Azlan Othman
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) welcomes feedback and ideas from the newly inducted Legislative Council (LegCo) members with the goal of improving the ministry’s services, said Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during a dialogue session yesterday.
“The views or thoughts from the LegCo members are important for us to know. For example in matters of the collection and distribution of Zakat, it is necessary for us to think about Zakat collection as the number of applicants continue to increase,” said the minister.
“We have some thoughts on how to face the issue, so we hope to have the input from LegCo members on what would be best,” he added.
He also welcomed input from the LegCo members on other religious matters, such as mosque, dakwah, and religious schooling.
“There are many aspects in the fields of religious service that need improvement, especially in administration,” said the minister, adding that they will always strive for improvement.
Head of the LegCo delegation Yang Berhormat Amran bin Haji Maidin said the dialogue session will help to address concerns of the community when it comes to the matters of the ministry.
He said the dialogue would also give crucial information that they can relay to the society.
The dialogue session aimed to enhance knowledge of LegCo members on the development, achievement and outcome implemented by the MoRA throughout the year and the challenges that lie ahead.
The dialogue also shared information and latest development on the ministry’s activities.
Permanent Secretary at the MoRA Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim; Ra’es of Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar, and Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MoRA (Policy and Religion Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang were present at the session.
Yesterday afternoon, LegCo members also visited the Syariah Affairs Department and were briefed on the function, scope of work and responsibility of the Halal Food Control Division and Family Counselling Service Division.
