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.

Nation Nurtured by Charity: Brunei’s Call to Reawaken Its Moral Capital

 🌱 Can a Nation Be Planted with Charity?

In a world obsessed with wealth and skyscrapers, Brunei’s Majlis Ilmu 2025 reminds us: the strongest nations are those rooted in generosity.
From zakat and waqf to digital giving and moral capital — His Majesty calls for a national awakening.

📖 Read why “Negara Ditanai Dengan Sedekah” is more than a theme — it's a blueprint for Brunei’s future.

 By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO

In an era when nations race to build skylines and amass wealth, Brunei is reminded that its most enduring foundation lies in its moral capital. 

At Majlis Ilmu 2025, the theme “Negara Ditanai Dengan Sedekah” did more than adorn banners — it served as a call to re-anchor national identity in generosity, dignity, and shared responsibility.

“Ditana(i)” or “ditatang” is more than planting — it means cherishing, protecting, nurturing care. To say that a country is ditanai with sedekah is to assert that the very health of Brunei depends upon the conscientious giving of its people. In this society, generosity is woven into governance, culture, and public policy.

The Sultan did not present sedekah merely as a pious ideal; he positioned it as national architecture. He spoke of zakat, urging accountability and fairness, and of wakaf, reminding us of its enduring legacy across Islamic history. He acknowledged that sedekah goes beyond wealth — it embraces time, knowledge, kindness, and public service.

Here, the concept of waqf (endowment) rises as a key instrument. As explained by scholar Alishba Fazal ur Rehman, waqf is characterised by its permanence, irrevocability, and inalienability — the property relinquishing private ownership to serve society forever. 

Through waqf, the earnings of a donated asset perpetually support communal needs: schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare. It is a mechanism older than many modern institutions, yet more potent in aligning personal generosity with enduring social impact.

Historically, waqf played a pivotal role in Islamic civilizational excellence. The Prophet ﷺ himself instituted endowments: for example, he bought the well of Rumah and declared it a waqf so all could draw water eternally. 

During the Ottoman age, vast swathes of public services — hospitals, schools, libraries — were financed by waqf revenues. These were not acts of charity but systems of social governance.

In Brunei, the opportunities are ripe. The country already administers funds, subsidies, public welfare, and religious endowments. But the challenge lies in institutional maturity: ensuring that zakat and waqf are not discretionary appendages but robust, autonomous pillars of national infrastructure. 

To truly nurture a nation through charity, we must embed good governance, transparency, professional oversight, and strategic planning into every waqf project and zakat fund.

Yet generosity is only fruitful when it transforms. A clinic built on waqf should not stand idle. A fund for orphans must ensure education, vocational training, and long-term uplift. The state, civil society, and religious bodies must align to translate the morality of giving into measurable outcomes.

What the 2025 theme does is demand moral accountability: that every blessing given be a seed sown, every gift a trust held. It challenges complacency. It asks: If our prosperity is drawn from Allah’s grace, what will we leave in return?

In the end, the measure of Brunei will not lie in GDP per capita or infrastructure alone. Its true stature will be seen in the humility of its citizens, in the dignity of the poorest, and in the enduring legacy of its endowments. May our country be ditanai with sedekah — and may we be gardeners worthy of its blessings. (MHO/09/2025)

Seeds of Charity, Roots of Unity

📖 Negara Ditanai Dengan Sedekah — His Majesty’s powerful Majlis Ilmu 2025 titah reminds us that charity is not just a virtue… It's the foundation of a blessed nation.

In an age of rising inequality and spiritual fatigue, His Majesty's message is clear:
💡 A giving society is a surviving society.
💡 A just state is built on compassion, not just policy.

 

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 25 SEPTEMBER 2025: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, today launched Majlis Ilmu 2025 with a profound call for the nation to embrace sedekah — charity — not merely as an act of faith but as a foundation of Brunei’s wellbeing and unity.

This year’s Majlis Ilmu, part of the monarch’s birthday celebrations, carries the theme “Negara Ditanai Dengan Sedekah” (The Country is Upheld with Charity). 

His Majesty likened charity to seeds that bring forth fruit: just as fertile soil yields harvests, a nation nourished by sedekah will produce blessings, peace, and prosperity.

Citing Surah Al-Baqarah verse 261, His Majesty reminded that a single act of charity can multiply many times over, both spiritually and socially. “Charity does not reduce wealth, but brings growth and healing,” the monarch said, referencing the words of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

His Majesty stressed that sedekah goes beyond money. It includes time, knowledge, effort, prayer, and even simple acts such as removing obstacles from the road or offering a smile. In this, charity becomes both a spiritual act and a civic duty, binding people together in compassion.

Turning to policy, His Majesty urged transparent and efficient management of zakat to avoid public discontent, and highlighted the enduring value of wakaf (endowment) as sedekah jariah that benefits generations. 

In today’s digital era, he welcomed online platforms and mobile apps for giving, pointing to funds such as Dana Pembinaan Masjid, Tabung Anak-Anak Yatim, and the Ministry of Health’s Tabung Amal Bantuan Pesakit as examples of institutionalising generosity.

To reinforce this theme, His Majesty also launched a commemorative book titled “Negara Ditanai Dengan Sedekah”, symbolising the embedding of charity into Brunei’s intellectual and moral development.

While not directly mentioning Wawasan 2035, the titah resonates with its vision of a high-quality, moral, and united society. 

By framing sedekah and wakaf as both religious imperatives and instruments of nationhood, His Majesty positioned generosity as a safeguard against poverty, inequality, and social fragmentation.

At a time of global uncertainty, the message was clear: Brunei’s strength lies not only in strategy and policy, but in the collective spirit of giving. (MHO/09/2025)

 

Sultan Calls for Smart Use of AI in Education, Launches Guidance Book

🌱 “From early childhood to higher education, His Majesty’s titah maps a journey: teachers as catalysts, children as the seed, and AI as the new tool. The question is — how do we nurture it all?”

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO

Bandar Seri Begawan, 23 September 2025: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah highlighted the need for Brunei’s education system to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) wisely, stressing that while it can be helpful, we shouldn’t rely on it too much. 

At the 35th National Teachers’ Day celebration at the International Convention Centre, His Majesty launched the Gen A.I. Guidance for Education book, marking a first step towards a National AI Framework in Education. 

The book aims to help teachers and students use AI tools “secara beretika, berhemah, bertanggungjawab dan berteraskan falsafah Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB)” — ethically, sensibly, responsibly, and in line with MIB values. “Relying too much on AI can weaken deep thinking and harm creativity in the long run,” His Majesty warned, while also seeing AI as a way to boost efficiency and innovation.

In his speech, His Majesty also agreed to update parts of the Brunei Education Act (Cap. 56), giving the Lembaga Peperiksaan Negara Brunei Darussalam the power to award qualifications for local subjects at upper secondary and pre-university levels. 

This change, His Majesty noted, will enhance the credibility of Brunei’s exam board and ensure its certifications are recognised internationally, which is crucial for Bruneian students looking to study abroad.

His Majesty also supported new guidelines for Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTS), allowing them to create their own programs and award qualifications within the Brunei Darussalam Qualification Framework (BDQF). This is a big step towards diversifying the country’s higher education options, giving students more choices while ensuring IPTS maintain quality and relevance to national needs.

Recognising the importance of strong foundations, His Majesty called for a comprehensive National Early Childhood Care and Education Framework. This framework, to be developed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, will ensure every child gets a well-rounded, inclusive, and high-quality start to learning, including religious education.

Reaffirming this year’s theme — “Guru Pemangkin Pendidikan Lestari dan Inovasi” (Teachers as Catalysts for Sustainable and Innovative Education) — His Majesty recognised the crucial role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future. He congratulated the recipients of the Teacher’s Day Awards, hoping that this recognition would inspire more contributions to the country’s educational excellence.

The focus on AI shows Brunei's readiness to tackle one of the biggest debates in global education — how to balance tech-driven efficiency with human creativity and ethical values. 

By launching the Gen A.I. Guidance for Education, His Majesty positioned Brunei as an active player in promoting the responsible use of AI in classrooms. 

For teachers, students, and parents, this milestone presents both opportunities and responsibilities: the future’s tools are here, but they need to be used with national values, critical thinking, and creativity in mind.

Wawasan 2035 dan Tekanan Generasi Muda: Iktibar Dari Paris, Jakarta dan Kathmandu

Api yang menyala di jalanan Paris, jeritan mahasiswa di Jakarta, dan gegaran rakyat di Kathmandu - semuanya lahir daripada akar yang sama: harapan yang melangit, tetapi kenyataan yang mengecewakan. Dunia sedang memberi kita cermin. Apabila janji tidak ditepati, apabila jurang kekayaan melebar, apabila anak muda merasakan pintu masa depan tertutup, maka kesabaran akan bertukar menjadi gelombang.

Brunei masih aman. Namun aman bukan warisan yang kekal, ia adalah amanah. Amanah ini hanya subur jika dipupuk dengan keadilan dan peluang yang nyata. Kita telah meletakkan Wawasan 2035 sebagai mercu cita-cita negara. Ia menjanjikan masyarakat berpendidikan, berkemahiran tinggi dan makmur. Tetapi persoalannya: adakah cita-cita ini sedang menjadi kenyataan, atau hanya gema slogan yang semakin pudar nadinya?

Image concept by KopiTalk with MHO, generated using AI tools

Tekanan di Bumi Sendiri

Kita tidak boleh menutup mata. Pengangguran dan ‘underemployment’ dalam kalangan graduan masih menghantui keluarga. Mereka menghantar puluhan permohonan kerja, namun pintu rezeki seolah tidak terbuka.

Pemberhentian pekerja dalam industri minyak dan gas telah menggoncang keyakinan terhadap tonggak utama ekonomi kita. Generasi sandwic pula menanggung beban - pesara dengan pencen kecil menyara anak yang menganggur dan cucu yang masih bersekolah. Jurang antara yang kaya dan miskin semakin jelas, dari rumah mewah dan kereta mewah di satu sisi, keupayaan makan cukup sebulan di sisi lain.

Di tengah-tengahnya, negara terus berdepan defisit belanjawan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi yang perlahan. Sementara itu, kelemahan sistem penyampaian - kerenah birokrasi, sikap “Little Napoleons” - terus mengikis keyakinan rakyat. Malah, modal bocor apabila pembelian rentas sempadan mengalirkan jutaan ringgit keluar setiap bulan, sedang peniaga kecil tempatan menunggu pelanggan yang tidak kunjung tiba.

 

Iktibar Dari Luar, Renungan Untuk Kita

Pengajaran dari Paris, Jakarta dan Kathmandu jelas: bila harapan anak muda diabaikan, percikan kecil mampu menyalakan api besar. Kerajaan yang hanya bertindak selepas jalan raya bergelora telah pun kehilangan masa yang berharga.

Brunei punya kelebihan: kestabilan yang nyata. Tetapi kestabilan tidak abadi. Ia mesti diperbaharui dengan tindakan yang berani dan bijaksana. Di sinilah NDP menegaskan - pembaharuan mesti berlaku dalam tiga medan utama:

1. Pemerintahan berintegriti - pengukuhan Biro Mencegah Rasuah, meritokrasi mengatasi kronisme, dan hukuman jelas terhadap salah guna kuasa.
   
   
2. Penyertaan rakyat - ruang sebenar untuk suara belia, masyarakat sivil dan komuniti memberi input kepada dasar.
   
   
3. Digitalisasi kerajaan - memecah benteng birokrasi, melicinkan perkhidmatan, dan menjadikan kerajaan rakan kepada rakyat, bukan penghalang.

Jalan Ke Depan

Haluan kita bukan ketakutan, tetapi pembaharuan yang membina. Kita mesti membuka laluan pekerjaan yang nyata - melalui perusahaan kecil, peluang latihan, dan industri baharu di luar minyak dan gas. Jurang sosial mesti dirapatkan - bukan hanya dengan bantuan, tetapi dengan akses saksama kepada peluang mobiliti sosial.

Para pemimpin dan elit mesti kembali rapat dengan denyut nadi rakyat: lebih banyak mendengar daripada bersuara, lebih banyak bertindak daripada berjanji.

Penutup

Di seluruh dunia, anak muda sedang menulis sejarah - ada yang di jalanan, ada yang di makmal inovasi, ada yang di bilik darjah. Di Brunei, pilihan di tangan kita: sama ada tenaga anak muda disalurkan untuk membina, atau dibiarkan membara untuk meruntuh.

Wawasan 2035 tidak boleh hanya menjadi slogan di podium; ia mesti bernafas dalam kehidupan rakyat.

Kestabilan bukan hadiah, ia adalah amanah yang mesti diperbaharui. Uprising di luar negara bukanlah ramalan untuk Brunei, tetapi peringatan: harmoni hanya seteguh harapan yang kita tawarkan kepada generasi muda.

Akhirnya, ukuran sebenar kejayaan kita bukan pada ucapan atau skor, tetapi pada satu pengakuan ikhlas daripada anak muda Brunei:

“Negara ini memberi aku masa depan yang boleh dipecayai dan meyakinkan.” (MHO/09/2025)