His Majesty expresses his displeasure His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (R), the Sultan of Brunei, delivering his titah' during the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) meeting held at the NDMC conference room, Fire and Rescue Department, Berakas as His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, looks on. Picture: BT/Rudolf Portillo

"Some of the heads of department work like robots without discretion, all of them only wait for instructions, if there are no instructions, then they will not do anything," His Majesty said in his 35-minute titah at the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) meeting yesterday.

Despite travel advisories from relevant authorities, His Majesty, said that some ministries were still sending their officers even though some of the staff had suggested against such travels as it not only jeopardises the safety of officers but also those around them, including colleagues and family members.

"However, replies from the heads of departments was that they had to go because the Prime Minister's Office did not issue any (precautionary advice on the matter)," said His Majesty.

His Majesty said he appreciated the efforts of those involved in the monarch's birthday celebrations, but was not pleased with the initiative of the government.

The ruler also questioned why lower-ranked officers had to travel alone to overseas assignments, while higher-ranked officials usually travelled in large groups with their staff.

"The objective of travelling in groups is to help each other out in times of need... so do lower ranking officials not require such help?" asked His Majesty.

"Is this a mature idea or decision by the head of department? I don't think so, without a doubt, this is a selfish idea that does not take into consideration of the staff's well-being," added the monarch.

"I do not see the rationale of only sending one officer... who will help him if he needs help? Who will discuss issues with him? Who will help to reduce his burden and what if he falls sick?" questioned His Majesty.

His Majesty said that it was even worse if a male and female officer were sent overseas on an assignment, as this could result in a broken family and even divorce.

The monarch also commented on the celebration plans proposed by the National Committee of His Majesty's 63rd birthday as costly and highly dependent on donations from the public, large companies in particular, which can be a heavy burden on the community.

"Frankly, I am not happy about my birthday becoming an occasion to attract mass donations," His Majesty told cabinet ministers and other senior government officials who were present.

His Majesty also spoke of the power of prayer in helping to ward off the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, since efforts by the relevant authorities have been ineffective, as shown with the increasing H1N1 cases.

The monarch requested the relevant authorities to start leading the population to pray, before commenting the lack of initiative to lead students to pray for protection from the virus.

The issue of food security was also brought up, where the monarch reminded that action to increase the Sultanate's food production was only taken after constant reminders and further questioned the reason it took so long for the relevant authorities to take action.

However, His Majesty noted efforts to increase Brunei's self sufficiency in food production to 20 per cent by 2010 and 60 per cent by 2015.

Poverty was also highlighted in His Majesty's titah, as zakat or tithe collections amounted to over $100 million.

The monarch asked if there was no longer poverty in the country; and, if poverty still exists in Brunei, how can there be an excess of so much funds?

"Poverty can also bring one to disaster, people commit crimes because of poverty, suicide because of poverty, change religion because of poverty. Owing money can also drive someone to do many things," added the ruler.

His Majesty also expressed concern over the decision not to make Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) a compulsory core subject such as Malay, English, Mathematics and Science. IRK is instead grouped with music and drama as a compulsory complement subject.

His Majesty said that Malay is a compulsory core subject because it was stated in the constitution as the official language.

"If this is the excuse, then what is IRK lacking? It is also official in the constitution. In my opinion, it is even more important because it is the religion of the people," said His Majesty. Participants of the meeting were reminded on the role of the NDMC, which not only involves receiving and studying reports, but also to look ahead and plan for what has not happened, but may happen to Brunei at any moment.

"Brunei seldom experiences big floods, but we just had one, the flood water reached levels that had never been reached before, Brunei never suffers from landslides, but recently we had one where many houses and buildings suffered damages and where a life was lost. All these require our caution and attention," His Majesty said, adding we should always be ready and not act only after a disaster strikes.

-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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Royal Dressing Down For Indecisive Heads Of Dept
written by Sandy , July 14, 2009

Cool man...

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Poverty
written by Hjamirul , July 14, 2009

B$100 Million?? that is a lot of money being kept... I've seen a few childrens that's "memberi kesian" as for residence living around Kg. serusop area and who usually dine out at restaurants at Tuguh Raya area. children selling "KUIH2" and i've seen many people just ignoring them... "order mahal2, tapi tebuat kanak berusaha minta org beli kuih dorg.. karit tia... kesian jua tu..." what IF it was ur childrens (directed to those who didn't feel any pity or remorse).. Poverty is awakening to tell u the truth... not to put fear in your eyes but for u to take notice... 2 years ago, around commercial areas in Kg. Serusop/ Delima... A child came to me out of no-where and asked me for money.. his clothing were dirty and all... people around didn't seem to care... i've told many friends but didn't believed...

Also.. look at the people around us... adaa yg inda mampu kn beli sayur lagi..!! I think people should open their eyes...

Harta org kaya bukan 100% untuk diri nya... Untuk membantu org dalam kesusahan..

Masha'allah.. people are getting selfish now-a-days... baik jua ada pemerintah yg menagur....

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