HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al- Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday evening attended the Majlis Doa Selamat dan Kesyukuran in conjunction with the Enforcement of the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman as well as other committee members.

Their Royal Highnesses joined mosque congregants to perform mass Maghrib prayer led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Salim bin Hj Besar shortly after a call of prayer sounded by Mudim Hj Abdul Latif bin Hj Saman, Imam at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.

Following that, Their Royal Highnesses performed a mass Sunnat Hajat prayer to seek blessings from Allah the Almighty in ensuring that the enforcement of the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 will run smoothly, as well as for the continued peace and prosperity of Brunei Darussalam.

The religious ceremony, heralding a momentous landmark in Brunei’s well-documented history, continued with the recitation of Surah Yaasiin led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Suhaili bin Hj Mohiddin. Meanwhile, the Doa Selamat and Doa Kesyukuran were read by Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awg Hj Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

Before departing Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Their Royal Highnesses also joined mosque congregants to perform mass Isyak prayer.

The religious ceremony attracted a record-breaking turnout from members of the public, clearly underpinning their support and acceptance of the enforcement of the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013.

According to a prominent observer, a beeline of cars was seen queuing up making their way to the mosque’s parking spaces in never-before-seen situation.

Meanwhile, the Doa Selamat and Kesyukuran in conjunction with the Enforcement of the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 were held simultaneously at all mosques, suraus and prayer halls nationwide. - Borneo Bulletin (1 May 2014)