New citizens told to uphold Bruneian identity, image

Swearing allegiance: New citizens of Brunei Darussalam taking an oath of loyalty to the country prior to receiving certificates officiating their citizenship. Picture: Nasroul Hizam
Friday, August 1, 2008
THE Minister of Home Affairs yesterday reminded new citizens to uphold the Bruneian identity and keep Brunei Darussalam's good name and image untarnished as they begin their lives officially as Bruneians.
During the certificate presentation ceremony yesterday for residents of Brunei Darussalam who received certificates of citizenship at the Fire and Rescue Department headquarters at the Old Airport, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Md Yusof said that the oath recited should not be uttered simply as mere words, but should be explored, instilled, fulfilled and executed with commitment and sacrifice for the good of the monarchy and the sovereignty of the country.
One of the ways the new citizens can contribute to the nation's development is to abide by the laws that govern Brunei Darussalam.
He cautioned that the granting of citizenship should not be taken as a means for personal gains, obtaining perks and special treatment, but rather to contribute one's services to the monarch and nation.
According to the minister, obtaining a citizenship requires sacrifice, commitment and high levels of patriotism on top of undivided loyalty while adding to the socio-economic growth of the country.
He urged those present yesterday to adjust themselves to Brunei's daily life and its social culture, supporting the national philosophy of MIB.
Pehin Dato Hj Adanan also emphasised the importance of the Malay language in facing challenges of globalisation and ICT.
As a language can be seen as a symbol of a nation's identity, every other nation in the world holds its national language in high esteem. With it, the nation's unity is maintained.
He thus reminded the new citizens to practice and use the Malay language in their everyday communication with all levels of society, not just to pass the citizenship test.
With the drive towards diversifying the nation's economy, he added that it is everybody's responsibility to support and ensure its success, promoting a variety of sustainable economic activities which will also provide ample employment opportunities to locals.
With their place in communities, Pehin Dato Hj Adanan hoped that they also become actively involved in community-based activities, getting themselves involved in their respective village and mukim consultative councils, youth associations, and non-government organisations to promote closer ties, harmony and prosperity.The Brunei Times
During the certificate presentation ceremony yesterday for residents of Brunei Darussalam who received certificates of citizenship at the Fire and Rescue Department headquarters at the Old Airport, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Md Yusof said that the oath recited should not be uttered simply as mere words, but should be explored, instilled, fulfilled and executed with commitment and sacrifice for the good of the monarchy and the sovereignty of the country.
One of the ways the new citizens can contribute to the nation's development is to abide by the laws that govern Brunei Darussalam.
He cautioned that the granting of citizenship should not be taken as a means for personal gains, obtaining perks and special treatment, but rather to contribute one's services to the monarch and nation.
According to the minister, obtaining a citizenship requires sacrifice, commitment and high levels of patriotism on top of undivided loyalty while adding to the socio-economic growth of the country.
He urged those present yesterday to adjust themselves to Brunei's daily life and its social culture, supporting the national philosophy of MIB.
Pehin Dato Hj Adanan also emphasised the importance of the Malay language in facing challenges of globalisation and ICT.
As a language can be seen as a symbol of a nation's identity, every other nation in the world holds its national language in high esteem. With it, the nation's unity is maintained.
He thus reminded the new citizens to practice and use the Malay language in their everyday communication with all levels of society, not just to pass the citizenship test.
With the drive towards diversifying the nation's economy, he added that it is everybody's responsibility to support and ensure its success, promoting a variety of sustainable economic activities which will also provide ample employment opportunities to locals.
With their place in communities, Pehin Dato Hj Adanan hoped that they also become actively involved in community-based activities, getting themselves involved in their respective village and mukim consultative councils, youth associations, and non-government organisations to promote closer ties, harmony and prosperity.The Brunei Times


