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 called on the National Service Programme (PKBN) to be a more holistic programme, taking into account the fitness levels and mental health of the trainees.
The monarch said this in a titah at the 12th passing out parade for 469 PKBN trainees at the PKBN Training Camp in Batu Apoi, Temburong District yesterday.
His Majesty also said family support is crucial in establishing a conducive environment for the trainees to achieve excellence.
“Taking into account all these elements, Insya Allah, PKBN will be more inclusive and lead the trainees towards a lifestyle that ensures success in life and the hereafter,” said the monarch.
His Majesty also expressed hope that PKBN will expand to train more youth, including graduates, so that the younger generation will have the confidence and skills to contribute to nation building and help achieve Brunei Vision 2035.
The monarch also hopes the programme will produce youth that have a sense of responsibility, good discipline and leadership skills as well as the willingness to contribute to the ummah and nation without requiring remuneration.
“Such willingness is rare but I am convinced that the youth can be trusted and relied on, especially those of the independent era, as they don’t shy away from the struggles to empower the people and nation. The youth are aware they are the agents of change in dynamic times,” said the monarch.
On arrival at the parade ground, His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan and Permanent Secretary (Youth) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin.
The event began with the monarch inspecting the guard of honour and awarding the top six trainees of the programme.
The best overall in male trainee was Muhammad Zulhelmi Hashim bin Jainudin and the best female trainee was Nur Lily Izzati binti Abdul Hamid. The best male trainee in precision drill was Muhammad Sufi Muazzam bin Saiful Nidzam while the best female in the category was Siti Nurbahriah binti Muhammad Norman Shah. The best male trainee in physical exercise was Taufiq Nurhidayat bin Timbul and Nur Farhana Syaherra binti Mohammad Faizal in the female category.
The ceremony continued with three chants of ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ and a Doa Selamat.
The monarch then viewed an exhibition by the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) on national identity and mingled with the trainees as well as signed a book to mark the occasion.
His Majesty joined a group photo session and received a pesambah presented by PKBN Commandant Major (Rtd) Haji Mohammad bin Dollah before leaving the venue.
The monarch toured Sultan Hassan Primary School in Pekan Bangar and Selapon Primary School in Batu Apoi after the PKBN event.
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh and Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office as Acting Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu were also present.
PKBN has trained 4,185 youth since its establishment. – Azlan Othman
