THE Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 protects youths from getting caught up in crime, gives them strength and provides a strong shield to counter any challenges in life. The Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 is also holistic that emphasises justice and equality.

This was highlighted by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in his sabda at the opening of the two-day ‘Understanding of Syariah Law’ seminar for youths yesterday at the International Convention Centre, Berakas.

His Royal Highness added, hence the perception that the law is harsh is not true at all, as decisions are taken in accordance to the process and systematic procedure based on prosecution, defence and court witnesses.

Youths should not have any concerns instead they should enhance their understanding and knowledge on the meaning of the law as that would enable us to know the beauty and completeness of the laws created by Allah the Almighty.

HRH the Crown Prince also said the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013, which will be implemented soon, is a blessing from Allah the Almighty and based on Al-Quran and As-Sunnah. The Creator is the wisest, fairest and the most knowledgeable.

The Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 is full of blessings as it assimilates spiritual education and moulds decent characters towards building a faithful Ummah. In addition, it also connects the present and the hereafter, between mankind, between laws and regulations with norms and beliefs as well as rewards and sins.

“As we are aware, the Order is implemented in phases that definitely gives enough time for the dissemination of basic knowledge, to enhance the understanding and knowledge of people in the country, including youths as the major group of population in the country,” said HRH the Crown Prince.

“This seminar which is targeting youths is a useful step in an effort to implement the Order in the Sultanate. It is also an education process or dissemination of such law that could contribute towards the effectiveness and success of its enforcement later.

“Brunei’s Constitution has stipulated that Islam is the official religion in this country. Hence, the implementation of the Syariah Law reflects the confidence and determination of my father’s government in glorifying and dignifying the grandeur of Islamic teachings and Allah the Almighty’s laws.

“It indirectly makes Brunei Darussalam an Islamic country, not only in name but also measured in the context of action and deeds that are based on the law derived from Al-Quran and As-Sunnah.

“In this context, I urge youths to unite in giving their strong support towards its implementation as it is a continuous effort of my father’s government to maintain peace and prosperity living in a community and in this nation.

“As a generation that inherits the country’s leadership, youths should understand and embrace the values and objectives of the nation’s leadership. The involvement of youths in spreading Islam has long existed since the era of the Prophet where his companions comprised youths who played a strong role in the Prophet’s struggle.

“The same goes to our hope for youths in this country to defend with full confidence and wisdom in presenting explanations on the greatness of this law. This is in line with my father’s titah during the 30th National Day celebration which underlined that youths must possess strong values in line with the country’s policies and they should not be influenced by irresponsible elements that wish to see turmoil or disputes among ourselves and disrespecting the head and government.

“Youth era is important to shape a successful generation as this reflects on the country’s future. In conclusion, I urge youths to understand the content of the law besides motivating them to have full faith and devotion in order to receive blessings from Allah the Almighty,” said HRH the Crown Prince.

The seminar is jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Youth and Sports Department with the cooperation of the State Mufti’s Office.

HRH the Crown Prince was earlier greeted upon arrival by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah; State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Aziz bin Juned; Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman; and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid bin Hj Mohd Jaafar.

Some 400 youths comprising students, from youth and sports associations as well as government officers and members of the private sector were present at the opening yesterday. Around 3,000 youths had registered to listen to the talks yesterday afternoon. - Borneo Bulletin (17 April 2014)