On the occasion of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 65th birthday celebrations, the Bulletin yesterday spoke to a handful of citizens who expressed their opinions in response to the monarch’s ‘titah.’

Mohamad Fauzi, a Maths teacher from Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar Secondary School, particularly supported the monarch’s titah on energy research.

Mohamad Fauzi, who come August will be undergoing a postgraduate degree in Energy Studies, is of the belief that Brunei has the potential for alternative energy. Referring to the official opening of the Tenaga Suria Brunei (TSB) demonstration plant recently, he said, “We should also look into another alternative, like wind energy, as Brunei is located along the coastline.

“It is obvious that Brunei is currently trying to progress towards renewable energy, particularly, solar energy, as we can see more road signs and traffic warning lights incorporated with solar panels along the highway.

“Maybe the government could take another step and do a research on the efficiency of solar panels atop government buildings, shopping complexes and private residences. It may not be sufficient enough to cover all energy consumption due to the limited surface area for the panels, but it may be feasible as a backup energy source or for smaller energy consumption.

“An in-depth research would be a good idea to find out its feasibility and long-term costs,” he explained.

Meanwhile, in response to His Majesty’s ‘titah’ on tackling overdue electricity bills, Sabariah Hj Kifli, 52, who recently received the key to a terrace house under the government-housing scheme, said, it is a very good way of teaching the citizens a lesson.

“Many of the locals seem unappreciative of His Majesty’s generosity. They still fail to pay their dues despite the many benefits and subsidies awarded to them.

“The government can actually construct a building or two with the millions of dollars owed to them but His Majesty has found a way to tackle the issue without having to penalise those people – instead introduce a scheme whereby it will teach or train the citizens to budget and spend within their means.

“With the incorporation of pre-paid electricity meters at private residential houses, people will slowly learn to budget and consume an affordable amount of electricity parallel to their financial resources,” she added.

Never passing up on the chance to meet the benevolent ruler, Sabariah said this year was the best in terms of decorations and preparations.

Thanks to the Belait District Officer, the layouts were more organised and the performance stage now has a roof.

“Before this, it was just a platform and performers were exposed to the heat and rain.”

At the ceremony with Sabariah was Hajah Rabiah Ahmad, a relative who expressed her gratitude towards the ruler’s generosity, particularly with regard to the scholarship scheme, that could benefit the next generation as the O’ and A’ Levels dropouts are often edged out in the competition for higher education.

Similarly, Malai Hassan Othman, Deputy President of the National Development Party said, “Prosperity and progress has to come from the people. The government can only do so much in policy making but at the end of the day, we (the people) have to play the role.”

His Majesty highlighted the concern of the people, he said, explaining, “In this rapid development, you can see certain sectors of the community (especially the youth) are being left behind.”

He was referring to the O’ and A’ Levels dropouts and underachievers who were not given the chance to continue their further studies, hence, becoming unemployed.

“I think His Majesty has given a good signal to address this issue,” he added.