Brunei Darussalam High standard of living and proud culture 19.12.20

What is separated by space is united by faith. Indeed, the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is made up of two unconnected territories. But the Bruneians are linked by the invisible forces of culture, tradition and religion. For more than 500 years, the Malay Islamic monarchy has shaped social life in Brunei, with the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah at its centre. You will learn more about the "Abode of Peace" in an interview with the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam H.E. Pengiran Hajah Krtini Pengiran Haji Tahir.
 

Bahrin Yusof

The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan

DM: Excellency, Bruneians are proud to have centuries of roy-al heritage and to be the only remaining Malay Islamic Mon-archy in the world. What can you tell the readers about the characteristics of this unique form of Government?
H.E. Pengiran Hajah Krtini Pengiran Haji Tahir: Yes, Bruneians are very proud of our heritage which we inherited from the time of our ancestors. This heritage has also shaped our lives in Brunei Darussalam since more than 500 years ago, based on the concept and philosophy of our country, that is, Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). MIB or the Malay Islamic Monarchy is a unique concept which is part of Brunei Darussalam’s identity. The MIB philosophy combines traditional Malay culture with the teachings of Islam, loyalty to the country, and mutual respect between the Sultan and the people.

“As a small nation, the government of his majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam has taken great strides in ensuring the country remains peaceful and prosperous”

     As Bruneians, we are very proud to be under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, who is not only our Head of State but Head of Government as well. The interests and well-being of the people are a priority in His Majesty’s administration, which governs our country fairly and democratically based on the principles of Islam. In carrying out his duties as a working Monarch, His Majesty often visits the four districts of Brunei Darussalam, interacting with the general public including through prayer and sports, as well as, conversing with and listening to the peoples’ concerns and hopes for the future of the country.
     As the national religion of Brunei Darussalam, Islamic principles and values based on the teachings of the Qur’an and on the beliefs of the Ahlil Sunnah Wal-Jamaah, guide our everyday way of life including in our systems of management and administration. Tolerance, acceptance and mutual respect for one another are taught to our youths through MIB studies in schools. At the same time, our cultural Malay heritage is also an important part of our historical identity. This is evident in the language we speak – Bahasa Melayu, our attire, and the traditions we uphold.
     These principles and values of MIB are upheld by both the Government and people and are part of what makes Brunei Darussalam unique and contribute to it being an “Abode of Peace”.
 

DM: What’s the story behind the flag of Brunei Darussalam?
H.E. Pengiran Hajah Krtini Pengiran Haji Tahir: The national flag was introduced in 1906, as a plain yellow flag with black and white parallelograms cut across. On 29 September 1959, together with the promulgation of the Brunei Constitution, the national flag with the National Crest superimposed in the centre, was officially adopted.
     The National Crest is made up of a mast and pedestal which represents the three levels of Government; the flag and umbrella are based on ancient Royal Regalia; the wings symbolise the protection of justice, tranquillity, peace and pros-perity; the hands signify the Government’s pledge to promote welfare, peace and prosperity and the crescent is the symbol of Islam. The characters inscribed on the crescent is the national slogan which means “Always in Service with God’s Guidance” and the text on the scroll beneath the Crest reads “Brunei Darussalam”.
 

DM: In the 2018 ranking according to the HDI, Brunei is in 43rdplace out of 189 countries evaluated and thus in the highest evaluation group “very high human development”. How would you explain this enviable position?
H.E. Pengiran Hajah Krtini Pengiran Haji Tahir: As a small nation, the Government of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam has taken great strides in ensuring the country remains peaceful and prosperous. In 2007, His Majesty the Sultan consented to the establishment of a vision for the country called “Wawasan Brunei 2035”. The aim is for Brunei Darussalam to be recognised for its three goals, namely its highly educated, skilled and accomplished people; high quality of life and its dynamic and sustainable economy.
     The progress of Vision 2035 is monitored through a number of National Key Performance Indicators (NKPI), giving an overview of the overall achievement. These achieve-ments include having first class education; equal educational opportunities; sustainable development; low unemployment; macroeconomic stability; and a resilient and cohesive society, among others.
     An example of the efforts undertaken by the Government of Brunei Darussalam can be seen in our education system. Over the years we have invested heavily in educational infrastructure including having highly qualified academics and creating international standard education curriculums. Furthermore, access to educational institutions are provided free of charge from primary to tertiary level. Scholarships and student loans (without interest) to study abroad are also provided by the Government.
     Overall, I believe our efforts in achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 has contributed to our current position in the HDI and we will continue to work towards our goals for the betterment of our people.
 

DM: If travelling is safe again at some point in the future, which sights in your country are definitely worth seeing?
H.E. Pengiran Hajah Krtini Pengiran Haji Tahir: Brunei Darussalam offers many places of interest and boasts a colourful exhibition of fascinating customs and rich nature, with a contemplative respect for religion as well as reverence for its ancient sovereignty.
     It is a paradise for wildlife, tropical forests and unique coral reefs. With an area 32,000 hectares of forest reserve and 50,000 hectares allocated for national parks, I can proudly say that Brunei Darussalam is home to one of the best and diverse ecosystems. In particular, at the Ulu Temburong National Park, tourists can enjoy the panoramic views and explore the uniqueness of the tropical rainforest as well as other adventures.
     For those who love the water, Brunei Darussalam is also one of the popular destinations for diving activities and is famous for some of the best macro diving and wreck diving experiences. Our coral reefs are mostly pure and untouched, and our national waters have more than 60 native dive sites including 30 shipwrecks, beautiful clam reefs and unique and rare marine life.
 

Interview: Enrico Blasnik