Brunei - His Majesty says peace key to development, stability

PEACE is priceless, stated His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night in his New Year titah.

The monarch also cautioned against overspending and incurring huge debts at all levels, and stated that the 10th National Development Plan to be implemented on April 1 this year will hopefully strengthen economic diversification efforts to further boost the economy and create more job opportunities.

"Development means nothing without peace," the monarch emphasised, explaining that development projects can stall or fail if there is no peace in the country.

It is the duty of every person in this country to ensure that peace is maintained, he added. "We should not just be grateful for peace; peace has to be protected."

His Majesty urged citizens and residents of the Sultanate to "count our blessings and give thanks for Allah's (SWT) mercy by giving us long life and peace".

"As we enter the new year, we should be determined to overcome our weaknesses, as well as preparing ourselves for whatever challenges that will come our way," he said.

In his titah, His Majesty highlighted the uncertain economic and financial situation faced by the global community due to huge debts incurred by developed countries. It was shocking news, the monarch said, and cautioned that these large debts do not only affect a country's growth, but the global economy as a whole.

"Because of this, I will never tire of reminding everyone that we must multiply our efforts in diversifying the economy," he said.

"In 2012, insyaAllah, we will strengthen our efforts towards this end, through the 10th National Development Plan (NDP 10) which will begin on April 1, 2012," His Majesty announced.

One of its focuses will be on creating a conducive business environment to boost growth in the private sector, the monarch said.

"Therefore, I hope, we will be more committed to implementing various initiatives and projects under this NDP, especially in providing service to the people."

"We have to carry this responsibility in earnest. As we make great strides in key sectors, we will be able to maintain a prosperous lifestyle with Allah's (SWT) blessings."

However, the monarch also cautioned his government and the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam against overspending and emphasised that the key to stability and prosperity is in being prudent, which is essential for the country's economic survival.

"Spending beyond our means can lead to tragic outcomes," His Majesty said.

Therefore, there is no other way but to control and prevent any form of waste, including government facilities such as subsidies, especially energy, he stated.

The monarch also reminded the people of the new electricity tariff which will be implemented today. "We must support this initiative as it is a method of controlling energy waste," he said.

Energy conservation will directly reduce the usage of domestic or local oil and gas, which will also allow more exports and downstream industries, for increasing national revenue and boosting employment opportunities, His Majesty stated.

"From the social aspect, my government will continue to focus on development programmes such as housing, health and food safety," he said.

The monarch said he was very concerned "about the rise in non-infectious diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, cancer and heart ailments".

"Lately, research has shown that there is a rise in obesity in this country that is very worrying. This is a sign of a lifestyle that is not balanced," His Majesty said.

"Let us strive to be more disciplined in taking care of our health, especially in choosing nutritious food, steering clear of smoking and make efforts to exercise more," the monarch added

One way of achieving a healthier society is to start from young. "As a way to build self-discipline and as a part of the educational process, my government has approved the National Service Programme for youths," the Sultan said.

This programme will begin in stages, His Majesty stated, "from a small scale, so that we want its progress to be more systematic".

"In the international arena, I am happy that our country will be hosting the ASEAN Summit in 2013. Therefore, in this year of 2012, we must ensure that we make early preparations to make this important event a success."

Finally, I would to record my utmost appreciation and gratitude to all of the officers and civil employees, the defence bodies and those that work in the private sector for all their efforts in discharging their responsibilities.

"My family and I would like to wish A Happy New Year 2012 to all the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam, in the hopes that our country will continue to be blessed and will remain under the protection of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala. Amin."

The Brunei Times

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