PPP Ilmu Alim

Policy Management Workshop Focuses On MIB 

Bandar Seri Begawan: Contrary to what many may want to believe, the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy is a "way forward" formula to achieve Brunei Wawasan 2035.

This was what many participants of a Policy Management Workshop agreed to when going through their course programmes during the past two days. It commenced on September 23.

The two-day workshop was organised by Civil Service Institute (IPA) and conducted by PPP Ilmu Alim, a local management consultancy firm. Some 20 senior government officers took time off from their routine duty to partake in the workshop that aims at reinforcing their know-how in policy making process and management.

As a local management consulting firm with vast experience in public administration and policy management, PPP Ilmu Alim went the extra mile in using many good virtues of 'MIB' and 'Zikir Nation' as components in its training development programmes.

"MIB as a national philosophy and our objective to remain as a 'Zikir Nation' is definitely not a hindrance to progress as may be seen by some MIB cynics. It is indeed a way forward in our endeavour to bring the nation and the nation to greater height as envisioned in Brunei Wawasan 2035. 

It is indeed the key to our success.

"This is because MIB is not just an ideology or a philosophy limited to traditional and cultural values but beyond that, it provides practical concept compatible with good governance and good practices in management," stated PPP Ilmu Alim while sharing their experience in assisting IPA reinforcing the positive mind set on MIB concept of a nationhood.

"In this context, it is only appropriate for us to design and provide a training and development programme in Policy Management within the MIB framework. We look at this course as an opportunity to contribute in the campaign in, 'Effecting, Enhancing and Enriching MIB'," added PPP Ilmu Alim.

The workshop took off with participants going through an interactive learning module on the concept and the guiding principles in policy development in Brunei political landscape where MIB and Zikir Nation ideologies are part and parcel of its ecosystems.

During the introductory session, participants had their mindsets refreshed on the national motto of Brunei - 'Always in Service with God's Guidance'. This motto is enshrined in the national emblem of Brunei. The emblem is featured prominently on the flag of Brunei. It was adopted in 1940. They were also given the opportunity to study and understand the elements of mood, and mind settings, the need to have clear direction, objective and (consciousness of) Allah the Almighty as featured in Surah Al-Fatihah, the National Anthem and in our supplication before starting the day's work.

On the first day of the workshop, they also had the opportunity to examine and understand better the process and mechanism in the decision making system of the public administration and governance in the country.

One of the interesting aspects of the workshop module is the Islamic components in risk management, issue management and problem solving.

For example in Islamic teaching the overarching objectives of Islamic jurisprudence is mercy, or the benefit of society. In summary, it could be categorised as the establishment of justice; educating the individual; upholding morality, in public and private; preventing hardship, on individuals and so

ciety; and preventing oppression in the context of preserving of religion, life, intellect, lineage, wealth, needs and comforts of the society.

"It's a very enlightening workshop. For the first time I have the opportunity to recite and analyse the Syair of Brunei Constitution composed by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien. He is indeed a visionary leader. His wisdom as featured in his Syair is very much relevant to our line of work in policy development and management," stated one of the participants.

They agreed that the Syair is rich in excellent tips in good practice in the process of formulating policy and how to handle challenges wisely. It's an excellent MIB management and administration Syair, agreed by many participants.