The Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, lauded the Brunei Legislative Council (LegCo) members for their efforts in engaging with stakeholders, including residents under their care, to identify and address pressing issues.
The minister made these remarks during the Permuzakarahan Session between LegCo members and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) held on Tuesday at the Convention Hall of the Islamic Dakwah Centre (PDI) in Kampung Pulaie.
He highlighted the importance of the Integration System in enhancing religious education by incorporating religious subjects into the general school system, a move he said will continue to be developed.
In a response, the Head of the Delegation of LegCo members, YB Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan, welcomed the session as an essential platform for sharing views and suggestions. He noted that such discussions help in collaboratively addressing issues with MORA and finding practical and beneficial resolutions.
During the event, a briefing was delivered by Permanent Secretary at MORA Awang Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim, who commended the LegCo members for their working visits to departments under the ministry. The briefing touched on the ministry’s achievements in Quranic education at both national and international levels, emphasising the Whole-of-Nation approach, as well as successful initiatives integrating religious subjects into the general school curriculum.
The session also featured discussions on four strategic issues: Job opportunities for graduates of Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB); Cleanliness of mosque toilets and ablution areas; Efforts to reduce Syariah crime cases, particularly focusing on sexual offences such as adultery; and proposals for a public relations strategy to improve public understanding of religious services in Brunei.
The event serves as an annual platform aimed at fostering collaboration between MORA and LegCo members. It seeks to contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity, particularly in enhancing religious services. The session also provides an avenue for identifying solutions to emerging issues and improving the implementation of religious services in the country. – Lyna Mohammad
