A National Youth Programme or ‘Hikmat Bakti Belia Negara’ Programme (PKBN) is now under proposal by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as an answer to a suggestion for “National Service” but has yet to receive backing or approval from His Majesty’s Government.
Targeting youths aged from of 16 to 18, PKBN is not a national service as suggested by a recent prime forum, nevertheless the proposed character-building program filled with physical training and community service, aims to create well-rounded youths who have a high sense of nationalism, self-discipline and patriotism.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat, during a Legislative Council (Legco) Meeting, said it is not a national service. He was answering a question from a Member of the Representative at the Legislative Council, YB Orang Kaya Bijaya Awg Hj Othman Uking who asked whether the suggestion of a “National Service” is being considered by the government.

He also asked the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports earlier if any activities were being planned or put in place to enhance youth development and to overcome the issue of loitering.

YB OKB Awg Hj Othman in his question to the minister, said “Members of the panel during a prime forum earlier this year stressed on the need of religious education and the need to instill good self-identity among youths in the country”. The forum, which was aired ‘live’ in January 2010, touched on “Youths loitering at shopping complex”, raising the need for “National Service”.

Speaking on the PKBN programme, the minister however did not elaborate on whether the National Youth Service Program will be implemented as the proposal is still awaiting government endorsement.

“PKBN aims to create excellent Brunei youth in line with the policy objective of increasing patriotic spirit,” he said.

YB Pehin Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat stated that PKBN has been suggested to include components like: development of self-identity, discipline building, physical training, community service or societal work but without involving military aspects (no weapon training); more towards building self-esteem or self-identity, self-determination, good behaviour or morality in line with the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).

The proposal targets the age group in Secondary 5 or Year 11, those who have completed the O-Level examination, between 16-18 years of age.

The minister said training will take up three months. Participants must have approval from their guardian or school.

However, before the program can be implemented, YB Pehin Dato Seri Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad said, several aspects must be in place.

The minister explained that a PKBN Act must first exist (enacted), followed by proper infrastructure; administrative aspect including a budget.

However, there are other programs currently undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports that resemble the PKBN programme such as the “Program Belia Bertuah”, “Program Kemas”, “Program Belia Active” and “Program Belia Cinta Tanah Ayer”.

As an example, the minister explained that the ‘Program Belia Bertuah” is a program run in conjunction with National Day, to enhance nationalism by incorporating positive values like community living, religious education and teamwork.

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