| Wani Roslan |
CITIZENS and residents of the country, particularly the youth, should learn the history of the Sultans of Brunei as well as other national figures who contributed to the country’s development to protect its identity, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin said.
He was speaking during the launch of the book Memoir Seorang Sejarawan: Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Dr Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri yesterday.
“Their contribution has given corak and warna to the country. It enables us to defend our identity as well as improve our country to keep pace with regional countries that are developed,” he added.
The Brunei History Centre through the Publishing and Marketing Division launched the book in conjunction with the 35th National Day celebration.
The book, themed Buku Sejarah: Sumber Ketamadunan Bangsa, was written by Principal of Brunei History Centre Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Umar.
Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan hoped the publication would encourage local historical researchers to continue to write biographies of historians, scholars, and state leaders. The effort can improve Brunei historical research and produce quality and valuable writings on the treasured history of the country.
“We acknowledge that with the current rapid development and advancement of Information Communication and Technology (ICT), information on several areas can be easily obtained through the Internet, but the role of books in dissemination of knowledge and information will remain unaffected,” he said.
Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Principal of Brunei History Centre and the chairman of the ceremony Hanafi bin Haji Salleh said the book contains the history of Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri who grew up with a strong religious education and strived to go forward without giving up on being a person with self-esteem and a strong sense of patriotism, religion, race and nation.
“The book launch is in line with setting up the Brunei History Centre to document and publish results of research and assessments to showcase the country’s history,” he said.
Members of the Legislative Council, permanent secretary, heads of departments, senior officials and members of PESEBAR were also present.