DAY 7 AFTERNOON
6TH MARCH 2024 - AFTERNOON
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Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, the National Assembly 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 scrutinize the topics within this Bill one by one, I would like to adjourn the National Assembly session and reconvene at the Committee level.
(The Assembly was adjourned)
(The meeting convened as a Committee)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. This assembly is now meeting fully at the Committee level to examine the Bill (2024) Supply, 2024/2025, one by one.
In the Committee Meeting that was held this morning, we heard the presentations presented by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama reviewing with the purpose of exploring the budget of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and its departments. Therefore, I now open Title S01A for discussion. I have a list of Your Honourable Members who would like to be involved in discussing these related Topics.
I will then give way for Your Honourable Members to pose questions and later for Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama to provide their response as usual.
I now invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi dan Your Honourable Members, peace be upon you. Firstly, kaola extend my highest appreciation and thanks to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama for the budget presentation made this morning.
Kaola refers to the trend of increasing costs for performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Negara Brunei Darussalam which has become so significant that it causes citizens from low and moderate-income groups to postpone and cancel their intention to perform this pilgrimage because the allocated funds are insufficient even though early planning has been done and the requirements for Hajj are met. Some citizens have expressed their disappointment to 'abiskaola' stating that with such rates, they will never be able to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam even for once in their lifetime.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi dan Your Honourable Members. These complaints and the still high cost of performing the Hajj make kaola feel called again to raise this issue, referring to the same Topic previously raised by my fellow Your Honourable Member Awang Haji Saleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin during the 19th Session of the National Assembly last year, 2023. Yang Berhormat had suggested detailed proposals covering various aspects that, God willing,
could help reduce these costs and discussions were also raised by 'abiskaola' along with some Hajj operator case studies with some fellow Your Honourable Members regarding this issue. In this matter, kaola seeks clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, whether the Ministry of Religious Affairs has reviewed the suggestions made and what efforts are done by the ministry to ensure these high costs can be reduced?
In an effort to help organize the cost of Hajj operations, kaola also delights in adding a suggestion for the ministry to consider permitting Hajj operator companies to introduce various types of Hajj packages offered.
Taking into account the experience of these companies' owners and managers, kaola believes these companies are capable of providing flexible price options to suit the abilities of different societal status starting from budget, moderate, and premium packages.
However, these options must not neglect aspects of the security and welfare of the pilgrims. Kaola is also informed that for civil servants who are granted fares to perform the pilgrimage, the current practice is that they will be paid in advance by the Hajj operator companies they choose to Royal Brunei Airlines. This is because the fares they apply for are usually received later.
Kaola views this practice as burdensome for the company, which could actually be managed by the local government or even more so considering the large number of pilgrims. Therefore, kaola suggests that such payments be made directly by the Ministry of Finance and Economy to Royal Brunei directly (direct payment).
Lastly, kaola also understands that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has made visits to neighboring countries to survey regarding the management related to Hajj operations. What best practices can be adopted and integrated into the Hajj management process in this country.
The second issue kaola want to raise here is concerning the integration of religious subjects into the general education system, referring to the preservation or promotion of intellect. Religious schools are a unique formal religious education and learning system for Negara Brunei Darussalam. The existence of religious schooling for more than 60 years in our education system serves deeply in the hearts of the local Muslim community and also foreigners residing in this country.
Therefore, when the integration system of religious subjects into the general education system was validated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs with the Ministry of Education to be implemented named as Rabi, 17 Rabiulakhair 1445 corresponding to 1 November 2023. Many feedbacks about it were in the form of support, complaints, objections, and also suggestions voiced by the general public on social media.
Kaola is sure this feedback does not mean to reject any innovation or change. However, it shows the level of awareness of the society especially parents and guardians including educators themselves about the importance of religious schools and also their concern that this change will affect the religious learning outcomes of their children.
We are still at the early stages of implementing this system, just 3 months since it was introduced last November. There's still plenty of opportunities and scope to carry out briefings to illuminate religious education in this country and to realize the objectives desired from this change.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi dan Your Honourable Members, "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves," the objective of this integration system focuses on enhancing the welfare of students and increasing the efficiency of learning by reducing the workload and free time of students at school as well as reducing schooling hours.
In addition, enhancing the balance of life and mental health of students is also a priority. Kaola is informed that in efforts to implement this system, alignments have been made on several aspects in the religious education curriculum including the reduction of learning hours, streamlining of subject topics, changing the names of subjects and subject components are archived, allocation of teaching hours for each subject during school hours and subsequently working hours for religious teachers.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi dan Your Honourable Members, kaola clarifies here a noticeable difference between the two systems where in this integration system, the presence of students at school is at least 7 hours 45 minutes calculated from as early as 7.15 in the morning where usually students have already arrived at school because learning begins at 7.30 until 3.00 in the afternoon after the learning hours and time to go home. This total includes lunch break time where the students will still be at school. Student interaction in this system is limited to classmates throughout the learning hours, and students wear the same school uniform from morning till evening.
While before this integration system was implemented, students followed 2 schooling systems. Namely, the public school from 7:15 am until 12:00 noon and the religious school from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, making the total student presence in both schools 7 hours and 15 minutes. This does not include the students' 1-hour lunch break because during this break, students would go home or leave with their parents or guardians for a meal and to refresh before religious school, and the student network expanded to include friends from both schooling systems. The assessment found that the time students spend in school is not much different between these two systems.
The question is, how do the Ministry of Religious Affairs along with the Ministry of Education evaluate the initiatives that have been implemented in causing this integration system without burdening any other parties whether it be students, teachers, parents, and guardians? From the assessment made, what are the strategies of the Ministry of Religious Affairs together with the Ministry of Education to further improve the implementation process of this system?
It was also informed that the curriculum materials such as syllabus and textbooks for this system are still in the process of being organized. Therefore, considering the importance of these materials in the education system, the hope is that it be expedited without reducing the slightest quality and cleanliness towards the religious learning outcomes of the students.
With the implementation system, a request for clarification from the Minister of Religious Affairs regarding the mandatory religious education period. Will this period be updated? This takes into account the mandatory religious education period as stipulated in Chapter 5 of the Mandatory Religious Education Order, 2012 which has provided for a 7-year religious education at a religious school but could end between 7 and 8 years.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, on this occasion, I would also like to remind some of the assembly that was broadcast on social media and which was directly highlighted to me for inspection and to be urgently addressed together by the parties of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education to ensure this new system receives support from all interested parties. Among them, the lack of facilities for ablution places and prayer rooms or halls in schools, especially private schools.
For long-term planning, these infrastructure facilities should be made a requirement in the lease of new schools. Secondly, not all Muslim students perform the Zuhur prayer while at school during lunchtime.
This prayer matter is a mandatory practice that must be taken seriously, especially at this young age. Therefore, the need for schools to make it mandatory for every Muslim student who does not go home at noon to perform the Zuhur obligatory prayer at school voluntarily. By this, I mean, not forced through educational initiatives that provide awareness to students about blessings. The next issue, which also includes the student monitoring application during Zuhur prayer times, focuses largely on religious teachers. In this case, the existing monitoring schedule can be implemented by the school involving all teachers to be given the responsibility to monitor students on a rotating basis and not limited only to religious teachers.
There are also schools that restrict religious teachers from using facilities available at the school. In my view, this should not happen even though these teachers are under the control of a different ministry. Religious teachers are also part of the public servants and the relevant school community.
Therefore, it is hoped that the related parties from both ministries review this issue and provide clarification to school leaders that all infrastructure facilities provided by the government are a shared right of teachers, whether they teach general subjects or religious subjects.
Lastly, I am also pleased to suggest that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education along with other interested parties establish a Special Independent Committee consisting of members who are experienced academics and representatives from well-known associations such as PGGMB and PUAA, and a representative from parents who are not affiliated with either of the two ministries.
This committee is given the responsibility to monitor the development of the implementation of this integration system from different aspects and propose revisions thought necessary for its success.
I suggest this development and improvement report be presented to the Prime Minister's Department as the leading ministry in the development and improvement of this system to ensure its success.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, I greatly appreciate the suggestions mentioned by Yang Berhormat, and I hope we and many educators in the Ministry of Religious Affairs will read and examine the hansard later, God willing.
From what I understand so far, it's very valuable for consideration besides being criticized to the extent of its suitability. There are two major matters, the first regarding Hajj and the second about integration.
Regarding the Hajj affair, as Yang Berhormat already knows, this has been raised in the last season's meeting last year. Whether the suggestions from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman were studied, I can say that I am not sure whether the suggestions were studied in detail or superficially but the suggestions from this council highlight the Ministry of Religious Affairs to take initiatives towards what is envisioned.
What's certain as far as the actions of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in this matter is that the Ministry of Religious Affairs uses a permanent Ad'Hoc committee, which not only determines appointments involving relevant parties.
In its meeting held twice on October 7 and November 11, 2023, it examined the terms of reference, the committee examined in detail the Hajj package services and evaluated them thoroughly.
The second, to find a method to handle the disparity of Hajj package prices that can lighten the financial burden of potential pilgrims while still maintaining the best Hajj package services for pilgrims.
In the speech by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Saffiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam earlier, this was mentioned. One, regarding the overall evaluation and Your Honourable colleagues also in a goodwill visit to Royal Brunei (RB) as a facilitator for flights and agencies have also received feedback from them. Thus, feedback received by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and translated or studied also in this committee for convenience.
Let us understand together, even though later I can highlight there are also successes, the effects from the meeting and opinions strengthen somewhat but not significantly.
What is important to know about the Hajj is the factor we cannot control, such as accommodation or hotels in Mecca/Medina, and also Arafat and Mina. We cannot control the prices, we can negotiate. We managed to negotiate ultimately to reduce a bit even though not significantly because we differ from pilgrims of neighboring countries that we visited or negotiated with the relevant Hajj officers. We choose the accommodation (hotel) package, which has been in our calculation from before not more than 500 meters from Masjidil Haram, the same applies to Medina.
Second, transport. Transportation is used all the time from hotel to hotel, to Arafat, and to Mina, back and forth. This is beyond our control. Situations like this are a clear and distinct difference; we chose an accommodation approach that guarantees the convenience of pilgrims in performing Hajj meaning within a range of 500 meters from Masjidil Haram and in Medina to facilitate their access to the mosque.
Outside of that, distant places introduced by foreign packages to their pilgrims like Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. They stay far outside the sacred land, for instance, and naturally, their hotel expenses are cheaper. They also have a method whereby they come almost at the time of Wuquf, and they stay in these distant places, then after completing Wuquf and in Mina, return to Mecca, they move to hotels vacated by pilgrims who were close. So, wise and meticulous management.
Next, they headed to Madinah, where hotels more than 500 meters away were available; some were around 500 meters but their rent was reduced at the time. However, we could not compromise at all in safeguarding the welfare, wellbeing, and safety for accommodation in Arafah and Mina. Anyone who had the opportunity to perform Hajj in the 70s or 60s, during their time in Mina and Arafah, would sleep on the ground which, if lucky, might have some high rocks, and a pillow on top became the second pillow. This still occurs for pilgrims from foreign countries who are willing to pay the mentioned fees. But, we had also introduced this about a dozen years ago. However, because we ourselves, especially the concerned parties, focus on the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims and so on, and luckily also from the complaints of the pilgrims themselves, this is the package that is now introduced, a 500-meter distance from the residence to the Masjidil Haram and Madinah, and the accommodation in Masy'ar or in Arafah and Mina are not only comfortable but as comfortable as it is now. So, those are the factors.
However, the factors that are being worked on by the ad hoc team and Yang Berhormat by meeting RB and the willing agencies to offer packages under economic and slightly premium levels. If asked to the operators, they can indeed implement it if there are pilgrims who want it.
However, from the government's perspective, always considering the interests of choosing the government and the pilgrims, we are not yet able to "wake up" and accept any offers from operators providing such packages. Firstly due to welfare and secondly it will involve management. We do not restrict pilgrims that go to the Holy Land to "figure it out on their own" because the government’s management of Hajj affairs, when the pilgrims are there, they are required to take care of their health by providing a clinic.
So, if the clinic is far, there must be a need to establish a clinic on their own, no longer a regular clinic because there is a need to add another officer. Compared to what we have now, the costs that will be borne by the government are high. The cost in terms of the welfare of pilgrims cannot be guaranteed even though costs in terms of currency are low there a lot. That's what Yang Berhormat Pengerusi is thinking.
So, hopefully, this thinking towards this direction will continue and God willing, as far as possible, this ad hoc will make formulations that we can maintain the welfare and safety and at the same time, what is declared by the concerned parties can be considered or not according to its suitability in the future.
That's generally about Hajj, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Entering into integration, kaola am indeed interested. Yang Berhormat Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam is a former director of the Islamic Studies Department until her retirement in that position. So, she is indeed very skilled in handling matters of schooling and religious administration. All the proposals presented will be able to be read through the hansard, يا ليت قومى يعلمون.
At the same time, kaola want to state that this integration was announced on November 1, 2023. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education announced its implementation in less than a month. The Ministry of Religious Affairs received the order for this implementation on October 11, 2023.
So, as a new initiative, the ministry only sees 2 concerns there. Clearly, what the impact of this integration will be on the learning market and the future of religious schools when it is still mentioned there will be grades 4, 5, and 6, below that are left behind.
So, these 2 concerns even though they are concerns to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the ministry sees this initiative can be tried and fully supported along with the Ministry of Education. In its implementation, indeed, both ministries are required to unite and cooperate in thinking about preparation matters as well as lodging for its implementation to achieve its purpose. The execution should not burden the children in terms of time and content of the lessons. So, all of this has been thought of and now in terms of time, indeed there is a little lack from religious schools and that’s what is intended.
Secondly, in terms of learning preparation, although it was earlier stated to be synchronized, in fact, we have already tried urgently within 4 to 5 months God willing as soon as possible. But, it has been done and in terms of co-curriculum, syllabus, and content has been taken into account.
Then, in terms of infrastructure. From the beginning of its implementation, 'visibility' along with officials looked at the infrastructure while 'consulting' with school parties. The former level was also given to private schools and so forth. Both ministries moved together.
Indeed, it was found necessary to improve facilities such as places for ablution. Indeed, it wasn’t fully prepared if the building is a multi-use building. Multi-use means the building for the Ministry of Education. but to accommodate the use of religious schools there will indeed be facilities, even though facilities in terms of prayer rooms needed for practice and so forth. Just using classrooms temporarily in large groups that they receive halls that are available, but not all have a specific place for prayer.
Secondly, the places for ablution are insufficient especially that which seem not prepared for this long is at private schools and so forth. So, things like this try to be resolved in a short time. For example, in the era of integrated religious education with the Ministry of Education.
In that era, there were several infrastructures that had been prepared but after that era, such as ablution rooms and prayer halls, were no longer available. So when revisiting that place, it was found that its use had changed, no longer back to being used for ablution. If 'we' see, 'we' have to remake things like this.
So, 'we' also don’t neglect its implementation. Now, the concerned committee always conducts monitoring at the officer level, at the committee level between 2 ministries, at the level of the retired committee, at the level with material, between departments together with another department will keep control.
The response from the public will always be monitored for now. That’s the best way, to be useful for monitoring and if on social media also monitored.
So, to what extent are the suggestions for improvement? There was also the matter mentioned earlier. Is the response in the form of complaints, objections, or support? So, this is what we are looking at. If in these categories, to what extent the support for proposing constructive suggestions. Suggestions can also be in the form of objections that are considered as alternatives. If just complaints, this is highly valued to be heard through the correct voices.
God willing, the impact that becomes concern to the Ministry of Religious Affairs when asked to implement the overwhelming replacement like universality to implement mentioned above is concerning the fate of Grades 4, 5, and 6 (Religious Schools).
So, thankfully that matter has been clarified not long from the implementation interview, not even 2 years from the beginning of its implementation. But the 3 are not only very clear from Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during an unscheduled visit to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
His Majesty's decree, apart from clarifying the purpose of estimation, what wants to be highlighted with discipline. The second is wanted to ask, Is it closed? Don’t want to listen to anything else, just do it. It’s clear from the decree, open to receiving anything and also open to looking at its future, what's best for it.
Kaola can cite from here its use, "I feel compelled to mention a little more about the integration of religious education into the general education system for students at the Pre-School to Grade 3 (Religious Schools) levels. This step is solely intended for good adjustment so as not to be too burdensome or weigh heavily on students because if it continues it may be burdensome or weigh heavily, then it is feared it could lead to emotional or mental disturbance." It doesn’t mean that religious education spoils the mental. With this step, it does not mean we close the door to evaluate from time to time its suitability.
The wisdom of our king in this matter. Now it revolves in its implementation regarding its impact and so on. Everything is considered, chaired by Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, our wishes, our Sultan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam decreed for both ministries to think, consider everything about this matter. "With that also mentioned here the government will continuously observe the progress or implementation of this system. Therefore, I entrust the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education to jointly monitor and conduct a thorough assessment of it.”
Regarding religious schools, “In relation to this, I must stress that there is no intention whatsoever to abolish religious schools. Religious schools are part of MIB and one of the nation’s identities we take pride in. All I want for religious schools is for their system to be modernized, which is crucial.”
This matter, when the Ministry of Religious Affairs brought up the issue of integration into the Brunei Islamic Religious Council to collectively receive input from the Members of the Supreme Islamic Council while supporting and cherishing this effort. At the same time, there is high hope as expected by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for it to be implemented perfectly.
Secondly, the future of religious schools and decided by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council. It is also permitted by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the Ministry of Religious Affairs to consider the organization of all existing religious schools. That is what I can state, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
I apologize for elaborating at length about this matter. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs for the important matters that have been questioned and brought up by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Saffiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam.
Regarding the first issue, I would also like to hear from the party managing aviation affairs, RBA. What is RBA’s stance on the high costs associated with flights to the holy land, whether for pilgrims performing the Hajj or those currently performing Umrah.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
As noted by the ad hoc committee, Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) reduced the Hajj flight ticket price this year by $145.00. So, what significance does reducing the price have? We see this situation as dynamic as so, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Then, I found that RBA has offered cheaper flight ticket prices than before. The price is $3,345.00 after the reduction.
Then, the service provider companies for Hajj packages have offered packages as mentioned. But so far, the evaluation of those offers is as I have stated, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
There hasn’t been any provision by the government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs to receive recommendations to use the affordable packages in unclear conditions of guarantee, welfare of pilgrims, their safety, including management matters, and so on.
Regarding the Hajj packages at Masyair, it can also be negotiated and offered. It’s not significantly still high but that’s what we should pay for because the place indeed guarantees safety. But efforts are still ongoing.
Then, there are various 'thoughts' on how the subsidies could be presented, it's still in the 'reviewing process as public expectations for such will occur. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. Now we turn to Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. My questions which were previously raised for the honorable Minister of Religious Affairs The due greetings and greetings scented with the fragrance of the blessed Ramadan
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Peace be upon you. I have 2 questions.
Regarding asnaf zakat. Referring to the statement by Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs at the Muzakarah 2023 about the increase in the number of asnaf and the rate of zakat collection. I take note of the Turnaround Time for Public (TPOR) by the ministry to process zakat applications exceeding 90 working days, about 4 months. I have also been informed that some applications take up to more than 6 months before approval. Therefore, I suggest:
The ministry to re-examine all current zakat management processes from application to distribution. This is to reduce the existing TPOR.;
The types of assistance should be re-examined considering current needs. Hence, clear guidelines on this should be provided.; and
To ensure fairness in distributing types of assistance, it’s also proposed that assistance be limited to only 3 types instead of the 5 types currently available. Given the increase in the number of asnaf, it is suggested that each application be thoroughly investigated through various approaches, including visits and interviews. This aims to verify the applicant’s status and ensure the type of assistance they receive helps them improve their living standards and eventually escape poverty.
In the last State Legislative Council session, a question regarding the ministry’s efforts through the Empowerment Program for Asnaf Zakat (PROPAZ) was raised. In connection to this, requests for clarification on:
The successes achieved through this program; and
The number of asnaf who have successfully escaped poverty through this program?
Regarding Islamic tourism. I believe the Ministry of Religious Affairs can play a significant role in attracting tourists to Brunei Darussalam, especially among Muslim followers. According to the Global Muslim Travel Index 2023, Asia remains the number 1 destination for Muslim travelers, accounting for almost 60% of Muslim arrivals. As the sole Malay Islamic Monarchy in the world, Brunei Darussalam has a unique advantage to promote Muslim tourism for families and solo Muslim travelers interested in Islamic history. This effort can help expand the tourism sector and assist in achieving the desired economic diversification. I identify 3 strategies:
One strategy is to enhance the role of Islamic arts and culture, such as calligraphy exhibitions and Islamic art. In addition, our country has certified religious figures with outstanding achievements. They can organize activities like forums and seminars that greatly benefit in promoting Islamic tourism in Brunei. Moreover, we maintain good relationships with neighboring Islamic countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, which have well-known religious figures. Collaborating with them can help expand and enhance the quality of activities promoting Brunei as an Islamic tourism destination.;
Furthermore, the richness of Islamic heritage in Brunei, including historical buildings and mosques, can be a primary focus in promoting Islamic tourism. For example, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Heritage Hall has the potential to attract Muslim tourists worldwide. The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque are also considered among the most beautiful mosques in the Asia-Pacific that can attract tourists from all over the world. Moreover, Islamic educational institutions like universities, Arab schools, and Tahfiz institutes can play a vital role in developing educational programs. All these can be attractions in promoting Islamic tourism to tourists interested in learning about culture, tradition, and Islamic heritage.;
Therefore, I suggest the establishment of a task force comprising the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism to assess and realize this opportunity.
That’s all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thanks also to your comrade-in-arms Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty.
There are 2 issues related to asnaf zakat and its management implementation. Then, there are some suggestions that I find relevant, however, those suggestions are already available in the document given to me by the zakat department, but I will not read and will only summarize briefly.
In terms of zakat, regarding efforts to combat poverty and so on, are in terms of allocations and so on. This also includes and so on and includes the TPOR guidelines to identify what can be considered asnaf, then the types of assistance that can be done. Even before the guidelines existed, their implementation was already in place.
For example, in the past, the focus was primarily on basic needs and children's education. Then it was seen that there were other needs, even though the husband was still working, for example, and the income was not sufficient, it would be 'supplemented' by its basics. Then the children's school education was also considered. But it has been calculated that after retirement, for example, the deficiency was found to be higher, so an additional $100 or $200 was provided in addition to what was already prepared. So, this matter is always dynamically considered.
Regarding TPOR, it also depends if we say the ties are not sufficient but before this division was formed, there were already ties that were taken back internally established but were taken by visiting the zakat provision for the Amil section, food for visitors, interviewers, obtaining information from applicants, reporting, and what supports are brought to the committee and so on.
This is already being done, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, but whether it is enough or not. This is the question kaola and the ministry will assess how insufficient it is, how efficient it is, and how dedicated it is. So matters like these we think together, if TPOR 90 days indeed the ministry itself assesses it's not suitable especially when there’s already the SKN system and so on.
The SKN system can be developed if we have the determination to resolve old and new application cases how within the system itself we can use speed and efficiency to expedite applications and decisions on any applications and once decided to be paid or distributed not to him but to the bank and this process also involves the relevant individuals, if they provide complete information during application but that information must be verified whether through that system, information is also when wanting to use the system the person is incapable with someone hoping for their child, grandchild.
But it's not efficient because there're solutions with them being asked to go to the counter and being marginalized. Later, when there's a decision from the support unit, they will be asked to open an account if it's a new application. Into that account, the distribution will be deposited to him, and that too waits for more time from the applicant and this may be overcome if for example if they can’t open an account for some reason maybe the Zakat Management Department in the current assessment will expedite everything, can help to pay from part of that distribution showing distribution to open an account.
That may be considered, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, so these matters that matter is how to connect zakat income at the same time how with diversification that is increasing will be able to diversify more from just basic schooling to scholarships and so on أتي نفع. Hopefully, the Zakat Management Department is striving towards this, hopefully, its efforts will be blessed by ليتوفيق بالله towards resolution and so on.
Then the success of PROPAZ, the figure is not here, kaola 2 to 3 years ago was half but kaola has forgotten. But from past experience, its success was below 50%. It's not saying people's attitudes, especially training, leaving training if they hope to get a job. Indeed, working kicks, won’t last long. But if he has an interest in developing himself in terms of performance and so on, opening stalls and so on, making efforts for online sales and so on. And that's the aid will continue to be given to them to provide capital to them and people like this succeed and that's the picture of it.
So now, there's further thinking not focusing on the family or parents. But focusing on 'their children' whose schooling is 'neglected' to enter college because their ‘O’ level or lower level exam results are not sufficient, those students can be directed more specifically to business career inputs for example in hospitality, business and so forth offered by some private colleges in this country, يَّنْبَغِي اَلْحَال such matters can be done by the Zakat Management Department. Hopefully, with the increase in زَكَاة اَلْمَال collection it will further expand, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Regarding Islamic tourism, it is very interesting. Kaola actually has a joint committee between the Ministry and MPRT, no need for another, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, it’s already running ministry to ministry. Previously, the Ministry delegated whatever efforts were made by MPRT for what's called Islamic tourism.
Say for the time being Islamic Tourism. What has been done so far includes making mosques a focus, namely 2 mosques: Omar 'Ali Saifuddin Mosque and Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. If according to the figures mentioned here, in 2023, it shows that around 3000 to 4000 foreign tourists visited the mosques. So 300 to 400 people in a week. In terms of support, there has been support, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Then diversifying not only what is seen there at the mosques, exploring, and not just during prayers looking if there's beauty in terms of building art and decoration and so on. It is also promoted further, provided corners they can follow the Islamic theme, for example, corners about clothing, they try on Islamic clothing, enlivening corners about the Prophet and these methods and there's a manner of conducting Iftar Mahabab during Ramadan with tourists other than the general public available. But these tourists if will feel iftar together with Muslims, coming to the mosque and held several times throughout these 5 years seems good. Including in the Belait District, there's a mosque involved.
So all these are called Islamic tourism, now indeed there is Khazanah Hall becoming a focus and Khazanah Hall as a partner also as making this tourism not just calling it Islamic tourism but tourism and much more ways to bring people to Brunei.
Like this morning mentioned there's student tourism, the student level is being worked on, negotiated already with Singapore agencies that can bring overseas and ever a few years ago brought to Brunei for example like that. Then it was mentioned there are Islamic scholars with seminars that are here and so on. Yes, they come here but they don't spend from their pockets because their hotels are covered by us. The point is indeed the hotel 'sells' at that time of the seminar or what but from government costs also. It means we're encouraging its business to succeed but to earn foreign exchange income such things are not guaranteed. Hopefully, kaola has been able to deliver it in passing, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri who would like to provide further alignment regarding with beneficiaries. Please, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, just to understand, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, as recommended regarding these aids.
As kaola informed during the Ministry of Home Affairs presentation regarding the KPI of village heads and district chiefs. One of the KPIs of district chiefs and village heads is the percentage of village population cared for, 'connected', and handled which ensures the welfare of the village inhabitants especially for those in need is maintained and has a connection with ensuring the availability of infrastructure in the village districts that can be used including stalls. This is if 'we' want to empower aid recipients for them to improve their own lives. God willing, the Ministry of Home Affairs will always cooperate through the instituions of district chiefs and village heads in ensuring the care of village aid recipients and to ensure they can become independent or improve their own lives.
That's all kaola can add, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you and now I would like to invite Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على أشرف المرسلين. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبر كاته , koala feels informed that what Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama has clearly stated about the role, responsibility, and direction of the ministry ensuring the 2024/2025 Budget can be addressed from various aspects and its benefits, تريما كسيه. Thank you and kaola conclude my speech.
With that, I would like to further discuss and add a little to the question presented by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajjah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin. I am still compelled to voice concerns related to the people's issue regarding the welfare assistance of SKN under the administration of the Ministry of Religious Affairs through Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei (MUIB). This often gets discussed in extensive sessions of muzakarah with the Ministry of Religious Affairs regarding the issue of delays in the application process.
Based on the explanation in the last muzakarah session, the evaluation process for each application is conducted by the Zakat, Waqf and Baitulmal Affairs Department (UZWB). In that explanation, several reasons for the delays in the process were stated, be it new applications or renewals.
Among the delay factors that I managed to mention are;
Lack of staff to process the multitude of applications received; and
Receiving incomplete and inaccurate information concerning the applicants' details and status.
The problem of delays in the application process often haunts me and other village heads faced with complaints and pleas from the public asking for their cases to be escalated to the responsible parties.
Most dishearteningly, due to delays in approving continuation of assistance, there are those who were even advised to leave their rented homes by landlords due to months of rental arrears because the requests for continuation have yet to be answered.
As an Honourable Member, it is my responsibility to address this issue until a solution that benefits the truly needy citizens is found. In this regard, I suggest that the responsible parties consider improving the quality of governance and implementation of this SKN system.
Any problem, be it lack of staff or flaws in the application process system, could be examined and inspected for possible improvements. For example, automatic notification of assistance delivery 4 months before expiration via letter or text message to the beneficiaries could be adopted to prevent delays.
The use of a more efficient and up-to-date data and information delivery system for beneficiaries. I seek enlightenment from Yang Berhormat Menteri on this matter.
Thank you,
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thank you, Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
Although these questions are similar to those by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajjah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, I can add concerning the efforts made by the Zakat, Waqf and Baitulmal Affairs Department. Efforts to improve governance are ongoing and have been intensified through specific training, either by inviting strategic partners from abroad in this case the state of Pahang, one of the states where its Islamic Religious Council has successfully managed zakat affairs well and they have come with aids not only in collection methods but also management and resolution of cases.
This effort is continued with domestic training alongside particular parties such as UNISSA and several departments like the Mufti Department and so forth. The efforts towards this direction do exist, and for ICT literacy, as I've mentioned earlier, its weaknesses can be addressed, for example, at the counter level. All these lead to how we manage, first, whether we have sufficient staff. Meaning dedication.
Second is efficiency. I hope that focusing on training like this will assist the newly Zakat, Waqf, and Baitulmal Affairs Department with new workforce partially, new forces at the higher level but at the mid and lower level are the old forces within the Islamic Religious Council at that time.
And hopefully, the merge or combination of new and old forces will be able to overcome these problems. One of it about ICT literacy, when muzakarah with Penghulu Mukim and Village Head of Berakas A was held with the Ministry of Religious Affairs on the 22nd November last year. Collaboration institution of Penghulu Mukim and Village Head of Berakas A to assist their subjects.
The same with other mukims. There indeed exists a commitment as stated by Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan that they need to be provided with a list of Ansar in their respective mukims. This list has been made and will always be updated especially approaching Hari Raya because they will receive it annually. Whether it is shared through ICT platforms or in hardcopy, it can be facilitated.
This is very important for Yang Berhormat Pengerusi because even the village head uses terms when interpreted, not only haunts them but haunts me as well. However, it is my duty for this reason, and perhaps if I return to the office, there will be a letter requesting the minister's intervention to resolve an issue yet to be resolved. Not to say 'haunts', maybe 'lingers'. If the letter does not reach the office, it's delivered to the police station at my house. Sometimes not wanting the police, but waiting till I return and so on.
Some misunderstandings, some say come to the minister's house because there's aid there. So, the police are also confused why they come to the house, minister is in the office so they too go to the office. Recently, there was a complaint, they're confused because that person comes to the house asking for money because the minister mentioned there's money.
So, no longer haunting but 'lingering' here and there. So, issues like this, if considered a problem, we're not able to solve this problem. We hope there will be participation in this work not only improvements in types of aid.
But currently, we're considering there's an increase of around 600 families to receive home rent. This amount is substantial to handle. This rent assistance issue is approved but the payment hasn't been transferred into the account section, not because there's no money but the payment process in the office has a distribution method from the audit decision to prepare the voucher and sent to the bank.
Not because of lack of funds, funds are always there, always secure and not disturbed. So, sitting there's always a desire to help not merely because of being haunted but because it's our duty. Minister is also sought regarding this matter. So, we accept it as a duty that we can resolve together. Assistance from village heads and Penghulus is also much hoped for in this issue.
There are many things that we can do at ministry level and at the grassroots level. It can be done if we collaborate in addressing social problems in the villages. Ministry of Home Affairs, previously the project One Village One Product, now it's One Village One Family.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri introduced One Village One Product and later, I urged him to enhance its quality to packaging and so forth.
Now, with the collaboration from banks and so on has produced a true product. Now, One Village One Family, hopefully, will expand with the Ministry of Religious Affairs through zakat part will always support plans like these. Thank You
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude and congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama for the introduction, plans, and direction of the ministry in managing the expenditures for the Year 2024/2025. I hope it will be successfully implemented, Insha'Allah.
Touching on the positions of imam and mosque muezzin, these are very important roles in the management of mosques and prayer halls. However, their responsibilities are not limited to within the mosque and prayer halls only, but they are also responsible for the religious affairs of the local community and residents, especially in matters related to the obligations of fard kifayah. The duties of imam and muezzin cannot be equated with other public servants.
There are among imams and muezzins who are assigned far from their residences. This situation somewhat poses a problem in performing their duties at the mosque, especially office-related affairs when needed.
In connection to this, I suggest that this matter be given due attention including:
Placement of imams and muezzins according to the suitable working place and capability;
Positioning mosque officials in suitable numbers according to the mosque capacity and local population; and
Providing permanent positions to potential imam and muezzin successors on a contractual basis to meet the mosque or prayer hall's needs.
Furthermore, I would also like to inquire and seek explanation about the construction status of new mosques in Kampung Lumunin and Kampung Ukong, Tutong District. What is their development status so far?
That concludes, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, I ask Allah to grant you understanding of religion, steadfastness in matters, and well-being in this world and the hereafter.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and also thank you to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub.
Regarding mosque imams and muezzins, aside from issues of work discipline they face, it's natural for anyone working to have their own ways of doing things. However, such situations should not occur in mosques because mosques have their own specific times.
Even though they work according to office hours, prayer times are also taken into account. Therefore, the swapping of breaking fast time between one imam and another must they know themselves after arrangements are made, they take the initiative to ensure smooth operation for the mosque they serve.
Thus, the suggestion from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danni @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, if after evaluation an imam’s appointment does not match his assignment, meaning the place is far from the mosque he serves, indeed it is considered.
Firstly, the appointment of imams follows certain regulations based on interviews, advertisements, etc. So, whoever is deemed most suitable will be chosen. Then during the interview, they are asked if they are willing to be placed in a certain location, for example, someone from Brunei Muara being placed in Kuala Belait, they would agree to take the position. Then, they are informed that Kuala Belait is somewhat far like in Kuala Belai, they respond نعم نعم تعمل. However, eventually, the situation changes once they are appointed.
However, it seems that placement is very important. Therefore, the Department of Mosque Affairs collaborates with the Ministry of Religious Affairs for such appointments. Imams who do not have a residence nearby will be rented a government house if available. Additionally, a suitable house will also be rented for them. So, this matter depends on how we understand the explanation.
Secondly, it is acknowledged and recognized that the need for imams is always there, according to their shifts there must always be someone available. Before taking over a mosque session, someone must come to replace to ensure their presence and this explains the availability of 2 or 3 people. Matters like these are arranged through work schedules and regulations set by the Department of Mosque Affairs that have been in practice for a long time.
For example, there are certain mosques that require services for funeral preparations. Funeral management that coincides with the Dhuhr prayer time and at the same time a 'keluarson' yet there’s no imam available to lead the Subuh prayer because the imam who is assigned for the Dhuhr prayer needs to hurry out to send his child, etc.
All these are factors that can be considered reasons for the aforementioned issues. Indeed, these are human factors, but they are actually factors of burden, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola feels that providing sufficient manpower in mosques is indeed very important and for that reason, there are standards that need to be followed by the Department of Mosque Affairs that are currently in place, which are in accordance with predetermined rates for mosques.
For instance, a large mosque would require 3 people.
2 imams and one muezzin. Even this might not be sufficient, so we think about how to secure these few positions. The dire need is very limited, so deputies are prepared who currently لم يتقاضوا the on-duty rate for imams is $20.00 a day, if muezzin $10.00 a day and it is paid using government allocations and through the Department of Mosque Affairs or paid by the mosque fund Department of Mosque Affairs for mosques that are capable.
So, things like this we can overcome. For example, in the Tutong District, there are required numbers but only a few can be filled in permanent positions so deputies are prepared.
Deputies are established to be assigned in their duties or appointed in positions, but the position is in the deputy category even though it exists in the establishment. Not 'berangkat' there are efforts to implement a scheme, such as running a deputy program on a contract basis.
Perhaps it can be thought of executing it without using government establishment or government allocations but using mosque funds for capable mosques to have such a scheme. It can be considered, but such matters do not hinder the possibility for us to improve efforts that we have 'kitani' done at this time. Efforts that are not good and ineffective and improved in all areas whether in the area of mosques or in the area of zakat.
Regarding the second point about the appropriate amount. Indeed, there is an allocated amount. There are 3, 2, and even more than 3 for major mosques.
Regarding the status of mosque development in Kampung Lamunin and Kampung Ukong. Both are already in the plan and إن شاء الله will be implemented, that’s all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I understand that the Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan wishes to make a statement at this moment, please go ahead, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola apologize if I may sound a bit off in the earlier discussion.
First of all, kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan for the suggestions he raised concerning the National Welfare System. Kaola do not wish to elaborate at length, but Kaola want to briefly affirm the National Welfare System (SKN).
This system is always being updated and upgraded, so all improvements and enhancements to the SKN will be implemented to increase its effectiveness from time to time.
As the agency managing this system, we always take an open approach to all suggestions for the purpose of constructive consultation. For example, this system is the integration of various welfare assistance into this system in phases, meaning step by step.
Kaola do not wish to delve much into this system, Kaola will touch on it more extensively when it's my turn. However, kaola would like to share some features of the National Welfare System (SKN) that might not be widely known.
It has a feature, power business intelligence. The meaning of power business intelligence is, it helps the involved agencies in delivering assistance to the beneficiaries in identifying where these beneficiaries can be helped to emerge from their concerns or targeted groups.
For example, lacking skills, capacity development that can be universally done through Training and Skills Programs, Employment Programs, Entrepreneurship Programs, and other initiatives through cooperation with government and non-government agencies.
كأنك تأكل الحلواء kaola will touch on this matter later when it's my turn, during the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports' turn. This is just an addition from the addition of Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama earlier while responding to the representation raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Insya'allah 'kitani' will patiently wait. Now I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann
(missing jawi words) Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Alhamdulillah from the opening remarks of Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, kaola feel the desire to give a positive impact towards the ministry's direction in improving the quality of service and consequently impacting the country's progress.
كأنك تأكل الحلواء kaola am delighted to support what was conveyed by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Salmah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam regarding the Hajj Fare. As we may not be aware, the expenses for performing Hajj are increasing every year and this indeed raises hotly debated issues on Hajj assistance even though it is an individual right that should be provided by the concerned parties. In this regard, I, kaola, request clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama concerning this matter, including government policies related to the Hajj Fare Assistance Scheme for civil servants and converts who may not be considered for receiving such assistance. Among them:
Civil servants who have already performed Hajj at their own expense;
Civil servants who have retired but have not had the opportunity to apply for fare assistance while still in service;
Public servants who passed away but had not had the opportunity to perform Hajj;
Converts who have embraced Islam for 10 years; and
Converts who have performed Hajj at their own expense.
Apart from that, kaola suggests that there should be other considered appropriate options to ensure these rights can be enjoyed to their fullest, such as replacing it with umrah, performing the Badal Haji for الفقراء المسلمين وغيرهم, and so on.
Furthermore, kaola addresses the status of waqf lands that have been endowed by Muslim individuals for the purpose of adding mosques and places of worship. There have been instances where buildings have been constructed on these waqf lands and are now left vacant due to the construction of new mosque buildings.
This situation has led to various perspectives where these unused places become targets for vandalism and theft. Kaola is not specifying where these incidents occur. Perhaps the relevant parties are already aware of the locations, and kaola prefers to state it generally so that the issue of waqf lands can be appropriately addressed and given attention.
In this regard, kaola seeks clarification on several matters:
Why is the building left as is, and can it be utilized for suitable activities?;
What are the planning of the ministry in managing unused waqf lands?
That is all, وبالله التوفيق والهداية وصلى الله على محمد وآله وصحبه أجمعين
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you once again to Yang Berhormat Penghulu and also to Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, for his questions regarding the haji fares including fares for the haji of new Muslims and also pertaining to waqf lands.
There's a mentioned case that had a building constructed and then it was left 'like that,' but it's not specified here, where? For kaola, you might be hinting 'where is it?' Yang Berhormat Permanent Director maybe has mentioned that the parties concerned about Mosque Affairs or religious affairs in the districts already know. Maybe that is why the report goes to 'kaola in the end.'
But regarding the situation of such mosques and if there's a new construction, the question is if it's truly not usable anymore, it will be left as what 'we' call a dormant asset waiting. But if it's still utilized, seen if there is a mosque, a surau. If both are nearby, if the village is small or big, it might split the congregation, one following the mosque, one following the congregation. So, it depends on the circumstances.
As for the planning regarding waqf lands, 'we' will see how it benefits the waqf lands, for instance, what plans will be made. There's a lot of waqf lands, it depends on the purpose of the endowment. If it's used for a mosque or surau, its intention must be fulfilled. If it's fulfilled, Alhamdulillah. If not yet, 'we' strive to fulfill it.
But it also depends on the location, on its priorities. If the location is in the middle of the village and there's a mosque, then there's no need there. Or there's no mosque yet but its priority does not fit the development needs for a mosque. For example, if it's half an acre, a mosque can't be built, where to put the parking, and so on. All these will also be reconsidered.
Or like there's a case in Pengkalan Gadong in this town, a case with a land of half an acre. Intended by the person fully that the waqf land be used to build a mosque or surau. Indeed, in Pengkalan Gadong, which requires a mosque around it.
Secondly, commercial areas, where it's not possible to use the land of that size to build a mosque. That falls later to the Islamic Religious Council to decide what such lands that are specially waqf for mosque and surau worship but cannot be developed, it has specific laws to follow.
It will be more organized when the waqf act mentioned earlier in the morning, currently in preparation and in the stage for the final reading by relevant parties in the Legal Office, etc. When that's all clear, the status will be clearer. Whether these waqf lands are developed for worship, and also generally for road access, and more, it's up to the Islamic Religious Council.
Matters like these are certainly planned by the Islamic Religious Council on how it's used. The issue of whether the building mentioned earlier, which kaola gave a hint, will be determined, can be utilized, or left as it is.
Hopefully, the parties mentioned as being aware will be able to report to the Minister's Office or the Deputy Minister. If not, what 'we' think is best. Yang Berhormat whispers, softly-softly. Yang Berhormat suggesting is even better. A good solution, that about waqf land.
Regarding the haji fares, Allahummasalli Ummatiya Karim. Granting haji fares, the questions were mentioned earlier, kaola mentioned about. Government employees who have independently bore expenses, what are the existence, what's the government's policy in this matter?
It has been clearly read by Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Officers and government employees who meet the stipulated criteria and regulations set forth in the Prime Minister's Department Circular regarding the granting of fares to perform the obligatory haji are still entitled to be granted the haji fare of $4,500.00 each, even if they have previously performed the obligatory haji at their own expense. That's clear.
Government employees who have retired but have not had the opportunity to apply for haji fare assistance while still in service. The explanation for the haji fare entitlement, to perform the obligatory haji is given to officers and government employees who have served the government for 12 years and meet the stipulated criteria and regulations in the Prime Minister's Department Circular for granting haji fare, whether still serving with the government or retired.
Government employees who have passed away but had not yet performed their obligatory haji, this is particularly interesting. Based on the Prime Minister's Department Circular, government officers and employees who have passed away having served the Government for 12 years, whether they have retired or not and whether they have applied for this haji fare grant while still alive, then the wife if the husband has passed away or the husband if a female government employee has died can apply for this haji fare for themselves alone by attaching a copy of death certificate, marriage certificate, etc. But what's interesting here is there are details that kaola is asked to read here, referring to the letter from the Government Mufti Department number 52/1.2/1E (6) dated 22 Muharram 1436 equivalent to 15 November 2014 explaining the following:
The granting of fares for performing the obligatory haji is not absolute, it needs to be applied for and also requires approval. So, application and approval according to the regulations of the Circular mentioned.
Thus, it does not arise that the haji fare grant can be claimed by the deceased's heirs because it is not a right of the deceased employee until it can be claimed by the heirs like an inheritance system. Meaning, from a legal standpoint, the haji fare grant is not a right it is a conditional grant, if the conditions are met it's given, but if in the application it's not treated as inheritable property.
As for the haji fare grant explained above, it is not a right of the deceased and will not become inheritable property associated with the haji obligation of the deceased, in other words, if the deceased's estate is indeed not sufficient, then it's not obligatory to perform the haji for the deceased.
Meaning, if it's a right or even also granted but the fare suddenly is not sufficient, then it's not obligatory to perform the haji. Meaning, as if the fare can't make it possible to perform the haji.
So, the person who will claim after death if husband or wife, etc., if there's no money to add, cannot perform the haji. Out of the details given regarding the haji fare grant.
Regarding the haji fare for new Muslims who have been Muslims for 10 years, indeed they have a right, still allowed to present a haji fare application from Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam except for those who have already performed the obligatory haji, who have already been on haji, can no longer whether at their own expense or otherwise.
Every application received is subject to guidelines for evaluating the Hajj concession application, which includes a committee to review it, interview for eligibility, and so forth. Its name is the Action Committee for Evaluating Hajj Concession Application from Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Then, converts who have performed the Hajj at their own expense. Any convert who has performed Hajj at their own cost or from any source are no longer entitled to apply for the Hajj Assistance Scheme. Similarly, any convert asnaf who has been granted a Hajj concession from the convert asnaf, they are no longer entitled to receive the 12 years of service Hajj concession, and this is what is referred to as the government or the Islamic Religious Council policy related to convert concession, clearly like this.
Regarding the Wakaf land, kaola would like to add a bit, it can be said if listed as a mosque. Currently, there are 10 Wakaf mosques across the districts. So, the Waqifs, some have registered their names but the majority are servants of Allah only, and even the search at the Post Office could not find them. For those that exist, some are clear and some are unclear.
Then, for specific Wakaf land, there are 39 lots measuring almost 60 acres for the site of mosques, religious schools, and sea roads. So, some have been used optimally, and some are still 'left untouched' due to insufficient size for constructing a mosque or religious school because among these 39 lots, taking into account the length, one and a half acres and over one acre are not enough, but if the road route is continued, it has already been implemented.
Then Waqf Am Tanah. This Wakaf is subject to the Islamic Religious Council to carry out. There are a total of 5 lots, less than 5 acres (4.4246 acres). So, it is up to the Islamic Religious Council to consider it, but what exists has been announced and all processes for its usage are underway.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I am also informed that Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan would like to make a statement.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola will just add a bit regarding the answer previously delivered by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama concerning 2 matters:
Regarding the question initially directed by Your Honourable Members concerning the Wakaf houses under the Zakat Affairs Department and Baitulmal under the Islamic Religious Council. Kaola feels called to add to also detail actions made by the Islamic Religious Council which have presented a submission for the control of the construction of Wakaf houses under the Islamic Religious Council. To date, there are 106 applications that have been submitted to the Technical Department, Public Works Department, to make all preparations and management for the construction of these homes. From this total of 106 applications, 71 are currently undergoing design and preparation by the Technical Department, Public Works Department, 26 applications have been submitted for approval from the Urban Planning Authority and ABCI, 2 applications are in the process of obtaining authorization offer from the Tender Board, 3 houses are currently under construction, and 3 Wakaf applications are in technical hold. So, in total, there are 106 applications that have been submitted to the Public Works Department that are undergoing preparation and management.
The issue concerning Ukong Mosque and Lamunin Mosque. Both of these mosques are Wakaf mosques that have also been submitted to the Public Works Department and currently, the tender for these mosques has been opened for bidding.
That is all kaola has to relay, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Kaola would like to add concerning actions to develop asfar homes within the zakat expenditure. Perhaps in 2009, the crisis cart had submitted in the zakat growth agenda which was sufficient for over 30 years totaling hundreds of millions.
Thus, that's what 'kitani' did at that time, as much as $35 million was allocated to build homes for those in need not only for the asnaf poor and destitute but also for converts.
This is what has been explained by Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan. The discharge process under the Quick Win Committee chaired by the Prime Minister's Department with members from the Ministry of Development, for its implementation indeed the Ministry of Development, the required financing comes from the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei. Currently, about $24 million to $25 million is still remaining. So, the future planning for the development of another 106 houses is with this expenditure and اﻧﺸﺎء ﷲ there is also planning from that money to be used for housing because based on the land that will be relied upon, whether government land or the person's own land for house construction incurs high expenses, especially located in undeveloped areas or areas that have developed but are hilly hence the expense for flattening the land alone is already high.
Furthermore, previously the allocation of $35 million was around $50,000 per house but now it costs $75,000 to over $90,000. If added with land works, there is thought for the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei to establish a plot in an already developed area.
For example, relocation areas, there are plots that can be allocated for several houses, with the capability of the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei using the available allocation it is not less than 50 houses can be built in those areas. This development will be linked to their resilience development in the sense of their family life, daily life, expenses for nurturing them, they will be given a place to do business, and so on. So hopefully, such a plan can also be implemented. اﻧﺸﺎء ﷲ
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and from Him, we ask help and blessings on the noblest of messengers.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. First, kaola would like to express thanks to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama for the easy planning and direction of the ministry in managing the Budget Expenditure for the year 2024/2025. اﻧﺸﺎء ﷲ
Kaola hopes that it can be successfully implemented اﻧﺸﺎء ﷲ
Kaola is pleased to touch on the matter of the Al-Quran. As an Islamic country, almost all citizens in Negara Brunei Darussalam have at least one copy of the Al-Quran in their residences.
The Al-Quran is a holy book that needs to be protected and respected and placed in a suitable location as dictated by Islamic Sharia. Whether it is still new or has been damaged due to several factors including:
- Caused by frequent use and reading every day;
- Becoming old;
- Damage due to weather factors or getting wet; and
- Damage due to house fires or the like.
It is worrying that some of the damaged Al-Quran books are thrown away or intentionally discarded in the garbage bin. Previously, we heard of a private company offering services regarding the management of damaged Al-Quran books.
However, it is currently unknown whether this service is still operational or not. In connection with this, kaola would like to suggest that the ministry through relevant departments can further provide information regarding this matter by introducing several initiatives such as:
- Conducting briefings and information regarding the management of damaged Al-Quran;
- Encouraging as many private parties to be interested in offering this service; and
- Establishing a taskforce group to monitor the quality and quantity of Al-Quran books in schools, places of worship, prayer halls, etc.
Seeking clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri regarding this matter.
Ending, وَبِاللّٰهِ التَّوْفِيْقِ وَالْهِدَايَةِ وَصَلّى اللّٰهُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ اٰلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَسَلَّم
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Once again, thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola thanks Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Selamin bin Haji Nasir for reminding us of this matter.
It has previously arisen in this Chamber not even 10 years ago by a Member of Your Honourable regarding the case of disposing of old mushafs or religious books containing verses of the Al-Quran.
So, in response to what has arisen in this esteemed House, the ministry has taken steps including providing a place, 'kitan' do not refer to it as a dumping or burning site, but 'kitan' call it disposal. Mushafs or religious books are disposed of by burning them in one place, not in a large 'darn' but made compactly and burned within.
However, there are still remnants that have not been fully burned. Therefore, incineration using an incineration machine that burns until it becomes ash is conducted. But after being used for some time, its maintenance was not upheld, hence it was neglected in the past year or two.
The previously mentioned effort involves a private company offering this service, and this company has been used and can be used for further purposes, importantly as suggested by Yang Berhormat Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, there seems like there is a team. This team does not necessarily have to be formal with meetings.
Instead, it can monitor at schools, mosques, prayer halls, or anywhere else where disposal has occurred or been discovered. This matter will be promptly conveyed to the focal point at the ministry. This is a good undertaking. For example, Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir raised about finding mushafs with errors, but he reported the mushafs with errors. Based on this information, the ministry took steps to investigate and information from Yang Berhormat.
With such steps taken, there are now 12 places errors were corrected such as changing a forward 'dhammah' to a 'fathah', or a 'fathah' to a 'sukun', etc. So, all these have been corrected. This is only in 12 places, so it does not affect the loss of verses.
There’s information from others too, about the team in relation to the Department of Islamic Community Affairs (PDI). So, such information is a sign of the Muslim community's awareness of respecting the mushaf. May this awareness grow over generations and bring blessings to Negara Brunei Darussalam. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Alhamdulilah, peramba does not forget to express gratitude to the Minister of Religious Affairs for the introduction to the direction and prevention of the ministry and the departments under it in managing and planning the budget for the year 2024/2025.
Hopefully, everything implemented later provides a platform for goodness and blessing from Allah. Addressing Islamic tourism in Negara Brunei Darussalam, the concept of Islamic tourism emphasizes halal food, Muslim-friendly accommodations, and activities that comply with Islamic law. In this regard, the role of the Ministry of Religious Affairs through its departments is crucial to ensure that Islamic tourism activities and destinations always meet the requirements of Maqasid Syariah.
This includes recognizing places or buildings that meet sharia standards such as sharia hotels, sharia halls, sharia shopping complexes, etc. In this connection, are there efforts by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to provide standards or sharia standards for Negara Brunei Darussalam? Masjid Omar 'Ali Saifuddien in Bandar Seri Begawan and Masjid Jame 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah are among the tourist destinations, for these mosques are iconic to Islamic religion in Negara Brunei Darussalam. It is vital to ensure that tours at these mosques take into account objectives and impacts on the commandments and punishments of Sharia law.
Hence, kaola is pleased to suggest that the mosques in question be provided with mosque guides among mosque officers or responsible mosque youths. This includes skills in various languages such as Arabic, English, etc. Request clarification from the Minister regarding this.
And with Allah's guidance and blessings, Peace be upon our master Muhammad and all his companions.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Once again, peramba expresses gratitude and also to Yang Berhormat who just mentioned Islamic tourism. It is truly interesting.
It has been said that the Ministry of Religious Affairs supports the efforts of MPRT in the development of Islamic tourism, everything peramba just mentioned. Here, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman wishes to know what are Brunei's sharia standards?
So, peramba will answer peramba by composing or in the classic Brunei language 'merangai-rangai'. But fundamentally, we understand the Sharia standards for Brunei are clear but whether it is already included or embodied as a formula or SOP that exists?
That's one thing. If it's indeed needed, then thought will be given on how to do it. But, 'kitani' must think we can't make it so hard that it causes inconvenience for people who want to implement it at home, restaurants, etc. Restaurants already have SOP regarding their halal status.
All these matters have been determined by the MPRT. Peramba still remembers when peramba was in the Ministry of Home Affairs before, to get recognition for some houses made into homestays or guest houses. So, the inspection conducted by the MPRT at that time did not reach the ASEAN standard for guest houses, so it needed to be improved.
Back then, it grew everywhere, even in Sungai Pandaruan. So, that standard couldn't be applied. In terms of safety, although it's sharia, it can be implemented by relevant parties like MPRT, District Office, etc.
So, what about Brunei's sharia standards? We just take it broadly following the current regulations.
In terms of restaurants, if there are Islamic restaurants, they have a certain SOP. Hotels are already known to provide prayer mats for Muslim prayers. Even for non-Muslims, there are other needs that can make them interested in Islam.
So, ensuring mosque tours comply with sharia, if wearing inappropriate clothing to enter a mosque, either for men or women, provision is made for proper clothing and they are allowed to tour inside the mosque and allowed areas.
Having tour guides is a good suggestion if it can be implemented and create employment opportunities.
If tour guides are in mosques, it provides employment, and if there are not enough tourist guides or tour company guides that require an Islamic background, it can offer employment opportunities to tourism, which is urgently needed nowadays, like the Institute-Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, KUPUSB would be better. But it's best absorbed into the efforts of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and the efforts made by companies.
The language requirement is indeed a standard, the need to master foreign languages apart from Malay is already standard. That is done by their party and does not need to be requested by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to organize. Certain parties need training in who can speak Arabic. This is too high-handed concerning 'kitani' in managing the public. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism to provide further explanation.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Peramba will just add about these tour guides. The Tourism Development Department is providing training for tourism guides not only from tour companies if there are organizations or centers like mosques conducting their guides, the Tourism Development Department can assist in this matter. As stated by the Minister of Religious Affairs earlier.
With tour guides, it can supplement the existing guides. 'Perhaps' they can specialize in the religious section. At present, like in the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Heritage Gallery, they conduct short training with guides from tourism companies to ensure the meaning and delivery of what is contained in the Gallery can be conveyed to tourists well and more attractively to tourists. The Tourism Development Department will assist with this initiative. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan. My thanks also to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama and other Cabinet Ministers who have provided explanations regarding the questions that were raised. I believe it is sufficient that we have discussed this matter. It would be best for this Committee Meeting to be postponed for now, and we will reconvene during the session of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
(The meeting was postponed)
(The meeting reconvened)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. We are now resuming our session in the Conference of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. I would like to propose that our current conference be postponed, and we shall resume the session tomorrow, Thursday, 7th March 2024, starting at 2:00 pm.
That is all, وسل ه عليكم ورمحة هللا وبركاته
(The meeting was postponed)
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