HM regrets apathy over Arabic study
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivering a 'titah' during a surprise visit to Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Secondary School for Boys yesterday.Picture: Infofoto
BY WARDI BUNTAR
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - DEVELOPMENT of all religious matters, including religious education must be given full attention as they constitute a big responsibility, said His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's in his titah yesterday.
His Majesty reminded that religious education is an authentic education and that it should not be considered secondary.
"I have mentioned earlier about religious schools. Arabic schools have been around since 1965-1966. It has been almost half a century. There's a need to assess and look into these institutions," said His Majesty.
"In terms of time, it is a considered period. Although, longevity does not necessarily indicate quality," His Majesty said.
For the last 47 years, two institutions — Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Secondary School for Boys and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Girls Arabic School — have been propagating Arabic education. Both schools are situated in the Brunei-Muara District.
His Majesty noted that for 47 years there has not been any news about developing any new building or infrastructure of significance, barring the two schools, though after 25 years (in the year 1990), MahadIslam Brunei was established in Tutong.
"Fortyseven years is not a short time. In the Brunei-Muara District alone, there should have been new Arabic schools other than the two as the demand for Arabic schools is ever increasing," said His Majesty.
His Majesty noted that every year applications in Arabic schools have been increasing and if this continues there would not be enough room to accomodate the applicants in the next decade.
"For example, if the applicants are 1000 and 500 pass in the exam. And if only 200 candidates are accepted, what's wrong in accepting the others who pass," His Majesty asked.
"I really regret in this matter. And it's also regrettable that religious education that has never became compulsory," His Majesty said.
"Every year we limit the entry in Arabic schools because of the shortage of accommodation even though there are thousands of candidates," said His Majesty.
The monarch said that what is needed is not to stagnant but to be in line with the change of time and other developments.
His Majesty felt that this trend would lead to a decrease in Arabic studies students in the country. The monarch also felt that this could probably be due to lack of placements.
His Majesty also stated that the Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Secondary School for Boys was originally equipped with dorm rooms but the rooms had to be turned into classes and still people did not see the need for a new building. "What is there to wait? Should there be a set-up of tents to run classes? he asked.
His Majesty asked whether these issues have ever been voiced over and reported to the ministry."I know, this is an old disease but until now it has not been treated. But until when?" he asked. His Majesty concluded his titah with concern for society. He said: "the issues must be addressed and there should be an effort".
He further remarked that he was unaware of anyone possessing the "Aladin's magic lamp" to construct a building instantly."But this does not mean that immediate steps cannot be thought of — such as identifying temporary buildings while waiting for a permanent building.
-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
