A ceremony to launch the book, Tarsilah Brunei: The Transition Towards Modern Brunei (1828-1924), Volume IV, will be held at the Brunei History Centre (PSB) of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in the capital on Thursday.
“The Tarsilah Brunei Book: The Transition Towards Modern Brunei (Year 1828-1924), Volume IV is the work of the late Allahyarham Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Honorary Professor Dr Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al Sufri who was the former principal of PSB,” said current PSB Principal Dr Haji Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong in a press conference yesterday.
The book is the final volume of its series, with the first volume published in 1990. The second volume was published in 1997 and the third in 2019.
The book narrates the history of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II; Sultan Abdul Momin; Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin and Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II.
“The publication of the book is one of the centre’s main activities to strive as a centre of excellence for history and the Sultanate,” said Dr Haji Muhammad Hadi.
He added, “The publication of this book is part of PSB’s efforts to increase the collection of reference materials and encourage the public to read more on Brunei history, especially on the history of the Sultanate and the royal family.
“Through the publication of this book, we hope we are able to attract youth to understand the roles of former Brunei Sultans as well as the history of the nation’s colours. We also hope that these books will help to preserve the identity of the nation and served as a source of inspiration for the younger generations.”
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad will be present at Thursday’s launch which will also feature a presentation and a book review by Professor Dr Awang Haji Asbol bin Haji Mail.
The book also marks the 56th year of reign 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 and fulfil the call of His Majesty on the need to study Islamic history for the present and future generations. – Azlan Othman