| Danial Norjidi |
ISLAMIC History should be made a compulsory subject at educational institutions in the country, under the relevant ministries and the private sector, said 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.
In a titah delivered during the Audience and Investiture Ceremony held in conjunction with the monarch’s 72nd birthday celebration at Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana of Istana Nurul Iman yesterday, His Majesty said, “Brunei Darussalam, in addition to improving physically, does not ignore the internal element of the spiritual. Hence, towards this, my government has never looked lightly towards education. Education is lifeblood. It functions to shape humanity. That is the role of education.
“Because of this, the education system must not leave out religion and religion must be its axis. Understand our religion well so as to grow love towards it. The way to understand it is of course by studying, especially studying its history.
“In this regard, I would like to emphasise here for all parties concerned with education to make Sejarah Islam (Islamic History) a compulsory subject in schools and learning centres under the relevant ministries and the private sector,” the monarch said.
In the titah, His Majesty also noted that the key issues currently on the global agenda are economic growth and the realisation of peace. Both these are considered very necessary to be addressed.
The monarch said that in economic matters, Brunei Darussalam is also not left behind to generate the economy. “This is indeed the obligation of all of us, especially the relevant agencies, or even all agencies, within the government.”
“The growth of our economy for the short and medium term is predicted to be more vibrant. However, this cannot make us complacent or satisfied because the economy is an element that never ceases to create challenges.
“It is well known that the oil and gas sector is the major contributor to our economy. But it is not wise to simply depend on this sector alone, because the economy is dynamic and capable of growing in more ways.”
His Majesty highlighted that one of the steps towards economic growth is to explore the agricultural sector, noting that the sector is very important for life and plays a major role in the construction of civilisation. The monarch noted that when agriculture increases, as a result of new technology, it is considered that an agricultural evolution has taken place. This significantly brought an increase in agricultural produce in the early 20th Century.
His Majesty said that for a country that has rain and lands that have not yet been explored, it is not practical to continue importing basic food ingredients without self-striving to fulfil requirements. The ruler urged all parties, especially government agencies, not to delay the fulfilment of this obligation, and to strengthen determination to achieve the aspired target.
His Majesty also noted that, in addition to agriculture, the country is empowering the enterprise sector, which includes micro, small and medium enterprises. “A number of initiatives have been implemented through the Ministry of Finance such as organising entrepreneurship training programmes and workshops related to the keeping of business records as well as basic knowledge of accounting and others.
“We consider it important to make it easier for entrepreneurs to develop their companies. Furthermore, in responding to economic challenges, my government is also looking at enhancing telecommunications infrastructure that is believed to be able to facilitate business, cost of doing business, and thus increase productivity.”
On the environment, His Majesty said, “As we build the economy, we also build the country. There is an expression that says ‘Build an Environmentally Friendly City’. But we say ‘Build an Environmentally Friendly Country’. In this sense, we not only want our city to be clean but the whole of Brunei Darussalam should be clean.
“I am very excited to see all of our environment eco-friendly. This is the basis of our pride, make it a reality.
“An environment that is eco-friendly is not only beautiful but also promises well-being. Is dirt not synonymous with pollution? Pollution is, undoubtedly, an agent of illness. Take the example of air pollution caused by cigarette smoke. Does that cigarette smoke not contain toxic chemicals?
“According to experts, these substances can affect the functions of the heart and blood vessels’ structure, which can result in blocked blood vessels and its risks include high blood pressure, heart attack and damage to other organs in the body.
“This is the rationale, so we want Brunei Darussalam to be free from all kinds of pollution, including pollution by cigarettes.”
On international relations, His Majesty said that Brunei Darussalam will continue to adopt a policy of goodwill and respect with other countries. “The existing cooperation through membership in regional and international organisations will also continue to be strengthened.”
Earlier in the titah, the monarch expressed gratitude to Allah the Almighty for allowing the country to celebrate the auspicious occasion in a peaceful and comfortable manner and conveyed appreciation to the special foreign guests and those who conveyed their congratulatory messages to His Majesty and members of the royal family in conjunction with the 72nd royal birthday celebration.
Concluding the titah, His Majesty thanked members of the public, civil servants, security personnel and those working in the private sector as well as abroad for their contributions and support to the government.
His Majesty also conveyed appreciation to members of the committee for the royal birthday celebration at the national and district levels for their services and contributions towards the success of the celebration.
His Majesty prayed that all the people and nation be blessed by Allah the Almighty.