HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday expressed his disappointment after learning about rampant cases of social ills in the country’s primary schools.

In light of this, His Majesty questioned the effectiveness of the SPN21 (National Education System for the 21st Century), noting that if these issues were not ironed out, it could hamper the national education system, resulting in its failure.

His Majesty made these observations in a titah during a get-together with Bruneian students and citizens in Australia at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra on the first day of his three-day State Visit to Australia.

According to His Majesty, among the claims made by concerned parties include students coming late to class or being absent from school, getting involved in brawls, bullying, extortion and thefts, bringing in prohibited items such as knives, forming ‘groups’ and picking up smoking.

“I do not want these inadequacies to only be spoken of. What’s important are efforts to stamp it out” His Majesty said, adding that this could not be delayed.

Noting that these social issues are a ‘disease’, His Majesty went on to say that “all illnesses require remedies”.

On his concern over what was happening in the nation’s primary schools, His Majesty said: “At lower school level, we are already hearing stories of knives, gangs, extortion, etc.

“Imagine if this becomes a culture in upper levels. Where is the SPN21 that we are proud of?

“From what is transpiring, doesn’t this depict that the SPN21 is under threat?

“If we fall short of being able to overcome these social ills, it will show that SPN21 is a failure.”

Reiterating that the Brunei Vision 2035 is to generate educated and highly skilled citizens, His Majesty asked rhetorically, “How can we achieve this vision if the education process and learning itself is not running smoothly because of internal disruptions?”

The get-together in Canberra yesterday was the fourth such student meeting event His Majesty has attended overseas. Similar get-togethers have been held in UK, Egypt and New Zealand.

His Majesty noted that it was through such meetings that allow him to learn more about students’ progress.

As students are assets and agents of our society, His Majesty said: “I am inclined to listen to their thoughts in the form of views or comments on development within our country. For an educated person, it is not odd if they have huge concepts and brilliant ideas.”

Although the students’ environment is limited in the campus, His Majesty said they have a broader scope of thinking that could not be narrowed down with boundaries.

Students, His Majesty noted, should possess an active outlook and be creative. They should not be passive and not just sit back, His Majesty said, noting that youths shape the country’s future.

As students are agents who will help shape the country’s future, His Majesty said that he would like to see them excel.

“A sign of excellence is when good outcomes are generated,” His Majesty said, adding that this is why it is important for students to possess a high level of ‘syakshiah’ (determination) so they would not be swayed from the right track.

His Majesty also reminded students not to bring home foreign cultures to their own country.

At the end of the day, what is needed is for students to gain knowledge and bring in useful knowledge to the country, His Majesty said. “Be reminded that culture and education are two different things.”

His Majesty expressed his hope that students would “cleanse themselves from any unwanted elements, and become pure intellectuals, and to keep the spirit of the MIB (Malay Islamic Monarchy) philosophy close to their hearts. With this Insya Allah, students will be highly acclaimed and it will be easier for them to grab hold of their achievements”.

Meanwhile, His Majesty expressed his appreciation to the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Canberra and the Ministry of Education (MoE) for their efforts in increasing the enrolment of Bruneian students to renowned universities in Australia, especially to the ‘Group of Eight Universities’, not only through government scholarships but also from the private sector and individuals.

Earlier, His Majesty was greeted upon arrival at the Defence Establishment Fairbairn, Canberra International Airport.

On hand to greet His Majesty were Mark Fraser OAM, Deputy Official Secretary to the Governor General, Representative of the Governor General of Australia; Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister; Representative of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Todd Mercer, the High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam.

Also at the airport to greet His Majesty were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II, and Dayangku Rohayaty binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Md Yassin, the Acting High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Australia.

His Majesty then boarded a motorcade towards the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, where His Majesty will reside throughout the visit.

Upon arrival at the hotel, His Majesty was greeted by Michael Svensson, the hotel’s general manager.

Brunei established diplomatic relation with Australia in 1984. Since then, cooperation by both nations have been progressing well in the areas of, among others, trade, defence, police and law enforcement, tourism, culture, sports and the arts, education and health.

His Majesty has made several visits to Australia in the past.

The first official visit was in February 2005. Then in September 2007, His Majesty attended the APEC Summit in Sydney, and in October 2011, he attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.

The strong bond between both nations is signified by the many Australians who work in Brunei Darussalam and the increasing number of Bruneians pursuing their studies in Australia.

Accompanying His Majesty was the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong. - Borneo Bulletin (2 May 2013)