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Crown Prince Oversees Various National Development Projects in Brunei-Muara BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Brunei - New 2 Borneo

Crown Prince Oversees Various National Development Projects in Brunei-Muara

Posted: 28 May 2014 09:02 AM PDT

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, as Chairman of the Executive Committee for the 10th National Development Plan yesterday consented to tour eleven more sites of projects under the National Development Plan (NDP), this time in the Brunei-Muara District. The working tour of the NDP project sites by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was the continuation of the latest series of working visits which began on Saturday in the Tutong District, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.

The Crown Prince first consented to visit the Defence Academy project site in Kg Tanah Jambu. On arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Awg Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat; the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Md Tawih Abdullah, and members of the 10th National Development Plan Executive Committee.

Construction of the Defence Academy project costing around BND$60 million began on April 2 last year and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Among the objective of the Defence Academy is to plan, manage and fulfil the needs of the RBAF officers training course to be more systematic; to strive towards creating a positive learning experience for all students of the defence academy; to promote it to the international level and to strengthen relations with other prestigious defence academies.

His Royal Highness continued the working tour with a visit to the Aircraft Department Building, Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College, Phase One Project site at Jalan Utama Berakas, Mukim Berakas 'A'. The Crown Prince was greeted on arrival by the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Awg Abu Bakar Hj Apong and the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom Pg Hj Bahar. About BND$19 million had been set aside for the construction of the building. The project is in line with the Ministry of Education's (MoE) long-term plan of providing more conducive and higher quality education infrastructure through the national development plan.

The building is also meant to better accommodate the increasing technical and vocational student numbers, particularly those in the field of aeronautical engineering. The project, which began construction in February 2012, provides facilities such as academic rooms, lecture hall, computer room, and an aviation technical library, laboratory and aircraft hangar.

The introduction of such facilities spells solid support for the realisation of the Ministry of Education's aspirations in the National Education System for the 21st Century.

His Royal Highness subsequently consented to observe the progress of the Madang / Manggis Mosque construction project. The mosque is being built on a 1.77 hectare plot of land at a cost of about BND$5 million. Once completed, the mosque would be able to accommodate more than two thousand and four hundred congregants.

The construction project, which commenced in 2012, comes under the National Development Plan 2007-2012 and is funded in part by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB), Bank Islam Brunei Berhad (BIBD) and the general public. The purpose of His Royal Highness' visits to the NDP projects is to closely observe the implementation, planning and operations that have been made thus far of development projects under the National Development Plan.

Construction works on the upcoming Kg Sungai Akar Secondary School constituted one of the projects being observed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The 10th NDP continues to place high priority on the building of education infrastructure in the interest of producing quality and highly capable students. The construction of Sungai Akar Secondary School project commenced in December 2011 and costs around BND$22 million dollars. Among the facilities provided are an Administrative Block, multipurpose hall and parking lot, as well as a track and field. The project is being carried out in view of the growing number of students at existing schools within the surrounding catchment area.

His Royal Highness later consented to proceed to the site of the Maktab Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Building Upgrading Project in the capital. The five-storey building is equipped with eighteen science laboratories, fourteen classrooms, four computer labs, an administrative room, a teachers' staffroom, lecture hall and library. The project is being carried out at a cost of more than BND$11 million. At present, the college has more than a thousand students, with one hundred and forty five teaching staff.

Also receiving a visit from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was the renovation project on the Department of Information building in Berakas which was fully completed last year. Accompanying The Crown Prince during that visit was the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Dato Paduka Hj Abd Wahab Juned. The renovation project comes under the 10th National Development Plan with a budget allocation of BND$5.5 million dollars. The five-storey building includes an auditorium and houses the Administration and Finance, Nationhood and Society, Public Relations, Media Services and International Affairs sections, as well as the Training and Research Unit.

His Royal Highness then toured the new building of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB / BMR) which was also constructed under the 10th NDP with a budget of BND$12 million dollars. The building is being constructed on a 0.556 hectare site. Work on this project began in April last year and is scheduled for completion later this season. Designed to meet security and safety requirements, the building is expected to house the Investigations Section, and comes with modern facilities including a lecture hall, thereby adding to the existing ACB facilities.

Phase Two of the Tungku-Jerudong Link Road construction project, which includes Spg 126 and Spg 324 of Jalan Penghubung Rimba Utara also came under the close attention of His Royal Highness. The BND$29 million project is meant to further ease road travel in the Brunei-Muara District by reducing traffic congestion along the main roads, and would effectively enhance general road safety. The road construction project is slated for completion by mid-2015.

Prior to continuing the working tour in the afternoon, His Royal Highness consented to attend a luncheon at University Brunei Darussalam. On arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Dato Paduka Dr Hj Zulkarnain Hj Hanafi who is also the Vice-Chancellor of University Brunei Darussalam.

The afternoon leg of the working tour of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office commenced with a visit to the new additional building of the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPHRSBIHS), University Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Construction work on the additional building of the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences began in October 2011 and was completed in June 2013, consuming a total cost of more than BND$18 million. Built on the environmentally-friendly concept and with a contemporary design, the building is meant to create comfortable study environment and facilities for undergraduates at the institute. The five-storey building has a number of seminar halls, a lecture hall and purpose-built rooms that cater to the teaching and learning requirements of staff and students, as well as a leading-edge Clinical Simulation Centre. The building also comes equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and simulated wards that can be used by students to train real-time in their respective programmes, as well as practical science labs that meet international standards.

His Royal Highness later consented to view the additional Science Faculty building at UBD which began construction in April 2011 and was fully completed in November 2013. The building project cost more than BND$21 million.

His Royal Highness ended the working tour with a visit to the Institute Technology Brunei (ITB) Phase Three project. The Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam had provided a sum of nearly BND$33 million for the ITB Phase Three Project through the National Development Plan 2007-2012.

The building is equipped with facilities meant for the students' convenience, which is consistent with ITB's efforts to provide higher education and expertise in the fields of engineering, trade and ICT in the country within a more conducive environment. The building serves to accommodate even more students who would be enrolling in the programmes offered at ITB. With its modern infrastructure design and the latest technology, ITB continues to expand and fulfil national demand and requirements in producing highly educated and highly skilled local citizens.

The presence of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince throughout the working tour clearly reflects the high level of commitment towards the progress of the implementation of development projects under the 10th National Development Plan, in line with the Brunei Vision 2035 goal of giving Brunei Darussalam an "advanced nation" status. The working tour also represents the continued support from His Royal Highness for the efforts of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in ensuring that government agencies remain constantly aware of, and receptive to current developments, so as to guarantee the prosperity and well-being of the citizens and residents in the country.

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Heavy Responsibilities Rest Upon the Shoulders of Imams and Bilals

Posted: 28 May 2014 09:01 AM PDT

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Duties as an Imam is basically leading a mosque congregant during a prayer and other mass Islamic rituals while a Muezzin has to have a good voice, able to read the Al-Quran properly and having outstanding skill to recite Azan or the call for prayer apart having religious knowledge as a mosque officer, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reporetd.

The Imam and Bilal Excellence Awards were bestowed on a person who had made excellence contribution in the development of Islamic eminence and of Ummah through their mosque duties.

The recipients of the Imam Excellent Award for 1435 Hijrah, Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Hj Hamidon Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Abd Hamid suggested that all Imams to maintain their credibility as the person who leads the Muslim community in prayer beside improving their knowledge in the field.

As an Imam, he said they should always be friendly and conduct beneficial duties to the community and public. Firstly he said the moral is very important, meaning they should conduct good deeds. Secondly, they must endeavour to improve their knowledge on this world and Hereafter for Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam once said in one of his traditions; whosoever wishes to succeed in this world, he should possess knowledge. Whosoever wishes to succeed in the world beyond (Hereafter), he should possess knowledge. Plus, they should also improve the quality of their Quran reading because such verses will be used during the fardhu and sunat prayers.

Meanwhile, the recipient of the Excellent Bilal Award for 1435, Yang Mulia Mudim Awg Hj Amran Hj Md Salleh, Muezzin at the Omar Ali Saiffuddien Mosque meanwhile suggested that Muezzin should improve their religious knowledge in the correct ways of reading Al-Quran. Muezzins are also urged to improve their Azan or the calling to prayer.

He said good vocal sound could influence the souls that hearing it and persuade them to pray at the mosque. He said being a muezzin is challenging and always aware of the praying time and should be presence at the mosque or at the place where they recite the Azan or call for prayer on time. This is to ensure that the prayer is performed on its earliest time as being suggested.

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His Majesty: Prayer the Core Strength of Ummah

Posted: 27 May 2014 06:36 PM PDT

In the titah at the National Isra' Mi'raj 1435 Hijrah Celebration yesterday, His Majesty also highlighted the importance of mosques, religious and Arabic schools buildings whereby the monarch stressed those facilities as symbols of Islamic eminence, religious and Arabic school buildings and they should be distinct in features and their construction running smoothly. This is to ensure that religious education in the country is not discarded or left behind simply because of planning and construction delays.

Considering the special status of mosques, His Majesty also emphasised that the buildings must conform to the desired characteristics such as design, minaret, parking space and sound system. The Isra' Mi'raj Celebration took place at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was greeted on arrival at the International Convention Centre by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Md Pg Hj Abd Rahman as Chairman of the Eminent Islamic Days Glorification Executive Committee for the Year 1435 Hijrah, and other Executive Committee and working committee members.

Accompanying His Majesty at the national celebration were His Majesty's princesses and brothers; 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 Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abduk Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel.

The recitation of Verses of Al-Qur'an from Surah Al-Insan by the Imam of Masjid As-Sholihin, Awg Hj Md Aslinan Hj Metussin, among other things underlined that Allah the Almighty revealed the Al-Qur'an, which holds a promise that would be pleasing for those who abide by Him and a devastating threat to those who disobey His Command even after He gave the signs of His Existence through various creations both in heavens and on Earth.

This year's celebration was to be further enlivened with the presentation of the Excellent Imam and Excellent Bilal Awards. The Minister of Religious Affairs, in his welcoming address among other things stated that the awards are meant as a form of recognition and appreciation to the recipients, Imams and bilals throughout the entire country as they strive to raise their quality of service.

The Minister of Religious Affairs added that the awards would also encourage them to step up their efforts and initiatives in setting a good illustrative example, with quality, as well as to exercise good leadership and competence in further advancing mosques, suraus and prayer halls throughout the country.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in the titah, pointed out that although the historically significant Isra' Mi'raj of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam is commemorated on every 27th of Rejab, there never has been a dull moment in celebrating it. The Monarch added that true Muslims welcome it with joy because commemorating Isra' Mi'raj is always filled with beneficial lessons and examples.

The theme of this year's Isra' Mi'raj celebration is "Prayer, the Core Strength of the Ummah." The Acting Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Pg Anak Dr Hj Amiruddin Alam Shah Pg Anak Hj Islamil in a special lecture stressed that the strength of the Ummah stems from the awareness on the part of each Muslim individual of the reality of the pious act of prayer, which serves as the yardstick for his devotion to Allah the Almighty.

The Acting Rector also highlighted the implementation of the Shari'ah Penal code Order which he said was a "special gift" from the Monarch to the people in His Majesty's determination to uphold the Laws of Allah the Almighty in the name of justice and security. This included the rule on the Friday prayer. He said for the successful implementation of the Friday prayer rule, all business premises and offices, entertainment, recreational and sport centres, including cinemas, playing fields, hawker centres, markets and mall are ordered to close from 12pm to 2pm. The directive was issued and enforced on the 2nd of November 2012. Its main aim is to educate the Ummah to discipline themselves by respecting prayer times and performing the prayer.

Among the selection criteria for the recipient of Excellent Imam Award are possessing reading and pronunciation abilities at a very "good level", with fluency and correctness; possessing a good voice; humility in character; high esteem; good moral conduct; and possessing a good level of knowledge, with the ability to impart that knowledge effectively.

The Excellent Imam Award went to Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Hj Hamidon Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Abd Hamid, the Imam of the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque. The recipient presented a recitation of Verses of Al-Qur'an at the ceremony.

The criteria for the recipient of the Excellent Bilal Award, meanwhile, include the ability to deliver the Azan or call for prayer well; a melodic voice, with fluent and correct reading and pronunciation; high esteem and good moral conduct. The award went to Mudim Awg Hj Amran Hj Md Salleh, Mosque Officer from Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque. The recipient performed the call to prayer (azan), which reverberated solemnly throughout the International Convention Centre.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to present the Excellent Imam and Excellent Bilal Awards for the year 1435 Hijrah. Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Hj Hamidon Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Abd Hamid received a BND$10,000 worth in cash, an award certificate, souvenir and free medical services at a First Class Ward in any government hospital in the country.

Mudim Awg Hj Ambran Hj Md Salleh, meanwhile, received a BND$7,000 cash award, an award certificate, a souvenir and free medical services at a First Class Ward in any government hospital in the country.

To seek further blessing for the celebration, doa selamat was read by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Abd Aziz Juned.

The historic Isra' and Mi'raj among other things brought the command of praying five times a day for Muslims. As a pillar of Islam, prayer constitutes the core and litmus of the strength of Muslims, be it in the aspects of belief, piety and devotion towards Allah the Almighty. Whenever a pillar of Islam is raised, it means the shaping of Muslims that are resilient and strong in faith and belief and who are not easily swayed by external elements that attempt to rival the eminence of Islam.