Chinese visit Islamic centre
By Laila Rahman

Members of the Kuala Belait Tionghua Association

The Chinese community for the first time visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when 50 members of the Kuala Belait Tionghua Association came to view and understand Islam's precepts.

Five Chinese associations, which made up the group, were the Kong Wai Siew, Hakka, Foochow, Tai Poo and Hainan Associations.

Ustazah Dayang Hajah Zasia bte Hj Sirin, Acting Director of Dakwah Islamiah Centre, said the visit made would enhance cooperation and mutual understanding.

A good response had been received from the Chinese community during previous various programmes prepared by the Ministry through the Dakwah Islamiah Centre

Mr Wong Siew Ming, the head of delegation and Chairman of the Kwong Wai Siew Association, said the Chinese community generally practiced a pragmatic concept of living.

Yearly statistics published by the Dakwah Islamiah Centre stated that hundreds of Chinese people have embraced Islam since its establishment.

Wong added the programmes implemented by the Centre enhanced the confidence and interest of the Chinese community towards learning the teachings of the Al-Quran.

He advised new converts from the Chinese community to learn diligently and to participate in guidance courses to become faithful believers.

Also present at the religious event was Pehin Bendahari China Awang Onn Siew Siong, President of the Chinese Business Chambers in Kuala Belait.

He said the teachings of Islam are honourable and pure. The negative actions carried out by Muslims are not the teachings of Islam but are the acts of individuals who follow their own desires.

He added that most non-Muslims are confused into the deceptive perception that these brutal acts are based on the teachings of Islam. He hoped this event would be held again from time to time so that various ethnic groups would live continuously in harmony.

A video presentation on the Ministry of Religious Affairs was shown. A talk on the functions and roles of the Ministry was delivered by Awang Haji Ismail bin Haji Abdul Manaf, Director of Mosque Affairs.

He said the commitment towards Islam could be demonstrated through efforts to achieve peace and equality, love for one another, consideration of the rights of other people, knowledge and justice.

Islam teaches about peace, he added, which is universal and imperative for all regardless of race, religion or faith, understanding among one another and respect for other beliefs so as to make the community and country live in harmony.

The country is based on the religion of Islam, which abides by the 'ahli sunnah wal jemmah' and 'mazhab syafie' and His Majesty is the Head of the religion.

The freedom of religion is recorded in the Brunei Constitution, which asserts that the national religion in the country is Islam and other religions can also be practiced with peace and harmony.

There was a question and answer session participated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Awang Hj Yusoff bin Hj Ismail.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin