Answer for Oral Question PL190

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin

YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH ROSMAWATTY BINTI HAJI ABDUL MUMIN requested MENTERI HAL EHWAL UGAMA to state whether the Ministry is considering, as part of the rehabilitation process for prisoners participating in the Al-Quran memorisation programme, introducing rewards in the form of appropriate recognition and financial incentives based on their memorisation achievements, including a mechanism for channelling benefits to supervision companions or family members as an ongoing encouragement towards rehabilitation and the strengthening of family institutions.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

It is a pleasure to inform the Honourable Member that this matter is currently being examined as part of the review of the existing 2002 Al-Quran Memorisation Regulations. This is being carried out by Pusat Pengajian dan Penyebaran Al-Quran MABIMS.

This proposal has already been discussed through engagement sessions with the relevant agencies to ensure that its implementation is orderly, appropriate and achieves the objective of rehabilitation through Al-Quran education.

However, as this proposal is still under consideration and subject to approval by the relevant parties, it cannot be elaborated on at this time, in order to avoid creating any expectations regarding matters that have not yet been finalised.

In examining this proposal, several matters need to be distinguished: formal recognition of memorisation achievements; the provision of financial incentives; and the mechanism for channelling benefits to supervision companions or family members.

First, in terms of formal recognition of memorisation achievements, the existing avenue is the Ujian Tasmi' Menghafaz Al-Quran Negara Brunei Darussalam for the 10-, 20- and 30-juzuk categories. The examination is open to citizens and permanent residents who fulfil the requirements. Through arrangements with the Prisons Department, participants in the Syafa'atul Quran Programme who fulfil the requirements can also sit for the examination and receive recognition equivalent to that received by other candidates.

However, this avenue only covers the 10-, 20- and 30-juzuk levels. Therefore, specific recognition for progressive memorisation achievements under the rehabilitation programme, including achievements below 10 juzuk, may also be examined so that participants’ progress can be recognised in an organised and continuous manner.

Second, with regard to financial incentives, this matter is being examined, including the eligibility criteria, sources of funding, incentive rates or levels, methods for verifying memorisation and payment procedures. This examination may also be aligned with the review of the 2002 Al-Quran Memorisation Regulations currently being undertaken.

Third, regarding the channelling of benefits to supervision companions or family members, the Ministry agrees with the Honourable Member’s view that a person’s rehabilitation does not take place in isolation. The family is where a person returns. Therefore, any mechanism linking participants’ achievements with the strengthening of family relationships is in line with the objectives of this programme. The ultimate objective is for engagement with the Al-Quran to develop discipline, good character and personal strength that can be sustained after participants return to their families and communities.