English version of book on national philosophy for non-Malay readers and foreign envoys

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Malay Islamic Monarchy Supreme Council will be distributing copies of a book entitled 'The Malay Islamic Monarchy: A Closer Understanding' to widen understanding of the virtues of the national philosophy amongst those who are not fluent in Malay, including foreign diplomats.

The, book is an English version of a 1998 book authored by Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain bin Haji Serudin. Some 2,000 copies have been printed.

The book will improve the understanding of Malay Islamic Monarchy or widely known by its Malay abbreviation "MIB" (Melayu Islam Beraja) which has been practised in the Sultanate for hundreds of years, said Dr Awang Haji Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong, Senior Special Duties Officer who is also Secretary/Head of the Malay Islamic Monarchy Supreme Council Secretariat.

The launching of the 376-page 'The Malay Islamic Monarchy: A Closer Understanding' is scheduled to take place on February 20 where copies of the book will be distributed to the guests, including ambassadors and high commissioners and other members of the diplomatic-corps, as well as guests from private academic institutions.

Dr Awang Haji Muhammad Hadi revealed details of the upcoming book launch at a media conference held yesterday at the Institute of Brunei Studies. Also present to provide more information were Director of Government Printing Department, Pengiran Haji Zainal Abidin bin Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pengiran Haji Ahmad, and Acting Deputy Director of Information Department, Awang Haji Azman bin Haji Abdul Rahim.

Dr Awang Haji Muhammad Hadi said that the English version of the book will widen the understanding of the national philosophy, including MIB's virtue as a source of the people's solidarity, as well as the preservation of peace and unity in Brunei Darussalam.

The book is aimed at non-Malay readers locally, regionally and internationally.

The project is organised by the Malay Islamic Monarchy Supreme Council in cooperation with the Information Department and Government Printing Department.

The Malay version of the book was first published by the Language and Literature Bureau and is still available today.

Dr Awang Haji Muhammad Hadi said the translation process took about a year to complete.

He said that those who wish to attend the book launch and get a copy of the book are advised to contact the Secretariat of the Malay Islamic Monarchy Supreme Council at telephone number 246 3001 ext 1962/1963.

He said that as only 2,000 copies were printed, the books will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional copies will be printed based on the demand.

"The book was translated by Hajah Zainon binti Haji Muhammad Tahir and Hajah Norasikin binti Abdul Majid, and this (effort) is also to uphold the titah of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, so that the national concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy will continue from generation to generation," said Dr Awang Haji Muhammad Hadi.