Bandar Seri Begawan - Meragang Sixth Form Centre (PTEM) yesterday held a New Year 1434 Hijrah celebration at its multi-purpose hall in Meragang. The event was organised by the centre's Department of Islamic Studies with the theme, `Pious Ummah, Blessed Nation.'

The guest of honour at the event was Ms Chong Li Chen, the Principal of Meragang Sixth Form Centre.

Also present were organising committee members, teachers and Lower Sixth students at the centre.

Yesterday's programme started with the recitation of verses of al-Quran by Ashizal bin Zainal Abidin, followed by a Hijrah Forum entitled "The Time: Verily! Man is in loss", to further enliven the celebration.

The forum saw a panel of three students, Abd Wafi bin Hj Abd Rahman, Abd Hafiizh bin Abd Musauwir and Nurul Farhanah binti Hj Suhaili from the Department of Islamic Studies discussing the forum's topic, chaired by Md Hafiz bin Samsudin.

One of the key highlights of the discussion was that 'Hijrah' also represents the ridding of negativity in life while in search of a better life. Thus, time must be fully utilised by doing good deeds and offering prayers to Allah the Almighty.

A Dikir Marhaban was also performed by the students, and following that, souvenirs were presented to the chairperson and panellists of the forum.

The ceremony ended with the recitation of Surah Al-Asr by Cikgu Hadiman bin Hj Talib.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin