By Syafiq Affendy
His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim yesterday attended the first-ever National Tedarus Al-Quran Gathering for Youths, which saw around 3,000-5,000 youths attending the ceremony, jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Education.
The ceremony was held at Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque in Kiarong.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah delivered a welcoming address prior to the line-up of events for the ceremony, where he outlined the objectives - to increase the youth's understanding on the importance of reading and appreciating the Quran and using it as a guide in life, especially in facing challenges as youths.
Also present at the ceremony were the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerma Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, as well as their deputies, permanent secretaries and senior officers.
The youths comprised of students from higher education institutions, colleges, secondary schools, youth and sports associations, uniformed associations and youths in general.
A religious motivational talk entitled 'Belia Berjiwa Besar' or 'Big-hearted Youth' was delivered following the welcoming address, by Ustaz Haji Mail Besar from the Islamic Dakwah Centre.
The khatam al-Quran and tahlil commenced right after the talk, where the whole congregation recited the last few surah from the Quran, performed the tahlil, and ended the ceremony with mass zuhur prayer.
- Borneo Bulletin
(2nd September 2010)
