Call to uphold sovereignty
By Lyna Mohammad

Sovereignty of the monarch is also sovereignty of the subjects as well as the nation. It denotes the existence of the nation and its people.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam said this in his titah at the opening of "Majlis Ilmu 2006" (Convention of Knowledge), at the International Convention Centre yesterday morning.

Sovereignty encompasses everything and it needs to be preserved from generation to generation, said His Majesty.

"It is like a sparkling diamond: as the elders would say, no matter where the sparkle comes from, it remains a diamond, and no matter where it lies, it will continue to sparkle.

"That is what sovereignty is, the ultimate indicator for a king and a country. All the three elements can be considered as 'one body', in which none of those elements could afford to be 'disabled'. Like a hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) says: 'When one part of the body is ill, the rest of the body will suffer as well'.

"As such, it is our responsibility to preserve all of them, that is: Sovereignty, the Monarchy and the Nation, just like we would care for our own physical being, making sure that no part at all gets sick or disabled, for the sake of God's work.

"And it is our responsibility also to protect and see to the body's proper development, through our devotion to Him who grants us that gift - Allah.

"Insya Allah, by our devotion, we could attain salvation, and be more progressive and respected in this world," said His Majesty.

"Lastly, I pray that this Majlis Ilmu will lead to the glorification of knowledge and information in the country.

"This year, in conjunction with my 60th birthday, a book entitled Balai Pameran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah: Penjana Tamadun Islam (Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Exhibition Gallery: Revitalising Islamic Civilisation) was published. I am very happy about this.

"Subsequently, I have consented for the book to be widely distributed, especially as gifts to libraries, institutions of higher education and research centres throughout the world. It can also be made as souvenirs for invitees to the Majlis Ilmu 2006 opening ceremony," said the monarch.

Held in conjunction with His Majesty's birthday celebrations, this year's convention carries the theme "Sovereign Monarch, Blessed Nation and People on Righteous Direction".

Earlier, in his welcoming speech Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Dato Eusoff Agaki Hj Ismail, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Steering Committee, said the objective of the convention among all is to highlight the importance of knowledge during the royal birthday celebrations.

It will also act as an additional platform to support His Majesty's wise leadership and his desire to enhance knowledge among his loyal subjects under the blessings of Allah the Almighty and to realise and increase the citizens' understanding on the monarch's sovereignty besides generating ideas and making strategies in forming a generation that would preserve the nation and the monarch's sovereignty.

Three main activities in this year's event are the "Mendokong Kedaulatan Raja" (Supporting the Sovereignty of the Monarch), a forum that will review and discuss issues related to monarch's sovereignty and the Majlis Ilmu 2006 Exhibition (MajlEx 2006).

The seminar that began yesterday and ends July 22 will see four local working papers and two working papers from abroad being presented with an expected attendance of about 1,000 participants comprising representatives from various institutions and community.

The exhibition that also opened yesterday showcases the Brunei Darussalam Pavilion, exhibits from some partner countries, the Al Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Memorabilia and several other displays from participating exhibitors.

Meanwhile, the Majlis Ilmu Forum will be taking place on August 5 in Tutong District, August 8 in Belait District and August 10 in Temburong District and will see the involvement of around 1,100 representatives from several institutions in the country. - Borneo Bulletin (21st July 2006)


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