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| His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, delivers his titah on the eve of 31st National Day celebration at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday. |
‘Visionary generation key in achieving National Vision 2035’
HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, said yesterday an economy dependant on one sector is not sustainable and economic diversification is needed as preparation for difficult and unexpected times.
In the monarch’s titah for the 31st National Day, His Majesty spoke on the need for economic diversification, entrepreneurship and maintaining peace.
His Majesty stressed on the need to be prudent and making it as a culture.
“This culture is an important value that needs to be inculcated by all, especially in times of low revenue.
Attracting more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the non oil-and gas sector, improving the environment for investment and entrepreneurship, ease of doing business, providing physical infrastructure and empowering human capital are just some of the things that can be done to redouble efforts towards economic diversification.
His Majesty earlier this year consented to the amendment of the miscellaneous licence to expedite the process of business licensing.
“Alhamdulillah, I was informed that with the amendments, the Business Licence is now available in one day only. In addition to that, the application and approval for company registration can also be done online. I hope this opportunity will be fully utilised by our young generation,” he said.
Private sector workforce was also mentioned by His Majesty in his titah as another need that must not be ignored.
“The government has provided the policies and programmes to equip the local workforce with the skills and abilities needed, but not many are competing to grab these opportunities,” he said.
“Why is this happening? Perhaps they have not been able to escape the shackles of their comfort zones, where many are still too hopeful of getting jobs in the government,” His Majesty said, adding that this issue must be solved.
The theme for this year’s national day remained ‘Generation With a Vision’.
The monarch said the continuation of the theme is appropriate because the reality is that we are still implementing efforts to realise the Brunei National Vision 2035.
To succeed, our next generation must be visionary by equipping themselves to face future challenges.
His Majesty said one of the future challenges was to maintain peace.
The monarch added the peace that the nation enjoys is a gift from Allah SWT.
“With this peace, we can live with comfort and are able to formulate and implement these plans to reap its rewards in the form wealth and prosperity,” he said.
Still touching on peace, His Majesty stressed that maintaining peace is the responsibility of all and that the responsibility does not only lie with the enforcement agencies. The public must give full cooperation, he said.
Drug abuse was cited by the monarch as one of the dangers that can jeopardise the country’s peace and safety.
“In this context, government agencies, members of the public, parents, schools, non-governmental organisations and grassroot leaders must be united in inculcating awareness and in doubling their efforts to fight against “drug abuse,” he said.
He added, “Education both at homes and schools must not be neglected because education, especially religious education, is the foundation of strength”.
The monarch said peace is closely related to economic progress.
He said, “We are exposed to strong competition in the context of globalisation, cyber communication and innovation.
“The competition is broad and takes the shape of free trade, foreign direct investments, the human resource market, entrepreneurship development and online communications.”
His Majesty said, “Due to this, we need to have a high level of competitiveness that can be achieved through values, attitude and a way of thinking that will make us independent and self-sufficient without depending on any assistance.
“For that, we must quickly change and adapt so that we will not be left behind.”
In concluding his message, His Majesty expressed his appreciation and gratitude to members of the 31st National Day executive committee, participants and staff involved in making the celebration a success.
He also expressed gratitude to all levels of the civil service, including those working abroad and security forces as well as those serving in the private sector.
“With doa (supplication), may we and our country always be safeguarded and protected by Allah SWT,” he said.
Sumber - The Brunei Times
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