His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to attend the inaugural Friday prayers at the new Ash-Shaliheen Mosque, which is located at the Prime Minister's Office Building Complex, Jalan Kumbang Pasang in Kg Melabau.

Accompanying His Majesty were HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik and HRH Prince 'Abdul Wakeel.

His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses were greeted upon arrival by Cabinet Ministers, as well as senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

His Majesty later proceeded to the Central Court where the monarch consented to sign a plaque to commemorate His Majesty's attendance at the inaugural Friday prayers at Ash-Shaliheen Mosque.

Upon the signing of the plaque, the takbir "Allahu Akbar" was recited three times led by Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pg Haji Abdul Rahman, the Minister of Religious Affairs.

His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses later joined the congregation for Friday prayers led by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

Earlier, the State Mufti delivered a special Friday sermon.

Also present at yesterday's Friday prayers were Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, the Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister's Office; Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office; Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abd Wahab bin Juned, the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; and, Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs. Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Religious Affairs were also present. - Borneo Bulletin (14 July 2012)