James Kon
Brunei and the United Kingdom (UK) have enjoyed a historical relationship that always makes me feel at home with Bruneians, Islamic Religious Advisor to the United Kingdom (UK) Chief of the Defence Staff and Service Chiefs of the British Forces Imam Asim Hafiz said.
Imam Asim completed his visit to the Sultanate to forge progressive relationship based on a mutual appreciation of diversity of religions and communities.
“It was a pleasure and honour to come back to Brunei after a long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a great opportunity to re-establish relationships with old friends and build new connections, strengthening religious and cultural dialogue and cooperation between Brunei and the UK,” he said.
Accompanied by British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam John Virgoe, Imam Asim Hafiz met Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman as well as State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
According to the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam, Imam Asim and the British Defence Adviser to Brunei Darussalam Captain Jonathan Caple met Director of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Religious Directorate Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim and discussed areas that the UK and Brunei have in common. It was also an opportunity to learn from both armed forces’ experiences and best practices.
Together with Ministry of Religious Affairs officers, Imam Asim and Captain Jonathan Caple toured the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong.
Imam Asim, who is one of the 50 most influential BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) professionals within the public sector in 2016, also met with British Garrison religious leaders and visited the temple in Seria where he met the Garrison’s Hindu religious teacher.
