​Minister of Religious Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman emphasised the need to utilise respective capacities to ensure the Legislative Council (LegCo) remains relevant in strengthening the unity of the people in the country.

He said this in an adjournment speech at the 20th session of the LegCo meeting yesterday, adding that it is crucial to make people aware that LegCo is part of the country’s dynamic administration and is evolving in a solidarity-centric way.

On this matter, the minister hopes that higher learning institutions in the country will contribute through providing knowledge and understanding encompassing the law and the history of nationhood, emphasising the country’s status as an independent Malay Islamic Monarchy.

The minister also underlined the roles that can be beneficially played by executive parties, such as ministries, through the membership of appointed LegCo members according to their respective categories. For instance, he said, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Brunei Islamic Religious

Council can engage a number of LegCo members in committees related to public matters such as zakat (tithe), waqaf (endowment) and Baitul Mal; haj and umrah, mosque affairs, religious education and dakwah.

(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)