| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE nomination of Bandar Seri Begawan as Capital of Islamic Culture concurs with the status of Brunei Darussalam as a nation-state that has adopted an Islamic legislation with the goal of being a Zikir Nation, said Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil. She made these remarks in her welcoming address during the launching of ‘Bandar Seri Begawan as Capital of Islamic Culture 2019’ exhibition at the Brunei International Airport yesterday.
“Bandar Seri Begawan, formerly known as Bandar Brunei, has witnessed Islamic civilisation and human development over a period of 600 years. The Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept is deep-seated and practised on a social and state-level, bringing about prosperity and sovereignty to the country,” she said
On hand to launch the exhibition was Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong in his capacity as the guest of honour.
Also present were Cabinet Ministers, the State Mufti, deputy ministers, members of the Legislative Council, permanent and deputy permanent Secretaries, the Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces,
Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila, who was also the event chairperson, said Brunei Darussalam was chosen as the Capital of Islamic Culture in a conference during the 9th Meeting of the Ministers of Islamic Culture held in Muscat, Oman, in 2015.
“The recognition is given to the capitals of Islamic nations that enjoy a confirmed historical status, with outstanding contributions towards Islamic civilisation and possess Islamic civilisational landmarks,” she added.
The permanent secretary further explained that a steering committee comprising several agencies, including ministries and stakeholders, has been set up to carry out this prestigious programme.
“The committee has agreed to highlight the term ‘Capital of Islamic Civilisation’, as it covers a wide perspective, including culture, faith, beliefs, philosophy, practices, a way of life and so on,” she said.
“This exhibition not only reflects the physical and tangible aspects such as architecture, visual arts and artefacts, but also through civilisational aspects that are intangible, including administration, education, religion and other characteristics of life. This event is part of the curtain-raiser ceremonies for programmes that have been planned throughout 2019.”