting the theme of ‘Developing the National Economy by Empowering the Private Sector’ at the initiative of His Majesty, Yayasan focussed on local graduates of higher education institutions who possess qualifications in engineering, banking and finance, ICT, education, health, hospitality, tourism and business, and have the potential to help empower the private sector and government-linked companies (GLCs) who need local graduates to grow their business.