Brunei Sultan Emphasizes Strong Patriotic Values

The monarch of Brunei Darussalam has emphasized the need for strong patriotic values in the youths. The Sultan acknowledged the fact that youth development is far from easy as it requires strong cooperation from all levels of the society. He emphasized on strong character steeped with patriotic values as 'most essential to the nation because a weak character without any patriotic spirit is like a body without a soul'.

The Sultan stressed this at the passing out parade ceremony for the 8^th intake of the National Service Programme (PKBN) at the PKBN Training Camp in Kampong Batu Apoi, Temburong District. He applauded the PKBN as an excellent example capable of producing excellent and highly disciplined youth with a strong sense of self. The Sultan said religion was also important. "Given this, our nation will not allow the young generation to deviate from religion, but continue to instill Islamic values in their lives on a regular basis, whether at school or other educational institutions. To ensure that youth, particularly those in the PKBN programme, are able to maintain their integrity, then the proffered courses should provide a basis for the strengthening of self esteem, physical endurance and spiritual values."

Brunei, through its PKBN programme, is striving to produce endurance through the empowerment of its youth, for then to be more active, and creative in their respective careers.