DAY 8 AFTERNOON
7TH MARCH 2024 - AFTERNOON
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Yang Mulia Jurutulis
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The First Session of the 20th Legislative Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara convened on the eighth day, today, Thursday, 26th of Sha'aban 1445 corresponding to 7th March 2024, starting with a blessing prayer.
DOA SELAMAT
The blessing prayer was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Metali Al-Hafiz (Imam of Jame' 'Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque).
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, with whose grace all good deeds are accomplished.
Thankfully, we give thanks to Almighty Allah S.W.T, for with His mercy and permission, we are able to gather again this evening to hold the eighth day of the First Session of the 20th Legislative Session of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
Blessings and peace on our Great Messenger Muhammad S.A.W, his family and kin, his companions, and his followers who remain faithful and obedient until the end of time.
Your Honourable Members, I would like to welcome back the Honourable Cabinet Ministers to our meeting and also, I would like to welcome the presence of Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan, hoping that we all are in good health and will be able to continue our discussion so that we can carry out the tasks we face at this time safely, orderly, and perfectly.
Your Honourable Members, Majlis Mesyuarat Negara is still discussing the Bill (2024) Supply, 2024/2025 proposed by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
Therefore, to allow us to review the topics in the bill one by one, I adjourn the session of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara and we will reconvene at the Committee Stage.
(The meeting proceeded as a Committee)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Your Honourable Members, this assembly is now in full Committee stage deliberating the Bill (2024) Supply, 2024/2025 proposed by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
Your Honourable Members. The Committee meeting yesterday afternoon has started debating and discussing the Budget Title for Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama and its departments.
I still have a list of several Your Honourable Members who will also participate in debating this relevant topic. Without wasting any more time, I now invite Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin to start. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and Peace and Blessings be upon the most honorable of Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings, and good health.
First of all, kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama for his introduction the night before last on the efforts undertaken to develop and enhance the services of Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama for the public, especially the Muslim community in this country.
Kaola will touch on the collection and mosque funds. It is understood that mosques provide funds to facilitate congregation members to donate according to certain categories. The government also collects funds for the construction of new mosques and the repair of existing mosques through public servant salary deductions.
For the public's reference and to increase trust towards these charitable initiatives, kaola suggests that the authorities prepare and declare the total collections to the public, whether monthly, every 3 months, or every 6 months.
Yesterday, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama mentioned the payment for imams and bilal which are paid using government allocations and through Jabatan Hal Ehwal Masjid or paid by the Mosque Fund of Jabatan Hal Ehwal Masjid for mosques that are capable.
Does this also include the payment for substitute imams for absent imams? In this regard, kaola seeks further clarification on this matter.
Kaola's last question, in the State Assembly Session of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara in 2023, several suggestions to strengthen the mosque institutions were proposed. What actions have been taken so far?
That is all, May Allah grant success and guidance, Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thank you also to my fellow assemblymen Yang Berhormat regarding Masjid Fund and Building Fund.
Both are proposed to assure the public, in the context of mosque funds meaning mosque congregations, about their collections and expenditures. For the mosque building fund, it's about accounting key announced to the public. That's a good suggestion.
Regarding mosque funds, there is a regulation requiring such. Meaning, mosques would make their accounting statement every Friday, which is placed on the bulletin board or notice board in the mosque about their income and expenditure statements.
However, to what extent it is implemented at this time, the public itself knows and when asked why it is not consistently done, there are always some answers that they give, some of which are amusing, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
The answer, if seen, is fearing that people might see so-and-so, people who want to open the fund outside of 'our' control meaning stealing, there was no chance to see, things like that amuse the heart. The matter is, there are regulations requiring such and mosque congregations especially the Mosque Committees must request for this to be done every Friday.
Regarding the Mosque Fund, this is very important. indeed, recently, there were efforts from the ministry to bring the accounting keys, as far as there are, which are unaudited, brought into the Majlis Ugama Islam for the members' information while it has not been audited yet.
Later, after being audited, it would be brought again and indeed temporarily there are no regulations for this Building Fund yet being prepared but administratively, the ministry feels responsible to make regular reports to Majlis Ugama Islam because Majlis Ugama Islam is the custodian to the mosque affairs and Building Fund collections.
If I may say so here, Yang Berhormat, grossly, the income has been very good since it was launched in 2015.
So far, the collection exceeds $31 million, if I am not mistaken, and 'we've' allocated specific allocations to develop several mosques. Besides that are several mosque repair projects and all of them have accounting keys and can be presented as unaudited accounting keys for Majlis Ugama Islam's knowledge.
I would like to state good reception especially among public servants and uniformed teams. Monthly collections through Kementerian Kewangan are significant.
'Our' income in a year can be estimated to build half a mosque at this time. If in the past at the beginning in 2017/2018 the committee planned to build 5 mosques with an allocation of $3 million each but due to COVID-19 it was delayed.
As already developed, Mosque Junjungan could no longer be as such but what was able to be completed during COVID-19 is Mosque Bukit Panggal and Masjid Ar-Rahman Tanjong Bunut.
These are the results from the Building Fund. Furthermore, the repairs made to mosque buildings including the recent completion, expansion at Mosque Sungai Buloh, and all repairs are in the accounting keys. God willing, that can be done, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, has your second question been answered? Yang Berhormat only briefly asked, so I assume that's the answer.
If you want specifics, perhaps Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin needs to specifically raise the matters that were brought up last year as well, then details can be further explained by the concerned minister.
Nonetheless, that's the answer given by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama. I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,
All thanks are due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and I pray and salute to the noblest of the Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Praise be to Allah, who bestowed upon us the blessing of Islam and granted us the religion of truth to implement, call to it, spread it over the expanses of the earth, and work by it so we may gain our hereafter and a greater success when we meet Him.
May peace and blessings be upon you, O Messenger of Allah, and upon your family and all your companions, and peace be upon you. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. First of all, kaola joyfully wish to record my highest gratitude to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for allowing me the opportunity to debate the allocation for Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
Kaola also wishes to express profound gratitude and congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama for the comprehensive introduction detailing the roadmap and action plans that have been and will be executed to move towards the Ministry of Religious Affairs' vision of "Together towards a Brilliant Life in this World and the Hereafter".
On this occasion, kaola would like to record congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama and all the ministry's staff, for continuously succeeding in enriching various programs and initiatives, especially in instilling and spreading the teachings and proclamation of Islam in this country. What we hope for is even more religious and welfare-oriented programs and activities to be further enhanced from time to time as we together make this country a Zikir Country in line with the Melayu Islam Beraja concept.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Kaola in this Council takes note of the introduction presented yesterday by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama for the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Budget presentation concerning the Department of Zakat, Waqf, and Baitulmal Affairs.
However, in discussing the Ministry of Religious Affairs, kaola feels compelled to focus more on matters related to the Department of Zakat, Waqf, and Baitulmal Affairs. In kaola's view, it plays a crucial role that needs immediate attention and action as it can contribute a significant impact on the socio-economic especially to the Muslim community and the residents of Brunei Darussalam in general. Indeed, it is capable of driving and further strengthening the country's economy towards a more dynamic and sustainable direction, thereby leading us towards the achievements and aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
As we are all aware, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam has graciously elevated the status of the Zakat Collection and Distribution Division (Zakat Unit) of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council to become the Department of Zakat, Waqf, and Baitulmal Affairs.
It is understood that this department has officially commenced operation from 1 Muharram 1445 corresponding to 19 July 2023. In relation to that, kaola would like to revisit the decree of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the new year of Hijrah 1445 that among other things, His Majesty decreed:-
"With the establishment of this department, the affairs of zakat management in terms of distribution and its effectiveness, including the implementation of other programs are expected to be more effective and efficient. Similarly, in the management of waqf and baitulmal properties will focus efforts towards diversifying the management and uses of waqf in addition to managing and developing baitulmal property"
Kaola personally highly esteems and uplifts the decree of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam that reflects His Majesty's wisdom, concern, and far-sighted vision in transforming the Department of Zakat, Waqf, and Baitulmal Affairs towards a more effective, dynamic, and sustainable direction in assisting to further advance and develop the country.
Moreover, it enables the utilization to improve the welfare, well-being, and living standards of the residents of Brunei Darussalam especially, the qualified asnaf according to syariah law. This also directly eases the burden on the poor and destitute, reduces social problems, and decreases unemployment, proving the concern and nobility of the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
In strengthening the role and functionality of the Department of Zakat, Waqf, and Baitulmal Affairs to be more robust, efficient, and effective, it certainly strengthens the teachings and proclamation of Islam in the country in line with the desire to make this nation a Zikir Country.
With the establishment of the Department of Zakat, Waqf, and Baitulmal Affairs, its scope of authority is undoubtedly broader and is desired to advance the management and governance of zakat, waqf, and baitulmal affairs in a systematic, accountable, and integrated manner. Kaola sees it is crucial for this department to have a variety of professionals and expertise in multiple fields, for instance, in accounting, legislation, investment management, ICT governance, syariah affairs, engineering, technical, and so on, to ensure the successful operation and management runs smoothly and effectively.
As we also know, the residents of Brunei Darussalam are known for their generosity and the act of giving either in the form of money or needed goods to the needy or recognized institutions organizations based on syariah law or regulations enforced in Brunei Darussalam.
For example, we can jointly observe donations and contributions to the Mosque Construction Fund, Dana Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah for orphans, humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, and so forth. In addition, there are also specific groups or individuals, not only donating within the country but also overseas for the construction of mosques, prayer halls, educational institutions, welfare buildings, etc.
Kaola believes that with the establishment of the Department of Zakat, Waqf, and Baitulmal Affairs this will further instill confidence and trust and subsequently provide an avenue for individuals or the public who wish to contribute through official channels provided by the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Kaola believes and is fully confident that it will have a significant impact, especially with more individuals in this country being gracious in contributing their wealth. This also strengthens and consolidates the financial position and assets of the said agency allowing for more strategic and effective planning that contributes to the socioeconomic development and growth of the country.
In relation to this, kaola kindly requests clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama on:-
The development status of the Department of Zakat, Waqf and Baitulmal Affairs in performing its functions and roles as desired.;
The strategy, action plan, and framework to activate and solidify the Department of Zakat, Waqf and Baitulmal Affairs based on its roles and functions.; and
The functions and roles of this department to be expanded and promoted with efforts to educate on zakat, waqf, and baitulmal matters. Providing a clearer understanding by raising awareness among the community especially regarding zakat, waqf, and baitulmal.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Kaola would like to touch a little on graduates from the Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB). The establishment of KUPU SB is desired to become a premier religious teaching institution and to be proud of, fulfilling the country's needs and ready to open its doors to international students.
While the goal of KUPU SB is to produce human resources as servants and vicegerents of Allah competent in Islamic education and management to create an educated, active, and pious society and nation according to Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah, following the Shafi'i School of thought and upholding the status of Islam as the official religion of the country and based on the Melayu Islam Beraja concept.
While its mission is also to dignify religious teaching education to produce educators with identity through the integration of knowledge, training, studies, services, skills, and technology based on the principles of Islam, Melayu Islam Beraja concept, and the educational philosophy of the country.
In relation to this, kaola feels the need to think together on ways to further develop human resources to remain relevant in line with the country's requirements and current and future developments. Especially in the job development prospects for KUPU SB graduates with various competencies and skills towards a more marketable direction. Based on statistics, a total of 240 individuals received degrees and diplomas in 2022 and a total of 234 individuals received various degrees and certificates as well as diplomas in 2023. Regarding this matter, kaola kindly requests clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
The average percentage each year of graduates from KUPU SB finding employment including in the teaching profession.
Strategies and initiatives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs especially KUPU SB in line with current and future developments according to the country's needs to make KUPU SB graduates more marketable or encourage them to venture into the fields of entrepreneurship and business. Directly, we consider ways to attract more students to enroll in KUPU SB programs and thus, God willing, guarantee employment and also future well-being for themselves and their families.
In conclusion, kaola fully supports the Budget for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and its departments for the Financial Year 2024/2025. Kaola concludes by expressing gratitude to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
With God's guidance and blessings. Peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Alhamdulillah, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and thank you, Your Honourable.
As the public has mentioned in this hall yesterday, there is a lot of hope for the Department of Zakat, Waqaf, and Baitulmal that was established. Not just hoping for what it should do in tackling the issues that are already present, but also issues of delays in resolving applications and so forth. I had the chance to mention some initiatives, although not in detail, but there are initiatives toward that direction.
In this regard, you had mentioned the department, with its functions, requires professional officers according to their fields. It is very relevant and indeed what is expected.
Currently, we are still waiting for the Director's position to be filled, those who have experience in Islamic Banking, Islamic Finance, and so on. Those who are still working and in service in those fields. The same goes for accountancy. Currently, we need not only accountants but also officers in the financial field.
The officers in the financial field that we had previously cannot all be absorbed into this department because the Brunei Islamic Religious Council still needs their service. So, these are the needs to support the function, role, achieving the goals expected from its establishment. It's been almost a year, maybe around 8 months since its establishment, known to be 'blessed' through TV programs, especially the Collection and Distribution Division. Its 'blessings' indirectly come through news related to zakat distribution or the acceptance of zakat collections from certain groups.
It is crucial to have continuous 'blessings' to assure the public besides helping them understand the concept of practices and understand the procedures for them to contribute to the Department of Zakat, Waqaf, and Baitulmal in terms of their zakat contributions and so forth.
In the department’s early efforts since its establishment, a lot is focused on updating its affairs.
So I mentioned a lot is focused until overlapping issues which are referred to as delays in solving problems. This is a challenge not only felt by the Department of Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal but by myself at the ministry and these challenges, hopefully, with Allah the Almighty's permission, we can overcome with wisdom.
First is securing manpower that can support the function or role to achieve the establishment goals.
It would be disappointing, not just for the ministry but also for the entire government, if the establishment of zakat, this much-anticipated department fails to show any dynamic change towards managing existing zakat affairs, improve those affairs, and if it can't meet the expectations and hopes of the public, and the authorities who see the importance of this department's establishment, not just for zakat but also waqaf and for the preservation of Baitulmal assets and so on. So indeed, the challenge is significant, but because it is a trust, everyone in it will try their best, God willing.
Yesterday, I mentioned that despite the shortage of officers, it should not always be an excuse for inaction. For example, if there is a shortage of manpower, and three officers are needed, but there are only two. Then, these two officers share the duties of the third officer. This is called dedication and with efficiency and knowledge, hopefully, the lack of manpower will not fail the efforts that are indeed the desire of all parties.
Regarding waqaf, it indeed has a long story; we see waqaf differs from zakat. Zakat has its specific recipients who have the right over it called asnaf. But waqaf is general for the interests of Muslims and Islamic institutions. In countries that have implemented it, practically responding to the needs of the Muslim community in matters of its interests, mosques, schools, and medical care. So such countries are very successful, not only focused on religious institutions but leading to business and economic institutions. Even in the peninsular, in the Johor corporation, which is supported by its waqaf has a hospital.
So this is what we aim to achieve, and in Singapore, a secular country, but its Muslim community is very progressive, very responsive to their needs as a minority, and to be resilient on their own, by using institutions or boards like waqaf for survival and success. Successful not just in terms of educational results but also in saving Muslim waqaf land that should be regulated and returned to the state. All these become examples to us, how sharia is responsive to the needs according to the country's requirements.
In this matter, that is the waqaf we hope will contribute, perhaps even more than zakat. If currently the waqafs as mentioned yesterday are only up to that, but God willing, so will the future.
Similarly, the Baitulmal assets which already have their body and its development for over 20 years. From time to time it was given strength for its implementation and requires professional people. Now it has an Advisory Board and in this board are people who can help and think about the development of Baitulmal assets, God willing.
I appreciate the observation of Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof regarding our affair to the public. The public which is very caring and very generous and so on.
I understand the appreciation of your Honour is hope. The hope of Your Honour and the hope of the public who have such traits when they have contributed and participated in the steps taken by the Islamic Religious Council and now the Department of Zakat and so forth.
They want to see transparency in the implementation of its work which also involves finance. If at this moment I can mention generally but cannot present specific figures, but I can try to assure that the result from zakat is used as best as possible for its asnaf.
As mentioned yesterday, to meet daily needs, schooling, medical and others, and there is more for future developments and so forth. But the most important now is the Department of Zakat can be said to have maintained last year and even more in the previous years.
In 2023 alone that was recorded here, there are as many as 909 families with 1,411 dependents in the zakat administration that are problematic, slow in decision-making and so on. But in previous years, there were as many as 3,059 people with 6,560 people.
All of these, we see that zakat has also given contributions to address the needs of the groups that need it. So what was collected has not been wasted. Yesterday I also mentioned housing, building houses, repairing houses, renting houses. The rental houses alone are about 600 units with a minimum rent of $500 now.
If 10-15 years ago, in the estimation, houses were allocated up to $350 each, but now no longer exists, and even surpasses $500-$750. So, 600 rental houses, if according to my calculation in a few years, those renting can have their own houses.
And this is the planning ahead to intensify development because the need for housing is very felt in this country.
So generally, I'm sorry if I seem 'like a broken shotgun with its bullets, shattered.' But what I'm confident of is that what I've explained can be understood in this noble hall and can also be understood outside here, that we all place hope on the establishment of the Department of Zakat, Waqaf, And Baitulmal for our perfect future, meaning our society that needs it. God willing.
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof and thank you to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Regarding zakat, it was mentioned earlier by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof about KUPU SB graduates. Yesterday, Kaola did mention, there were statistics from JobCentre, Manpower Planning and Employment Council and so on.
Indeed, we all feel concerned for the religious field graduates if we look at that statement. But Kaola also stated, that isn't to underscore or highlight that they are the boogeyman in finding employment. That's not the case.
Because graduates from other fields are also waiting for employment from UBD, UNISSA, and UTB, even from abroad. Kaola mentioned national matters, it's affirmed by JobCentre, Manpower Planning and Employment Council that we all will support to take the right initiatives.
Kaola agrees that the Ministry of Religious Affairs cannot let this issue go unchecked because there's a need for religious studies and religious education itself which has been inherently present not just to study in religious schools, if following from 1966, the decree of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien during the establishment of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Secondary Arabic School and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Arabic Religious Secondary School, which is to produce Brunei's children with skills as expected citizens with religious education.
Therefore, those schools are equipped. The equipment known to be not available in other schools, even secondary schools under the Ministry of Education at that time, including Language Laboratories,
Science Laboratories, Language and Science Subjects were very active and the graduates born in that era if now they've retired, but they have served in many fields outside religion.
Because they had opportunities to pursue their studies abroad and therefore, the Ministry of Religious Affairs currently has a Special Scholarship Scheme for students or students who show potential based on good results to be granted scholarships.
In the past, 'A' level was sent abroad, but now 'A' level or International Baccalaureate within the country at Jerudong International School (JIS).
From here, many have graduated but they are bonded to return to the Ministry of Religious Affairs to become educators in the fields they are qualified for.
So, hopefully, they will find a common point among us in education and religion to look forward. In the context of KUPU SB, indeed efforts are there to equip as teachers with necessary ICT skills.
So this must be taken seriously. At the same time, there are also efforts in KUPU SB currently, for training in entrepreneurship.
This effort so that it can be conducted systematically until it becomes part of the education sought by our children entering there hoping to make them marketable and so on.
So, we are all thinking about this together. God willing, not only by the Ministry of Religious Affairs but also involving relevant people in the related fields, especially Manpower Planning and Employment Council and Education. God willing. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings.
Firstly, Kaola would like to congratulate the Minister of Religious Affairs on carrying out duties and responsibilities in the entrusted field.
Kaola would like to voice out about the new integration system especially regarding the teachers affected by this new change. In our efforts to bring about good planning and implementation, we also need to ensure the welfare and well-being of educators including their mental state. It is undeniable that this new integration system brings its own challenges to teachers.
Many of them are trying to adjust to this new system. However, they face various problems and challenges which may not be easy to overcome and to keep up with developments in education. Therefore, it is important for us to pay serious attention to their mental health.
We need to ensure that they are neither marginalized nor forgotten in this new system. Not just thinking about the parents and students affected by this renewal.
Kaola also wants to touch on religious education in our country, especially the improvements in the curriculum or syllabus of religious education subjects. Realizing that the world and our new generation of students are not the same as before, a different approach in their education is needed.
As an Islamic country, it is our responsibility to ensure that our students do not just memorize religious teachings. But, also understand and apply the values of Islam in their daily lives.
Therefore, the syllabus of Islamic education needs to be enhanced to be more relevant and suitable for current needs. Change is not easy, yet we also want to increase the faith of the young generation without coercion.
So, we need to find new strategies that are attractive to teach Islam without diminishing the actual content of Islamic teachings. One approach that can be considered is the use of technology in religious education. By leveraging digital platforms, we can provide interactive learning materials that are engaging and easily accessible by our students.
Besides, creative approaches like outdoor classroom activities such as visits to mosques and so forth can also be used to enhance the attractiveness of religious learning.
That's all from Kaola. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you to Yang Berhormat and thank you to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
The matter of integrating religious subjects into the general school system has been much talked about. Yesterday, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam already spoke extensively, and Kaola responded to it as much as Kaola could, but Kaola responded to it extensively, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
This is a new matter that in its implementation requires new ways for people who have been regular teachers accustomed to a usual setting. But in this integration system, it faces a new situation and atmosphere.
Kaola interacted with this group during its implementation, Kaola sincerely advised them to try to adapt, to let go of the feeling of restraint or this restraint is called feeling from the start saying 'cannot do it' or in the new environment feeling inferior. So, Kaola advised trying to face this issue with whatever can be done and matters of concern to us all are considered for example not only the purpose of this integration to lighten the burden on students, even impact on mental health, then also for teachers we must think.
And the two ministries are indeed commanded to monitor from time to time following this development. All inputs, if what is written on social media or conveyed to us ‘that are unseen’, convey them regularly to this committee and this committee considers what is best.
First not only infrastructure but also human resources. It is important to know that the teachers mentioned here are indeed teachers who have been accustomed to serving in a religious school atmosphere. So now they serve in general schooling even though there a head of religious education is determined but it's within the general school system.
So, matters like feeling 'overburdened' more in tasks of taking care of students, say duties for Zohor prayer, they are supposed to return but because of additional tasks, such matters have indeed been considered.
What complaints they have are known by the committee and conveyed to schools to arrange a working system that involves all teachers, not only religious teachers there 'just because' as for prayer matters, the religious teachers, but 'just because' is part of the school community, teacher, teaching staff in that school just like other teachers.
And secondly, as kaola felt last night, complaints like these, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, some parties already feel as though we are in a deadlock due to this integration while the integration has not even reached a year and the decree of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam is very clear, open for study and such studies have their committees from all aspects, from the infrastructure, student software, everything is there, just the implementation and so on, how it takes time, that's normal.. but it doesn’t mean the integration was launched just for the sake of it. That's how it is to be implemented by the teachers’ wisdom.
That is why kaola felt called upon as kaola flipped through my notes again last night regarding this integration, kaola saw a suggestion from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam for the establishment of an independent committee, free from the two ministries because these two ministries are interested parties that should be judged, if in the usual sense of the word, even though the judge is suggested by JPM.
But it's as if we're already in a deadlock on this matter. Until our trust in the committee is lost. Give that chance. It means do not give any impression especially from this honorable House that we do not trust what is planned by the government. But if we support it, where is the support? We should overcome it as best as possible if there are other suggestions, as the decree of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam is open for discussion but it doesn’t mean like there is a commission outside of it. What has actually happened regarding this integration? It hasn't reached 'that dire' stage yet, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
So, kaola have reviewed last night and kaola felt called to mention once again here, it's not appropriate for us to suggest or it's not appropriate for the Ministry of Religious Affairs to accept such proposals or suggestions to be raised as proposals that will be considered by the government.
So that's the overview, kaola sympathize with what the teachers are going through but hope the teachers also be patient, adapt, because this is the challenge as religious people. They must adapt in whatever situation. Do not let it cause an unnecessary cultural shock for us.
So kaola will not add more, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, much more to say. Kaola apologize, that’s all that kaola can answer about the integration raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
As someone who has been involved in issues like this before, I think a decision has been made about it.
And it is relevant and our duty to implement it as best as we can. So I think our stage of questioning whether it can be done or not has already passed.
So now is the time for us to implement it as best as we can. Whatever its impact on society is up to us to make it so it doesn't harm those who will receive it, especially for those who call themselves educationists so something like this will be managed as best as possible with guidance to the interest of students and also the welfare of the concerned teachers.
But however, I now want to provide an opportunity for Yang Berhormat Minister of Education to make an intervention since we have been waiting for Yang Berhormat since the day before yesterday. Fortunately, Yang Berhormat is here now, we invite to hear his intervention. Please, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola actually feel called to respond or to add to the answer shared by Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs regarding the second question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohammad, which is the Islamic education syllabus.
However, before I/kaola continue this argument of mine, I would like to first thank Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol who himself stated that change is not easy.
Regarding the Islamic education syllabus, the suggestion for updating the Islamic education syllabus is actually the main objective of why the integration system is implemented. Basically, the curriculum for both Islamic Education subject and Religious Studies before the integration system had the same level of knowledge, understanding, and skills. The only difference is in terms of the approach in designing and delivering the curriculum from the perspective of depth or breadth. This is what we call depth versus breadth.
In this case, the Curriculum and Assessment Working Committee has provided a balanced curriculum between depth and breadth to ensure our students will obtain a deep understanding of certain subjects and a broad appreciation of various fields of knowledge appropriate to their age.
Actually, the confirmation of the new Islamic Education curriculum involves experts from the State Mufti's Department, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, and also Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Education. I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings and good health. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for giving me the opportunity to join in discussing the allocation for the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Thank you also to Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs for the very detailed and clear preamble that includes the direction, focus, and achievements of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Alhamdulillah
Actually, at first kaola did not intend to discuss issues related to the Ministry of Religious Affairs as some of the issues kaola will touch on have already been raised in several meetings of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council.
However, to convey and fulfill the requests of those who gave feedback to me, while fulfilling my responsibility as a member of this State Legislative Council. kaola also feel called to raise some of these issues. Kaola hope that the enlightenment from Yang Berhormat Minister later will provide first hand information to those interested parties who provided the feedback.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. The first issue that I will touch on is about Title 003/006 - Halal Food and Goods which is related to the halal certification process for domestic products including the certification and issuance of halal certificates for restaurants and food outlets in this country.
The KPI targeted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs is 275 certificates this year. This issue has been raised many times and has received feedback from various parties. I recognize that this process indeed takes time and is challenging.
I also note that the ministry of Yang Berhormat Pehin has already planned to introduce an online platform to facilitate this application process. Hopefully, once this online platform is operational, insha'Allah, it will streamline and shorten the halal certification process further and will meet the set TPOR of currently 45 days or possibly reduced to a shorter period.
Towards this, kaola would like to inquire about how this process will operate in its entirety including how the inspection of these premises will be carried out. Similarly, kaola also want to know what standard operating procedure is used by the Ministry of Religious Affairs for certifying or conducting audit work for halal food presenters in this country. Kaola request enlightenment from Yang Berhormat Pehin if this SOP exists, will it be shared later in this online platform to facilitate applicants in preparing to comply and meet the audit standard.
Similarly, with the inspection and certification of halal for imported raw meat products from abroad. The feedback given to me indicates not only does this process take time, but it is also expensive for the importers especially for small and medium-sized local entrepreneurs because they have to bear the expenses of tickets, lodging, allowance, transport, and others for the officers certifying the halal products.
The inspection period abroad is also too long, sometimes up to one to one and a half months. I understand about the necessity to comply with laws in this situation. However, I would like to request enlightenment on the future steps of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to explore other options that do not conflict with laws to reduce the time and expenses of the parties involved.
At the same time, kaola has also received feedback on the inspection process to confirm the halal status of these imported meats at the laboratory when they arrive in this country. This process also takes a long time, it will slow down the process of releasing the meats in the containers which if delayed too long, the meats may be exposed to contamination that could affect health, reduce the meat supply in the country, and harm the entrepreneurs.
The second issue is about mosque construction. This matter has been discussed many times, just that kaola see from what was shared by Yang Berhormat yesterday, that in the 12th National Development Plan, a total of 12 new mosques with an estimated Plan cost of about $63 million will be built across the country, Alhamdulillah.
So, of course, when these mosques are completed, they will require some additional imams and mosque officials. Therefore, the appointment of the relevant imams and mosque officials also needs to be coordinated and worked on from the beginning so that when these mosques are ready, they can operate smoothly.
In addition, since most of these mosques are in the areas of the National Housing Scheme, kaola tends to suggest that the construction of these mosques will be synchronized with the completion period of the houses built under this scheme so that when the village has started to be inhabited, the mosques can also be used as community activity centers in these villages.
Abroad, there are a number of mosques used as community and research centers, so just as an idea that can be explored if it does not conflict in terms of law and so on. Kaola suggests that the mosques to be built in the national housing area will be equipped with special spaces that can be used by the congregation. Especially for the use of youths and students, for example, for studying which can be equipped with computers and so on. This will surely require these mosques to be designed to have the spaces that kaola mentioned. Kaola feels this step will provide an opportunity for the mosque congregation to interact and for these youths to familiarize themselves with the mosque.
Regarding the maintenance of mosques, 'perhaps' this matter has already been heatedly discussed on social media. Kaola also notes that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has allowed the collection of Mosque Funds to be used for mosque maintenance.
What kaola feels is important is transparency and accountability in using the collected funds. Kaola is actually interested in how mosque collections are managed in neighboring countries where each week the amount collected and the expenses incurred for mosque maintenance are displayed on the mosque's signboard. The mosque is always clean and attractive. Kaola thinks this can be a lesson in the management of mosque collections in this country.
Lastly, kaola would like to discuss the promotion by the Ministry of Religious Affairs regarding the spread of dakwah, especially the ministry's efforts to enhance the skills of local preachers or da'ie-da'ie. Lately, more and more young local preachers have come forward to give sermons in mosques and formal ceremonies.
They have the potential to be showcased as authoritative preachers, but their potential needs to be sharpened and polished. Kaola congratulates and praises these young preachers.
Meanwhile, on social media, we can also see people flocking to hear lectures delivered by preachers from abroad. Therefore, kaola requests enlightenment from Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama regarding the advantages or the "wow factor" of these foreign preachers that could be a good example for our preachers in this country.
How are the efforts of Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama in elevating our local preachers to the level of knowledge, authority, and charisma of these foreign preachers?
That is all,
وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and also thanks to my colleague Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
Kaola have taken note from the speech of Yang Berhormat regarding halal certificates, halal food and halal goods involving the halal certificates and the KPIs set and whether they are achieved. Secondly, what platform is made in this regard online as kaola stated yesterday.
This platform was originally to be independently carried out by the Ministry of Religious Affairs with an allocation of $1 million, but it has been decided this platform has been incorporated into a platform under the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Insha'Allah
As hoped for by Yang Berhormat earlier. The issue of facilities like SOP regarding requirements known by the public and also known by individuals intending to obtain the halal certificate. They are clearly aware of the current SOP and certainly, it will be included in this platform.
Is it possible to issue 225 halal certificates? These are the goals 'abiskaola' as much as possible, but what is of interest to the Ministry of Religious Affairs is to ensure the section managing the halal certificate, which is the Sharia Department under the Halal Food Division will be more proactive in carrying out its duties as expected.
Among them are issues of delays, ways to overcome delays in renewals, delays in settling new applications, and so on. All these require a working method that can solve the problems that are often complained about.
Importing raw meats, as many 'kitani' friends involved in the business trade are well aware, they are really stressed, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola myself feel because waiting for a decision to send an inspector or observer as needed when they import these meats.
Secondly, the method that requires them to bear the costs of sending it. Third, when it has arrived, it's hard to expedite the release from the control post or at the port, which is the port warehouse, etc.
That's in terms of halal certificates, kaola stated briefly only. If in terms of the halal certificate platform, it's already there بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ and regarding the importation, it has been thought of involving many parties, not only the Ministry of Religious Affairs itself but also involving the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and related departments under it to find resolutions.
The first step, to expedite, and the second step to reduce expenses without compromising the quality of its halalness and so on. It became a formula already found, not yet formulated and is currently under attention and study by the concerned parties, and ongoing studies about those proposals cannot yet be mentioned here but imagine that there are several alternatives considered and some of these alternatives, how to release the burden of importers and not burden the government. So how, that's the way.
Secondly, trust in the person who will be assigned. So there are a few options and that's now under consideration. In this consideration, that's one alternative for us but for application matters already existing in the current system, still slow again and kaola themselves really hope to expedite it.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, understand that the matter is not entirely in the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Regarding the release process at the control posts that kaola wonder if at land control posts or at ports, it has a schedule, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. If through land, as long as all information is complete, etc., it can just go ahead. If from Labu heading to Puni, accompanied. Don't mid-way, other items come in. Maybe this is what causes the process to be slow. Hopefully with the matters we hear here, the concerned parties will find truly effective ways.
What's interesting about mosque construction. Thank you for the appreciation and praises Yang Berhormat in the planning of the 12th National Development Plan (RKN 12), there are 12 mosques to be developed and the plan mentioned there is indeed under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN 12) meaning its financing is under government expenditure. But at the same time, there are also a few mosques within that 5-year period to be built by the Fund for mosque construction. Which is currently in hand of course Kampung Lamunin and Kampung Ukong and then Temburong District as already stated.
What's interesting here is about the mosques in the National Housing Scheme as suggested by Yang Berhormat and this also becomes a driving force for the inhabitants to relocate to these areas. When they move there, the infrastructure related to the mosque has allocated land.
So, the question arises, why not develop the mosques together with the relocation, this becomes one of the inputs or feedback from kaola and thank you to Yang Berhormat for bringing up this issue and maybe in the future or now the planning of the 12th National Development Plan (RKN 12) for Kampung Lugu and let's not wait until Kampung Lugu is over a decade old, only then do we build a mosque and if possible, let us prepare as much as possible and the planned ones are expedited God willing.
The maintenance of these mosques, Yang Berhormat also mentioned earlier if we ask for an example from other countries, there is transparency regarding their procurement and collection. Kaola stated that if the mosque's collection means it’s not a fund pool. The mosque's collection is for the mosque and from the mosque's congregation to the mosque in its fund, indeed, there are regulations Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
As kaola answered the initial question earlier, the regulations indeed require the collection report to be posted on the notice board in the mosque. So, the extent to which it is implemented at this time can be monitored, and mosques are also advised to provide facilities for the convenience of students.
Once upon a time, this idea was very good in the 80s and 90s because at that time, we were just entering the ICT world, so the development of Masjid Jubli in Kampung Jangsak even land around the mosque owned by the public was taken to provide the facilities we mentioned for students to learn Word Processor, up to the internet and so forth then there was also a bazaar planned towards supporting the mosque financially. So, things like this didn't seem to develop because by the grace of God, we feel sufficient that the mosques are government mosques and financed by the government, the allocation is guaranteed to be there every year, so we feel there is no necessity to find financial methods and so forth.
But for the construction of mosques with the infrastructure of library rooms for children or for certain students, it's not just about referring to a library but also for them to sit and study there because the housing conditions in the 12th National Housing Scheme (RKN-12) are not conducive for a learning atmosphere in many cases.
And the learning atmosphere not only at schools must also be found elsewhere, and mosques are what we think are suitable. Hopefully, this thought will develop and become a reality in the planning of mosque constructions in the future.
Yang Berhormat appreciates the emergence of young daies as also kaola have two to three people kaola have stated. On the whole, this planning is in the effort to strengthen dakwah, providing well-established daies.
So far, there are programs to be implemented God willing, perhaps early this year at least two daie forces have been identified which we acknowledge are very appealing to lead and guide daies – daies, we have courted them through the Da'wah Center at their place in the Peninsula, one in Pahang and one in Selangor.
They are willing to come to Brunei from time to time and will start in a little while but kaola do not have the schedule, but will start within this year God willing.
Hopefully, with that guidance, it will have an impact on the daie development. But this dakwah affair is not just knowledge there, but how and the method too. So, many aspects can be developed that we must take into account in equipping daies to what extent as charismatic as daies abroad. Many ways God willing and hopefully they in their current age of 30s to 40s maybe later through their experience will become charismatic daies and can serve abroad God willing.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite the Yang Berhormat Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, please, to make an intervention regarding the matters raised.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola just want to add regarding the inspection of imported meat once it enters Brunei Darussalam.
Actually, this imported meat needs to be inspected by the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority to be tested, analyze the content in it. Since the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority is under the Ministry of Health, it might be best for Yang Berhormat Minister of Health to answer this. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
God willing, we are waiting for him. Yang Berhormat Minister of Education is now invited to make his intervention.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would like to add regarding the effort to empower the quality of lecturers or daies. Actually, the Faculty of Usuluddin at UNISSA has opened or offered the National Diploma Daie and Leadership program starting the 2022/2023 session and one of the objectives of this program is it as a platform in producing knowledgeable and skilled daies as well as providing more comprehensive studies of understanding and the art of delivering dakwah to daies in line with current knowledge developments.
Thus, any daie or those wishing to become daies can apply to enter or follow the National Diploma Daie and Leadership Program offered by the Faculty of Usuluddin at UNISSA. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Minister concerning the additional reaction or response aside from the explanations detailed by Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs. I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I praise you, O Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of prophets and messengers, our master Muhammad and all his family and companions.
Peace be upon you, the mercy of God, and his blessings, to continue,
Kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs for the presentation of his ministry's budget. Kaola takes note of the explanations that have been detailed in response to the questions and suggestions that have been put forward by Your Honourable Members on this side. Many issues have been asked and answered by Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs.
Kaola takes a less controversial issue that hasn't been mentioned. Kaola wishes to refer to the first performance indicator note which is the number of 30 juz Al-Quran memorizers. Here, the target estimates for 2024/2025, 2025/2026, and 2026 to 2027 are 82, 85, and 94. Kaola's question, is this the target intended to be achieved by the Ministry of Religious Affairs regarding the number or amount of memorizers?
Personally working on it, kaola welcomes the ministry’s effort to produce more memorizers to be among our community, especially those who will hold positions of lecturers, ustaz, imams and just mentioned daies and community leaders, especially becoming imams of prayer halls. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said in a hadith narrated by Bukhari which means: "The most rightful to lead you is the best among you in reading the Quran".
At this time as stated before by Yang Berhormat, there are plans to build as many as 12 mosques and in kaola’s view if these individuals are later channeled to become imams and so forth, they need to be given added value by being equipped with work ethics, best practices in administration, financial management, and communication skills which sometimes are lacking in the existing imams. With this, may Allah allow the mosques to be led appropriately.
Next kaola would like to ask. Currently, where are those who have memorized and are assigned? Are all these memorizers serving in the service at the Ministry of Religious Affairs? Are they placed there or not known where their destination is? Next, kaola actually has many issues kaola raised regarding these community issues but many questions have been answered and raised by Yang Berhormat colleagues, just kaola wanted to raise is about what has been conveyed by Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan and has been explained by Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Minister of Development, and Yang Berhormat Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Kaola will not speak at length about this matter, only wishes to ask permission from Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for just one question and perhaps a suggestion. How long must they wait for distribution to get a house?
If not many houses are being built, kaola hopes that the relevant parties from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Development, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, and others will convene to find an immediate solution through the National Welfare Scheme.
Perhaps by building more houses as stated yesterday, the allocation does exist. Can they be prioritized for housing allocation under the National Housing Scheme? Perhaps currently vacant houses can be immediately repaired to provide shelter for those in need of a home.
Kaola believes that the way we handle the application and provision of aid needs to be reviewed periodically for its effectiveness.
For those who have been helped, that is true, but the reality is that many more still need assistance. Sometimes it’s disheartening when told that a meeting has not yet been convened because meetings are seldom held.
Sometimes a meeting is scheduled, but it gets postponed or even cancelled close to the day, or a meeting happens but doesn’t cover all topics. So whichever way you lose. In this matter, there needs to be new thinking on how to address this promptly. We can postpone meetings from one date to another, but for those waiting, it’s too long for them.
Currently, kaola sees the growth of volunteer organizations carrying out duties and distributing food and clothing aid to those in need. أكفلهم but beyond their capability is buying a house, their capability is only in providing daily meals and not housing. Kaola hopes the activities of such volunteer bodies can be monitored not to restrict their operations, but encouraged yet in an organized manner.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola also wants to refer to the number of new Sharia crime cases each year. In 2022 and 2023, there were 440 complaints, and the target will be reduced to 350 cases in 2023 and 2024. Kaola seeks clarification whether the number of cases recorded is concerning or just typical. Because there is no detailed explanation about this matter.
What trends can be observed, and how many Sharia crime cases have been tried? In the 2024/2025 Budget Estimate book, there are currently 22 Syarie Prosecutors. Is this number sufficient to handle the cases to be tried?
That's all from me, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
وبالله التوفيق والهداية. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and also to Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman. Focusing on the raised issue. First regarding Al-Quran hafiz, graduates of hafiz.
The second is the achieved target will be met, and then have they been offered jobs or served in the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
In the context, 12 mosques are planned in the RKN and Yang Berhormat suggests they could be taken to become imams. In line with what was said by رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم 'The best among you to become imams to you are those who read well.’ Meaning better in terms of recitation are those who memorize the Al-Quran. In this case, imam positions are not limited only to hafiz. It is subject to other qualifications as well.
Depending on the level of office, if they have a Diploma, some from KUPU SB also have Diplomas. Even more than that, they have degrees. So let them compete. But one thing seen by the trend, graduates from tahfiz when they are appointed as imams in mosques appear more 'walih' than the others. This is an example to be considered.
If, for example, in the future priority will be given to those like this. But at the same time, we cannot dismiss the rights of those in need of positions and capable of holding positions in mosques. Hopefully, they will compete; we have rules on merit and so on. Besides qualifications, there are also considerations on merit.
Not many serve in the Ministry of Religious Affairs. But tahfiz graduates, when they enter Mahad Tahfiz, up to memorizing 10, 15, or 20 juz, if they memorize 30 juz even better but have 'O' Level qualifications, outside of religious fields and then continue their 'A' Level education outside the religious sector and they continue their education outside the religious field, they also follow the Brunei Administrative Service Scheme (BAS) and currently, one has become an Acting District Officer, then there are those who have served in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
This is what we think about the future, religious graduates while they have certain skills even if they have the opportunity to have education in other skill areas, professional, then we do not obstruct. There are still ways for them to improve.
Only one thing makes us proud, they are hafiz, some are in their 30s, both men and women, and even counted among the memorizers recognized by the country.
First by recognizing them as degree graduates and secondly recognizing them with a special monthly allowance. So far, efforts towards encouraging memorization are apparent. At the memorization level of the Al-Quran, there is a level called Qiraat knowledge, and it is taught at the Diploma level and subsequently can be taken at the Bachelor's level and so on.
Qiraat is more useful beyond just memorizing and knowing the rules of tajwid but also knowing the types of recitations, as one knowledgeable about the Mushaf. Mushaf is a particular knowledge not just about memorization, and this is its benefit in the future.
If, for example, we find a shortage in our Mushaf, then such individuals are needed. Qiraat and we have conducted this course in Tahfiz. Furthermore, those eligible to continue their studies at Al Azhar will also be sent by us to provide people with complete knowledge of the Al-Quran, skilled in reading well, memorizing well up to 30 juz, even with further knowledge here in Brunei إِنَّ بُنَايَ إِلِّ. And that's our efforts, not only to provide memorization certificates or Diplomas but also Qiraat certificates and further at Al Azhar at the Bachelor's level and also for those who wish to continue to the highest level.
Regarding acquiring a house under the National Housing Scheme. What Yang Berhormat found is housing aid under Asnaf. Under this housing, indeed, there are numbers already stated. A colleague from the Ministry of Development mentioned these numbers, and what puzzles Yang Berhormat is about the delays in decision-making and development.
If the delay in decision-making is not something kaola can detect, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. However, the delay in construction is due to land factors. If the person has been approved, but the land has issues like partition not yet resolved, land position requiring work or its location being quite remote from the road for access, all these issues cause such delays.
This is called under quick win, allocated $35 million as kaola mentioned in 2009. Now it might have about $24 to $25 million left and is sufficient for constructing the planned houses.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman
indeed still remembers, indeed there were thoughts and consultations with Yang Berhormat when serving as Minister of Development, where the planning from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to expedite the housing process on already well-developed lands, in the areas of the National Housing Schemes.
That is what we're planning now and waiting to see how far it can be implemented. However, regarding the terms, because that land is housing land and the people who will move there must qualify under the National Housing Scheme, but their eligibility for us can be deferred, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, as long as they get a house because the house will become the property of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council until they qualify.
If they are stateless, they indeed do not qualify to own land in the National Housing Scheme. The house they live in is theirs but the ownership rights cannot be granted to them until they are eligible. This means, the Brunei Islamic Religious Council which paid for the house is the owner in the meantime. If not them, maybe their children who obtain citizenship faster and as long as they are not citizens, they can stay in the house because the requirement is for housing, not land ownership.
This is what kaola are formulating with the Ministry of Development and waiting to see how far such plots can be developed into housing.
At one stage when this quick win was introduced in 2009/2010, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, many had registered as eligible for the National Housing Scheme moved to this scheme because they knew the National Housing Scheme was waiting for 6 to 8 years at that time.
However, through this scheme, God willing, they will get a house in 2 years. Initially, indeed Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, its implementation was easy at that time because the infrastructure of roads, water, and electricity connections were borne by the government. But now, it is entirely funded by zakat allocations. Therefore, the budget is "tight", Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Previously, less than $50 thousand, now with such factors, just the house alone costs not less than $70 to $75 thousand, added with other infrastructure. That's also what causes those factors.
So, let us hope we will see this housing issue as a necessity for housing with certain conditions. So, how can they own a house under the existing RKN conditions? In relation to people of asnaf who indeed need, if they are eligible to own then the keys will be given immediately, meaning it becomes theirs. The ownership right can also be postponed to meet the existing housing needs, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. That's what kaola can mention from that point of view.
Then, regarding the cases of Sharia criminal offences in the KPI to be reduced from more than 300 to a somewhat lesser number. What type of Sharia criminal offences are these? According to the information given, kaola understand that the figures given there are reported cases. So, how the trial takes time, etc.
Types of them are severe in terms of Sharia law offences. For example, attempted illicit intercourse, etc., Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Punishment under the Sharia Penal Code is caning, and it has already started with cases like these.
According to testimonies from witnesses who witnessed the execution of the law, whether it conforms to Sharia or not? Because it is said that Sharia caning is a gentle caning. But, according to information that kaola obtained from credible sources within the Judiciary witnessing it, even though it's a gentle caning, the back would still be "laced". The effects of the caning also appear on the back. So, when the effect of the cane "lacing" is seen it means it indeed hurts even if not as painful as caning in the final court criminal punishment.
Thus, 25 Sharia Prosecution Officers must kaola first investigate whether they were appointed after holding various positions, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. So, if they were appointed it means appointment through the Brunei Islamic Religious Council, but maybe the appointment was as a Religious Officer and so on. If these 25 become Sharia Prosecutors, kaola will obtain the information because there are many Sharia Prosecutors.
So, what cases have been given to them? That's all kaola can note, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, sorry if kaola missed out on anything. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs. Would Yang Berhormat Minister of Health like to respond to the matter we discussed earlier about the food authority? Please, Yang Berhormat Minister of Health.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and with His help
So, the question posed is why it seems slow for imported meat, why does it take time to be approved? So, kaola would like to explain that BDFA will carry out an inspection as soon as the container arrives at the importer's premises. They will take a random sample of the meat to be taken to the lab.
At the lab, several investigations on pathogens, checked whether they occur or not like E.coli, salmonella, and so on. Especially for frozen food, the most important is salmonella species. So, it will take 8 working days to be sure the pathogen like Salmonella does not breed in that meat. After that, the lab result certificate will be given to BDFA from the Department of Scientific Services at the Ministry of Health and BDFA will then issue an approval certificate within 1 or 2 working days, overall, it takes about 10 working days to approve any imported meat especially frozen meat.
So, here kaola would like to take this opportunity to ask for assistance from vendors who order this imported meat to ensure the cold chain of imported goods because these meats usually in 1 container already contain hundreds of thousands of kilograms of meat.
To ensure the meats are in good condition, several regulations must be complied with. Among them, ensuring the cooler container reaches the recommended temperature. That means there needs to be temperature logging. When the goods arrive in Brunei Darussalam, we can see the temperature log recorded during its journey, whether the temperature in the container deviates from what is recommended. If it gets too hot, it will cause the breeding of pathogens like Salmonella until finally, it's not suitable for human consumption. However, the first test that occurs usually BDFA will test again (another round), if the second round also confirms Salmonella, it will not be approved for sale in this country.
At this time, as I explained earlier, the process takes 8 working days because 'kitani' want to make sure whether pathogen breeding occurs or not but Our Lord grant us, in the near future with new machine methods it might be able to be reduced a bit. At this time, there is no capability to do it in 1 or 2 days. We know the technology is there, God willing, in the future with new technology like more advanced PCR, it will be expedited further. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Health. Now I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and peace and blessings.
May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you. All praises are to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. And peace and blessings be upon the most noble of Prophets and Messengers, our Master Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Firstly, kaola would like to record my highest appreciation and congratulations for the introduction by the Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs, which was very clear about the actions, planning, and direction for the Ministry of Religious Affairs yesterday. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Here, kaola would like to touch on the position of trained religious teachers, is there still a vacancy following the retirement of the holders of the said positions previously held by religious teachers from the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College?
If there are vacancies, how are these positions filled? As far as kaola know, every year many holders of those positions retire. If the position remains vacant, how does the Ministry of Religious Affairs fill it in the situation where the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers College has been upgraded to Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPUSB) and graduates of KUPUSB holding Diploma in Teaching Certificate and Master in Teaching degree?
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Here also, I would like to say Alhamdulillah, the country now has a Department of Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal Affairs. Until now, all zakat-related affairs are more organized so that the public's problems can be handled better and faster, especially the distribution of zakat to zakat asnaf. Kaola also do not forget to congratulate and commend for diversifying the payment method of zakat fitrah online which is collaborated with banks BIBD and DST. Kaola would like to know, does the Ministry of Religious Affairs have any plans to create a zakat payment app owned by the Ministry of Religious Affairs itself as in neighboring countries that might improve zakat collection.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
And may God grant success and guidance. And peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Before "perhaps" the Minister of Religious Affairs provides an answer to the question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin. I would like to give the floor to the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II regarding the Brunei Darussalam Food Authority further.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I would like to add a bit about what was shared by the Minister of Health regarding cold storage or cold chain and so forth, which is currently an issue. Indeed, cold storage and cold chain facilities are currently lacking in the country.
Discussed in this honorable council, the Ministry of Finance and Economy is currently negotiating with an FDI to build a sufficient cold chain facility especially for meats in the country, whether imported or locally slaughtered. God willing, this project might be completed this year if it proceeds smoothly. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, that is an advancement that might impact the problem we face. I now give the floor to the Minister of Religious Affairs.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
There are two issues raised by Yang Berhormat earlier, and I would like to thank Yang Berhormat for bringing up the issue of vacancies following the retirement of trained religious teachers. Graduates from Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College have now reached retirement age, and many of them retire each year. Is the vacancy still being filled in the said positions?
I need to obtain the details more thoroughly, but as we know, religious education itself requires specific skills, which is why KUPU SB was upgraded from a college to a university level. So, to obtain skilled teachers not only from KUPUSB but also from foreign graduates from Egypt and Jordan, and local graduates from UNISSA.
Regarding the filling of trained teacher positions for those below them, I have to postpone obtaining the details because if I make a wrong statement here, it wouldn’t be good in this council. Let the matter be confirmed from the concerned parties.
Regarding the establishment of the Zakat Department, which has been much discussed here, we all have specific hopes especially regarding the distribution of zakat. So, hopefully, some of the explanations I have provided earlier will also be useful for Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin wherever suitable to clarify the position of zakat distribution, whether it is slow and so on.
There are factors, if to summarize, indeed internally in the zakat division, in terms of procedures and data management, but at the same time, factors regarding ICT skills for these applicants too. And also the delay of applicants in providing responses to supply the details required by the auditors who visit them or who have interviewed them. Some have been approved but are required to open an account. So, the solution for ICT, they are brought to the counter to learn how to use the application and where to click, for example, not to press the wrong button. All these will be taught and that is one of the solutions. The Zakat Department endeavors itself to be equipped with skills. They are given courses internally by teachers and also from abroad by experienced experts in zakat management. All these are efforts and we hope will yield good results.
Then, appreciated by Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin and I also appreciate the efforts of zakat fitrah collection through online. Online through the phone. So, the question now, it has been outsourced to phone operators, phone companies. So, are there any plans to create our own application? We will see how far it progresses towards that, whatever is best we can do, God willing. A suggestion that opens the mind for consideration. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, Your Honourable Members and peace to everyone. Thank you to the Minister of Religious Affairs for the enlightenment and explanation you provided regarding the developments and focus of the ministry in 2024/2025.
Many questions and explanations that I wanted to deliver have already been answered. Thus, there is no need for me to continue asking those questions. However, I have a few questions that I would like to raise from the issues conveyed by the public to me.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
The issues are:
Code 002/000 - Preservation (Promotion) of Religious Waqf and Infak in the country to facilitate it.
Sponsoring an orphan through social media we already know many members donate part of their wealth abroad to support the ongoing expenses of orphans, opening schools, pesantrens, suraus, and mosques. Some are known to sent zakat funds directly abroad for similar initiatives. A few approaches by families that infak their waqfs abroad, some say they indeed intended to infak within the country but faced many processes causing their intentions to stall. The perception of some says there are too many operations causing their contributions not to be implemented or realized promptly until the intentioned person passes away before they could convey their intention.
As a result, their heirs sent the waqf intention abroad. It is known that there are various initiatives like collection funds for mosque construction and funds to assist orphans are provided in each mosque to be shared with certain agencies and bodies. However, some community members want to see their contributions infak and realized as quickly as possible, not into funds where it is unknown when the project will be implemented. Perhaps the question could enlighten us on the process and guidelines and the ministry's strategy to facilitate the acceptance of individual waqfs who wish to see their waqf implemented as quickly as possible in Brunei Darussalam.
My suggestion to make it easier for the community to choose to make a waqf in the country. Perhaps the ministry could provide a list of charitable projects eligible to receive waqf funds along with the scheduled start dates for construction or usage. With a broad list of upcoming projects in the ministry, the community will be able to choose which projects in the country to donate their waqf to without getting involved in complicated bureaucracy, God willing.
During a visit to the Department of Zakat, Waqf, and Baitulmal at the Ministry of Religious Affairs during a work visit, Your Honourable Members were notified about the challenges faced by this new department. These challenges include a lack of manpower to manage and process the existing waqf funds and donations.
With the listed waqf mechanism that I proposed, it might be able to reduce the challenges of managing public waqfs. The issue related to the construction of suraus and mosques in the country is the public's perception of the lack of support from local authorities to facilitate waqf for mosque or surau construction or houses of worship by the public due to concerns that such waqf would add a burden in the management of mosques and suraus after their construction is completed and begin operations.
The question related to mosque management after the construction waqf is completed becomes a major obstacle for the public in supporting this initiative. Maybe Yang Berhormat can provide clarification so the public might know and dispel potentially incorrect perceptions.
Regarding the infrastructure of current mosques, it's crucial for the design of mosques to be able to accommodate congregants including those with disabilities. This includes access to the mosque hall and also facilities access to toilets, ablution areas, and parking spaces. At the same time, a reassessment is requested to be carried out on existing major mosques like Masjid Sultan Omar `Ali Saifuddien, Masjid Jame' Asr Hassanal Bolkiah and other major mosques in the country to ensure sufficient infrastructure for disabled congregants to enter these mosques.
Moreover, there are mosques facing basic infrastructure problems especially during peak times like Friday prayers. Kaola once mentioned about Masjid RPN Kampung Pandan in Belait District which only has a few toilets for men and women. But since the working hours in the private sector have been changed to allow Muslims to perform Friday prayers, many Muslims from the private sector head directly to the mosques from their places of work.
Therefore, a large portion of the congregation needs to cleanse themselves before entering the prayer space. Unfortunately, due to the lack of facilities for cleansing, some congregants are unable to sit down when the sermon is delivered because they are waiting for their turn to use the very limited toilet facilities.
As proposed in previous discussions, it's advised to create an inventory of mosques that still lack sufficient facilities to accommodate congregants in terms of accessibility for people with disabilities, toilets, and so on.
To establish more prayer halls and worship facilities in residential areas, kaola wishes to present an alternative view on easy access to mosques and the increase in the number of prayer halls, places of worship in densely populated areas far from the main mosques. Code 1204 Department of Mosque Affairs allocates $65 million in the 12th RKN for the construction of 12 mosques in residential areas. It has been said that some mosques will be constructed with funds collected from the public amounting to $30 million so far, maybe out of these 12 mosques, are there any that will be utilized from public funds or RKN funds? The public needs to request that the newly planned mosques are easily accessible to the local community and also to commuting citizens because many people in Brunei are now commuting from Belait District to Bandar Seri Begawan and from Bandar Seri Begawan to Belait District and to Temburong District. The location of the new mosques is requested to be built nearby and easily accessed from the main road connecting population areas to facilitate commuters making stops and performing congregational prayers.
In addition, kaola wants to convey an alternative suggestion for the location and size of mosques to be studied and emphasize the construction of more medium-sized mosques that is to accommodate congregants of 100-200 people and increase in residential village areas so it's easier to visit compared to a large mosque capable of 1000 people that covers several distant areas for attendance.
More mosques facilitate accessibility and besides easing for the congregants, initiatives like increasing medium-sized mosques will also open more job opportunities for religious field graduates as mosque staff إن شاء الله
Code 1201/020 - Construction of additional facilities for school blocks because integration in RKN allocates $50 million involving 40 government schools. Kaola seeks clarification, knowing that this initiative is still in the assessment phase in RKN-12 which will involve 40 government schools needing additional blocks to accommodate the increased workforce and students due to integration. This raises questions about whether there has been an assessment and feedback from private schools on how they will tackle the challenge of increased student and teacher numbers without affecting the quality and cost of learning in private schools.
Zakat on Wealth. Kaola understands that the collection amount from zakat on wealth in recent years is not satisfactory due to the small number of individuals paying zakat on wealth compared to the Muslim community paying zakat fitrah. One of the main reasons is the lack of understanding among some Muslims about the obligation to pay zakat on wealth and the ways of paying zakat on wealth that are not well understood.
Request for enlightenment on the status of zakat on wealth collection, whether the collection and participants who pay zakat are at the expected level, and state the latest strategy and action plan to increase the collection of zakat on wealth including efforts to spread knowledge about zakat on wealth and ways to diversify easy methods of calculating and paying zakat on wealth.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola wishes to state some issues that were proposed in the Council last year and are still awaiting answers. Kaola does not intend to repeat those questions here, but only kaola is waiting for feedback from the ministries regarding 2 facts that:
إِنَّكُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ kaola is waiting for the status of initiatives to reduce the cost of performing the first obligatory hajj which was discussed earlier.
Examination of the Brunei Halal brand to facilitate the process and make Halal Brunei the main leading brand. That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you, Chairman, and thank you to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin. Hopefully, there is sufficient time until the end because these are not questions but suggestions from Yang Berhormat which kaola can review and will review.
Regarding the 12 mosques to be built. The RKN mentioned by Yang Berhormat is government expenditure, not from public funds. It sounds a bit bombastic. يغفرله, Those to be built with mosque construction fund already exist in Kampung Lamunin and Kampung Ukong. And those 12 under the 12th RKN are government funds. That's what kaola is doing.
Regarding waqf and infak, as said by Yang Berhormat earlier, bureaucracy that causes people not to waqf. What was heard from the Department of Zakat Affairs, among them to make it easy for the public to waqf and give infak is by waiting for the act regarding waqf to be ready. But at the same time, it will proceed without an act, the existing act, under the Islamic Religious Council Act Session 7 provides how to waqf and how to be handled or managed.
But it's said bureaucracy makes people run away, those who will waqf, not able to waqf, some have passed away, or waqf overseas. A case of a person who died originally wanted to waqf, a mosque, from Seria but he died not because of waiting for his waqf to be approved but the Islamic Religious Council waited to execute his waqf, until he died. His waqf was not executed. Now it's heard from his heir, his wife, his waqf is still on يَتَقَبَّلُ اللّٰهُ will be done. That's what was heard. But those who have to wait long and this is not yet kaola heard a significant number. But it's evident those who waqf surau is easy like the surau in Bandar Seri Begawan and building a mosque.
And lastly, at Batu 14, Jalan Tutong, Kampong Kulapis. It does take time because the Islamic Religious Council considers whether the waqif will be able to execute it till the building is finished. Lest it happen like some cases in Seria Town, in Lane 3 once. From surau elevated to a mosque and they will waqf for that mosque.
Considered if it doesn't finish, it will become a burden to the government. Study whether that area needs a mosque or not. From the study at that time, the area needed a mosque. So, the existing mosque in Seria Town was built. That is one of the examples, what matters is not bureaucracy, certainty that if you want the development not to be hampered and burden anyone. Many mosques already exist in Seria like Masjid Malai Mashor, there are waqfs running well and smoothly. Just to facilitate it, we try to manage what actually is administrative bureaucracy there. Whether involving administration in the Islamic Religious Council before and now in the Department of Zakat Affairs Waqf and Baitulmal. So, we will look, إن شاء الله what is good we will endeavor with the best.
But for those who waqf overseas, it's good to refer to the law Waqfing overseas no problem. Waqfing overseas has a bit of legal problem but need not we discuss here as it's not within kaola's domain. But it can be referred to uztaz-ustaz and concerned parties regarding waqfing overseas. Because the current policy is the money collected from zakat cannot be transferred overseas. But it hasn't been collected yet.
A good suggestion from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin is to make the public aware of the projects being planned by the Zakat Waqaf and Baitulmal Department where there are opportunities for the public to contribute to waqaf. This could be considered for implementation. This method is used in Singapore, how their mosques are developed. Even a single brick has its price, so those who want to contribute to waqaf can do so by contributing a few hundred bricks or contribute towards space for a library, space for women's prayer area, space for the pulpit; all these have their set prices. This idea has indeed been considered, but there’s much work to be done. However, suggestions like these are noteworthy. We won’t always be defensive as some say. Facing such issues is a challenge to planning and implementation. As you said earlier, it’s a job for 3 people but there are only 2. But these 2 must work to complete the work intended for 3 people. Yesterday you mentioned, and you repeat it today, and you do not wish to repeat it.
Mosque facilities for people with disabilities. This issue has been repeatedly stated every session, and it is relevant and needs attention. I have a note here, the number of mosques already equipped with such facilities and which ones are not. Facilities related to people with disabilities.
In the Brunei-Muara District, there are already 50 mosques equipped with wheelchair paths and their methods. The same applies to their toilets. There are already 35 toilets, with 26 out of 41 parking spots designated for the disabled. In the Tutong District, there are 7 wheelchair paths, 4 toilets for the disabled, and 2 parking spots. For new mosques, إِن شَاءَ ٱللّٰهُ all will be equipped, but these are old mosques. This is not necessarily funded by the government but by the people, from waqaf. That's what makes it quick to accomplish.
In the Belait District, there are 5 wheelchair paths and 1 toilet and 1 parking spot. However, it's not mentioned that there aren’t any toilets because, given the current situation, many congregants come from work and need to change clothes, etc. Perhaps these additions aren’t sufficient or the mosques added aren't the target. This will be looked into.
In the Temburong District, there are 3 facilities, no special toilets yet, and no parking spots. So, everything has been 'reviewed'. If there's anyone who wishes to contribute to waqaf, try opportunities like this. Also, regarding the mortuary rooms. In the Brunei-Muara District, there are already 47 newly prepared, 52 hearse cars, and necessary funeral items also waqafed. Funeral necessities like the shroud are 'readily measured'. If by chance it’s night and shops are closed, go to the mosque. Usually, the female or male caretakers will head to the mosque. Or they themselves bring or there are those who donate, etc.
In the Tutong District, there are already 11 mortuary rooms and 15 hearses. In the Belait District, there are 7 mortuary rooms, 8 hearses, and the necessary items are always available.
I agree with Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin. If the public is well-informed and understands, it will be easy for them to generously contribute to such causes. Hence, the need to always promote matters like this.
Regarding the school sector, I do not fully understand what is meant by the existing evaluation infrastructure, which numbers 19, but still. That is, if the requirements to complete all that is needed are sufficient in number, it’s fantastic, so ideal. But we strive to prepare and provide it, in the phases we can do إن شاء الله.
So, it's not related to integration. There are 40 planned, Yang Berhormat himself knows. In the records, still in the evaluation phase. So far, not yet 40, only 19 mentioned. Why is infrastructure still needed after integration? This requires the original plan of building or constructing schools for the same use. So, when integration has occurred, it’s even more beneficial because the existing infrastructure in public schools, amenities to meet the needs for ablution, and for many teachers, there’s still a need there. However, the need in terms of numbers is still being studied. Yang Berhormat Menteri in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy under such matters, if there's information, could you add or not about building infrastructure for shared school use and buildings. Now, it involves how private, like in Bandar Seri Begawan, there's a school, it feels to meet the needs of integration, it requires sufficient rooms.
Currently, no need to mention the name of the school Yang Berhormat Menteri of Education, because I had the opportunity to visit with him. The school requested accelerated approval for them to rebuild a block, so they're prepared not just to furnish rooms for prayers but also a prayer hall. So, regarding zakat on wealth more than zakat fitrah, indeed, those who pay zakat fitrah, zakat per person is only a few dollars, $2 to $3 per person, so the total, multiply by the number of Muslim residents, is indeed low.
But collections from zakat on wealth, although indeed more than zakat fitrah, are still not said to be at the maximum. So far, it's voluntary, financial institutions are many. Business companies have started to understand this and اِتَّقُواْ اللّهَ by continually informing about these matters on zakat on wealth, which we hope will support the country’s socioeconomic also. In this matter, اِتَّقُواْ اللّهَ will be pursued as best as possible by reducing bureaucratic practice. But it's strange that Yang Berhormat stated the public does not know the zakat on wealth rate. Every day, it's on television. If not on television, it's also in the app.
You can know how to calculate it. If the old folks before, if 1,000 at $2.50. There is a measure based on the current gold price. I feel like scattered bullets, my apologies. I think I can answer. The suggestion regarding last year’s Hajj affairs, was this suggestion studied or not? I've stated yesterday, among those studied by the ad hoc, are suggestions like these. The ad hoc has managed so far what I presented yesterday and hopefully, we all understand. بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمِنِ الرَّحِيم That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin. If Yang Berhormat can accelerate a bit. This hall is getting colder.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, the wise.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمِنِ الرَّحِيم اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ وَالصَّلاَةُ وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ أَشْرَفِ الأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِيْنَ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama for the clear introduction in providing the budget and direction for the Ministry of Religious Affairs for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. My suggestion is about the drivers for the Government Departments for senior government officials. Most of them among Yang Berhormat Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers, those seated to the right of Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, there's a presence of senior government officials from among women. If observed, all the drivers provided by the government for them are all men.
Is there a consideration by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in collaboration with the Prime Minister's Department to employ women drivers specifically for senior government officials from among the women mentioned? I believe it will also be able to open up employment opportunities for women.
Secondly, a few years ago, a football match known as the Zain Cup and the Mosque Affairs Director Cup was held for mosque youth nationwide. Interestingly, the mosque youth participants of this championship followed religious programs meticulously arranged and were required to stay in the mosque for 2 days performing congregational prayers (Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr obligatory prayers), reading Ratib Al-Attas, attending religious talks, motivation and dawn reminders.
Kaola would like to propose encouraging more youths out there to come to the mosque to familiarize themselves with praying at the mosque and praying in congregation, including kaola. Could Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim kindly consider whether this idea is appropriate as per the law you mentioned earlier? For newly built or existing mosque open areas to be equipped with sports facilities like futsal, badminton, and table tennis especially for youths interested in these sports.
Kaola believes that with proper guidelines and regulations, it will train the youth to stop before the azan is called and to perform prayers in the mosque on time, to practice covering their aurat, etc.
Thirdly, kaola would like to propose a suggestion about exposing youths and children to be allowed to call the azan in mosques during the five daily prayers. While there are azan competitions, could the 'soft' ones be recommended so as not to overly burden the mosque takmir committee to allow them to call the azan? In kaola's opinion, with this exposure, by following suitable criteria that will be set, it will definitely train youths and children in real situations. If possible, even as bilal during Friday prayers, it would further enliven our mosques in this country, إن شاء الله
Fourthly, the prayer room at the International Airport. As we know, many work in the International Airport area, including family members who will drop off and pick up relatives and friends from the International Airport, especially at Friday prayer time.
Is there a plan from the Ministry of Religious Affairs in collaboration with relevant ministries to upgrade this prayer room to a mosque status? This is indeed subject to laws like the residency requirement. Masjid Mohamad Bolkiah in Kampung Serusop, Masjid Sufri Bolkiah in Kampung Burong Pingai Berakas, Masjid Ash-Shaliheen beside the Prime Minister's Department were found to be 'less crowded' during Friday prayers.
Four proposals and one question. Kaola would like to touch on the claw machine. As we know, this is an arcade game that uses a claw-like arm to retrieve prizes like children's dolls and now even TVs and phones. You grab the desired item with the machine's claw. To play, the player first inserts coins or tokens, these tokens are exchanged from money.
This game, known as UFO in Japan, is popular among the public and our youths. Kaola understands some Islamic countries have banned this game. MUI Indonesia and Federal Territories Mufti, Former Mufti Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Mohamad Al Bakri also banned it.
Is this claw machine game, involving something categorised as 'gharar', considered haram? Has our country banned this game to protect the welfare of our citizens, especially the youth?
Thank you,
وبالله التوفيق والهداية. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Is the claw machine already present in Negara Brunei Darussalam as mentioned by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin? If it is in Brunei and has been banned by other countries? To clarify this, we need to verify its presence and whether it has been declared haram or not. That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. If a ruling is pending, then we should internally discuss this matter among the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Government Mufti's Department, and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Upgrading the prayer room at the International Airport. Indeed, not only at the International Airport but there are thoughts and plans from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to bring this matter to the Brunei Islamic Religious Council. Several prayer rooms should be upgraded. In fact, there are opinions that if it's at the prayer room status, tahiyatul masjid prayers and the like cannot be performed. Going to the prayer room for obligatory prayers only. What's the harm in upgrading it to a mosque status, and as Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir earlier stated, it's not necessary for these mosques to be in large residential areas. The larger the mosque due to a large number of people because it could be located far away. So if there are small mosques, these prayer rooms could be an alternative to be turned into mosques and so on, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. This is currently under consideration.
Then, regarding children calling the azan, this is an idea to see if it's suitable. Indeed, for the purpose of encouragement and so on but whether it will become a trend in training, it will also be thoughtfully considered. When introducing new trends in religious matters, very conservative, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Then, the Zain Cup previously no longer exists but in its absence, the activities mentioned by Yang Berhormat earlier are still there. Meaning, youths still come to mosques to follow these religious programs, just not as active as before with the Zain Cup because that was like a league. Mosque league, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. There were issues at that time that caused it to stop and until now it hasn't been revived, maybe from the thoughts and what Asbab Al-Nuzul caused it. The reasons it was discontinued and so on, to be known more precisely to be considered how. But what's important, the attraction for youths and children to mosques indeed already has various attractions.
Besides children learning muqaddam, at the same time, there are mosques that provide facilities for children to paint, etc., without wasting time waiting for Muqaddam or their turn and so on. So all these are matters to be considered, Yang Berhormat Pehin. Government car drivers for VIPs and so on, all males.
Is this the ministry's thought, but it wasn't asked whether it's the thought of the Prime Minister's Department or the thought from another Ministry. If the Ministry of Religious Affairs plans to appoint women as drivers, it's not within 'our' field to appoint these drivers, even if 'we' were given authority or power in this matter, very conservative. Let it be men only, not about gender issues or so, but we take into account many factors بِنَاءً عَلَى شَاءَ اللهُ
Kaola thanks Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin for bringing an interesting topic here, also heard here بِنَاءً عَلَى شَاءَ اللهُ.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
We thank Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama for the responses and explanations given and also to other ministers who have also given their interventions according to their areas or concerning their ministries. I believe it's concluded, and I think it would be best if we now vote on Topic SJ01A. Your Honourable Members in favor, please raise your hands:
(All Members raise their hands in agreement)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
It appears all Your Honourable Members agree, thus Topic SJ01A - Ministry of Religious Affairs is approved.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Topic SJ01A - for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, is made part of the schedule.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, I believe it would be best if we adjourn our Committee Meeting and reconvene in the State Legislative Assembly Session.
(Committee Meeting adjourned)
(State Legislative Assembly Session reconvenes)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, we now reconvene in the State Legislative Assembly Session. I think that's enough for this afternoon. I adjourn the State Legislative Assembly Session, and we will reconvene إن شاء الله on Saturday, 9 March 2024 as usual starting from 9.30 am.
Thank you, والله الموفق والمعين. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته
(State Legislative Assembly Session adjourned)
HADIR
YANG DI-PERTUA
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, P.S.N.B., S.L.J., P.H.B.S., P.J.K., P.K.L., Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
AHLI RASMI KERANA JAWATAN (PERDANA MENTERI DAN MENTERI-MENTERI)
Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, Perdana Menteri, Menteri Pertahanan, Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, D.K.M.B., D.P.K.T., King Abdul Aziz Ribbon, First Class (Saudi Arabia), The Order of the Renaissance (First Degree) (Jordan), Grand Cross of Crown Order- G.K.K. (Netherlands), Medal of Honour (Lao), DSO (Singapore), Order of Lakandula With The Rank of Grand Cross (Philippines), The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Second Class (Ukraine), Darjah Kerabat Johor Yang Amat Dihormati Pangkat Pertama (Johor), DSO (Military) (Singapore), P.H.B.S., Menteri Kanan di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, D.K., S.P.M.B., D.S.N.B., P.H.B.S., P.B.L.I., P.J.K., P.K.L., Penasihat Khas Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam dan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Absent due to official duties)
Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, P.S.S.U.B., D.P.M.B., P.H.B.S., P.B.L.I., P.J.K., P.K.L., Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, D.P.K.T., S.M.B., P.H.B.S., Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Absent due to official duties)
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., Menteri Kesihatan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof, P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., P.J.K., P.I.K.B., Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., P.S.B., P.I.K.B., Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abd. Manaf bin Haji Metussin P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., S.N.B., S.M.B., P.S.B., P.K.L., Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abd. ashid P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.I.K.B., Menteri Pembangunan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr. Dayang Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md. alleh P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Menteri Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka aji Mustapha P.S.N.B., P.S.B., Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad P.S.N.B., S.M.B., P.I.K.B., Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG BERGELAR
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.H.B.S., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.H.B.S., P.J.K., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.J.K., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG TELAH MENCAPAI KECEMERLANGAN
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam, S.U.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck, P.S.B.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee, P.I.K.B.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, S.M.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, S.N.B., S.M.B., P.I.K.B.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, S.M.B., P.S.B.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, P.I.K.B.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK MEWAKILI DAERAH-DAERAH
Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin, P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Penghulu Mukim Lumapas -Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat, P.K.L., Ketua Kampung Subok - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, Ketua Kampung Putat - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohamad Ali bin Tanjong, P.K.L., Ketua Kampung Lumapas 'B' – Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan, P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Ketua Kampung Belimbing – Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, P.I.K.B., Penghulu Mukim Bukit Sawat – Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Ketua Kampung Bukit Sawat – Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, P.I.K.B., Penghulu Mukim Ukong – Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, Ketua Kampung Sengkarai – Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, P.S.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.P., Ketua Kampung Labu Estet dan Piasau-Piasau – Daerah Temburong.
HADIR BERSAMA
Yang Mulia Dr. Dayang Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah, P.S.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Mulia Pengiran Hajah Zaidah binti Pengiran Haji Petra, Pemangku Timbalan Jurutulis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
(The meeting commenced at 2.00 p.m.)
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