His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to launch the new Al-Falaah School building, which is a personal gift or Kurnia from His Majesty.

Accompanying His Majesty at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

The event was held at the new building of Al-Falaah School at Jalan Sungai Akar.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and the Royal entourage were greeted by the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong; Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti and Deputy Principal of Al-Falaah School, Hjh Sharifah Mastura Al-Sagoff binti Saiyed Zain on behalf of Principal, Ustaz Saiyed Haamid Aal-Taaher.

The ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem performed by students of Al-Falaah School and followed by the recitation of surah al-fatihah led by the State Mufti.

Speaking on behalf of Al-Falaah's principal, Hjh Sharifah Mastura Al-Sagoff said that the new Al-Falaah School building which is a personal gift or Kurnia from His Majesty, is like receiving a 'Lailatulqadar' gift from Allah the Almighty.

In addition, with the new building, the students will be able to learn in a more comfortable and conducive environment.

She regarded the gift as invaluable while adding that the school and its management together with teachers, parents and the Al-Falaah's students promise to uphold the trust entrusted on them by His Majesty with the new Al-Falaah School building.

Later, in a remark from the Minister of Education, the personal gift or Kurnia from His Majesty in funding the construction of Al-Falaah School reflects His Majesty's serious concern and care in improving the quality of education based especially on al-Quran teachings.

"Since its establishment in 1995, the school was operating in Ong Sum Ping and later moved to Taman Manggis in Jalan Muara. In 15 years of its establishment, the school has managed to excel and has lured parents to send their children to study at Al-Falaah," he said.

"Parents and students of Al-Falaah should be thankful to the gift given by His Majesty, and this shall be made as a catalyst for all to maintain their effort in intensifying the quality of teaching and learning." Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang A bu Bakar also advised the management, parents and students to maintain the good image of the school which strives for excellence and to produce a generation that will make Brunei proud.

"This gift shall be treasured not only by the school management, but as well as parents and students in order to foster, strengthen and maintain our loyalty to His Majesty the Sultan, who has serious concern and care for the well-being of the citizens," he said.

"Apart from that, we also must nurture, uphold and appreciate the philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy that is our main foundation in developing the identity of the students and teachers.

"To the management, they must constantly undertake the efforts in fulfilling the vision of His Majesty and strive for excellence and be one of the school models to be followed by all private schools in the country," the minister said.

His Majesty then delivered a titah and followed by the official launching of the new Al-Falaah School building. Soon after the launching, three chants of 'Allahu Akbar' filled the hall as students, parents, teachers and members of the audience expressed their thanks. His Majesty then consented to receive a 'pesambah' from Ustaz Saiyed Haamid Aal-Taaher bin Saiyed Ibrahim, principal of the school.

The event continued with the recitation of surah yaasiin and a nasyid performance from the students of Al-Falaah. In showcasing the ability of the students, Dyg Syahzanani showed her skills in public speaking in Arabic.

The students then recited the 'Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam' especially dedicated to His Majesty.

His Majesty and the royal entourage then toured a mini exhibition on the establishment and history of the school.

His Majesty also consented to tour the school complex to take closer look at the facilities, accommodation and visited some of the classrooms. The students also had the opportunity to interact, meet and greet His Majesty and the royal entourage personally.

The new Al-Falaah School building is built on a 3.47-acre site and constructed with a mixture of historic Islamic architecture. The school is equipped with modern and sophisticated facilities in line with the advancement of technology in the education system. - Borneo Bulletin (21st Octopber 2011)