Rokiah Mahmud
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 called on the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), citizens and residents of the country to work together to achieve the national vision.
The monarch said while Allah the Almighty’s blessings have enabled the Sultanate to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, it is important to remember “the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic”.
His Majesty stressed, “We need to continue to observe health protocols and standard operating procedures to protect the well-being of all.”
The coronavirus aside, the monarch also noted that the world is facing a multitude of challenges that are growing more complex, thus, “all stakeholders need to have strategic plans to ensure the continuity of development and quality of life of the communities”.
In reference to Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s theme for this year’s festive event, ‘Memperkasakan Penglibatan Masyarakat Dalam Mencapai Wawasan Brunei 2035 (Empowering the Involvement of the Community in Achieving Brunei Vision 2035’), His Majesty reiterated the aspirations of the Sultanate in becoming a nation that takes pride in its highly-educated, skilled and successful citizens in a dynamic and sustainable economy.
The monarch also acknowledged the active involvement of government-linked companies and the private sector in the communities through their corporate social responsibility initiatives, which His Majesty believes “serve as catalysts for the development of the Sultanate”.
His Majesty invited all segments of the population, from senior citizens to youth and the young generation, to not only be cognisant of Brunei Vision 2035 but to set aside instant gratification to work towards achieving the national aspirations.
More importantly, the monarch said, “the blessings received from applying Islamic teachings in all aspects of life, as well as the practice of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), are the key to success”.
