HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam received congratulatory messages from His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.

In the message, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud expressed his sincerest congratulations and prayed to Allah the Almighty to render His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with an abundance of health and happiness. His Majesty King Salman also wished progress and prosperity to the people of the Sultanate as well as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Brunei Darussalam.

Meanwhile, in a similar message, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud also extended his prayers to Allah the Almighty to bless Brunei to achieve its goals of dignity, supremacy and stability on the occasion of Aidiladha.

|     James Kon     |

THE British Army Gurkha Battalion troops’ presence in Brunei Darussalam is of great importance and a living proof of the strong relationship between Brunei and Britain at the military level.

This was highlighted by United Kingdom’s (UK) Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field during an interview session to conclude his three-day visit to the Sultanate.

“I am delighted as we were able to sign an extension for the Gurkha battalion to remain in Brunei Darussalam for another five years. We hope that His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam will feel that the Gurkhas’ presence here will remain as important as ever in an increasingly uncertain world. This is the living proof of the strong relationship between Brunei and Britain at the military level,” he noted.

Describing the ties between Brunei and Britain, he said, “It’s a very good and healthy relationship. My father was here at the time when the Malaya Federation was falling apart in the early 1960s which was a threat for Brunei’s independence. This has led to our strong alliance. Brunei continued to be an important player and respected member of ASEAN. Both Brunei and Britain have strong connection at the highest level of the royal families that are very close. But, our people-to-people relations are also very strong. So many young Bruneians were able to study in the UK and learn about our country and I would like to see more Britons learn about Brunei and what Brunei has to offer,” he said.

Recalling his meeting with His Majesty, he revealed, “We spoke a bit about the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London earlier this year which His Majesty attended. I also explained about my background, informing His Majesty that my father served in the British army in Singapore in 1962. He was a young captain in the Gurkha regiment. He was involved in foiling the uprising which led to our strong cooperation. We also talked about our defence alliance. I am very grateful to His Majesty for granting me the audience. His Majesty is very much engaged in an array of international affairs as well as realises the importance of bolstering the relations between our countries. I hope that our relationship will go from strength to strength.”

Touching on the concerns regarding Brexit, the UK minister acknowledged that it is causing uncertainty not only for Brunei, but also other ASEAN member states that have strong commercial links with the United Kingdom.

“We will make sure that we do everything to strengthen our commercial relationship with Southeast Asia. It is the responsibility of the UK Government to ensure a satisfactory Brexit deal that benefits our economy and helps us maintain our strong connection across the globe.”

Touching on cooperation in the financial sector including the establishment of Brunei’s stock market, he said, “I hope that Brunei will continue to work with us in the areas of asset management and financial technology as well as to establish a robust corporate governance system in place.

“Singapore is a huge financial centre and capital market in the region. Brunei could present itself as an alternative, providing a smaller and less crowded platform for investors to enter the Southeast Asia market. This could be a real opportunity. The real issue is ensuring capacity building before the establishment of a stock exchange,” the minister said.

Touching on protectionist policies practised by some countries, he commented, “I grew up at a time when the case has been made for free trade. Free market and capitalism should be allowed to grow. Fair trade benefits the most vulnerable and poverty-stricken people across the globe. Look at China – there were hundreds of millions of people living below the poverty line, and now many are thriving with free trade.”

Summing up his visit to Brunei, Field said, “It was indeed a lovely trip. I can’t wait to come back. Unfortunately, as a Foreign Office minister, I have to represent a big part of the world, so I can’t promise I can be back very soon. I had a tremendous time here attending several bilateral meetings as well as seeing how Brunei is progressing. My message to my Foreign Office colleagues and fellow parliamentarians is to keep an eye on Brunei and on the tremendous relationship we share. Let’s ensure this goes from strength to strength.”

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

BRUNEI citizen Muhammad Miqdam bin Zaini will soon leave for Moscow to pursue his tertiary studies under a Russian Government Scholarship.

Receiving him yesterday at the Russian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam was Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam Vladlen Semivolos.

Accompanying Muhammad Miqdam were his parents, Zaini bin Haji Salleh and Suroiya binti Sitthikan.

Muhammad Miqdam, the second student from Brunei to be awarded the prestigious grant, beat off stiff competition to get a place at Moscow State University of Design and Technology (MSUDT), where he will be studying Fine Arts.

“I am thrilled to have been selected for the Russian scholarship. It’s a great opportunity to learn more around the field (Fine Arts),” Muhammad Miqdam told the Bulletin after receiving the scholarship.

“I had earlier applied for scholarships to several embassies in Brunei, and the Russian Embassy responded to me on the available opportunities to further my studies.”

The Ministries of Education of Brunei and Russia are currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in higher education and science, which will become an umbrella agreement contributing to the development of exchanges and partnerships between institutions of higher learning in the two countries.

Russia also views as the next step the need to launch discussions on the signing of agreements with Brunei on mutual recognition of higher education qualifications and degrees, to support wider practical ties in the field of education, and strengthen mutual understanding and people-to-people contact between both countries. The links between the educational institutions of Russia and Brunei are however, already strong at present, and are set to improve further as both countries are constantly working on improving the legal foundations of bilateral relations in the field of education.

Last year for example, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) established cooperation with St Petersburg State University, which saw a group of students from the Oriental Department of the university coming to UBD to study for one semester this year under a student exchange arrangement.

Muhammad Miqdam’s Russian adventure represents the latest step in this blossoming education relationship between the two nations; his scholastic foray into country pointedly is seen as a trailblazing move paving the way for more Bruneian students to further their studies in Russia.

While more unfamiliarity and a longer ‘bedding in’ period is to be expected with studying and living in such a relatively unconventional higher education country, there is one thing that Muhammad Miqdam can be sure of – he will be receiving a world class university education.

Founded in 1930, MSUDT is one of the leading multi-disciplinary higher educational and research institutions in Russia.

The university trains students to become specialists in the industrial and scientific sphere, offering courses in the following branches of science – technical, art studies, economics and biological.

Under its Fine Arts Faculty, the university boasts among its teaching staff adjunct professors, such as haute couture designer Elena Teplitskaja, and the world-famous Russian fashion historian, collector, art critic, interior designer and theatrical artist, Alexander Vasilev. Other famous names among the university academic staff include fashion industry designers Vyacheslav Zajtsev and Valentine Yudashkin.

The university’s art and design students on the other hand, have moulded a reputation of being high-achievers, regularly taking part in and winning various Russian and international competitions. This list includes the International Young Designers Contest Admiralty Needle, in St Petersburg; the Velvet Seasons in Sochi International Festival of Fashion; and the International Fashion and Arts Week.

The university also has education links with top art schools such as the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York; Italian Centre of Design; Berlin Institute of Fashion; Technical University of Radom; and St Martin’s School of Art.

As an arts and culture destination, Russia stands shoulder to shoulder – if not above – with its more famous global neighbours such as Italy, France or Spain.

Russian art is highly valued around the world; this is due to the pioneering works of luminaries like Ivan Aivazovsky, Kazimir Malevich, Marc Chagall, Ilya Kabakov, Eric Bulatov and Grisha Bruskin, many of whom – like their Soviet-era peers – combine innovation with socialist realism in their productions.

Bruneians interested in exploring educational opportunities in Russia or finding out more about the Russian Government Scholarship are invited to explore information on the website www.russia-edu.ru and the RUSSIA.STUDY portal.

THE British Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field visited the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah yesterday as part of his itinerary while in Brunei Darussalam.

Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof welcomed the British minister upon arrival.

Accompanying Field was British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay. Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religion) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang and senior officials from the MoRA.

Following a tour of the mosque, Field and Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom discussed shared values and religious understanding. Field was interested to hear about the arrangements taking place for Aidiladha in Brunei, and noted how many of his constituents in London were also busy planning for the festival.

He also toured the main prayer hall with Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom and visited the Abdul Aziz Library, and had the opportunity to view some of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s personal collection of Al-Quran manuscripts and scriptures.

|     Fizah HAB     |

FINDLAY (B) Sdn Bhd, the education consultancy firm, hosted its eighth study fair yesterday, at The Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.

The bi-annual event featured representatives from 18 institutions in Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom: Birmingham City University, De Montfort University, the University of Dundee, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Hertfordshire, Northumbria University, the University of Portsmouth, Queen’s University Belfast, the University of South Wales, the University of Surrey, the University of Winchester, the University College Birmingham, Curtin University, James Cook University, the University of Otago and the University of Tasmania.

In an interview, Director of Findlay Sunita Martin said that the study fair was aimed at providing support for young Bruneian students in achieving their academic and career goals.

“With the British Council and the British University Brunei Association no longer available, it is important for representatives like Findlay to hold such fairs to be able to showcase British education, alongside other international education that we’ve represented,” she said.

President of the Brunei Students’ Union (BSU) in the UK and Eire Awangku Mohammad Hisyam Al-Yura bin Pengiran Haji Zainal Abidin, meanwhile said that the Brunei Students’ Union is geared towards providing comprehensive support for students studying in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

“Founded in 1959 by Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Umar, the BSU is an organisation providing support in all aspects to students studying in the UK and Ireland, including aspects of socio-welfare and religion, by working closely with the Brunei High Commission in the United Kingdom and the Students Unit at the Ministry of Education,” he said.

“There are currently 30 different societies under the BSU, covering different universities and regions in the UK and Ireland.”

Pathway providers Navitas and INTO UK and US were present at the fair, to discuss study possibilities with students regarding foundation programmes and year one entries to prestigious universities abroad.

Several officials from the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council and the Scholarship Section of the Ministry of Education were also on hand to answer questions related to their respective areas, along with representatives from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) on the subject of education loans and the Centre for British Teachers (CfBT) on English proficiency test IELTS.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Berakas Police Station yesterday conducted a crime prevention patrol with members of the Kampong Pancha Delima/Kampong Anggerek Desa/Kampong Orang Kaya Besar Imas and Kampong Pulaie Neighbourhood Watch.

Corporal 3854 Haji Tejuddin led the patrol with a Berakas Police Station personnel and four Neighbourhood Watch members.

The patrol covered the parking areas of shop buildings, the mosque, school and residential areas under the Neighbourhood Watch. No criminal or suspicious activities were reported.

The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) will continue to work with Neighbourhood Watch groups to ensure the peace and tranquillity of their neighbourhoods.

Meanwhile, Lamunin Police Station personnel visited the home of the Kampong Benutan/Supon Besar Village Head.

Lamunin Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Muhd Zulfadli bin Haji Md Yusof led three personnel from the station during the visit. A patrol was then carried out in the vicinity of the Ulu Tutong Golden Jubilee Dam.

In the Temburong District, personnel from the Bangar Police Station visited the homes of the village heads of Kampong Lepong and Kampong Sibut. Aside from fostering community ties, discussions were also held on the certificate handover for Kampong Sibut Neighbourhood Watch member appointments which will be held soon.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE four-day Brunei Technology Expo (TechXpo) 2018 concluded at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.

Themed ‘Innovative Technology For All’, TechXpo served as a platform for exhibitors to showcase products, services, trends, developments, and ideas associated with technology from Brunei and all across the globe, offering opportunities both in the local and international levels.

Highlights and activities during the exhibition were the TechXpo Cyber Games Tournament 2018, Humanoid Robot by ZoraBots, Trail to TechXpo 2018 by BAG Networks Sdn Bhd, Blood Donation Drive by Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, and seminars and workshops organised by Global Blockchains Business Consulting Sdn Bhd, Techhaven, and ITPSS Sdn Bhd.

The Grand Lucky Draw for the TechXpo 2018 was also held.

InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB) Vice Chairman Reeda bin Haji Malik and Sales Manager of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd Mike Chia presented prizes to 20 lucky visitors.

Grand prize winner Awangku Shazned bin Pengiran Shamri received a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 sponsored by D’Sunlit followed by Nurul Afiqah binti Nor Amin who received a Samsung S9 Plus and Muhd Sahrudy Iswandy bin Hashim an Acer Travel Mate P249.

Hasmit Shield Roofing Manufacture Sdn Bhd, Max V Management, Pro Builders Sdn Bhd, Lim Enterprise, Plum Wellcon, Lantana Service Sdn Bhd, Perusahaan Sinaran Gemilang, TBT and Syarikat Berjasa Jaya also sponsored the grand lucky draw.

Prizes included a Beko Fridge, Beko 9kg Washer, Google Home, Philips Fryer, Vacuum, Bluetooth Portable Speaker, Portable Karaoke System, LG TV 32″, Portable Speaker, HDMI DVD Player, Samsung TV, Philips Air Purifier and TechXpo 2018 goodie bags.

The TechXpo was organised by IFB and managed by D’Sunlit.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

EMPHASISING the greatness of the concept of sacrifice, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has called on the citizens and residents of the country to uphold the concept in all aspects of life in this world and in the hereafter.

“We sacrifice for the nation with our wealth, time, hardwork and energy, while we sacrifice for the hereafter through loyalty in performing religious obligations in the name of Allah the Almighty,” the monarch said in a titah in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha 1439 Hijrah celebration which was broadcast on Radio Television Brunei last night.

“Aidiladha is a meaningful celebration for Muslims and has become a Syiar around the world, wherever there are worshippers of Islam, the pure religion of Allah the Almighty.

“This is also the time for Muslims to showcase unity and solidarity, gathering at mosques or open spaces to carry out their Takbir rites in praising Allah the Almighty.

Undoubtedly, this is a very blessed moment when the grace of Allah the Almighty descends on and covers the earth, and those who understand this will be grateful and delighted,” His Majesty said.

The monarch underscored the two big lessons of the celebration, one related to unity and solidarity and the other linked to sacrifice, highlighting that Islam places great importance to oneness and unity and strongly prohibits disunity, as stated by Allah the Almighty in Surah Al-Imran Verse 103 which calls for “holding firmly to the rope of Allah the Almighty together and do not become divided”, the monarch added.

Allah the Almighty forbids us to be divided as the high risk of it can lead to bad consequences, the ruler said, adding that strength is built on unity while weakness is the cause of disintegration.

“Hence, it is regretful to see the current situation where disintegration among Muslims which has reached to a stage of fighting and killings among themselves.”

The monarch expressed hope that this adverse situation will end soon and be replaced with awareness on restoring the unity among the people.

Highlighting the second lesson – sacrifice for Allah the Almighty – His Majesty pointed out that whatever the objective that needs to be achieved, it requires some form of sacrifice as without sacrifice, success will not be realised.

“The nation is also built with sacrifices. The government needs to provide the budget and human resources to make its development efforts succeed.

Highlighting the importance of sacrificing animals, the monarch said, “An animal is an asset which is slaughtered and the meat is distributed as sedekah. We are sacrificing this asset for the welfare of the Ummah.

This, said His Majesty, shows how great the concept of sacrifice. All deeds and activities are based on sacrifice which is sacred and very important in life.

His Majesty also extended his and members of the royal family’s Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings to the citizens and residents of the country and prayed for the Brunei Haj pilgrims’ wellbeing and safety as well as wished them a Mabrur Haj.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

OVER a thousand Indonesian Muslims residing and working in Brunei gathered to perform the mass Sunnat Aidiladha prayer at the Indonesian Embassy in Jalan Kebangsaan yesterday in observance of Hari Raya Aidiladha.

Joining the religious celebration was the Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Sujatmiko.

Ustaz Yasir bin Belli Sholeh led the mass Sunnat Aidiladha prayer while the Aidiladha sermon was

delivered by Dr Harapandi Dahri from the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).

After the prayer and sermon, attendees were treated to Indonesian food and traditional cakes, providing an opportunity for the Indonesian community to mingle and foster relationship among one another.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

AN INDONESIAN domestic helper received an eight months prison sentence on Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to charges of damaging her employer’s bedroom door and stealing cash.

Rasti binti Wanita Citra, 41, was charged under Section 381 and 426, Chapter 22 of the Penal Code, for stealing cash from her employer and damaging her employer’s bedroom door, according to a press release by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).

|     James Kon     |

A RESTAURANT in Batu Bersurat was slapped with a BND500 fine on Tuesday by the Law Enforcement Unit of the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department for disposing rubbish in public places, which is a violation of Chapter 30, Section 12 (1) of the Minor Offences Act.

The restaurant was found to have discarded used cooking oil and food in public areas.

The restaurant’s owner was given seven days to settle the fine, and failure to do so will result in the matter being referred to the court. If found guilty of failing to pay the fine, a BND1,000 fine or a month’s imprisonment will be imposed for the first convicted offence.

For subsequent offences, the punishment will be a BND3,000 fine or imprisonment of not more than three months. The Law Enforcement Unit urged the public to comply with regulations under the Minor Offences Act.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE MINI Owners Association recently organised a MINI Day 2018 event at the Anduki Recreational Park with the support of QAF Auto Sdn Bhd.

The event began with a gathering of MINI car owners from the Brunei-Muara District at the Jerudong Park, followed by a stop-over at the Sungai Basong Recreational Park in the Tutong District before moving on to the assembly point in the Belait District.

According to Brunei MINI Owners Association President Romzi bin Haji Mohd Yusof, the gathering was intended to strengthen ties among the association’s members in addition to sharing mutual interests for classic cars and new MINIs.

He said, “We are honoured and grateful for MINI Day 2018, and for the opportunity to share our opinions and experience with each other regardless of nationality or race, and we hope that the event will continue on an annual basis.”

He also commended Felda Wong, the MINI Brunei Sales Manager at QAF Auto, for her active involvement in the planning and scheduling stages of the gathering.

Another gathering for fellow enthusiasts is scheduled for December at the 4th Borneo Mini Run in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

PERSATUAN Kemajuan Insan (KESAN) yesterday held a Korban ceremony at Tadika Alif School in Kampong Tungku to mark Hari Raya Aidiladha.

Fifty volunteers were involved in the slaughtering process, packing and distribution of the sacrificial meat.

The meat of five buffaloes was distributed to selected families, including members of the association and attendees.

|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Brunei Darussalam Photographic Society (PFNBD) held its fifth annual Korban ceremony yesterday at the residence of PFNBD Assistant Secretary-General Pengiran Haji Sulaiman bin Pengiran Md Salleh.

Three buffaloes were slaughtered, and their meat distributed to attendees and 29 selected recipients from STKRJ Kampong Rimba.

The ceremony commenced with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat followed by the speech from PFNBD President Haji Hamidun bin Haji Mohd Noor, who expressed gratitude to all members who stepped forward to support activities organised by the group.

The ceremony continued with the distribution of Korban meat by Acting Director of Museums Department and guest of honour Haji Mohammad Jefri bin Haji Sabli.

PFNBD Advisor Haji Jumat bin Haji Taha was also in attendance.

The event hopes to attract greater participation from members and their families in the future.

|     Azaraimy HH, Daniel Lim & Rokiah Mahmud     |

THOUSANDS yesterday received portions of Korban meat contributed by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family, in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha 1439 Hijrah celebration.

In the Brunei-Muara District, Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong handed over the sacrificial meat to 4,437 recipients during the ceremony at the Brunei- Muara District Office.

Legislative Council (LegCo) members, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs as well as the Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer were among those present.

This year, 158 cows and 14 goats were slaughtered; their meat distributed to 7,567 less-fortunate families in the country.

In the Tutong District, 1,322 less-fortunate people registered under the Brunei Islamic Religious Council received the sacrificial meat. A total of 271 heads of families turned up at the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex to receive the Korban meat.

The ceremony commenced with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Hari Raya Takbir led by Tutong District Mosque Affairs Officer Saipol bin Ismail.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong handed out the Korban meat, in the presence of LegCo members Yang Berhormat Haji Umarali bin Esung, Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong and Yang Berhormat Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, Tutong District Officer Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohammad Hussain and other government officials.

In the Belait District, the ceremony was held at the Kuala Belait Conference Hall.

Minister of Defence II cum guest of honour Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof handed out the Korban meat to 622 less-fortunate families.

LegCo members Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin and Yang Berhormat Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad, heads of deparments, penghulus and villages heads were also in attendance.

The ceremony started with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by Hari Raya Takbir.

The recipients expressed gratitude to His Majesty and members of the royal family for the Korban meat.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

TWO sermons were delivered by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned during the Sunnat Aidiladha prayer at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah yesterday.

In the first sermon, the State Mufti retold the story of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh), whose faith was tested in being ordered to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (pbuh).

“These days, we are not required to offer our children as sacrifices, but instead, we are commanded to have faith and perform our prayers. We are also commanded to render our services to the public in the form of finances, ethical conduct and lawful assembly. These are minor obligations, compared to the command received by Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh).”

The State Mufti then shared the story of two pious men: Ibn Abbas, who would rather lose his eyesight than miss out on his prayers; and an old man who refused to break his fast at the bidding of the ruthless governor of Iraq, Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf. “Al-Hajjaj was a cruel dictator; he has gone down in history as responsible for the mass killings of over 20,000 people,” said the State Mufti.

“Yet this old man remained resolute, refusing to abandon his fast, out of pure devotion and submission to Allah the Almighty.”

In the second sermon, the State Mufti encouraged Muslims to dedicate a portion of their earnings for , donations and charitable drives, by citing the examples of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)’s companions: Sayyidina Abu Bakar and Sayyidina Umar, who competed with each other in giving to charity; Abdul Rahman bin ‘Auf, who spent his wealth on philanthropic causes; and Abu Uqail, who worked hard so that he could give alms to the poor.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam yesterday graced a Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration at the Istana Nurul Iman.

The event, attended by over 6,000 guests, was hosted by Their Majesties and members of the royal family to commemorate the feast of sacrifice for the year 1439 Hijrah.

The royal family members attending the event were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

Also in attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Noor Ehsani binti Al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Akazul Khairi Waddien.

Prior to the event, the sound of the Hari Raya Takbir, performed by representatives from government departments, religious school teachers, undergraduates from tertiary education institutions, uniformed personnel, youth associations and members of various associations resonated throughout the Istana Nurul Iman.

This was followed by recitation of Al-Quran verses 197-199 of Surah Al-Baqarah by Mohd Marzuqi bin Haji Anuar, a first-year undergraduate of ‘Aliyah Qiraat Diploma who represented the country in the Mohammed VI International Prize for the Al-Quran Reading Competition held in Morocco in 2015.

The interpretation of Al-Quran verses was read by Mohd Najib bin Haji Aliakbar, a lecturer at Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

At the ceremony, Their Majesties consented to hand out sacrificial meat to 100 selected recipients, comprising underprivileged individuals from all four districts.

A Doa Selamat was recited by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned to bless the ceremony.

This year, a total of 158 cows and 14 goats were contributed by Their Majesties and members of the royal family and the sacrificial meat was distributed to 7,567 poor and underprivileged people selected from across the country.

Over 6,000 guests attended the event yesterday including civil servants and uniformed personnel as well as new Muslim converts, mosque youth groups, Muslimah groups, undergraduates from tertiary education institutions and religious school students.

Yesterday afternoon also saw sacrificial meat being distributed to selected recipients in different venues across all districts.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam performed the Korban ceremony for Hari Raya Aidiladha 1439 Hijrah/2018 with the slaughter of seven goats at the courtyard of Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong yesterday.

The monarch arrived at the mosque accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

Upon arrival at the mosque, His Majesty was received by Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud; Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned; Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar; Syariah Appeal Court Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin; Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam; Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud as well as event’s executive committee members.

Soon after the Hari Raya Aidiladha prayer, the Acting Minister of Religious Affairs ushered His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses towards the slaughter area.

His Majesty together with His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik were assisted during the slaughter of three goats while the remaining four were slaughtered by personnel of the Mulaut Abattoir Sdn Bhd.

Earlier, His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses gathered together with thousands of other worshippers for the Sunnat Aidiladha prayer at the mosque.

The prayer was also held simultaneously in mosques, suraus and religious halls nationwide. The call to the Hari Raya Aidiladha prayer was carried out by Mudim Haji Suhaili bin Haji Kalong while the prayer was led by Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

This year, 158 cows and 14 goats were slaughtered and their meat was distributed to 7,567 asnaf fakir and miskin family heads all over the country. They included 4,437 Brunei-Muara, 1,613 from Belait, 1,258 from Tutong and 259 from Temburong districts.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE Information Department’s Personal Contact programme continues to act as a platform to forge closer community collaboration.

In tandem with this, a delegation from the department’s Tutong District branch visited the residence of the Mukim Ukong Penghulu Haji Omar bin Abdul Aziz, and met with members of the village consultative councils (MPKs).

Acting Deputy Director of Information Hajah Noorashidah binti Haji Aliomar led the delegation.

According to the department, the programme is one of the strategies to enhance communication between the government and the people, by disseminating information on government policies for maintaining unity in the community. The department welcomes discussion of issues and ideas that should be given attention by the relevant parties in the government.

The department hopes the programme will help them learn about the development of mukims and villages, and promote local businesses by sharing feature stories on its news platform, the Pelita Brunei.

During the visit, the Information Department also shared steps on how to manage the spread of fake information/news that can disrupt harmony, cause confusion and incite fear among the people.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Scholarship Section of the Ministry of Education (MoE) yesterday held its ‘Jatidiri Berkat’ programme for Brunei government scholarship students of the 2018/2019 academic year, at the Civil Service Institute (IPA).

The programme is a pre-university departure session for students awarded with government scholarships in the country to prepare them for studying abroad.

Scholarship Section Head Julaihi bin Mohamat briefed the attendees on matters including overseas government scholarship rules and regulations as well as overseas scholarship allowances and facilities.

Julaihi noted that the scholarships received “should not be seen as a right, but considered as a national privilege for them”, because one day “the students will return to the country to dedicate their service.”

A number of agencies were invited by the Scholarship Section to deliver talks. These included the Ministry of Health, whose representatives delivered a talk on how to handle stress; the Ministry of Religious Affairs; and the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) Supreme Council, which delivered a briefing on the appreciation of the MIB concept and the nation’s aspirations for the students to be “assets of the country”.