MIB in spotlight at OIC
By Bakar Jair in Kuala Lumpur

The Brunei pavilion projects the glory of Islam that brings peace, harmony and well-being to Muslims. The Brunei pavilion delivers the message to the many visitors to the exhibition of the glory of a leadership with the true guidance of Islam.

The Malaysian Agong taking a closer look at an exhibit during the king's visit to the Brunei Pavilion at the OIC expo in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Photos: Information Department

Brunei is showcasing an old "Quran" in modern Putrajaya where the OIC conference is being held.

While many other exhibitors are promoting high-tech products - sleek gleaming and ultra modern items, transport and machinery - the Brunei pavilion is showing old but very valuable walking sticks and prayer beads.

Many exhibitors are touting their services and business with colourful graphics and adverts that promise quality, reliability and benefits. The Brunei exhibition presents the delivered Malay Islam Monarchy (MIB) pledges of benefits, security, stability and well-being for the people.

The stark contrast of the modern and the old attracted many visitors to the Brunei pavilion at the OIC expo. The Brunei pavilion projects the glory of Islam that brings peace, harmony and well-being to Muslims. The Brunei pavilion delivers the message to the many visitors to the exhibition of the glory of a leadership with the true guidance of Islam.

"This is all about leadership that is responsible, that cares for people and glorifies Islam," said Dato Ahmad Bohari when asked about the Brunei exhibition.

"The message we are trying to project is leadership that is sincere not pretentious, a leadership that cares for people and not the exploitation of people. His Majesty's leadership is to bring peace, stability and security to his people and to the region and the people of the world. His Majesty cares and feels responsible in preserving the purity of the Islam and following the true guidance of the Quran. His Majesty's leadership is guided by the reverence of Al Quran and the pragmatism of the As-Sunnah," said Dato Ahmad Bohari in his briefing to visitors to the Brunei pavilion.

"This 'Melayu Islam Beraja' (MIB) philosophy is not racial. The MIB philosophy is not sectarian, it is not divisive but more of a unifying ideology. The MIB is the caring and protective umbrella of a good Malay family and community culture. It is an inclusive and hospitable culture. The MIB upholds the universal human values in Islam in accordance with the divine Quran and the As-Sunnah," asserted Dato Ahmad Bohari.

"We in Brunei provide some contrast in addressing the development of the people. While the Malaysian politicians confront the double whammy of the Malay dilemma, the bad image and the wrongly interpreted Muslims, we are delivering the self confidence of the Malays in the 'Brunei Yakin' and the glory of preserving and enhancing the well-being of the people in accordance with the teachings of the Al Quran and As-Sunnah," added Dato Ahmad.

The visitors at the front of the long queue of people entering the Brunei pavilion are presented with the images and scenes of the benevolent activities and charitable projects of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

For the Brunei leader, "caring" is not a word but the fulfillment of the many responsibilities of helping the people and easing hardship and developing the capacity of the people to have a better life.

These efforts of guiding and leading the people to the path of betterment, development and well-being are not limited to the efforts of his government but also his personal commitment through the "Yayasan".

Dato Haji Dani, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, poses for a photograph. His pose is lightened by the image of His Majesty on the "Mimbar". This is a powerful symbolic image of a guiding leader who welcomes visitors at the entrance of the pavilion.

"This picture of His Majesty delivering the Friday 'khutbah' is not just symbolic but it is a practising example of a leader that guides the people in the belief of the glory of Islam. His Majesty leads the people with the spiritual guidance in accordance with the Quran and the As-Sunnah, the right path and hence leadership."

The OIC conference addresses the problems, disparity, war and terrorism but the Brunei pavilion projects, peace, stability, security and well-being.

While the conference talks about conflicts, the maladies of the Islamic ummah, the misguided misgivings, extremism and the bad image of Islam, the Brunei pavilion projects unity of purpose, goodwill and the glory of Islam.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin