Answer to Written Question PT8

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YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH SAFIAH BINTI SHEIKH HAJI ABD SALAM

QUESTION:

Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam requests the Minister of Religious Affairs to state the strategies for controlling and monitoring negative elements and activities targeting the younger generation and rural communities, and the steps to ensure these strategies are disseminated for public awareness to address them. This considers the concern about social issues and religious activities that contradict the beliefs of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah having a negative impact on Muslims in this country, including religious activities conducted in secrecy.

YANG BERHORMAT MENTERI HAL EHWAL UGAMA

ANSWER:

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (KHEU) plays an important role in controlling and monitoring the spread of negative elements and religious activities that contradict the beliefs of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama'ah (ASWJ), which target the young generation and rural communities. Generally, Negara Brunei Darussalam has established a solid religious education system. Formal religious education is mandatory for all Muslim children and is part of the government's efforts to preserve ASWJ beliefs and to develop a knowledgeable generation, with noble character, embedding the practice and teachings of Islam in life.

To ensure it remains strong, strategies implemented by KHEU include through the Pusat Da’wah Islamiah (PDI). PDI, as an institution that plays a role in the dissemination, development, and strengthening of Islamic teachings, continuously diversifies and refines the implementation of plans to empower and enhance youth engagement in religious programs and training. As of now, there are 62 registered groups under the Youth Religious Program, KHEU. In addressing social issues, PDI also collaborates with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports among school students and children in Welfare Homes, and the Ministry of Home Affairs for those in detention centers. For rural communities consisting of new converts, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those unable to attend the Pusat Da’wah Islamiah in districts, there is a special scheme for learning sessions. This also includes visits, guidance, and so on.

Additionally, KUPU SB, as an educational institution focused on Islamic studies and religious teacher education, also plays its role. This includes organizing lecture programs such as tadabbur al-Quran, studying religious texts in mosques targeting village residents, younger women, new converts, and mosque congregations. Similarly, organizing outreach programs to rural areas by traveling to all four districts to approach and guide village residents, new converts, and primary school students.

To ensure that elements and activities contradicting beliefs and social norms continue to be effectively addressed, the Religious Enforcement Division and the Counseling and Religious Understanding Division of the Department of Syariah Affairs, with strong cooperation from stakeholders in Negara Brunei Darussalam, have implemented strategic and effective control and monitoring. This is done through the enforcement of laws, specifically offenses under the Sharia Penal Code Order, Chapter 275. The division also organizes awareness programs such as Makarimal Akhlak programs, Tanbih wa Tahsin, Al-Wa’yu including awareness on information dissemination via social media. Rehabilitation programs and faith restoration sessions for individuals involved in activities that contradict Sharia law are also emphasized to avoid further threats involving the safety and sanctity of the country’s official religion from elements of extreme, radical, and liberal thinking.

Overall, a comprehensive approach involving all parties in controlling and monitoring these negative elements and activities is essential in ensuring the well-being and harmony of Brunei Darussalam's society is safeguarded. Additionally, community awareness programs to preserve ASWJ beliefs and avoid deviant teachings and their spread continue to be developed through lectures, forums, dialogues, and exhibitions, the publication of books, and including via social media platforms and official websites, and so on. Through these strategies, it ensures the general public, including the younger generation and rural communities as a whole, will receive accurate information to address these issues.