| Lyna Mohamad |
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, and Chancellor of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), yesterday gave consent for the allocation of a site at Mukim Labu in the Temburong District, together with the construction of the university’s permanent campus under the 11th National Development Plan.
In his titah delivered at UNISSA’s 8th Hafl Al-Takharruj (Convocation Ceremony), the monarch also expressed hope that the campus would further boost UNISSA’s reputation as a hub for higher Islamic education in the region.
“UNISSA not only needs to excel within Brunei, but also at the regional and global levels; therefore, the time has come for UNISSA to gain a ranking at a regional or global level. It would be a great achievement if this university could compete with the other universities,” said His Majesty.
The monarch also reminded that the establishment of UNISSA was not merely intended to increase the number of universities in Brunei, but to provide higher Islamic education in an authentic form.
“Therefore, we must ensure that UNISSA does not stray from its course. It must stay true to the objective of elevating knowledge, in order to accomplish rapid changes; and the graduates should be able to master the knowledge and use it for the sake of development,” said His Majesty.
“This is a 21st Century challenge that needs to be fulfilled, and no-one should be insouciant about meeting this challenge.”
“UNISSA should provide high-quality programmes and teach its students the required skills in order to adapt to current and future needs, including updating all existing academic programmes.”
The monarch also emphasised that these programmes should meet the desired objective in upholding the faith of Islam.
“There are those who say that laws are good, but have a negative view towards Islamic law,” said His Majesty, while stressing that it is the responsibility of UNISSA to rectify this viewpoint.
“UNISSA must take a firm stance in the empowerment of authentic Islamic studies and education; and in strengthening the fight against falsehood that comes not only from within but also from outside. It comes through in many ways, but most of all through media applications.”
The monarch then called on Bruneians and UNISSA not to overlook this moral issue, while also urging for religious truths to be upheld, despite hostile opposition from certain factions.
“As long as it is favoured by Allah the Almighty, then the choice is ours,” said His Majesty, adding, “It is my wish for UNISSA to be the bastion of religious faith. It needs to be strong and firm, like a bulwark against the ocean currents.”