Thanks to Allah, the Almighty, for His Blessings which have enabled us to perform this ceremony in a fine and orderly manner.
To begin, let me express my appreciation to those who have sent congratulatory messages. My thanks also goes those re today, especially my special guests from overseas.
My appreciation is also extended to the civil service, the security forces, the private sector and those from all strata of society, be they from the districts, towns or villages.
Praise be to Allah, for Brunei has been fated to be become a country that is prosperous and peaceful, able to enjoy a high standard of living in the midst of challenging developments throughout the world.
No other satisfaction equates in meaning to the maintenance of prosperity and peace.
Thus it is important that we take steps to ensure that these two elements are upheld effectively. Among the most essential tasks is to ensure that the resources of oil and gas can continue to be enjoyed by our rakyat (citizens).
Along with that, an open attitude towards the diversification of our economy is also important when it comes to ensuring the country’s survival, and this includes an effort to increase foreign direct investment as well as that active implementation of a more eco-friendly policy.
It is not appropriate for us to remain complacent, because we are accustomed to importing everything, including fruit and vegetables.
These commodities can be cultivated in our own land.
Not being self-sufficient is incompatible with the characteristic of a developed country, hence it must overcome.
We must strive to improve and stem the perception that our current resources are adequate.
We should not be complacent when facing uncertain situations.
We do not know, with regard to balancing our oil resources with the Government investment, precisely how long it can be last.
In the year 2005 alone, the Government spent $166 million in the form of oil subsidies for motorists.
We must plan further, and that includes acquiring productive and professional human resources.
In this connection, it is important for the government administrative machinery to undertake comprehensive planning that produces good result.
For that reason, the Civil Service is required to play a role that will facilitate development, and this includes the implementation of related policies. Sluggishness in our implementation processes should be reviewed and rectified immediately.
Coordination should also be evaluated and enhanced from time to time. The well being of our nation responsibility.
For that reasons, my Government will be obliged in the future to take into account the cost of living and the economic situation.
For example, medical and education services have long been provided free of charge, and the Government will continue to provide these services, even though the expense is high and will continue to rise.
My Government, praise to Allah, is still able to finance all subsidies and essential services, as well as develop the nation, without further burdening the rakyat (citizen).
With firm conviction, my Government will continue strengthening fiscal consolidation though prudent financial management so that the welfare that we currently enjoy will be sustainable, with the blessings to Allah. I am thankful to Allah because the Government revenue of late has been encouraging and our situation has strengthened.
Therefore, as a sign of appreciation for the contribution of personnel from my Government, especially those in the junior categories, I am pleased to announce an increase in salary for this year.
Details of the increase in monthly income will be made available later, through a circular from the Prime Minister’s Office. For staff in Divisions IV and V, cost of living allowances will also be increased.
For daily paid staff, I wish to announce that salaries and annual increments will be realigned to revised scales.
I hope that the increase in income that will be received by Government officials and staff will be used wisely, including financial planning for their future requirement.
To all business people, I suggest that they should not view this as an opportunity to increase the prices of their goods.
My other aspiration is to see this country continue to be safe and peaceful. Security and peace are the pillars holding us safe.
Thus, all level of rakyat, the people of this country, should cooperate in our effort o maintain security and peace. It should be noted that security encompasses all aspects of our life.
It does not only mean protection from crimes, but also maintaining a sanctuary that improves social well-being, a guarantee of employment, health and family life, as well as ensuring the well-being of society in general.
I am confident that, alongside our spirit to maintain security, we will invariably remain law-abiding, believers in unity and harmonious living, so that security and peace are naturally upheld.
This is our primary task, and our major contribution to the nation and to the rakyat, as well as to all humanity.
We do not want to share the agony experienced by those who have lost their sense of security and peace.
Examples are aplenty, seen now various part of the world. Since achieving complete independence in 1984, this country of ours has become a member of several regional and international organizations.
Through these groupings, we are able to be work together with other nations. As a participant, we also desire a region and a world that is stable, whether in politics, security or the economy.
We believe that this objective, with the blessing of Allah, can be realized while these organisations continue to be strong in their aspirations.
In perfecting our efforts to address global challenges, we should prepare ourselves with appropriate skills if we are to compete with others in every aspect.
Competition can only exist when we have acquired the skills that will motivate us to generate creative thinking and succeed.
This is the way for us to become a nation that is progressive and able to compete.
It is important to emphasise that every step forward will not happen unless Allah the Almighty wills it.
We should not forget the importance of the “reality of history’ although many have forgotten about it.
But for Brunei, we should not forget about it. Let’s learn from it. Because history is a teacher that never tells lies.
Finally, I once again wish to express my sincere appreciation and thankfulness to all members of the national and district level Celebration Committee for working hard to make this event a happy occasion for everyone.
Let us hope that we are in joyous and peaceful state always, under the blessing and protection of Allah.
Wabillahit Taufeq Walhidayah, Wassalamu’Alaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarkatuh. |
