Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof made a working visit to the Russian Federation from August 27 to 29, 2026 at the invitation of Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu.

The visit was a follow-up to the renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Security Committee of Brunei Darussalam and the Security Council of the Russian Federation in April 2024.

On August 28, the Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II held a bilateral meeting with the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

During the meeting, Brunei Darussalam and the Russian Federation exchanged views on matters of mutual interest under the MoU including regional and international security issues as well as opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the security and enforcement agencies in both countries, especially in addressing the threat of transnational crime.

Both countries reiterated their commitment in translating the objectives under the MoU into more concrete and meaningful cooperation, including through closer relations between the relevant agencies, the exchange of information and experience, capacity building and the exchange of visits.

During the meeting and working visit from August 27 to 29, the Security Council of the Russian Federation also arranged a series of visits related to security issues for the Brunei Darussalam delegation in the city of Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the Russian Federation Pengiran Muhammad Husaini bin Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Adat Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Zalani bin Haji Ismail, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Security and Law), Prime Minister’s Office Hajah Aldila binti Haji Mohamad Salleh as well as officers from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Royal Brunei Police Force were also present.

News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office

Members of the public will have the opportunity to learn about, appreciate and cherish a valuable treasure of Islamic heritage preserved at the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB), following the opening of the Sacred Hair of Prophet Muhammad Room in conjunction with the month commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The opening was held during a Berselawat ceremony yesterday, which featured the recitation of Selawat and Dikir.

The Sacred Hair of Prophet Muhammad Room will be open to the public until 30 Rabiulawal 1448H, corresponding to September 12, 2026.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Sayyidul Istighfar by Religious Teacher Grade II, Islamic Studies Department (JPI) Muhammad Ayub bin Ali, followed by the recitation of Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam, led by Special Nazir, JPI Haji Abdullah bin Haji Sahat.

This was followed by a mass recitation of Selawat and Dikir led by officers and staff of JPI.

Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof was the guest of honour.

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Civil Service Governance) Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Awang Haji Mohamad; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Security and Law) Dato Seri Setia Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Energy, Upstream and Downstream) Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah; Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid; as well as members of the BKISHHB Advisory Board Secretariat were also present as special guests.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Director of BKISHHB Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad welcomed the special guests.

The public is encouraged to visit the room and increase their recitation of Selawat upon the Prophet (pbuh) as an act of tabarruk. Visitors are also reminded to observe proper etiquette and maintain the utmost respect while inside the room.

The annual event reflects BKISHHB’s continued commitment to enlivening the month of Rabiulawal, particularly by nurturing love, devotion and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), while bringing Islamic heritage closer to the public through meaningful educational, spiritual and cultural experiences.

In addition, BKISHHB is inviting male and female groups from ministries, mosques, associations, higher education institutions and private companies to participate in the ‘Selawat Recitation and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam’ sessions throughout Rabiulawal 1448H at the Sacred Hair of Prophet Muhammad Room.

The sessions will be held from 2 to 30 Rabiulawal 1448H, corresponding to August 15 to September 12, 2026, except on Fridays and Sundays.

News courtesy of Information Department
Photo courtesy of Infofoto

To further promote the teachings and values of Islam and instil a deep love for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the opening ceremony of the Dikir in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul for 1448 Hijrah/2026 was held last night at Istana Nurul Iman corresponding to 1st of Rabiulawal 1448 Hijrah.

Present at the event were Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Civil Service Governance) Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Awang Haji Mohamad; and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Security and Law) Dato Seri Setia Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu.

Among the male guests were representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), as well as representatives from associations and MPM/MPK, including 30 members of Badan Ugama Islam (PPDB) and 30 members of MPM Pengkalan Batu.

Members of the Senegara Mosque Youth Executive Committee were also invited under the Youth and Takmir category, while the JPI Religious School Division (Brunei I) represented the Religious Teachers category.

For the female guests, representatives from the PMO were also in attendance, alongside representatives from associations and MPM/MPK. These included 30 members of the Police Wives and Families Welfare Association (PEKERTI) and 30 members of MPM/MPK Pengkalan Batu.

The Youth and Takmir category comprised members of the Muslimah group of RPN Kampong Bukit Beruang Mosque, while the Religious Teachers category was represented by the JPI Religious School Division (Brunei I).

The event began with a mass Isyak prayer led by Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Abdul Ghani, with Muhammad Amin bin Haji Salim as the bilal.

This was followed by an Al-Quran recitation by Ashizal bin Zainal Abidin.

A tazkirah was subsequently delivered by Haji Muskrisman Safari bin Haji Mustapa followed by a doa led by Haji Muhammad Azrol Alim bin Haji Zaini.

The evening also featured dikir recitations including Assalamualaika and Asyrakal, Khairuman, Bisyahrin, Al-Hamdu and Badat, which further enhanced the atmosphere of reflection and devotion to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and its departments hosted a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony in conjunction with 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 80th Birthday Celebration at Ash-Shaliheen Mosque yesterday.

The ceremony commenced with the Sunat Hajat prayer led by Mosque Affairs Officer of Ash-Shaliheen Mosque Haji Md Izzat Izzuddin bin Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Emran, followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and a special prayer in conjunction with His Majesty’s 80th birthday. The event concluded with a mass Asar prayer.

The Doa Kesyukuran ceremony is held in conjunction with His Majesty’s 80th birthday as an expression of gratitude to the leadership of His Majesty and signifies the people’s prayer for His Majesty to be in good health, longevity and continue to reign the country with iman (faith) and guided by Allah the Almighty.

Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Civil Service Governance) Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Awang Haji Mohamad; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Security and Law) Dato Seri Setia Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu; and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Energy, Upstream and Downstream) Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah were the joint guests of honour.

Special guests, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, heads of departments, heads of divisions, as well as officers and staff from the PMO and its departments were also present.

News courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office
Photo courtesy of Prime Minister’s Office

The Prime Minister’s Office held a Doa Selamat Ceremony for the intending Haj pilgrims comprising 32 Officers and Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office and the departments under it who will perform the Haj this year. The ceremony took place at the Dewan Bankuet, Prime Minister’s Office Building, 2nd May afternoon.

The presentation of contributions to intending Haj pilgrims from the Prime Minister’s Office and the departments under it was officiated by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence and Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto