Photo (C) Infofoto 2012
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddien Waddaulah ibni
Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the
Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in a titah, has asserted
that the Malay Islamic Monarchy, MIB philosophy must not be sidelined
in any form of modernisation being undertaken in the country. This
includes efforts to modernise the Brunei International Airport, which
represents the country's main entry and exit point. In this regard, it
must possess a truly Brunei mould, such as a prominent surau. His
Majesty delivered the titah while attending a meeting of the National
Executive Committee for His Majesty's 66th Birthday celebrations. It
took place at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the capital this morning.
His Majesty underscored that any major celebration must also have a
suitable identity of its own. In this regard, His Majesty expressed
displeasure over matters that are unnecessary and wasteful. His Majesty
noted that the Brunei International Airport is currently undergoing
upgrading and expansion with a better iconic design and structure and
the project is being carried out by a foreign consortium.
"I understand the decision to appoint the consortium was made after
thorough scrutiny by the relevant committee made up of the Brunei
Economic Development Board, BEDB, the Department of Civil Aviation,
Ministry of Communications; and the Ministry of Development, with
consideration of a competitive tender cost, as well as the experience
and capability of the consortium.
It is expected that with the completion of the project at the end of 2014, it will uplift the country into becoming a more competitive logistic hub in this region, as well as capable of contributing more effectively to the tourism, trade, and investment sectors. This is also seen as a benchmark towards the best service and effective operation as well as qualifying to be listed as one of the numerous strategic infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific region."
It is expected that with the completion of the project at the end of 2014, it will uplift the country into becoming a more competitive logistic hub in this region, as well as capable of contributing more effectively to the tourism, trade, and investment sectors. This is also seen as a benchmark towards the best service and effective operation as well as qualifying to be listed as one of the numerous strategic infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific region."
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in
the titah, expressed hope that the Brunei International Airport project
would go smoothly as planned, but without disregarding the Malay Islamic
Monarchy, or MIB philosophy elements.
"For example, in this context, the function of the airport itself
must be looked at as being the main entry and exit point. With
alternative design, it can well be made a building, but what we want
actually is a truly Brunei mould that stands out.
Only in such a way would Brunei as a nation can be said to possess
its own true identity. If the airport were not to have a surau, or if
there would be a surau but it were to be placed at the lower levels or
at the corner's edge, as is the case now and even in the current
expansion plan, it is likely that people would have difficulty in going
there. Where does the landmark or greatness of Brunei then lies?.
In order to perpetuate and encompass the rich Bruneian values, the surau should not be sidelined nor obscured from view, but should be uplifted in a way that it is in plain view and easy to identify, unmistakably as the surau of the Brunei International Airport. When aircraft come to land, passengers can already identify it with its design portraying MIB elements prominently.
If it were just an ordinary room and placed obscurely at corner's edge, who will be able to see it unless one is already inside. For Islam, a surau is viewed to be its symbol, teachings, or mark. Mosques and suraus are indeed among the symbols of islamic teachings. Islam advocates for its teachings to be revealed and portrayed prominently and not concealed. Thus, it is fitting that the airport's surau be prominent. We just have to know how to do it. It is timely to remind that the airport is the main entry and exit point into or from this country, which renders it essential to being given genuine and pure Bruneian designs."
In order to perpetuate and encompass the rich Bruneian values, the surau should not be sidelined nor obscured from view, but should be uplifted in a way that it is in plain view and easy to identify, unmistakably as the surau of the Brunei International Airport. When aircraft come to land, passengers can already identify it with its design portraying MIB elements prominently.
If it were just an ordinary room and placed obscurely at corner's edge, who will be able to see it unless one is already inside. For Islam, a surau is viewed to be its symbol, teachings, or mark. Mosques and suraus are indeed among the symbols of islamic teachings. Islam advocates for its teachings to be revealed and portrayed prominently and not concealed. Thus, it is fitting that the airport's surau be prominent. We just have to know how to do it. It is timely to remind that the airport is the main entry and exit point into or from this country, which renders it essential to being given genuine and pure Bruneian designs."
His Majesty opinioned that any major celebration such as the National
Day must have a landmark of its own. The National Day landmark, for
example, should bear such attributes as an attractive theme, the flying
of flags, as well as mass prayers and thanksgiving ceremonies at mosques
and suraus nationwide.
"Are these not landmarks? Without them the celebration will surely
have no meaning. The same goes for my birthday celebration, which is
also marked by various symbols, only the differences here are that my
portraits are placed at certain places.
Some of these portraits appear to be put up in discriminately without
taking into consideration the suitability of the locations. There are
some which are put up at road junctions with the intention that they can
be seen by passing motorists as though they are advertisement. Why I
say this is because presently there are advertisement put up at the
locations I have mentioned, and when the celebration nears, the
advertisement are duly taken down and replaced by huge portraits of
myself. I have discovered that the trend has occurred over many years,
not just one or two years.
Why are the locations chosen in such a way and why are the portraits that serve as a symbol of celebration made similar to advertisement?. Are there no other more suitable and strategic locations?. I am of the opinion that a celebration's symbol is not an advertisement, not intended to attract buying customers as an advertisement does, but aimed at injecting the spirit of nationhood. Other weakness comes in the form of having numerous of these portraits placed purposely here and there, and are sponsored by various quarters and companies.
But all the portraits are the same. Is this not wasteful? Is the committee not aware of this matter and is any scrutiny carried out prior to the portraits being put up or are they just being left to the sponsors to chose and put up? I am not happy with matters that are not necessary and wasteful. However, I do not wish to comment at length over the matter, because the committee concerned is sufficiently comprehensive with its membership comprising those with positions and important roles in ministries and agencies they represent."
Why are the locations chosen in such a way and why are the portraits that serve as a symbol of celebration made similar to advertisement?. Are there no other more suitable and strategic locations?. I am of the opinion that a celebration's symbol is not an advertisement, not intended to attract buying customers as an advertisement does, but aimed at injecting the spirit of nationhood. Other weakness comes in the form of having numerous of these portraits placed purposely here and there, and are sponsored by various quarters and companies.
But all the portraits are the same. Is this not wasteful? Is the committee not aware of this matter and is any scrutiny carried out prior to the portraits being put up or are they just being left to the sponsors to chose and put up? I am not happy with matters that are not necessary and wasteful. However, I do not wish to comment at length over the matter, because the committee concerned is sufficiently comprehensive with its membership comprising those with positions and important roles in ministries and agencies they represent."
Source: RTB News online, 10th May 2012
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