HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to officiate the 4th National Jamboree Brunei Darussalam held at the National Scout Training and Activity Centre at Jalan Gadong, and along Jalan E-Kerajaan in Beribi.

Upon arrival, His Majesty who is also the Patron of the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association was welcomed and greeted by the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, as Joint Advisory Executive Committee of the 4th National Jamboree.

Also present to greet His Majesty was President of the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD), Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas and executive committee members of the 4th National Jamboree.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO); His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The ceremony commenced with a singing of the national anthem by the scouts, continued with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the Headquarters Commissioner of Religious, Welfare and Community Division, Mohammad Arif bin Abdul Hadi and then continued with the Scout’s Oath and a welcoming remark by the President of PPNBD.

The ceremony then continued with His Majesty’s titah followed with the appointment of HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office as the Chief Scout of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty presented HRH the Crown Prince with the Letter of Appointment.

The monarch later consented to present Supreme Scout Medal Awards to a total of 38 recipients; consisting of Rakis Medal Awards awarded to 12 scouts, scout leaders and individuals who had given an outstanding service and were directly involved in scouting in the Sultanate.

As well as the Jasa Cemerlang Class II – Silver Medal Awards awarded to 16 recipients consisting of Chief Commissioners of Scouts and individuals who have given an outstanding service and directly involved in scouting in the Sultanate and internationally; and Brunei International Friendship Awards awarded to 10 foreign scout leaders who had given an outstanding service in relationship with PPNBD and were involved directly in the development of scouting in the Sultanate.

His Majesty then consented to receive a ‘pesambah’ and continued with the recitation of a Doa Selamat.

Before leaving, His Majesty consented to visit the camping area and mingled with the 600 local scouts and 400 scouts from Asean and the Asia-Pacific region, consisting of Cub Scouts, Junior Scouts, Venture Scouts and Rover Scouts.

The 4th National Jamboree came up with a theme of ‘Pengakap Kitani, Masa Depan Kitani’ or loosely translated as ‘Our Scouts, Our Future’ organised by PPNBD in conjunction with the celebrating of the 80th anniversary of the scout’s establishment in Brunei Darussalam (1933-2013) with the aim to enhance and encourage more interactions among the scouts both national and international.

In addition, it also aims to foster and nurture a sense of friendship, brotherhood and cooperation among the scouts, recognise and comprehend the similarities and differences of respective cultures and impose the sense of responsibility in their preparation to play the roles as future leader.

The jamboree, which is held for six days, began on December 3 and ends today, included various recreational activities for the participants, such as adventuring, visits and explorations around Bandar Seri Begawan. The participants were also involved in kayaking, flying fox and challenge valley activities besides being involved in community works. - Borneo Bulletin (8 December 2013)