Top Brunei Official's Call To Stop Abusing Leaders On Internet
By CT Hj Mahmod & Hj Minor Absah

Bandar Seri Begawan - The use of Internet for negative and abusive purposes is one of the many undesirable consequences of the fast growing globalisation era and that trend should be stopped in Brunei.

And the only remedy for that is to instill a spirit of patriotism among the people in the country.

Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister Office, Dato Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, in his speech to the village chiefs, 'penghulu mukim', and community leaders at a gathering held yesterday at Mukim Lumapas, said how such acts could tarnish the image of the country in the eyes of the world.

A number of people abuse the benefits of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as they use the Internet for negative and destructive purposes by spreading rumours on leaders and other individuals, said Dato Hazair.

"If this continues, not only will it convey a bad image of this sovereign country but it will also jeopardize the harmony in our society. It also indicates a sense of disrespect to our leaders," he added.

"This is where the need for the spirit of patriotism should emerge in order to prevent and avoid the negative consequences of this fast growing globalisation era. Thus, the spirit of patriotism should be made use of to drive the society towards the building and development of the nation," said Dato Hazair.

"With a firm sense of patriotic spirit instilled among citizens, especially the younger generation, we can combat the challenges of globalisation effectively as we have a choice on how to develop and improve our nation in line with the country's noble values, religion, customs and culture."

"The gathering yesterday was first such event to take place at Mukim Lumapas. It was held to encourage open dialogue between the villagers and various government agencies on issues faced by the residents," according to Awg Hj Bujang bin Hj Masuut, Acting Director of Information Department.

Also present during the gathering were senior officials and officials from various government agencies.

Dato Hazair also spoke on the importance of people's role in contributing towards the nation's development, peace and stability. He encouraged them to have an active involvement in helping His Majesty's government tackle issues and problems occurring in 'mukims' and villages.

In this regard, penghulus and village chiefs should always improve the role of their respective Majlis Perundingan Mukim and Kampong. These institutions are a form of leadership to which residents should lend their support and cooperation.

Through these institutions, penghulus and village chiefs together with the residents will be able to plan as well as to implement programmes for the welfare of the youths and residents.

"Such programmes," he said, "should involve challenges such as building economic and agricultural activities that should also include efforts to attract tourists to mukims and villages and thereby promoting tourism," he added.

"It is hoped that this will cultivate a sense of harmony and cooperation, solidarity and noble values in the society. Apart from this, it will also promote a sense of awareness and patriotism towards their social responsibilities, society and homeland," Dato Hazair noted.

This will give birth to a culture of unity and will contribute to success, he added. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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