| Azlan Othman |

MINISTER at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud delivered a special speech at the Islamic Da’wah Centre yesterday, in which he emphasised the importance of submission or allegiance to a higher authority (Ulil Amri).

“If a sovereign or leader issues an edict, then it is obligatory to be implemented, as long as it does not oppose the commandments of Allah the Almighty; and if the leader prohibits something, then it is obligatory to desist from it altogether,” he said.

The minister made the special speech during the Informed Community Programme for residents of Kampong Lumut 1 in Mukim Liang, Belait District.

The minister also said, “Leaders are the buffers that protect Muslims from acts of vice and obstructing those who want to destabilise the peace. At the same time, our leaders pave the way for those striving along Allah the Almighty’s path in safeguarding our assets and honour.

“Allah the Almighty’s promises hold true, and as believers, we must be convinced of the promises of Allah the Almighty, as stated in Al-Quran. In waiting for those promises to be fulfilled, we must be patient, because Allah the Almighty’s plans are always the best.

“As humans, our view and logic are limited, or incapable of looking forward into the future.

“Allah the Almighty’s promises will be fulfilled at the right time. This is our true test as Muslims and believers, in waiting for the attainment of the promises of Allah the Almighty.”