Hakim Hayat
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 in a titah underscored the need to accelerate the country’s digital transformation as it stages recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19.
In a titah broadcast on Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) last night to mark the 38th National Day, His Majesty said that efforts towards economic recovery must be made with caution including easing restrictions that have limited economic activities and pushed the public and the private sector to incorporate information technology into their everyday lives.
Digital transformation, the monarch said, must be accelerated to supplement the new normal.
“This is in line with the goal of the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025… (digital transformation) inevitably requires coherence and agreement in the decision-making process,” added His Majesty.
Earlier, the monarch described National Day as a historical event for all independent nations, including Brunei Darussalam.
“By celebrating National Day, we get to remember and appreciate the value of independence, including the sacrifices of those that worked hard to attain it.
“Thus, independence should be preserved by all citizens and residents with a high level of patriotism, as it is a valuable heritage to be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Since gaining independence 38 years ago, His Majesty said, the country has weathered various challenges, but it always finds a way to rise above them, paving the way for development in various sectors.
The monarch said that one of the most important achievements of his government is the ability to implement the national housing scheme for the welfare of the people.
Another milestone, His Majesty said, is the completion of the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge connecting Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts.
“The bridge has brought a lot of benefits. Apart from convenience, it has also inspired us to move forward with progress.”
The monarch said that the Temburong District Development Authority (AKTD) was established to spearhead the development of the district, including agriculture and into an eco-tourism destination.
Meanwhile, His Majesty touched on the National Development Plan (RKN) being a comprehensive long-term project to provide infrastructure and facilities for the people to enjoy, including investors to the country. “This is also a priority for implementation,” the monarch added.
Touching on the COVID-19 pandemic, His Majesty said that its spread has truly tested the nation’s resolve and capabilities.
The National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has achieved satisfactory results, the monarch said, while noting examplary effort from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) in organising weekly Munajat night programmes to bring the people closer to Allah the Almighty through Istighfar, recitation of Surah Yaasiin, takzirah and other forms of Zikir.
“Hopefully through (Munajat), the people and the country will receive protection to keep all disasters and diseases at bay, especially the pandemic,” added the monarch.
On the recitation of Surah Yaasiin, His Majesty called for changes to be made to the way it is carried out.
“Preferably recited with the masses, not just the voice of one individual,” the monarch said, “And the recitation must be tartil (proper) and not so fast as to affect the recitation’s precision.”
In concluding the titah, the monarch extended his appreciation to all committee members and participants in the 38th National Day celebrations.
His Majesty also extended his gratitude to all citizens, the public sector, security agencies, volunteers and the private sector, and prayed for all of Brunei to remain under the protection of Allah the Almighty.
