His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office extolled the teachings of al-Quran as all-encompassing, and those who follow it will become gallant and unwavering.

Speaking at the opening of the biennial 5th Southeast Asian Youth Al-Quran Reading Competition 2011 last night, the Crown Prince said people who hold on to its pervasive teachings will not easily falter by worldly challenges.

The competition, which will conclude on Thursday, has brought together 15 participants in two categories of Qari (Male) and Qariah (Female) from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Also present at the opening ceremony last night at the International Convention Centre was HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Their Royal Highnesses were greeted on arrival by Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Also present were state dignitaries, Cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.

In his sabda, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah said the Southeast Asian Youth Al-Quran Reading Competition is a continuous effort of His Majesty's Government to promote the reading of the Quran among youths.

The event is also a platform for the government to put in place structured programmes and plans towards enhancing the knowledge on Islam as guidance to life.

The Crown Prince reiterated that al-Quran is the last and biggest "Mukjizat" (miracle) from Allah the Almighty to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and became the main source of reference to all Muslims for eternity.

Thus, the Crown Prince said, people will continue to receive blessings every time the Quran is recited and understood.

According to the Crown Prince, the younger generation can use the secrets in the teachings of the Quran as their eternal enlightenment.

Through such following, the Crown Prince said, the hope of the nation to fulfil its aspiration to become "Negara Zikir" could be realised, whereby the young generation will always hold on to the values of brotherhood and solidarity taught by the Quran.

"If we look deeper, the value of dedication of the youth today is measured from the moment they take their step towards becoming future leaders," the Crown Prince said.

The Crown Prince assured that the effort of His Majesty's Government to bring about excellence and highly potential youths is a ceaseless endeavour and even there is proof that the goal is being realised.

"Our hope for youth in the region is similar. We hope the youth in the region become blessed, possess the right attitude and follow the teachings of the Quran for continued prosperity and stability of the region," His Royal Highness stated.

Towards that goal, His Royal Highness said, Muslims are obliged to always follow and understand the teachings of the Quran in order to produce a generation of youth that is "Amar Ma'ruf Nahi Mungkar", that will continue to become creative, energetic and smart.

This is truly proven during the time of Prophet Muhammad, where the Muslims were taught based on the teachings of the Quran that encompassed socio-cultural, economy, politics, administration and scientific knowledge that developed a respected civilisation.

Champions of the competition will bring home a trophy, a gift of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, replica of the Championship Trophy, accompanying presents, certificate of participation and cash prize of B$5,000.

Brunei Darussalam participants include two Qari and two Qariah namely Awg Hj Nasrul Fakhri bin Hj Yahya and Ak Md AMirul Aiman bin Pengiran Hj Marjuki and Dk Fauziah Nadhirah binti Pengiran Hj Jofri and Dyg Maizatun Nadzeerah binti Hj Md Daud.

The competition continues today and will conclude tomorrow. - Borneo Bulletin (5th Octopber 2011)