Encouraging historical research of Brunei

By Rosli Abidin Yahya

The honorary secretary of the society, Prof Madya Dr Hj Hashim bin Hj Abd Hamid, said society members as well as individuals who are keen on becoming members, are welcome to attend the meeting.

He said in accordance with the society's constitution, the annual and financial reports would be tabled at the AGM.

He also added that the society was formed back in 1982, and its first AGM was officiated by the Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien on May 27, 1984.

"One of the objectives of the society is to generate interest in history, culture and the traditions of the population of this country and its neighbours.

"The society encourages the preservation of artefacts, old buildings and areas of historical significance in this country and other places with historical links with Brunei Darussalam.

"It will also help in historical researches and the archiving of historical data, folk tales, traditions, language and the customs of the population of this country," he said.

He added the society is to continue its efforts in the publication of historical periodicals and journals as well as related publications. The society published its first journal in 1988.

"At the opening ceremony of the first AGM, the society organised historical forums. Such activities - including local, regional and international seminars, conferences and conventions - are to be planned in future so as to encourage the historical research of Brunei Darussalam," said Prof Madya Dr Hj Hashim.

Local and foreign individuals who are interested in becoming members of the society will be required to pay an annual subscription of $20, while local institutions will be charged $30. For overseas institutions and associative members, they will be charged $50.

"Life membership would be $400 and all fees must be settled by January 1, annually," he said.

Currently the presidency of the society is being held by Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Yahya bin Hj Ibrahim, the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs.

He is a religious figure and a historical writer specialising in the development of Islam in Brunei Darussalam and the Islamic institutions found here, as well as narrations of historical religious figures of this country.

The Society's first president, Pg Setia Negara Pg Hj Mohd Yusof bin Pg Hj Abd Rahim, a former director of Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, was a national historical figure who together with Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Dr Hj Awg Jamil Al-Sufri, wrote 'Sejarah Brunei' (History of Brunei).

He also wrote Ririsej Brunei Darussalam (Reresearch Brunei Darussalam), which was published last year by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Currently there are around 150 members, including state dignitaries and historical figures in this country.