| Fizah HAB |

HAVING a strong commitment on Islamic belief, guided by the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy is needed, said Minister at Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud. He made these comments during a special speech titled Mencari Keredhaan, Janji-janji dan Pertolongan Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala at the Informative Community Programme hosted by the Information Department for Kampong Ukong, Kampong Bukit and Kampong Long Mayan at the Information Department, Berakas yesterday.

The minister highlighted several points on the need of having a strong religious belief, guided by the MIB philosophy, as in line with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his titah at the National Level Israk Mikraj Celebration for 1440 Hijrah.

“To obey Allah the Almighty, Rasul and Ulil Amri. The obligation to obey the leader of the Muslims is a belief in this religion, the belief of a Muslim to his Rabb. If a ruler or leader orders it with an order then it is obligatory to be executed, as long as it does not disobey Allah the Almighty, and if the leader prohibits something, it is obligatory to stop and leave it,” said the minister.

“To execute the law of Allah the Almighty. As Muslims, we must believe that God’s law is best for humans in this world. Therefore, we as Muslims must uphold and defend the religion of God for the well-being and salvation of mankind. This is because anyone who defends and executes the law of Allah the Almighty, will get the help of Allah the Almighty.

“Be grateful to the favours of Allah the Almighty. Without us being aware, much of God’s favour is bestowed upon all of us during our life in the world. Among the favours bestowed to us are faith, Islam, physical and mental well-being, safe from misfortune, knowledge, independence, peace, and prosperity.

“Allah’s promise is true. This is to get the pleasure of Allah the Almighty if we humans uphold the religion of Allah, the laws of Allah and taqwa to Allah the Almighty, His Rasul and Ulil Amri,” said the minister.

“Brunei Darussalam is a delightful country that regularly gives priority to the worship of Allah the Almighty, and guided by the MIB philosophy that was instituted centuries ago.

“This philosophy has been essential for the protection and preservation of the rights of the citizens and residents, regardless of their ethnicity or creed. MIB is a venerable concept that has succeeded in establishing an equitable and blissful nation, with a harmonious society.

“The MIB philosophy has also proved congenial towards the world, to the extent that whoever visits this country would gain a memorable experience in enjoyment of the peaceful and harmonious environment, including the warm hospitality,” the minister concluded.

Sixty-two people comprising residents of Kampong Ukong, Kampong Bukit and Kampong Long Mayan visited the Information Department for the Informative Community programme. They were led by Head of Information for the Tutong District Branch Hasanul Hidayat bin Haji Abu Bakar.

The programme began with a briefing on Halal food presented by officers from the Syariah Affairs Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs which touched on the roles of Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) and Halal Food Control Division (BKMH), definition of Halal as well as Hukum Syarak and food resources.

A briefing on roles and responsibilities of the people was presented by Senior Information Officer at the Information Department Hajah Hamsah binti Datu Kerna Haji Jaya. The briefing touched on the responsibilities of the people on providing and maintaining peace, order and security for the prosperity of the community.

The programme aimed to update the community on developments and efforts of the government of His Majesty to enhance the livelihood of participants.

Also present at the programme were Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Telisai Yang Berhormat Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, Acting Director of Information Mawardi bin Haji Mohammad, officers and staff from the Information Department.