His majesty calls upon citizens to combat crime together BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » Brunei - New 2 Borneo |
- His majesty calls upon citizens to combat crime together
- Non-Muslims can wear religious symbols, women are still allowed to drive
- Syariah law at Maktab Duli
- Brunei detains Indonesian on terror suspicions
| His majesty calls upon citizens to combat crime together Posted: 27 Feb 2014 04:35 PM PST Bandar Seri Begawan: His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah yesterday called for concerted efforts from the people to step up security measures and self-vigilance in safeguarding their own vicinities while complementing the work of relevant enforcement agencies in combating the menace, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported. Delivering a titah on the occasion of the 3rd National Excellent Village Awards (AKC) held at the International Convention Center in Berakas, the monarch stressed that particular attention should be paid to safety aspects in determining the excellence of villages, apart from taking into account aspects of leadership, economy, education, religion, community as well as cleanliness and livelihood. Otherwise, His Majesty said, their efforts would be in vain. These incidents, said His Majesty, are not isolated but becoming rife in many villages, with reports of victims being threatened with sharp weapons, before cash and valuables are seized from them. "Apart from the need for enforcement agencies to tackle the issue, the public must not take it for granted. It should be dealt with collectively with consensus and unity" the monarch said. His Majesty said a strong determination is required to face the issue and cautioned that the criminals should not continue to take advantage of people's negligence. "Let's ensure that they (the criminals) will learn their lesson from our community and their law and don't let them have the perception that our country is a breeding ground for illicit source of income" added the monarch. His Majesty said that inevitably, Mukim and village consultative councils are the forefront in dealing with the challenge and recommended them to have their own plans and strategies on how to "restrict and even defeat" what the monarch called "uncivilized actions by non-responsible elements". His Majesty added that for instance, where appropriate, Mukim and village consultative councils should be given the mandate to work hand-in-hand with enforcement agencies. Earlier in the titah, His Majesty also called for more village consultative councils in the country to step up and be included in the AKC. The third session this year saw a total of 104 village consultative councils nationwide taking part, which the ruler said was very encouraging. However, His Majesty said the number of participants did not encompass the overall number of village consultative councils nationwide which total eighteen. "I would be happy if Mukim and Village Consultative Councils could execute their role as instruments for progress at the grassroots and community levels. I also hope that the existence of the AKC Scheme would be able to invigorate efforts in harmonizing Mukim and village communities," His Majesty said. The monarch also added that leadership aspects closely correlate to the success and brilliance of AKC projects, especially at the grassroots levels. "It is focused on us all, from Mukim Penghulus and village heads, down to members and advisors of Mukim and village consultative councils, as advocates and pillars of the institution". The ruler said that competent leadership at the grassroots level is required and it is hoped that the community will be deeply impacted to aid in rapid development in the vicinity of Mukims and villages. "The success and excellence of certain Mukims and villages lay on the extent of the leadership. A good and progressive leadership will lead to good impact and development" added His Majesty. His Majesty lauded the efforts by village consultative councils for their active participation in exhibitions and bazaars within and outside the country and praised their worthwhile involvement, calling for products made under the concept of 'One Village, One Product' by Mukim and village council members to be marketed in a more organized and extensive manner not only in the country but also beyond our borders through strong collaboration from all parties, both government and private agencies alike. Also present at the event yesterday were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel.   |
| Non-Muslims can wear religious symbols, women are still allowed to drive Posted: 27 Feb 2014 04:34 PM PST Bandar Seri Begawan: Non-Muslims in the Sultanate are allowed to wear their respective symbols of faith such as the crucifix, rosary or other religious paraphernalia in their vehicles or homes, said the Deputy Syariah Prosecutor yesterday during a special briefing on the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 that was held at the Philippine Embassy in Jln Kebangsaan, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported. "It is stated in the constitution that we give freedom for non-Muslims to practice their faith among themselves, in the allocated premises without being threatened by authorities" added Hjh Fatimah Awg Hj Ahmad, Deputy Syariah Prosecutor from the Islamic Law Unit, Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA). This was one of many questions raised by Filipino community members living in the Sultanate since they are the biggest non-Muslim expatriates in the country that actively practicing their faith. Hjh Fatimah however reminded that spreading any religion other than Islam in Brunei is considered as a propagation of religion other than Islam to a Muslim or person without beliefs or in similar context. A hefty fine of BND$20,000 will be imposed together with a jail sentence of not less than five years on those found guilty. Another question raised was on the issue of whether women will be prohibited from driving under the new Order, to which the Deputy Syariah Prosecutor replied "No". She proceeds to explain that the authorities understand women in the Sultanate drive for a valid reason, saying that "we are not going that far, we understand that women (in Brunei) must drive whether to go to work, to pick up their children and other things. We are not going to say women should not drive, we are not that extreme. Women will continue to drive in Brunei". The idea that women should not be allowed to drive was first suggested by a person named "Jaya" (assumed to be a pseudonym) who wrote a letter to Saturday 22 2014 edition of Borneo Bulletin for the Opinion section. In the letter, he asserted that women must not drive alone and that our youths are going wet and wild listening to Western music. When his suggestion first surfaced on the social media, it was negatively received by many people, with a few individuals pointing out that such prohibition does not exist anywhere in Al-Quran, hadith, and Islam in general. Another key topic discussed was segregation between non-Muslims men and women in places such as staff living quarters; a common practice by employers as well as at public establishments such as cinemas, restaurants and even public transportation. "As of now there is no prohibition", said Hjh Fatimah, adding that in cases where there is a Muslim living together with the opposite sex (Muslims or non-Muslims) in the same house, then the law applies as it can lead to suspicion that they are committing an immoral act of 'khalwat' (close proximity) which comes under Section 196 of the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013. Under Section 196, if a man and woman (one or more) who is not Mahram (referring to individuals that cannot be married due to family relationship) live under the same roof, a fine of BND$4,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year or both will be imposed. To clear the air of any obfuscation, Ustaz Hj Ali Hassan Md Yassin, Education Officer from Islamic Da'awah Center, stated that there are no cases in the world where a government of a country condemns other religions or beliefs as all religions practice kindness to all mankind. "There have been many negative comments on the introduction of the Syariah Law in Brunei, but remember that not all comments are true and we all should educate ourselves before jumping to negative conclusions" said Ustaz Hj Ali, adding that people should not view Syariah Law as a threat to humanity in the Sultanate as Islam is a safe religion, similar to any other religion that eschews the need to condemn other faith and beliefs. |
| Posted: 27 Feb 2014 04:32 PM PST Bandar Seri Begawan: The educators and staff of Maktab Duli Pengrian Muda Al-Muthadee Billah attended a briefing on the Syariah Penal Code Oder 2013 yesterday, conducted by representatives of the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Religious Affairs as the nation moves closer to the initial phase of the implementation of the Syariah Law, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported. The experts on the Syariah Law and related issues included Ustaz Hj Mas Reduan bin Hj Jumat from the State Mufti's Department, Hjh Hassanah bte Hassan from the Attorney General's Chambers, Dyg Mahani Bte Hj Awang Suhaili and Pg Khairul Nazri bin Pg Hj Shahbudin from Islamic Legal Unit's Syariah prosecution Division, as well as Ustaz Muskriman Safri bin Hj Mustapa from the Islamic Dakwah Centre. Amongst the core issues that were explained included the offence of 'khalwat' (close proximity). The offence, said the panellist from the Islamic Legal Unit,takes place between a man and women or more who are not prohibited to marry according to Hukum Syarak, also known as Mahram. Under the enforcement of the first phase of the Syariah Penal Code Order this April, actions taken under the coming law will take precedence that brings a heavier penalty, including a fine not exceeding $4,000, imprisonment not exceeding one year or both. This offence not only applies to Muslims,but also extends to any non-Muslim who commits the act with a Muslim. However, there are certain offences that are only applicable to Muslims, such as the failure to perform Friday prayers and unmarried female Muslims who leave the custody of their parents or guardians. The offences that are applicable to both Muslims and non-Muslims are committing Zina (sex outside marriage) or drinking intoxicating beverages. The punishments imposed on non-Muslims, however, are subject to certain conditions. |
| Brunei detains Indonesian on terror suspicions Posted: 27 Feb 2014 10:12 AM PST BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei: Brunei authorities have detained an Indonesian national with links to Southeast Asian militant group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) for alleged 'terrorist-related activities' in the oil-rich sultanate, a media report said Thursday. The suspect, identified as 'Daniel, alias Awaluddin Sitorus', was detained on Feb 21 and is believed to be a member of Indonesia-based JI, the Brunei Times said. JI, which is thought to be allied with al-Qaeda, has been blamed for a number of attacks in Southeast Asia, with the deadliest being the Bali bombings of October 2002 that killed 202 people. Awaluddin is suspected of plotting to help militants enter and use tiny Brunei – which shares the huge island of Borneo with Malaysia and Indonesia – as a 'safe haven' and to channel financing to militants abroad, the newspaper said, citing Brunei security officials. Brunei authorities could not immediately be reached by AFP for comment. Awaluddin, who the newspaper said was in his 40s and used aliases including Abu Yasar and Dani Sitorus, stood trial in Indonesia a decade ago over a plot to bomb three churches in the city of Medan in May 2000. He was acquitted in the case. Two of the bombs were found and defused while a third injured 23 people. Investigations in Brunei indicated he had been in contact with the leader of militant group Kumpulan Mujahidin Indonesia and helped one 'suspicious individual' enter Brunei early last year, the Brunei Times said. — AFP |
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