Gov’t to seek other ways in funding mosque construction

The religious affairs minister said the government will seek other funding means to construct new mosques.

Nabilah Haris
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Ministry of Religious Affairs will work towards different means of funding the building of mosques rather than rely on the government budget, said its minister.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Awg Othman said his ministry has to accept the reality that his ministry was not allocated a budget to build mosques.

He said the ministry would look into using the money collected through the Mosque Building Fund or funds from the Brunei Islamic Religious Concil (MUIB) as using state coffers is currently not viable.

“Of course in terms of Hukum Syara’ (Islamic law), a government led by a Muslim leader is not exempted from his obligations in building a mosque, especially within Islamic teachings.

“However, the Mosque Building Fund has been set up and is aimed at giving members of the public the opportunity to invest in the Hereafter, but that does not mean the government is let off from carrying out its responsibility,” added the minister

YB Pehin Dato Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin went on to note that the first meeting of the 12th LegCo session had been discussed not only by LegCo members but also the public, a sign of healthy public discussions.

“I find this to be an appropriate reaction regarding our current affairs and we should take it as a sign of health in the affairs of the people in shaping positive public thoughts towards the affairs of the country,” he said.

“Our topic discussions were more about frugal and budget-conscious spending. Surely, they need to understand this in its true perspective,” said YB Pehin Dato Hj Awg Badaruddin.

Ending his closing remarks, he called for more confidence in the people and the country given the great history the nation holds while having faith that Allah SWT will bless the good deeds that are done in His name.


Sumber - The Brunei Times