Leadership Is Not a Privilege, But a Trust

☕ KopiTalk with MHO

Ad-dāʾimūna al-muḥsinūna bi-l-hudā 

Always render service with God’s guidance.

I remembered a time early in my career when I was asked to lead a small team despite feeling unready. That moment taught me what this verse truly meant - leadership is not a right. It’s a trust - an amanah.

Sometimes, the most powerful reminders find us when we least expect them.

I was flipping through the Qur’an one evening — not looking for anything in particular — when my eyes caught a small hadith printed quietly in the footnote. 

A short passage, but one that hit harder than many leadership seminars or best-selling management books I’ve come across.

“Barang siapa yang diamanahkan sebahagian urusan kaum Muslimin oleh Allah, kemudian ia menghindari, tidak mahu berbuat kebaikan untuk mereka, dan menutup diri daripada melayani keperluan mereka, maka Allah pun akan menutup diri darinya dan tidak akan melayani segala keperluannya.”
(Riwayat Abu Daud dan At-Tirmizi)

It stopped me cold.

This was no ordinary reminder — it was a message from Rasulullah ﷺ to every person entrusted with authority, power, or responsibility. 

It cuts straight through time to remind us: leadership is not about privilege; it is about service.

When Power Becomes a Wall

History records that when Muawiyah heard this hadith, he immediately appointed someone to ensure the needs of the people were met. 

That act of humility tells us everything we need to know about genuine leadership.

A true leader listens.

A true leader serves.

A true leader doesn’t build walls — he builds bridges.

Even in Brunei, we see this principle reflected in our national ethos — that power is a trust, not an entitlement. 

Whether in government offices, corporate boards, or community organisations, amanah remains the moral compass that keeps leadership accountable.

Today, some people in positions of authority — whether in government, corporate offices, or even community circles — may unconsciously distance themselves from those they are meant to serve. 

They become unreachable, hidden behind layers of formality or bureaucracy.

But this hadith reminds us that when we close our doors to the people, Allah may close His door to us. That’s not just a spiritual statement — it’s a principle of leadership accountability.

To Lead Is to Serve

In Islam, leadership is not about prestige or control. It’s about amanah — a sacred trust. Every role, every decision, every responsibility we hold is a form of ibadah (worship).

This message applies not only to politicians and executives but also to parents, teachers, entrepreneurs, and community organisers. 

Every one of us is entrusted with something — people, projects, or purpose — and we will be held accountable for how we serve them.

So, if you’ve been given responsibility, don’t ghost your people. Don’t lead from afar. 

Don’t make your position a shield. Leadership is about presence, empathy, and sincerity — not power.

Amanah in the Age of Hashtags

In our hyperconnected world, where “leadership” often looks like influencer culture — polished quotes, motivational reels, and corporate jargon — this hadith brings us back to what truly matters.

True leadership doesn’t need a spotlight. It needs sincerity.

It’s not about the followers you have, but the lives you touch.

It’s not about going viral — it’s about being accountable.

Gen X built the systems we work in.

Gen Y questions how those systems can be better.

Gen Z demands that leadership be human again.

And this hadith, spoken over 1,400 years ago, already gave us the blueprint.

Closing Reflection ☕

Leadership is not about being admired — it’s about being answerable.

It’s not about authority — it’s about responsibility.

When leaders serve sincerely, communities thrive.

When they turn away, society suffers.

May every leader, young and old, remember this:

When you serve the people, you serve Allah.

And when you close your heart to others, you close your path to Him.

🟫 KopiTalk with MHO – Reflections for the Mind and Soul

💬 “Leadership is not about being followed. It’s about being accountable — to the people, and to Allah.”

And when that trust is upheld with sincerity, barakah follows — in peace, in harmony, and in the hearts of those we serve.

☕ KopiTalk with MHO — Reflections on Leadership, Faith, and Service.

Rediscovering the Spirit of Service

 

☕ KopiTalk with MHO | MIB Management 101

A new series of reflections on leadership, sincerity, and service through the lens of Melayu Islam Beraja.

Inspired by Brunei’s national motto:
Ad-dāʾimūna al-muḥsinūna bi-l-hudā — “Always render service with God’s guidance.”

Just lessons from life, faith, and experience — shared over a cup of coffee.
Not theories. Not textbooks.

Episode 1 — Rediscovering the Spirit of Service

Ad-dāʾimūna al-muḥsinūna bi-l-hudā - 

Always render service with God’s guidance.

Have you ever reached the top of your to-do list and still felt … empty?  

That was me - early in my career, running fast but not sure where my steps were leading.

I read everything that promised success:  

Edward de Bono’s Lateral Thinking, Peter Drucker’s Managing for Results, Zig Ziglar’s What I Learned on the Way to the Top, and Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich.  

Each one sharpened my thinking, but none spoke to the heart.

Then I found a local treasure - Professor Dato Dr Haji Mahmud Saedon Awang Othman’s Ciri-Ciri Pentadbiran Islam.

That book didn’t talk about profit or power. 

It talked about amanah - trust, and ihsan - excellence through faith. 

It reminded me that leadership begins with the soul.

When the Taxman Draws the Line at B$50,000

The Luxury We All Paid For

Someone asked me why the government is tightening tax rules when daily costs are already high.

I looked into it — and found that sometimes, what feels like a burden is actually a correction.

Because fairness isn’t about who drives what — it’s about who does the right thing when nobody’s watching.

A quiet rule in Brunei’s taxation system — the one that caps car deductions at B$50,000 — may sound technical, but it tells a deeper story about fairness, responsibility, and shared sacrifice.

Read my latest KopiTalk reflection on how small policy shifts can reveal big truths about who we are as a nation — and who really pays for comfort.

🔗 Read here: When the Taxman Draws the Line at B$50,000

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO
 
“Did you know? All this time, we might have been subsidising someone else’s luxury.”
 
Every time a company writes off the fuel, insurance, and servicing of an expensive car as “business expenses,” part of that cost quietly escapes taxation. 
 
When those taxes aren’t paid, the government collects less revenue. This shortfall, though invisible, contributes to Brunei’s ongoing budget deficit — the widening gap between what the nation earns and what it spends to sustain public services and subsidies. 
 
Over time, such leakages drain millions that could have bolstered our fiscal position. Less tax collected means fewer resources for schools, clinics, infrastructure, and job creation — while ordinary citizens and honest businesses end up subsidising someone else’s luxury.
 
This story didn’t begin in an office or a policy paper. It started with a message from someone I know — frustrated, confused, and a bit angry.
 
“Assalam bos… Apa g ni?!! TDE... Mcm-mcm saja mun bnr. Kawal dulu kenaikkan barang harian… dan gaji penjawat awam... Transport awam pun kurang.”
 
He had come across a copy of the new tax clarification and sent it to me, puzzled that while prices were rising and wages remained stagnant, the government seemed to be tightening deductions instead of subsidies. His friend told him, “Refer to you, boss.”
 
That moment made me pause. If even ordinary, educated Bruneians were struggling to understand why this rule mattered, perhaps it was worth looking deeper — not to defend or attack it, but to explain it. 
 
Because sometimes, behind a policy that seems unpopular, lies a story about fairness that few have taken the time to tell.
 
So I began to dig deeper. What exactly was this “tax rule” everyone was discussing, and why did it stir so much frustration? 
 
Was it truly another burden on the people, or something else altogether? The more I read, the clearer it became that this wasn’t about raising taxes — it was about closing a quiet leak that had been siphoning public revenue for years.
 
That’s when I realised the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE) wasn’t introducing a new tax; it was reaffirming an existing rule under Section 11(1A) of the Income Tax Act (Cap. 35). 
 
If a company’s car costs more than B$50,000, it cannot claim the full running expenses for tax deduction. The deductible amount must be reduced in the same proportion as if the car cost only B$50,000 — the threshold of reasonableness. 
 
Suppose a company buys a B$60,000 car and spends B$1,300 a year on fuel, insurance, and repairs. Under this rule, it can only claim (50,000 ÷ 60,000) × 1,300 = B$1,083.33. The remaining B$216.67 — the “luxury portion” — is no longer tax-deductible. In short, drive what you wish, but don’t expect taxpayers to help pay for it.
 
Some might dismiss this as just another bureaucratic measure, but it’s far more than that. 
 
It’s a small but powerful act of fairness. For years, some companies registered luxury vehicles under their business names to enjoy personal perks disguised as corporate costs. 
 
MOFE’s Public Ruling PR 02/2017 already clarified that all business deductions must be “wholly and exclusively incurred in the production of income.” 
 
That phrase places the burden of proof on the taxpayer — meaning you must demonstrate that the expense is genuinely for business, not for prestige or personal comfort. The new enforcement simply draws a visible line between necessity and indulgence.
 
By capping deductions at B$50,000, the government ensures that honest small businesses using standard vehicles stand on equal footing with larger firms running luxury fleets. It keeps the system fair and accountable. 
 
Honest SMEs still receive their full deduction, while the state protects public revenue and reinforces the discipline of good governance.
 
Even for large corporations, it serves as a timely reminder that corporate social responsibility begins not with CSR campaigns, but with responsible taxation.
 
“I drive a second-hand Hilux and still pay my full tax,” said one small contractor half-jokingly. “Maybe fairness isn’t about who drives what — it’s about who does the right thing when nobody’s watching.”
 
To understand the real impact, consider a simple scenario. If 1,000 businesses each claimed an average of B$30,000 in excessive vehicle expenses, that amounts to B$30 million in unjustified write-offs. 
 
At Brunei’s corporate tax rate of 18.5 per cent, that translates to roughly B$5.5 million in lost revenue every year. 
 
Over a decade, that could reach B$55 million — money that could have built homes, upgraded hospitals, or funded youth development programs. And that’s just from one type of loophole. Add in others — businesses operating under multiple small licenses to avoid corporate registration, under-declared income, and “company assets” that double as personal property — and the total loss to the treasury could be many times higher. 
Every dollar lost through creative accounting widens the deficit, weakens our fiscal resilience, and delays the reforms needed for Brunei’s economic sustainability.
 
But this isn’t just about accounting — it’s about integrity. Good governance doesn’t always come through sweeping reforms or grand policies. It often starts with quiet, sensible corrections like this one. 
 
Drawing a line at B$50,000 sends a message that transparency matters, that luxury shouldn’t hide behind necessity, and that accountability starts with small habits. 
 
When business owners understand that fair play in taxation strengthens the entire economy, they stop viewing compliance as a burden and start seeing it as nation-building.
 
In a just society, success isn’t measured by what one can evade but by what one contributes back. Luxury itself isn’t the problem — it becomes one only when it’s disguised as necessity, and the public ends up footing the bill. 
 
The B$50,000 rule may seem minor, but its spirit is moral: everyone should carry their fair share. And that’s how a nation strengthens its foundation — not by punishing ambition, but by protecting fairness.
 
So what do you think? Should the taxman draw more such lines in other areas to seal the leaks that quietly drain our national budget? Or should businesses be trusted to self-regulate with integrity? 
 
Whichever side you’re on, one thing is clear — fairness begins with honesty, and every small rule that closes a loophole brings us a little closer to the Brunei we all want to see.
 
Because fairness, like faith, must be practised — not preached.
 
And sometimes, all it takes is a simple line on a tax form to remind us that integrity is the truest measure of national wealth. (MHO/10/2025)
 
KopiTalk with MHO
 
Where ordinary rules tell extraordinary stories about who we are, how we earn, and what we owe to each other.

 

 

 

The MIB Way to Self-Improvement: Finding Peace in a Noisy World

In a world that never stops scrolling, it’s easy to lose ourselves in the noise. 

This reflection explores how Imam al-Ghazali’s timeless steps toward personal growth and Brunei’s own philosophy of MIB and Negara Zikir offer a quiet, powerful antidote for today’s restless hearts.
 

The Story

Let me start by saying that I’m not an expert in Islamic psychology. I never studied it in a classroom. What I’m sharing comes from real life — from reading, reflecting, and navigating experiences that taught me more than any textbook could.
 
Years ago, I had the opportunity to work with PPP Ilmu Alim, a local consultancy that created training programs combining modern management ideas with Islamic principles — all aligned with MIB and Negara Zikir. I joined as a research and media consultant but ended up becoming a lifelong student.
 
That experience changed how I viewed growth. I realised that self-improvement isn’t just about career goals or productivity hacks — it’s about becoming a calmer, wiser, and more grounded version of yourself. It’s learning to breathe amid pressure, to think clearly when things fall apart, and to find meaning in the chaos.
 
Somewhere along the way, I started asking myself a question that has never left me:

"What’s the antidote to all the noise, stress, and restlessness that fills modern life?"
 

A Glimpse of My Process 

A snapshot of my whiteboard while trying to make sense of Imam al-Ghazali’s concept of self-reflection. It reminded me that understanding often begins with honest curiosity.

 Learning from Different Worlds

I searched everywhere for answers.
 
From Japan, I discovered Kaizen, the idea of improving a little bit every day. Tiny steps taken consistently can move mountains. Then I came across Ikigai, the joy of finding purpose — that one reason that gets you out of bed each morning.
 
From the West, I learned about mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and the growth mindset — the art of staying aware, resilient, and open to learning. These concepts made sense, but I still felt something was missing — a depth that could tie everything together.
 
That’s when I encountered the wisdom of Imam al-Ghazali. His teachings opened a window into the soul. 

He wrote about self-improvement long before “self-help” became a buzzword. His six steps toward personal growth didn’t focus on climbing ladders or chasing success — they emphasised purifying the heart, controlling the ego, and finding peace through sincerity.
 
Everything clicked. The Islamic approach to self-development wasn’t just compatible with modern life — it was made for it. 

It speaks directly to who we are as Bruneians, living under the values of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) and our national vision of Negara Zikir — a country guided by remembrance and compassion.
 
As His Majesty once said, “Beta memang berazam untuk melihat Brunei Darussalam menjadi Negara Zikir.”

That wasn’t just a slogan; it was a way of life — a reminder that true progress begins within each of us.
 

Making Sense of MIB and Negara Zikir

 
When I first heard about MIB and Negara Zikir, they sounded grand and distant — just words for national speeches. But over time, I realised they’re really about how we live every day.
 
To ourselves — Be honest, humble, and self-aware. Guard your heart as carefully as your phone battery.

 
To our families — Lead with love. Listen more, forgive faster. A peaceful home is the first reflection of a peaceful nation.

 
To our community — Show up, help out, and stay kind. Small good deeds create big ripples.

 
To our nation — Do your part with integrity, even when no one is watching. That’s zikir in action.
 
His Majesty once reminded us, “Inilah Brunei kita, Negara Zikir Melayu Islam Beraja.”

It’s not just identity — it’s a compass for how we live, lead, and serve.
 

The Six Steps of Imam al-Ghazali — A Roadmap for Modern Life

 
Imam al-Ghazali outlined six steps for personal growth. Each one feels surprisingly modern, like ancient wisdom crafted for the TikTok generation — short, clear, and deeply practical.
 

Musyaratah – Set Your Intention

Every good day starts with purpose. Promise yourself to be a little better — to be patient, kind, or disciplined. Intention provides direction.
 

Muraqabah – Stay Aware

Monitor your thoughts, words, and actions. Be mindful of how you spend your time online. Awareness is your first line of defence.

Muhasabah – Reflect Daily

Before bed, ask yourself: What went well today? What didn’t? Reflection helps you grow without guilt.

Muaqabah – Be Accountable

If you miss your goal, own it. Adjust and try again. Discipline isn’t punishment — it’s self-respect.

Mujahadah – Keep Struggling

Improvement takes effort. Every small win builds strength and confidence.

Mu’atabah – Correct and Renew

When you slip, don’t quit. Learn, forgive yourself, and restart. Growth is progress, not perfection.

A Small Example

I remember one evening, after a long day of meetings, I caught myself snapping at someone over a small mistake. 

Later that night, I practised muhasabah — self-reflection. I asked myself, “Was that anger really necessary?”

The next morning, I apologised. It wasn’t easy, but that moment reminded me how muraqabah (awareness) and mujahadah (inner struggle) actually work together. 

Self-improvement begins not in theory — but in those small, uncomfortable moments when we choose humility over ego.

Bridging East, West, and Faith

What’s amazing is how ideas from different cultures mirror each other. Kaizen, mindfulness, and the growth mindset all teach discipline and awareness. Imam al-Ghazali adds what completes them — spiritual alignment.
 
In management, we talk about vision and mission; in Islam, the vision is sincerity, and the mission is remembrance. When both align, life finds balance.
 
At work, it means honesty and gratitude. At home, empathy. In society, compassion. That’s how MIB and Negara Zikir become everyday habits, not distant ideals.

Finding Peace in a Noisy World

We live amidst constant noise — notifications, opinions, comparisons. Everyone’s talking; few are listening. Everyone’s scrolling; few are reflecting.
 
Imam al-Ghazali’s six steps provide a quiet antidote. They teach us to pause, breathe, and reset — to measure success not by followers or fortune but by inner calm and honest effort.
 
The MIB way of self-improvement isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up each day, a little stronger and a little kinder than the day before. It’s about learning, failing, forgiving, and growing — with remembrance in your heart.
 
Because in the end, real success isn’t what we own or achieve — it’s who we become.

And perhaps that’s the true meaning of Negara Zikir — a nation at peace because its people remember, reflect, and live with purpose.
 
✍️ Author’s Note
 
This reflection is my personal journey of discovery — meant to inspire thought and conversation, not to serve as a formal religious interpretation.
 
💭 Reflection Prompt for Readers
 
Take a quiet moment today and ask yourself:

👉 What’s one small thing I can improve — for myself, my family, or my community — starting now?

Your journey doesn’t need to be big. It just needs to begin.
 
 
 
 
 
 

SPK Withdrawal: Transparency on Hold

Behind every delayed approval is a family waiting to fix a roof, finish a wall, or move into a long-promised home.

 

The question isn’t just when — it’s why the silence?

 

Transparency on Hold, a story about how small delays can erode big trust.

 

 By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO
 
When the Special Scheme (Khas) Housing Withdrawal for members aged 40 and above was introduced, it aimed to help contributors use part of their savings to build or improve their homes - a policy based on trust between workers and the fund. Today, that trust is quietly being tested.
 
For months, members who applied for the SPK Housing Withdrawal (ages 40–59) have reported that their completed applications were processed, only to be abruptly placed “on hold until further notice.” There have been no circulars, public notices, or explanations - just silence.
 
“They told us it’s our savings, our right,” one applicant said. “But when our applications were suddenly put on hold, silence became the loudest answer.”
 
According to the stated client charter, applications are expected to be processed within one to two weeks once all documents are complete. However, several applicants who submitted their papers as early as June and August 2025 report waiting for months.
 
“Processing timelines of one to two weeks have dragged into months with no clear indication of when the internal improvement process will be finalised,” another member remarked. “We only learned that all withdrawal applications are on hold until further notice.”
 
The issue is not merely the delay but the lack of transparency. There has been no official announcement, not even a brief statement confirming or denying that a temporary freeze exists. 
 
The scheme’s webpage still lists the withdrawal as active. Eligibility remains unchanged: members aged 40 to 59 may withdraw up to 50 per cent of their savings, payable directly to a licensed contractor, developer, bank, or government agency - never in cash.
 
I have written to a contact seeking clarification and am still awaiting an official reply, possibly pending clearance from an authorised spokesperson.
 
One reader, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that their family had yet to receive a response to their email inquiry. 
 
When they called the hotline, they were informed that “the process remains the same,” and that updates would only appear on the e-Amanah portal once the withdrawal status changed from In Process.
 
However, the reader found the experience confusing. “We submitted our application at the headquarters, and they scanned all the documents for us,” they said. 
 
“Yet, the SPK representative later contacted us requesting the same information again. It felt strange - as if the documents we already submitted weren’t reaching the right hands.”
 
This account reflects a broader sense of uncertainty among applicants who complied fully with the stated procedure but still see no progress on their applications.
 
Some believe the hold is linked to internal reviews and integrity checks. In recent years, there have been reports of contractor abuses, forged invoices, and fraudulent cash-out schemes. 
 
If tighter screening is being enforced, few would object to prudence. But without a statement, honest members are left in the dark. 
 
For many, house renovations have stalled, contractors complain of unpaid work, and some fear losing deposits as prices rise. 
 
“Why was there no official announcement regarding the internal quality process improvement that impacted not just one or two applications, but hundreds more?” asked one frustrated applicant.
 
The fund system was built on confidence: workers contribute every month in faith that the system will safeguard - and release - their savings when the time comes. 
 
When information is withheld, even temporarily, that confidence erodes faster than interest accumulates. 
 
Transparency, not secrecy, is the antidote to rumour. It is fair for institutions to defend the integrity of their schemes, but they owe an equal duty to communicate clearly, promptly, and truthfully. 
 
A brief advisory explaining whether the hold is real, which categories it affects, why verification is required, and when processing will resume would go a long way toward restoring trust.
 
In the end, this is not a dispute over entitlement. It is a question of confidence. The people do not ask for privileges - only clarity over what is theirs by right. 

As one member aptly put it, “If the internal review is genuine, then an open explanation is the best protection against speculation. Silence breeds mistrust; transparency breeds confidence.” (MHO/10/2025)
 
  
DISCLAIMER: This commentary reflects the writer’s personal views and analysis for public understanding and does not represent the position of any organisation or entity.
 
 
 

Lautan Tenang, Cabaran Yang Dalam

Walaupun lautan di perairan kita kelihatan tenang, arus di bawahnya kini semakin deras. Perkembangan terkini di Laut China Selatan — termasuk kehadiran kapal-kapal penguat kuasa dari pelbagai negara — memberi isyarat bahawa wilayah maritim kita kini semakin diperhatikan oleh kuasa besar dunia.

Bagi Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP), isu ini bukan sekadar soal geopolitik, tetapi juga soal kedaulatan ekonomi, keselamatan negara, dan masa depan rakyat. Laut bukan hanya sempadan — ia sumber rezeki, tenaga, dan kestabilan negara kita.

Laporan pemantauan maritim antarabangsa baru-baru ini menunjukkan kehadiran kapal-kapal penguat kuasa asing di kawasan Zon Ekonomi Eksklusif (EEZ) beberapa negara ASEAN, termasuk perairan berhampiran Brunei dan Malaysia. 

Baru-baru ini, penganalisis keselamatan maritim antarabangsa @GordianKnotRay. daripada projek SeaLight telah melaporkan melalui X (dahulunya Twitter) bahawa kapal China Coast Guard 5306 telah dikesan beroperasi di kawasan Luconia Shoals — dalam EEZ Malaysia — dan kemudiannya berada selama beberapa hari di dalam EEZ Brunei. 

(x.com) Laporan ini, yang disertakan dengan data pergerakan kapal, telah menarik perhatian pemerhati keselamatan serantau mengenai bagaimana rondaan berterusan seperti ini boleh mengubah norma dalam kawasan laut yang dipertikaikan.

Fenomena ini sering disebut sebagai grey-zone activities — gerakan yang tidak bersifat ketenteraan, namun membawa mesej kuasa dan tuntutan ke atas kawasan tertentu. Ia satu bentuk diplomasi tekanan yang menguji kesediaan dan pendirian negara-negara kecil seperti kita.

Brunei terkenal dengan dasar luar yang berlandaskan hikmah, keamanan, dan hormat-menghormati. 

Kita menikmati hubungan erat dengan negara-negara sahabat, termasuk China — hubungan yang dibina atas asas saling mempercayai dan menghormati. 

Namun, hubungan baik tidak bererti kita mengabaikan prinsip. NDP berpandangan bahawa Brunei perlu terus menegakkan hak-hak maritimnya secara diplomatik, berpandukan Konvensyen Undang-Undang Laut Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNCLOS) dan rangka ASEAN Code of Conduct yang sedang dibangunkan.

Brunei harus kekal sebagai negara yang berperanan membina jambatan — bukan tembok — di tengah arus persaingan kuasa besar. Inilah semangat Melayu Islam Beraja yang menuntut kebijaksanaan dalam tindakan.

Bagi NDP, pembangunan negara tidak terpisah daripada keselamatan maritim. Kedaulatan laut bermakna kedaulatan sumber — minyak, gas, perikanan, dan biodiversiti. Menjaga laut bermakna menjaga ekonomi dan peluang kerja rakyat. Parti melihat keperluan untuk:

1.  Meningkatkan kesedaran rakyat tentang kepentingan EEZ dan sumber maritim negara.

2.  Mengukuhkan keupayaan pemantauan maritim melalui kerjasama antara agensi kerajaan dan komuniti nelayan.

3.  Menggalakkan kerjasama serantau ASEAN bagi memastikan Laut China Selatan kekal sebagai kawasan keamanan dan kemakmuran bersama.

NDP percaya bahawa Brunei boleh menjadi “suara kebijaksanaan di tengah gelombang” — mengekalkan hubungan baik dengan semua pihak sambil mempertahankan prinsip kedaulatan dan undang-undang antarabangsa.

Laut China Selatan tidak boleh menjadi gelanggang kuasa, tetapi harus kekal sebagai laluan damai, perdagangan, dan persahabatan.

Ketenangan bukan kelemahan. Ia lambang keyakinan. Dan keyakinan itulah yang menjadi teras falsafah Melayu Islam Beraja — berpijak di bumi nyata, berlayar dengan panduan akal dan iman.

Malai Hassan Othman

Pengerusi Lembaga Penasihat Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP)

Penafian: Rencana ini merupakan pandangan peribadi penulis dalam konteks wacana awam dan tidak mencerminkan pendirian rasmi Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP) atau Kerajaan Brunei Darussalam.

 

The Battle Within: Understanding Tasawuf and the Journey to a Peaceful Heart

How controlling our inner desires can lead to real happiness, balance, and peace of mind.

By Malai Hassan Othman

KopiTalk with MHO

In a nutshell...

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us struggle to stay calm. We face stress at work, tension at home, and restlessness in our hearts. We buy things we don’t need, chase approval from others, and still feel something is missing.

Every human being carries four main elements: the heart (hati), the mind (akal), the spirit (roh), and the desire (nafsu). Imagine them as layers in a pyramid.

This inner tug-of-war is what scholars call Mujahadah — the battle against our own self. It’s not about fighting others; it’s about fighting the ego inside that whispers, “You deserve more,” or “Don’t forgive.”

Islamic scholars describe seven stages of the human soul, from the lowest to the highest:

Tasawuf describes a three-step process to cleanse the heart, known as Takhalli, Tahalli, and Tajalli — or simply, the 3T formula.

Mental health experts today discuss mindfulness and emotional regulation — but these are not new concepts. Tasawuf has taught them for centuries. When the nafsu is untrained, life feels like a storm — full of noise and confusion. But when the heart leads, even silence feels comforting.

A calm heart brings peace to a family. Peaceful families create peaceful communities. And when people learn to tame their egos, society itself becomes more compassionate and just. That is why Tasawuf is not just about individual spirituality — it’s about social harmony.

Tasawuf is not a mysterious philosophy reserved for scholars. It’s a practical guide for anyone who seeks peace — the worker facing stress, the parent feeling overwhelmed, the youth searching for purpose.

Introduction

Islam teaches us that this emptiness isn’t caused by a lack of success — it’s caused by a restless soul. And to heal the soul, we must turn to Tasawuf — the inner dimension of Islam that helps us purify our hearts, discipline our desires, and reconnect with our Creator.

The Layers Inside Us

At the base is nafsu — the part that always wants something: money, power, attention, or pleasure. Above that lies the ruh, the akal, and finally, the hati, which sits at the top — the seat of wisdom and divine light.

When our nafsu controls us, we become selfish, reactive, and anxious. But when the heart and mind take charge, we find peace and clarity. Tasawuf is about restoring that balance — letting the heart lead and the desires follow.

The Struggle Within

The next step is Riyadah, a form of spiritual training. Just like we exercise our bodies, we must also train our souls — through prayer, fasting, patience, and remembrance. Over time, this spiritual training softens the heart, just like consistent polishing makes a mirror shine.

The Seven Levels of the Soul

1. Amarah – the commanding self that pushes toward wrongdoing.

2. Lawwamah – the blaming self that begins to feel guilt and self-awareness.

3. Mulhamah – the inspired self that receives guidance.

4. Mutmainnah – the peaceful self, calm and content.

5. Radhiyah – the satisfied self that accepts Allah’s decree.

6. Mardhiyyah – the pleasing self that gains Allah’s approval.

7. Kamilah – the perfected soul that reflects divine character.

Most of us live somewhere between Amarah and Lawwamah, struggling daily with our tempers, habits, and temptations. The key is not perfection, but progress — to climb one step higher each day.

The 3T Formula for Inner Peace

1. Takhalli – Empty the heart of bad traits: pride, envy, greed, and anger.

2. Tahalli – Fill it with good traits: patience, sincerity, humility, and love.

3. Tajalli – When the heart becomes pure, it reflects divine light — this is spiritual   

    perfection.

This lifelong journey is what transforms ordinary people into extraordinary souls. Every act of kindness, forgiveness, or patience brings us closer to the divine presence.

Tasawuf and Modern Mental Health

Tasawuf reminds us that peace is not found in wealth or success, but in self-control, gratitude, and spiritual connection. It is the art of balancing the heart and the mind, so that the soul can breathe freely.

A Peaceful Heart Makes a Peaceful Nation

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Verily, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound. If it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.”

Tasawuf teaches us how to heal that heart — through humility, forgiveness, and remembrance of Allah.

Conclusion

When the nafsu is tamed, the heart finds peace. When the heart finds peace, the soul finds freedom. And when the soul finds freedom, we rediscover our true purpose — to know and love Allah.

Author's Note: This piece was inspired by my recent Tasawuf class with Ustaz Malek — a young teacher whose simple yet profound lessons reminded me that peace begins with the heart.

Appendix A: My Handwritten Notes on Tasawuf

Figure 1: Struktur Nafsu dan Hirarki Jiwa Manusia – Rajah ini menunjukkan susunan hierarki dalam diri manusia menurut ajaran Tasawuf, dari Nafsu di bahagian bawah hingga Hati di puncak, melambangkan keseimbangan antara jasmani dan rohani.

Figure 2: Proses 3T – Takhalli, Tahalli dan Tajalli – Nota ini menggambarkan tiga peringkat penyucian diri dalam Tasawuf: membersihkan jiwa, menghiasi diri dengan sifat mahmudah, dan mencapai kesempurnaan insan.

Darussalam Assets Clarifies: Petition a Formality, No Impact on Operations

“Case closed, lessons learned. Darussalam Assets clarifies the billion-dollar adjustment as Brunei’s SOEs move forward with renewed focus on growth and governance.”

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO

The billion-dollar question that sparked online debates and public curiosity in Brunei has finally been answered. According to the Borneo Bulletin, Darussalam Assets confirmed the share adjustment was purely administrative.

The report explained that Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd, wholly owned by the Government, described the High Court petition as a procedural requirement to confirm a special resolution on share capital adjustment.

Under company law, such steps are considered routine corporate processes that require court filing. The Bulletin reported that the adjustment had no impact on daily operations, financial position, or liabilities.

The company was further reported to have stressed that the adjustment was purely administrative in nature. It urged the public to rely only on official communications for verified information.

The Bulletin noted that Darussalam Assets reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, integrity and professionalism, while underlining its contribution to Wawasan 2035, economic diversification, job creation and strengthening long-term national resilience.

For many, the sight of a billion-dollar figure in court notices was enough to raise eyebrows. The natural question followed: how can billions simply disappear from books?

Earlier KopiTalk articles examined these concerns, discussing possibilities ranging from unpaid share capital to uncollected debts and legacy overvaluations. Critics dismissed such reporting as unnecessary, yet public response clearly showed an appetite for greater clarity.

This episode highlights a plain truth. Governance is not merely about technical compliance; it is about public trust. Silence fuels rumours, but explanation restores confidence in institutions and processes.

Even if this adjustment was administrative, the sheer scale of the figure meant the public deserved an explanation. Darussalam Assets, according to the Bulletin, has now provided that explanation in official terms.

With the clarification reported, the issue can be considered closed. Still, lessons remain: timely communication prevents unnecessary speculation, while transparency and accountability are central pillars of stronger institutions and public trust.

As Brunei advances Wawasan 2035 and continues to explore the long-discussed idea of a national stock exchange, financial credibility and clarity will be indispensable to sustaining investor confidence.

The debate was never about stirring unrest. It was about understanding what was already visible in the public domain. People do not demand perfection, but they do expect clarity.

Darussalam Assets has now provided its answer. The conversation moves forward with renewed focus on sound governance, diversified growth, and the stability that transparency secures in nation-building. (MHO/10/2025)

Editor’s Note: KopiTalk has not seen the original press statement. This account relies on the coverage published in the Borneo Bulletin on 2 October 2025.