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 yesterday congratulated youth for active engagement in various initiatives, including lending assistance to the needy not only in the Sultanate but also abroad, and collecting and handing the contributions for Palestinians.
His Majesty said this in a titah during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration organised by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
The monarch was delighted to be in the presence of students from local higher learning institutions, who are regarded as representatives of community work.
His Majesty said many higher learning institutions have integrated an insaniah (humanitarian and community programmes) into their students’ co-curricular activities with the aim of fostering spiritual and physical intelligence.
Emphasising on the importance of expanding such initiatives, His Majesty called on the need to promote a compassionate and caring society.
The monarch said insaniah must not be limited to one area such as assisting the needy.
Instead, it should be expanded to religious, entrepreneurial, technological, cultural, sports and environmental endeavours.
“Year after year,” His Majesty added, “we see thousands of local graduates being produced, either through local or foreign higher learning institutions. The country is immensely proud of having a generation equipped with knowledge and skills. It is among the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035, to produce an educated and highly-skilled populace. Realising the goal would lead to a more progressive nation.”
Earlier, His Majesty attributed the Sultanate’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration in peace and prosperity to the blessings of Allah the Almighty.
However, the monarch also reminded the celebrants to not forget the plight of ummah who are besieged by disasters, misery such as those in Palestine.
“As pious Muslims, we shall pay attention to a hadith by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) narrated by al-Bukhari, which said one’s faith will not be perfect, unless he loves his brother like he loves himself.
“We must pray for them to help our Muslim brothers,” said His Majesty. – Rokiah Mahmud
