Tutong, Brunei - Sekolah Menengah PAP Hjh Rashidah emerged winner in the male category of the 17th Dikir Dabaie Competition for secondary schools and colleges, held yesterday, while Sekolah Menengah PDSM Menteri bagged the first prize in the female category.
The guest of honour, Deputy Ministry of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Perkerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah, in his speech, said that the competition`s role is not relegated to just seeking out and showcasing students talent in dikir, but also as a medium to preserve and uphold Brunei Darussalam`s national heritage.
He said that Brunei is a rapidly developing nation and in facing the era of globalisation as well as the explosion of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Bruneians should not neglect the national identity linked with philosophies of good morals and staying firm to the teachings of Islam.
He also quoted a titah by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the Youth Day celebration last year, where His Majesty,` said that youths, as movers of the nation`s development should not project an attitude or image which goes against the national identity of which the religion being the main characteristic.
`The students` level of excellence should not be solely measure by intellectual merits but also through developments in their morals and personality based on our philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja, MIB," said the deputy minister.
In emphasising how school institutions are front-runners in moulding students into sound adults through education in the classrooms and also extra-curricular activities, Pehin Dato Hazair said that "we are lucky that from the beginning, our education policies have always stressed on giving a balance education in terms of the mind, intellect, mental and physical development in uncovering students maximum potential.
Competition like this, said the deputy minister, could help in cultivating an attitude to work hard and spirit of cooperation among students as well as nurture the Islamic values in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Five teams in each category battled it out in the religious contest finals yesterday.
Judging was based on memorisation and fluency of lyrics, song technique, rhythm and voice.
Source: www.brudirect.com (31 Oktober 2007)
