| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
ARABIC and religious secondary schools have been in existence in Brunei for over 50 years, and are constantly being developed under the patronage 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.
This was highlighted by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs, during his speech at a thanksgiving ceremony held yesterday on the 50th anniversary of the foundation-laying for the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School (SUAMPRIPAD).
“Right now, our task is to look forward. We need to ensure the continuity of Arabic and religious secondary schools, for a positive impact on the development of human capital in the country,” he said.
Currently, there are seven Arabic and religious secondary schools in Brunei, with a total of 4,642 students, which the minister said is a sign of the public’s growing confidence in Islamic education.
Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs, delivering his speech. – SYAZWANI HJ ROSLI
“The direction and establishment of Arabic and religious secondary schools should constantly be developed with successful results,” he said, adding that His Majesty has consented to the establishment of a committee for the inspection and review Arabic schools.
The committee will ensure that Arabic schools are established in accordance with the titah of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, the late father of His Majesty, during the foundation-laying of two Arabic schools in 1964 and 1966, respectively.
Later, His Majesty adopted the same stance in his titahs made on July 14, 1979, November 23, 1991 and July 15, 1992.
“Our task is in ensuring that Arabic and religious schools are being developed in accordance with the titah of His Majesty, particularly the titah made during His Majesty’s visit to the Special Meeting of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council on February 27, 2016,” said the minister.
The minister concluded his speech by stating that Arabic and religious schools in Brunei are equipped with appropriate education policies, which should act as guide for the current crop of students, and help them to face future challenges.
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