Mohd Salehin Hj Basir from the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) yesterday came first in the Holy Quran Reading Competition 1432H for the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and departments under it.

A score of 76 per cent was awarded for his recitation of the Surah Asy-Syuraa, while Muhd Zul Asmawi Mohd Darus and Hj Mohd Basren Hj Bintang came in second and third places with 75.5 and 71.5 per cent respectively.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah consented to present the prizes and certificates to the winners and other participants at the MoF building's Theatre Hall. The preliminary round took place earlier yesterday morning, participated by five male competitors, comprising officers and staff members of the ministry and its departments.

Yesterday's event began with a recital of verses from the Holy Quran by an officer of BIA, Ak Mohd Adibul Amin Pg Hj Marjuki, also the champion of the adult category in the National Al-Quran Reading Competitions of 2008 and 2010, followed by welcoming remarks from Chairperson Hj Yakob Hj Mohd Yusof. - Borneo Bulletin (24th June 2011)