Student leaders to set example for peers

EXPECTATIONS are riding high on the current batch of student leaders from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (Uni ssa), who are counted upon to take the lead in the university's progress academically and in terms of extra-curricular activities.

Speaking to members of Unissa new student representative council (MPP), the Deputy Minister of Education and Rector of Unissa, Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abd Rahman also said that they are to provide the link between the students and university administrators and teaching staff, as well as the general public.

He also took the time to share with six male and four female undergraduates of Uni ssa the characteristics of excellent leaders, during the launch of their three-day leadership course at the Chancellor Hall yesterday.

Pg Dato Dr Hj Mohammad told them that they are metaphorically older brothers and sisters who have the responsibility to guide their younger siblings. "Therefore there is a need to be responsible, fair, motivating and inspiring," he said. "Successful sisters or brothers will drive the younger siblings to do so."

Those who perform well academically and has the ability to lead an association such as those available in universities, "will put them in a better position and give them a better chance when entering work," he added.

Pg Dato Dr Hj Mohammad said that there was no need to search high and low for an exemplary leader as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is easily the best possible role model. He then pointed out seven distinct characteristics that would ensure the blooming of future respected leaders.

One who thinks is already a step closer, according to the deputy minister. He pointed out how Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not think of ways to get rich but instead how to fulfil his obligations to Allah SWT to the best of his abilities and to bring his followers to happiness. "A thinker is someone who has his own ideas and is also ready to accept other people's," he said. Having the skills to communicate thoughts and views clearly to others is also crucial. Such skills can be honed through formal and informal practice such as participating in debates, lectures and forums.

Courage is the third factor, said the rector, who pointed out that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a courageous leader who was not only brave enough to lead the society but also to jump into the fray as a warrior. A leader will be faced with numerous challenges and risks, alongside praise.

He also highlighted the recent national Aidil Adha celebrations where His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam mentioned during his titah the concept of a 'zikir nation'.

Zikir, which does not only cover tahlil, tasbih, tahmid and takbir but also includes salawat, prayers, reciting and memorising the al-Quran, can help to conquer troubling and frightening situations.

As a fourth point, the deputy minister said that there is no leader who is uneducated.

He advised the MPP members that they cannot afford to neglect their studies and also highlighted the importance of reading. "Reading is the brain's vitamins," he said.

One's moral values are a major factor in deciding one's place in society and determine's the level of leadership. Good morals come from someone who is patient, honest, sincere and friendly. "The public will then lose trust in someone who displays negative values," Pg Dato Dr Hj Mohammad said.

As potential future religious leaders, students of Unissa are automatically responsible for spreading the faith, which was his sixth point.

Lastly, having a neat, active, clean, cheerful and efficient image can also help.

Alternatively, if someone appears to be disorganised, dirty and sulky, it does not project an image of good leadership. "How can you manage others if you can't even manage yourself?" The Brunei Times