Public shows support for Sultan’s titah

Azlan Othman & Siti Hajar

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s titah on the occasion of the country’s 30th National Day celebration has garnered strong support from members of the public, with many agreeing that the younger generation must be more vigilant with the information that they share and spread.

In an interview with several participants yesterday on the sidelines of the grand gathering that took place at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, former Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Lumapas, YB Haji Bakar bin Mansor shared that, as the people of Brunei Darussalam, “We must be more understanding and heed His Majesty’s words and fully support the moves that the government is making with Syariah Law.”

As he said “those who have voiced their disagreement on the matter have views that are not progressive for the country”, he also shared that among the many steps that can be taken includes promoting more involvement between the country’s current leaders and those who have been slated to take the reins.

“It is my hope that this generation’s leaders will become prime examples for our youth who will be the ones to continue our way of life. We, as current leaders, must be supportive of the next generation and become their role models.”

Similarly, the Penghulu of Mukim Bangar, Hj Hamdan bin Haji Besar, said that more mature stakeholders including parents, guardians as well as teachers should play a more proactive role in the lives of their wards.

“We need to control the effects of social media and to remind them to utilise this technology for good as a means to overcome issues that come with this form of communication,” he said, whilst also agreeing that the implementation of Syariah Law will aid in the curbing of crime in the country.

For Hjh Siti Norezah Hj Md Dan, Special Duties Officer at the Kuala Belait District office and also a youth herself, the use of social media has become this generation’s way of life, but despite its constant presence in our day-to-day activities, “We, as the youth, must take the initiative and be responsible in what we disseminate and what we receive,” she said.

A Commissioner of the Scouts Association, Hj Hassan bin Hj Abdul Hamid said as a nation following the MIB philosophy, the implementation of Syariah Law is timely and should be practised.

“It is a blessing for us. Some may give baseless comments partly because they are ignorant and also not part of us. We are proud to be Bruneians and subjects of His Majesty,” Hj Hassan said.

Touching on thefts at mosques recently, Hj Hassan said it is a disgraceful act and with the implementation of the Syariah Penal Code, it would become a warning for them not to commit such an act and for them to be afraid.

President of the Former Police Personnel Association (POLSARA),
Pg Dato Paduka Hj Salim said people should be loyal to the ruler

The President of the Former Police Personnel Association (POLSARA), Pg Dato Paduka Hj Salim, said that citizens should heed the ruler’s titah.

Meanwhile a tertiary school student, Abdul Rasyid said as a member of the future generation, youths should not be against Syariah Law as they are the future leaders of tomorrow.

Deputy President of the National Development Party, Hj Juneed bin Hj Ramlee said Muslims
should be fair and educate people on the objectives of implementing Syariah Law

Hj Juneed bin Hj Ramlee, Deputy President of the National Development Party said, “As a Muslim, we should accept as it is from Allah. To implement such a law, it must be fair and we need to educate people on the objectives of implementing such a law. What is important is for the relevant authorities to explain as widely as possible to both Muslims and non-Muslims what the laws of this country actually are. We should find a better way to explain such a law, especially to non-Muslims who might get confused.

“On theft cases, we should seek the answer as to why a person commits theft. It could be due to lack of knowledge, food, money or faith and support from family members, which leads them to committing theft. We should find the root cause of the problem”.

The Vice President of the Former Army Personnel chairman for the Brunei-Muara District branch, S/Sgt Hj Omar bin Serudin said, “As a citizen, I support the Syariah Law 100 per cent”.

Meanwhile, a Girl Guide from Lumapas Primary School, Norhafizah bte Osman said, “As a Muslim country, I am very pleased with the Syariah Law and as a citizen we should support such laws to get blessings from Allah.”

Brunei LNG member of staff, Mohd Afzan bin Abd Aziz said, “It would take some time to adjust but this law is implemented for the benefit of the people and the nation, so that it can become peaceful and prosperous.

“Personally, I don’t have any problem with such a law as it comes from Allah and it’s all good. The Syariah Law will make people more alert and cautious and think twice before committing any crimes.”

An Iban community member from Belait District named Nina, said such a move is good for the nation to wipe out criminal acts.

Hjh Dayang bte Mohd Salleh from the PERBEKAL Association under the umbrella of the Women’s Council, said it is a good move for the nation to be peaceful because people will refrain from committing offences.

President of Katakijau, Rozan bin Hj Kaderi said the youth
should support the new law and must be responsible

President of Katakijau, Rozan bin Hj Kaderi said the youth should support the law’s implementation and need to take heed of the titah and be responsible. Many youths are neglected and due to livelihood pressures will resort to crime. “We want to support the country’s Vision 2035 for zero poverty eradication.”


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