Internalisation Strategies of the Malay Islamic Monarchy Philosophy in Year 7 Curriculum in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Since the early 1990s, Melayu Islam Beraja, inspired by the national philosophy of Brunei Darussalam, has become a core subject in the national curriculum. The government of Brunei Darussalam has consistently emphasised education as an important domain to maintain and preserve the relevance of MIB philosophy in society. In the last three decades, the focus of MIB subject in schools has evolved to promote holistic development of moral characters and values. This is amid concerns over the rise of social problems and declining moral values among the younger generation. These issues have raised questions on the efficacy of MIB curriculum and pedagogical strategies to realise the national philosophy. Therefore, this chapter examines the content, the design and the strategies used to internalise moral characters and values to the students through the MIB textbook for Year 7 that marks the first stage of secondary school. This analysis reveals four key internalisation strategies used to inculcate morality and character values in the development of the MIB textbook. All four complementary character-building strategies offer pedagogical implications and opportunities for educators. Hence, despite the latest reformation of the National Education System for the 21st Century, and specifically on the new Year 7 MIB textbook, the utmost aim of MIB curriculum to nurture and to inculcate morality and character values imbued with the essence of MIB is still exist, where its pedagogical deliverance also requires serious commitment from the educators.