Heed Terrorism's Evil Deeds, Brunei Ruler Warns In New Year Message
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Beware of terrible events that threaten peace. These tragedies once used to happen in far off places but are now coming nearer into the Asean region. "So we should be vigilant," the Brunei ruler warned in his New Year message last night.

His Majesty Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei was underscoring the importance of security in maintaining peace and stability in the nation.

Wilful neglect and disregard to security will invariably jeopardise the welfare of the people and the nations own integrity, the Sultan added.

The monarch urged respective security agencies to remain ever vigilant and act with caution. He reminded the people themselves to exercise in order to ensure and maintain peace and stability.

His Majesty made these observations in the New Year 2003 proclamation, which was broadcast nationwide last night on Radio Television Brunei.

The Sultan said for many countries the year 2002 became marred by bitter and gruesome events caused by the activities of terrorists and extremists. Such situations create remorse and unjustified loss of human lives. And it is important to realise that peace and stability are not that simple to achieve.

Terrible events that threaten peace and stability like the bomb explosions, which claimed many lives occurred in areas, far from South East Asia region sometime ago. But now these events are taking place at some capitals and town in the Asean region as well. This not only affects the tourism industry in these countries but also investment and trade, the Sultan added. His Majesty went on to say that if in the old days, the main challenge for Asean was to solve the economic slowdown caused by the currency crisis, now the main challenge that it faced is confidence crisis among foreign investors and tourists to this region."

His Majesty also reminded youth not to be misled or be influenced by negative thoughts that may destroy not only oneself but the nation as well.

"By God's Will, with the cooperation and good intentions, we could maintain peace and stability as well as unity among us," he added.

His Majesty said that in 2002, our country continued to play an active role in the international community through the country's participation in the regional and international conferences, which among others included APEC in Mexico followed by the Asean Summit.

Our country also became the host to several regional and international conferences in the ministerial level such as ARF, AMM, AEM and AMRI. The Sultan also said that without neglecting the internal interest, in 2002, "my government continued to put efforts in upgrading the country's development and progress including infrastructure and public facilities, for the welfare of the people."

"I also hope that the private sectors and members of the public continue to give cooperation to the government and public sector in accomplishing success in the country's development.

"In addition, efforts to overcome social illness handled by the relevant ministries should also be continued as it only bears fruit through the concerted effort from all relevant parties."

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