Arrival of the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Arrival of the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office as Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, welcomed the arrival of His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and delegation, who are in Brunei Darussalam for a three-day Official Visit, 3rd May afternoon.

Also present was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism as Minister-in-Attendance. Also in attendance at the Brunei International Airport was His Excellency Abel Guterres, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

The Official Welcoming Ceremony began with the national anthems of both countries. His Excellency then proceeded to inspect the Guard of Honour mounted by members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

His Excellency was then introduced to Cabinet Ministers; Deputy Ministers; the Commissioner of Police of the Royal Brunei Police Force; the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; Foreign Envoys in Brunei Darussalam; and Permanent Secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah was then introduced to the official delegation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. This marks His Excellency’s third Official Visit to Brunei Darussalam, following his previous Official Visits in 2014 and 2017.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto

Conferment of State Honorary Medals in conjunction with His Majesty’s 79th Birthday Celebration

Conferment of State Honorary Medals in conjunction with His Majesty’s 79th Birthday Celebration

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, conferred Brunei Darussalam State Honorary Medals to 693 recipients. The conferment of the medals was in conjunction with His Majesty’s 79th Birthday celebration. The ceremony took place at Balai Singgahsana Indera Kenchana, Istana Nurul Iman, 29th April morning. His Majesty’s son, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office officiated the conferment of the State Honorary Medals as His Majesty’s personal representative. Also in attendance were His Majesty’s sons, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

The ceremony began with the conferment of the PINGAT JASA KEBAKTIAN or Meritorious Service Medal, PJK to 30 recipients from the Ministry of Defence and a recipient from the private sector with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. 

600 recipients received the Pingat Indah Kerja Baik, or Excellent Service Medal, PIKB comprising officers and staff of His Majesty’s Office; Prime Minister’s Office; Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Finance and Economy; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Religious Affairs; Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

The PINGAT PAHLAWAN PERIWARA, PP, was conferred to 61 officers from the Ministry of Defence.

While, the PINGAT PENGLIMA LASGAR, PL was conferred to 2 officers from the Ministry of Defence.

Doa Selamat was read by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto

The National Musabaqah Al-Qur’an Reading for Adult 1447H/2026

The National Musabaqah Al-Qur’an Reading for Adult 1447H/2026

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince graces the opening of the Final of the National Musabaqah Al-Qur’an Reading for Adults 1447 Hijrah/2026 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, 27th April early evening. Also in attendance was His Royal Highness’ brother, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs; 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; Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Doctor Dayang Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Minister of Education and Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunication.

The ceremony began with the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

In his welcoming remarks, the Minister of Religious Affairs among other things touched on the theme of this year’s competition and the efforts of various parties to implement the learning of Al-Qur’an to ensure that the country’s generations will remain familiar with Al-Qur’an.

The National Musabaqah Al-Qur’an Reading is held for 3 consecutive nights. The first night saw 6 participants presenting their readings. This year’s Musabaqah carries the theme ‘Mengukuhkan Pembelajaran Al-Qur’an dan Menghayati Ajarannya’ or Strengthening Al-Quran Learning and Internalising Its Teachings.  The annual competition, jointly organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs; the Prime Minister’s Office; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications; and Datastream Digital (DST) Sendirian Berhad, will continue on 28th April night, with 6 more participants presenting their readings.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto

National Level Nuzul Al-Qur’an Celebration 1447H

National Level Nuzul Al-Qur’an Celebration 1447H


His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in a sabda stressed on the importance for all parties to continue working together in fulfilling their respective roles towards strengthening the learning experience, study and internalisation of Al-Qur’an through an authentic and simple tadabbur approach. In his sabda at the National Level Nuzul Al-Quran Celebration for 1447 Hijrah, His Royal Highness also touched on the theme of this year’s celebration, which is ‘Mengukuhkan Pembelajaran Al-Qur’an dan Menghayati Ajarannya’ or ‘Strengthening the Learning of Al-Quran and Internalising Its Teachings’, which is a continuation of His Royal Highness’s Father’s wish to emphasise Al-Qur’an as the core of life. The ceremony took place at the International Convention Centre, Berakas, 6th March night. Also in attendance were His Royal Highness’ brothers, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara; Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Awang Haji Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs; 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; Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism; and Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of Development as well as members of the Executive Committee for National Level Major Islamic Event Celebrations for 1447 Hijrah.

The reading of surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Salim bin Haji Besar.

In his welcoming address, the Minister of Religious Affairs among other matters emphasised that efforts to study Al-Qur’an must be strengthened to make it not just reading and memorisation, but should also be with understanding.

The practice of Tadabbur Al-Qur’an, according to His Royal Highness, leads to the internalisation of three main concepts: TILAWAH, TA’LIM and TAZKIYAH.

His Royal Highness in the sabda also reminded that the role of a MUFASSIR or INTERPRETER of Al-Qur’an is a prestigious and noble position that requires mastery of knowledge and adherence to strict knowledge discipline.

The winners of the five categories of the National Musabaqah Al-Qur’an Memorisation and its Understanding for 1447 Hijrah presented their recitations as well as its understanding. Category ‘A’, memorisation of Juz or chapter 30 and its understanding for participants aged 13 and below.

Category B, memorisation of Surah Luqman, Surah As-Sajdah, Surah Yaasin, Surah Ar-Rahmaan, Surah Al-Waqi’ah, Surah Al-Jumu’ah, Surah Al-Mulk, Surah Al-Jinn and Surah Al-Insaan as well as the understanding of Surah Nuh, Surah Al-Muzzammil, Surah Al-Muddathir, Surah Al-Qiyamah and Surah Al-Mursalat for ages 14 and above.

Meanwhile, Category ‘C’, memorisation of Juz 1 to Juz 4 as well as the understanding of Surah Al-Hijr and Surah An-Nahl, open to all ages.

Category ‘D’, memorisation of Juz 1 to Juz 15 as well as the understanding of Surah Al-Ahqaf, Surah Muhammad and Surah Al-Fath, open to all ages.

Category ‘E’, memorisation of 30 Juz as well as the understanding of Surah Maidah and Al- An’am, open to all ages.

His Royal Highness then presented prizes and souvenirs to the participants. Champion of Category A was Dayang Nur Syifa Hasanah binti Mohammad Fikri who received a cash prize of BND1,500. Second place went to Dayang Nur Saffiyyah Azzahra binti Hafiz, and in third was Dayang Nur Sarah Basyirah Binti Mohammad Fikri.

This was followed by the champion of Category B, Dayang Ainaa Zunah Insyirah binti Haji Abdul Manap who received a BND2,000 cash prize. In second place was Dayangku Wajihah binti Pengiran Khairul Nazri and Dayang Siti Nur Darwisyah binti Sabli came in third place.

Meanwhile, emerging champion of Category ‘C’ was Dayang Siti Nurzawanah binti Mohammad Saidin, receiving a cash prize of BND2,800. Dayangku Siti Huwaida Kareemah binti Pengiran Mohd Helmy was in second place while in third place was Dayang Atiqah Munirah binti Haji Muamat.

Receiving a cash prize of BND3,500 was the champion of Category D, Dayang Ameerah Batrisyia @ Sarah Huwaina binti Haji Amir Hisham. In second place was Dayang Nur Sofiyyah Solehah binti Mohammad Fikri and Awang Muhamad Faiz Najwan bin Muhamad Saleh came in third.

The winner of Category E, Awang Ahmad Huzaifah bin Haji Awang Hasbi received a cash prize of BND5,000. Second place was Awang Mohammad Afif Fikry bin Haji Abu Bakar and in third was Awang Muhammad Amin Yusof bin Muhammad Arifin.

This year’s ceremony was jointly organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Development, the MABIMS Centre for Al-Qur’an Studies and Dissemination and Brunei Darussalam Central Bank.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto

 

Sunat Hajat Prayer, Reading of Surah Yasin and Special Doa at Istana Nurul Iman

Sunat Hajat Prayer, Reading of Surah Yasin and Special Doa at Istana Nurul Iman

The Sunat Hajat Prayer, Reading of Surah Yasin, and Special Doa ceremony for the health and well-being of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam continued at Istana Nurul Iman, 17th January night, as a continuation to the Sunat Hajat Prayer, Reading of Surah Yasin, and Special Doa ceremony which took place on Thursday evening, 26 Rejab 1447 corresponding to 15th of January 2026 nationwide.

Attending the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, 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 as well as Members of the Royal Family.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and members of the Royal Family were greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs; 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 Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health, and their respective spouses.

The Sunat Hajat Prayer, the reading of Surah Yasin, and Special Doa for the good health and well-being of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was held to ask Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala for His Majesty’s procedure to run smoothly and that Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala will bestow immediate healing, perfect health and lasting well-being.

Also present were Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, and their respective spouses.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto

National Level Isra’ Mi’raj Celebration

National Level Isra’ Mi’raj Celebration

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in a sabda stressed that the development of excellent human capital begins with a strong family institution as the main foundation in shaping the personality, morals and character of children. Hence, His Royal Highness stressed that efforts to strengthen the family institution must be implemented comprehensively and integratedly.

His Royal Highness made the sabda at the National Level Isra’ Mi’raj Celebration for 1447 Hijrah, which took place at the International Convention Centre, Berakas, 17th January morning. In the sabda, His Royal Highness said the theme for this year’s celebration ‘Sembahyang Teras Modal Insan Cemerlang’ or ‘Prayer as the Foundation of Human Capital Excellence’, is very much in line with the demands of national development.

In attendance were His Royal Highness’ brothers, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Upon arriving, His Royal Highness was greeted by: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara; Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Awang Haji Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs; Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence; Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health AND Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Dato Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as members of the celebration’s executive committee.

The reading of Al-Qur’an verses was presented by Awang Ahmad Zulwaqar bin Haji Suhaili, while the Tadabbur was delivered by Awang Haji Abdul Rashid bin Awang Haji Damit.

The Minister of Religious Affairs in his welcoming address among other things highlighted that prayer performed perfectly is a form of training an individual to work and strive diligently as well as earnestly. In Islamic teaching, the matter is associated with the value or quality of a person who is loved by Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala.

The excellence of an individual is not only measured through physical strength or intellectual ingenuity alone, but is also supported by spiritual strength, moral excellence and self-discipline. These values, His Royal Highness stressed, are built through prayer that is maintained and carried out with full devotion.

His Royal Highness in the sabda recalled His Majesty’s titah which reminded that every individual are leaders who will be made responsible for those that they lead. A presentation of Selawat Badriyyah highlighted the celebration. The ceremony was also enlivened with a special performance of Kalam Jama’ie or Choral Speaking titled ‘Istighfar Rejab’.

Yang Berbahagia Professor Dato’ Doctor Haji Mohd Izhar Ariff bin Mohd Kashim, an invited speaker from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM in the special talk among other things touched on the importance of maintaining relationship with Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, solidarity, and knowledge.

Doa Selamat was read by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

The celebration was co-organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Progresif Sendirian Berhad. 

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei
Photo courtesy of InfoFoto