HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday urged the nation’s youth to be cautious about “negative” changes.

Delivering a titah to mark the 9th National Youth Day Celebration at the National Indoor Stadium in Berakas, His Majesty said that change does not necessarily constitute “good” and urged the youth to steer clear of those that bring negative impacts.

The monarch said the nation’s youth are required to possess a clear, strong and robust identity before initiating any change and highlighted the importance of complementing changes with virtuous religious and cultural values so that it would not be shrouded in “unwanted elements” in the future.

“If a particular change preaches falsehood, then it should not be welcomed because its emergence would not bring any good but only harm … if a change is catastrophic in nature, the people will suffer,” His Majesty added.

His Majesty also recognised the youth’s pivotal role in preserving and uplifting the country’s dignity, calling them the “most potential group to shape the nation in any pattern they desire”.

As almost 50 per cent of the country’s population is youth, His Majesty said they must continuously develop themselves as well as the community by seizing the vast opportunities that are available to them to enrich their skills and abilities.

The youth are the agents of change, His Majesty said, calling for constructive planning before introducing changes.

His Majesty also cautioned the youth against learning from those who are not ‘bermanfa’at’ (beneficial), but they should instead learn from those who are exemplary.

“This is the self-management mechanism. It is important for the youth to understand this. Self-management also means taking control of a situation wherever necessary,” the monarch added.

His Majesty, meanwhile, touched on the issue of facing challenges of the 21st Century, which is also the theme for this year’s National Youth Day Celebration.

The monarch said the youth should not underestimate any challenges and added that whether constructive or destructive, challenges will remain.

In this respect, His Majesty said constructive challenges should be welcomed with vigour, while if it is destructive, we are obliged to reject or resist and defeat it, adding that “we would be saviours of ourselves, the community and the nation” if we succeed in doing so.

His Majesty went on to urge the youth to emerge as “champions of situations”, integrating those situations with the good, in constant peace and pleasance, adorned with unity, understanding and harmony.

On the recently-concluded Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT), His Majesty said it was a good show of understanding.

“Through these events we saw youth from Asean member countries and Timor-Leste in action, realising unity and understanding among them. Such atmosphere is very encouraging,” His Majesty added.

His Majesty also expressed his satisfaction over HBT’s recognition from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Asean Football Federation (AFF) as the premier youth football league in the region.

“This is no doubt another achievement for the Sports for Peace and Development Agenda,” His Majesty added. - Borneo Bulletin (4 September 2014)