A seminar on Royal Customs and Traditions based on Islam opened yesterday at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas. The seminar is organised by the Department of Customs and Traditions.

Two papers were presented during the first of the two-day seminar, which carries the theme 'Menanai Adat Istiadat Di Raja Bersendi Islam' or 'Preserving the Royal Customs and Traditions based on Islam.'

Former Brunei chief minister YAM Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran (Dr) Haji Mohd Yusof bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim started the seminar with the main paper entitled 'Adat Istiadat Di Raja Untuk Ketahanan Bangsa' or 'Royal Customs and Traditions to Sustain the Nation.'

In his paper, Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran (Dr) Haji Mohd Yusof otherwise known as Yura Halim spoke in great detail on various aspects of the royal customs and traditions in Brunei, which he said is unique from other nations in the world.

The foundation of the royal customs and traditions is the loyalty shown to the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam by his subjects.

Before concluding his paper, the composer of the Brunei national anthem also outlined several recommendations in preserving the royal customs and traditions, which among others include a representative for every tribe in Brunei being awarded a title so as to show the strength of the tribe.

Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Dr Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Umar, the head of history centre, delivered the last paper at the seminar.

The paper entitled 'Adat Istiadat Di Raja Brunei: Cerucuk Pembinaan Bangsa' or 'Royal Customs and Traditions in Brunei as a Pillar of Nation Building' touched on the importance of preserving the royal customs and traditions as it makes Brunei unique as a nation.

Ministers, top officials and personnel from the various ministries and the departments under it, personnel from the private sector as well as students made up part of the attendees at the seminar. - Borneo Bulletin (1st Apr 2009)