Boosting National Identity People’s Job, Says Minister

Bandar Seri Begawan – The responsibility of upholding and preserving the national identity falls on the community.

Pehin Dato Awang Haji Abdul Aziz, Minister of Education, said this when he opened the national seminar on Bruneian Identity yesterday.

It is prerogative, he added, to uphold the identity and image so that the national values, based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy, can be maintained.

The minister said that national identity, which is in line with the MIB concept, needs to be instilled at all levels of society, firstly through government projects and also through schools and educational institutes.

It is important, the Minister said for the community to understand the meaning national identity.

The most effective way of instilling it is through government projects in socio-economic fields, including the civil service, in all aspects that are based on MIB.

From there, it can be expanded to schools and higher learning institutions as well as homes.

The Minister of Education stressed that the national identity should be derived from values that exist within MIB which embrace positive Malay characteristics.

Most importantly, the concept of a "national identity" is aimed at inspiring a sense of patriotism especially among the youths, to ensure that the strength and individuality of the culture will be carried on.

To achieve this, the country needs to bring forth students and a younger generation who will truly become Brunei's legacy; educated, moral and can survive wherever they are without having to worry about being influenced by negative forces and false identities.

The seminar, which is being held at the Chancellor Hall of University Brunei Darussalam (UBD), continues until the January 27.

During that time, invited speakers and participants will be given the opportunity to focus their discussions on how the national identity will relate to factors such as the media, youth, education, globalisation and our customs.

It is the first time a seminar of this kind is held.

Meanwhile, "Calak Brunei" is not a phrase often heard, but it is not something the community should be unfamiliar with.

This is the focus of the four-day Seminar on National Identity, conducted by the National Executive Council on Malay Islamic Monarchy and organised by the Academy of Brunei Studies at the University of Brunei Darussalam.

The seminar gives the opportunity to the speakers as well as the participants to focus their discussions based on the theme of the seminar "Ke Arah Mengangkat Martabat Bangsa" or Towards Upholding the National Image.

Such gathering also aims to increase awareness on the importance of a national identity.

Radio Television Brunei’s (RTB) crew spoke to the Chairman of the seminar,

Pengiran Doctor Haji Abu Bakar bin Pengiran Haji Sarifuddin, who is also the Director of the Academy for Brunei Studies, to clarify the meaning of "Calak Brunei".

He said 'calak' is a local word which means identity or image.

It is related to the Brunei way of life from the perspective of language, they way they dress, culture and religion.

The concept of a uniquely Bruneian identity is one that should be imparted at an early age, not only through the family, but also through educational institutions.

Many countries around the world are still seeking-their national identities.

But in Brunei the community should be thankful that the 'abode of peace', although only gaining independence 20 years ago, has embraced the Malay Islamic Monarchy concept their national philosophy that defines them as Bruneians. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei 

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