| Wani Roslan |
THE Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) yesterday held a Muzakarah (discussion) session with members of the Legislative Council (LegCo), on the subject of strengthening Islamic teachings in Brunei Darussalam.
The session at the MoRA’s Multaqa Hall was chaired by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa led by Acting Director of Mosque Affairs Haji Amir Hisham bin Haji Masri.
This was followed with a welcoming speech by Permanent Secretary at the MoRA Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof who highlighted the ministry’s main duties in preserving and maintaining the teachings of Islam in accordance with the Brunei Constitution; implementing laws especially in the administration, management and enforcement of Syariah law; and the propagation of Islam, along with a comprehensive understanding of its tenets, to the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam.
The permanent secretary also said that MoRA has established six main strategies in the upholding of effective religious education, strong Dakwah, the sovereignty of Syariah law, social security and Halal food.
The event continued with a speech by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad.
The LegCo members also viewed an exhibition jointly organised by the Syariah Affairs Department and Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), which showcased the efficiency of the Halal certification policy and the Zakat distribution programme.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengran Haji Bahar and the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang.
The discussion is an annual forum to share views between LegCo members and MoRA, regarding the ministry’s latest developments and current policies, while establishing closer links between both parties in preparation for the 15th LegCo session of 2019/2020.