AS BRUNEI is all set for the implementation of Phase One of the Syariah Law April 22, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam wants the international media to respect the country’s move.

During His Majesty’s visit to a number of locations in the Brunei-Muara District yesterday on the sidelines of presenting key plaques to new houses for 1,033 citizens, the ruler consented to answer a few questions posed by the Borneo Bulletin in relation to the implementation of the Syariah Law aimed at fulfilling the country’s duty as an Islamic nation.

Earlier in March during the opening of the 10th Legislative Council meeting, the monarch in a titah had asked the international community to “Please respect us the way we respect you” in the wake of criticisms that followed after Brunei officially announced the implementation of Syariah Law in the country. almost six months after the Syariah Law was gazetted October 6 last year, much has been done to equip the country with the resources that it needs, including preparing those responsible for its implementation with right skills and knowledge and when asked if Brunei is ready for the implementation, His Majesty said, “Yes, Insya Allah.”

Over the past few months, members of the public ranging from those in the government and private sectors, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, have been provided with opportunities to pose questions to officials, who have travelled across the country, on Syariah Law during briefings.

When asked whether the authorities are doing enough, His Majesty said, “I hope so.”

Thus far, the majority of the population have expressed their support for the implementation of the law in three phases with the belief that the move will aid in curbing crime as well as social ills deemed unhealthy to the nation’s development.

The response from neighbouring Malaysia, too, has been positive with visits of high profile delegations keen to understand the mechanics behind Brunei’s Syariah Law implementation.

“We see this as being a very important step,” said Chief Minister of the State of Kelantan, Ustaz Dato’ Haji Ahmad bin Yakob, in an interview with the Borneo Bulletin during the delegation’s trip to the Sultanate last December. - Borneo Bulletin (9 April 2014)