By James Kon
"Corruption has to be stopped as it is believed to bring about bad effects to the community and national harmony, besides being against the teachings of Islam."
This was stated by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah in a Sabda during the launching ceremony for the second season of "KOD 486", a local drama series based on the fight against corruption. The ceremony was held at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre yesterday morning.
Her Royal Highness stressed that corruption, no matter how small, if left uncontrolled could cripple the nation.
"Not only is it prohibited in Islam, but it could also tarnish the nation's integrity, the authority of the public service sector as well as an individual's standing in the eyes of society," Her Royal Highness added.
Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah said, "According to official statistics of Brunei Darussalam, more than 41 per cent of the total population in the country are youths, who will in the future become assets of the country. There is no denying that youths will be not spared from exposure to unhealthy elements like drugs abuse, loitering, corruption and so on, which may affect the future of not only the youths but their family and the nation in general."
Her Royal Highness urged youths to focus on their future, which is filled with challenges, while instilling a sense of patriotism in themselves and to avoid anti-social behaviour by being involved in activities that increases the value of life for the community, religion and country.
Her Royal Highness said production of the anti-corruption Malay drama series, "KOD 486", is a project that was implemented by the Anti Corruption Bureau, with more youths involved in the second season.
The involvement of teenagers in the project is a good sign and that they could easily be involved in activities that would benefit the community at large, Her Royal Highness said, adding projects such as "KOD 486", should be emulated by all parties as a way to involve youths in the fight against corruption in the country.
Her Royal Highness concluded her speech by urging the Anti Corruption Bureau to always assess the effectiveness of every project and plan in order to achieve the desired objectives.
After the Sabda, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah officially launched the second season of local Malay drama series "KOD 486", which aims to raise awareness on the negative impact of corruption and to increase public knowledge on the objectives and duties of the Anti Corruption Bureau.
Also present at the ceremony were Datin Paduka Hajah Intan binti Haji Md Kassim, Director of Anti Corruption Bureau, senior officials from various government agencies and officers from the Anti Corruption Bureau.
Her Royal Highness also received a "pesembah" from Datin Paduka Hajah Intan during the ceremony.
Several high-risk stunts from the drama were performed by the cast of "KOD 486" during the ceremony while local artistes and the drama's main characters Zamarul Hisham and Tia Duarte performed several songs.
At the end of the ceremony, Her Royal Highness consented to meet with the entire cast of "KOD 486".
The second season of "KOD 486" is expected to air on Radio Television Brunei during the third week of April.
- Borneo Bulletin
(3rd Apr 2006)
