HM Sultan Brunei: Peace and Stability Must for Development

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 delivering a titah in conjunction with the country’s 32nd National Day celebration. – INFOFOTO

Peace and stability must for development: Sultan
on: February 23, 2016
| Azaraimy HH |

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 stressed on the importance of maintaining peace and stability for the continued development of the country.

In a 32nd National Day titah, His Majesty said, “Peace and stability are crucial for creating a prosperous nation amid the current period of global economic slowdown.

“We need solidarity and harmony because only with these peace and stability could exist. Peace and stability are extremely important for development to take place,” the monarch said.

His Majesty said that peace and stability cannot fall because if they collapse, even in the time of prosperity, then that prosperity is meaningless.

“This is more important during this time of economic slowdown as it (peace and stability) is needed to stabilise the situation.

“Prosperity can still be achieved through peace, even though the global economy is facing problems,” His Majesty said, adding that “by placing peace as our model, we have an opportunity to improve the situation”.

His Majesty urged Bruneians to stay courageous and optimistic in the face of challenges.

“Everyone needs courage and an open mind to explore things. A courageous explorer is a great individual like an entrepreneur who is training to start a business,” His Majesty said.

“The country really needs such people. When the citizens become courageous to explore, the development will be positive and the national Gross Domestic Product can be expected to increase,” the monarch stated.

His Majesty said Brunei Darussalam is a sovereign independent country and the people, as citizens and residents, are obliged to free themselves from unprofitable behaviours.

“Among the unprofitable behaviours include lazing around and lack of patriotism. “These behaviours should not exist in the era of independence,” His Majesty added.

“Independence should be an encouragement or an enabler towards becoming more progressive, instead of becoming more feeble and weak.”

Earlier in the titah, the monarch expressed his delight over retaining the theme ‘Generasi Berwawasan’ (Generation with a Vision) for this year’s National Day celebration.

“This is really suitable. A country which aspires to continue progress needs a generation that is visionary. The important question here is that what are the ingredients for a visionary generation?

“In my view, a visionary generation is one that is smart enough to face any challenge and turn those challenges into opportunities to boost the nation’s prosperity.

“The reality is that the world, including Brunei, continues to face challenges. One should not fear challenges, and instead take them as opportunities to raise the country’s standard of living.

“Challenges have the potential to bring about change. Challenges must be handled wisely.

“Only wisdom can bring about beneficial changes. Programmes or action plans need wisdom. Without wisdom, all our efforts will be in vain,” His Majesty said.

“While devising any programme or taking action, we need a clear policy. Our policy is MIB (Malay Islamic Monarchy). Thus all programmes and actions must be based on MIB,” the monarch noted.

“A strong policy is the catalyst for development and is capable of creating good citizenry. Good citizenry is an asset and the pillar of the country.

“Good characteristics include honesty, patience, trustworthiness and kindness. It is these characteristics that bring about a conducive environment for a cohesive and harmonious life,” His Majesty said.

The Borneo Bulletin