LIMBARUH HIJAU, 19th December 2006: An astonishing discovery was made during an exclusive meet-and-greet session, involving NDP’s Youth Assemblage with the Deputy President of the NDP, when it was revealed that quite a number of the aspiring adolescents that were present possessed outstanding aptitude and potential which could have been harnessed for human resource.

Sdra Mahmud Morshidi Othman came across such a marvel while personally speaking to the youth. To his surprise, he had encountered three gifted musicians, a couple of master of illusions and two others who are competent in air-conditioning maintenance. Unfortunately, none of them are employed.

“What is so heartbreaking to see is that they are jobless, even when they are already blessed with amazing talents and skills. Perhaps if they were to be offered a little assistance and unwavering motivation, they could eventually learn how to survive the ‘real world’ independently, moreover, open up opportunities for the rest of their fellow hopefuls,” stated the Deputy President.

Let us take the young magicians for instance; with unique capabilities such as theirs, they could start off by organizing shows such as making special appearances at particular school occasions, which may in turn, offer them decent exposure, hence, satisfactory income for their efforts.

As for those who are striving in the line of music, it would be an excellent idea to aid them in such a way that they would surface as local professional musicians, furthermore, bloom into the music industry, both nationally and internationally.

Their performance could perhaps be zest up by expressing their loyalty and devotion to the nation as citizens by enlivening their songs with a tad of Bruneian accent.

The membership of the NDP in the Belait District has soared to almost 600 members, thus, it could be estimated that around 1500 air-conditioner units per household.

“However, why are these young people still wandering without a career in life?” questioned sdra Morshidi. “The answer is conceivably because although an abundant portion of the teenage population in this country has resorted to technical and vocational courses, the amenities and attention towards the students provided are perhaps insufficient, in terms of making available a workshop, and other facilities,” he added.

He said if such support is given it would encourage the youth to exert themselves into a livelihood and gain the self-confidence they need. It is here that the coordination of the Government agencies would be called for to take the opportunity to utilize the potential of these youth.

Not only should this proposition refer to the air-conditioning maintenance trainees, yet also to those who are adept in auto body repair, therefore, creating more reasons why they should be paid more attention to by giving them motivation and support till ends meet.

The Deputy President also took pottery-making and batik-making as another example.

He suggested, “How about introducing pottery-making in Brunei, by obtaining ideas from Chinese pot models? It has been more than 600 years anyway since the very first Chinese pots were brought to Brunei.”

The Deputy President eagerly hopes that the younger generations of Brunei would be able to observe and be inspired by the European’s zeal and determination for innovation, specifically the Dutch who have managed to master the art of Chinese pottery. Eventually, they began manufacturing their own Dutch-produced Chinese pottery. ‘Delft’, the renowned brand of these Dutch-made Chinese potteries, went international and became the pride and joy of every home in this world that owned it.

It then overcame the popularity of the original Chinese pottery.

Touching on the subject of batik, sdra Morshidi said that Indonesian-made batik were quite the trend in the Malayan region for about four to five decades.

However, innovative Malaysian batik-manufacturers modernized the Indonesian batik designs, combining them with their own tastes.

As a result, Malaysian-made batik marketed globally, stealing the spotlight away from Indonesia’s own batik.

With skills such as these, Brunei arts, which is lush in its own motives, could be exported, hence, elevating the image of Brunei as a “Glorious and Respectable Country.”

This is clearly an example of how neglected human resource and potential could still be cultivated and used to build a more advantageous life, better, contribute in boosting the country’s economy, and making creativity and talent as a genuine trait of a Bruneian national, either directly or indirectly.

In this case, the Deputy President has ordered to all the NDP officials spanning the nation, particularly those in the Belait District, that they should explore the capabilities of their members and guide them to whatever extent possible.

The steps that are being taken by the government to accomplish progress, which was foremost initiated with the efforts of establishing human resources as in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

On the contrary, the agencies concerned in developing human resources should be more productive and have strong ‘political will’.

Sdra Morshidi stated that, “The concept of the development of human resources is in actual, a process of shaping a beneficial and dutiful person.

Not only would this serve the person himself, but also his society, religion and country.”

“Nevertheless,” said sdra Morshidi, “the youth should be constantly reminded of their own potential that could be further improved.”

He continued, “The NDP will always be by your side and help you in any way possible, making use of your own capabilities to attain your goals in life.

‘Even the weeds on the brink of the road have their purpose, which, most importantly, is to prevent the road from eroding’, in which it is also yours…”

The Deputy President urged NDP leaders to cooperate with the Government agencies and to never keep their distance.

“NDP has the mission to assist the government in handling and attempting to eliminate issues on unemployment, poverty and other social problems that are faced by a number of communities in the society.

From this political platform we will reach out to them and discuss with them appropriately and sincerely.”

The Deputy President is certain that the Government will welcome NDP pure intentions to help realize His Majesty’s objectives in leading the nation into a redundancy-free, peaceful and ever-so prosperous subjects and country.

With the combination of human and intellectual resources, as well as ‘political will’, furthermore, with the will of Allah SWT, it is not impossible to develop small industries and reduce the load off the Government due to redundancy, poverty, and with the blessing of Allah SWT, provide virtuous activities to eradicate loiterers among the youth.