BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE National Service Programme (PKBN) can shape Brunei’s youth to become a disciplined and visionary generation who love their king, religion, country and elders and who are prepared to lend their support and energy to the community.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah said this yesterday after he witnessed the youth showing their spiritual and physical prowess after almost three months of hard work.

The minister, who went to see how far the current intake had progressed, first joined mass Subuh prayers with the PKBN youth.

Also known as Programme Khidmat Bakti Negara, the present intake totals 76 youths – 58 males and 18 females. They were sworn into the PKBN in August. They will graduate at the end of November.

The minister, who arrived at the Sports Village in Berakas at 5am, was greeted by Permanent Secretary of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar.

After the prayers, the youth sang the national anthem while the Bruneian flag was hoisted.

They then took an oath, pledging their loyalty to their country.

The PKBN youth then took to the field in four groups with each doing different exercises.

Th exercises included hauling logs, synchronised lunges, jumping over hurdles and the main event – “Superman” leaps through a ring of fire.

Speaking to The Brunei Times, the YB Pehin Dato Hj Hazair said the youths’ performance yesterday morning was not merely to because the minister was present.

“The performance is not just for show. This is the youths’ daily routine for almost three months in PKBN,” he said.

The minister congratulated the youth for their confident showing and thanked their coaches for guiding them.

Also present at the event were PKBN Director Colonel (Rtd) Pg Zulkifli Pg Hj Ismail, Komandan Kem Latihan PKBN Mejar (Rtd) Mohammad Dollah.

The Sultanate’s three-month PKBN programme is designed to promote national identity, leadership, entrepreneurship and community service.

The Brunei Times