| By CT Hj Mahmod
Datin Hjh Masni having a chat with a 'Rakan Basmida'.
Guest of honour presents a prize to the karaoke competition
champion.
Issues of stigmatisation
normally tie down those who have undergone drug rehabilitation
programmes, some say. Such discrimination discourages these
individuals to reintegrate back into mainstream society.
Basmida - the National
Anti-Drug Association of Brunei - wants to change this
narrow-minded mindset.
Basmida is proving to the
nation that these individuals who have successfully undergone
treatment are showing great concern for their future during a
recent friendly gathering between Basmida and 'Rakan Basmida'
(Friends of Basmida).
The gathering, which was held
at the LR Asma Hotel in Jerudong last Sunday received good
response as more than 60 'Rakan Basmida' along with their
respective family members gathered that day.
Datin Hjh Masni Hj Mohd Ali,
the President of Basmida who was the guest of honour announced
that an association catered towards the needs of ex-drug users
would be established in Brunei - similar to 'PENGASIH Malaysia'.
This association would be a
centre for those who have undergone successful rehabilitation to
receive vocational training, seek employment, counselling or
rehabilitation programmes, she explained. "Such an
association would help these individuals back onto their
feet."
The centre would be managed by
its members with support from the government, she further
stated.
The other objective of holding
such a gathering, she added, was to encourage 'Rakan Basmida' to
involve themselves in anti-drug campaigns and activities. Such a
move would brand these individuals as "contributors to the
nation's fight against drugs."
Dyg Linda bte Abdullah,
Chairperson of the Organising Committee, expressed her
satisfaction when she witnessed the encouraging attendance of
the gathering. It was especially good, she added, to see 'Rakan
Basmida' who came along with family members. "This shows
family support."
She told the Borneo Bulletin
that the gathering was also a form of establishing rapport
between Basmida and Rakan Basmida, in facing their hardships of
not being able to find employment and how difficult it was to
lead a normal life once again.
A Rakan Basmida expressed his
eagerness in looking forward to the establishment of the such an
association. This would allow us (ex-drug users), he added, to
contribute our skills and knowledge gained from Al-Islah.
It was a touching moment for
all of us, he added as he expressed his appreciation for Basmida.
Dyg Linda also expressed her
greatest appreciation towards their sponsors; HSBC, IDBB, DST,
Worldwide Motor, Cheok Sakaran Halim, River Ria Hotel, Pustaka
Remaja, Bismi Sdn.Bhd., Riverview Hotel (KB), Pro-Builder
Sdn.Bhd., Jerum Sdn Bhd., Sunlit Sdn.Bhd. and Asma Hotel.
The event was lined up with
live entertainment from Crescendo and D'Grace. There were also
karaoke competitions and lucky draws.
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