Deputy Sultan Visits Depts Under PMO
By Lyna Mohammad

Bandar Seri Begawan - HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan raised concern on whether the current services scheme can accommodate career advancement of legal advisers and officers during HRH's visit to the Attorney General's Chambers yesterday.

It was part of the Deputy Sultan's series of working visits to departments under the Prime Minister's Office, which concluded yesterday with visits to Syariah Courts, - Adat Istiadat Department (Royal Customs and Traditions Department) and the Department of Councils of State.

Upon arrival, Attorney General Dato Hj Kifrawi Hj Kifli, and Deputy Minister at PMO, Dato Hj EusoffAgaki Hj Ismail, and Permanent Secretaries at PMO were among those on hand to greet HRH.

Also present to greet HRH were Acting Permanent Secretary at PMO, Hj Kamis Hj Tamin, and Deputy Permanent Secretaries Awg Hj Abroad Hj Abd Rahman and Dyg Hjh Salbiah Hj Sulaiman as well as officers and staff of AGC.

HRH consented to listen to a briefing on the roles and functions, brief history, jurisdiction and e-government projects at AGC by the Attorney General. At the end of the briefing session HRH asked what the current efforts are taken towards speeding the process of handling crime cases.

A briefing on the history of the State Judicial Department, its main roles and functions, strategic planning and projects under the 8'" & 9' NDP by its Director, Awg Hj Azahari Hj Ahmad, followed.

HRH also consented to listen to a Supreme Court briefing session by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Awg Hairolarni Hj Abd Majid.

HRH queried on the short and long-term plans for additional courtrooms, number of judges, magistrates and registrars.

HRH also asked whether the current number of judges at the Supreme Court could accommodate the number of civil and crime cases. Following the Q&A, HRH consented to mingle with officers and staff at respective departments before proceeding to visit various sections.

Next on the working visit itinerary was the Syariah Court at the Old Building of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in the capital.

A briefing on the background and history of Islamic Laws in the country, establishment of Syariah Courts, its jurisdiction, roles and functions as well as statistics was presented to HRH by Acting Chief Registrar of Syariah Appeal Court, Awg Hj Mohd Serudin Hj Timbang.

At the end of the briefing session, HRH queried how the Syariah Court is handling cases involving relationships between a Muslim and non-Muslim.

Prior to a luncheon and get together session with officers and staff from Attorney General's Chambers, State Judicial Department, Supreme Court, Syariah Court, Royal Customs and Traditions Department and Department of Councils of State at the Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex, HRH consented to perform a mass Zohor prayer at the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

The Royal Customs and Traditions Department was next on the itinerary. Here, Acting Chief of the department, YAM Pg Seri Wijaya Pg Hj Ahmad Pg Mohd Yusof, and other senior officers were on hand to greet HRH.

The Acting Chief then presented a briefing on the functions and roles of the department.

The department is responsible for the implementation of traditional ceremonies, plans and arranges ways and means of disseminating traditional heritages to all citizens and residents of the sultanate.

It also aims to ensure a wider dissemination of the established traditions through lectures, briefings and workshops that could be harnessed by the general public to ensure that they do not feel out of place when attending ceremonies.

Formerly known as the Adat Istiadat Negara, Religious and Public Welfare Department when it was established July 1, 1954, it was approved by the general order of AIMarhum Sultan Hj Omar Ali Saifuddien.

At the conclusion of the briefing, the Deputy Sultan asked about the future plans made for young officers in the department. Later, HRH signed a parchment and consented to receive a pesembah before touring various sections of the department.

The Administration and Finance Section, Protocol Section, Media Section including Research and Archive Unit and Publishing and Publicity Unit were visited by HRH.

HRH later consented to view an exhibition showcasing the department's collections from royal costumes to invitation cards and accessories as well as a performance of the "Gendang Jaga-Jaga".

HRH then proceeded to the Department of Councils of State where Speaker of the Legislative Council, YAM Pg Indera Mahkota Pg Anak Dr Hj Kemaludin Al-Haj ibni Al Marhum Pg Bendahara PgAnak Hj Mohd Yassin, greeted the Deputy Sultan.

HRH listened to a briefing on the background and history of the department building, its roles and functions as well as on the Councils of Royal Meeting, Councils of Cabinet Ministers Meeting, and Councils of State by the Secretary to the Council of Cabinet Ministers Meeting who is also the Clerk to the Councils of State, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Hj Judin Hj Asar.

HRH asked on the challenges that the Councils of State face. The visit concluded with a tour of an exhibition and a group photo.

HRH's working visit yesterday showed his concern on - the implementation of roles and responsibilities of government agencies and acted as a catalyst to all members of public services to carry out their responsibilities with more spirit, dedication and efficiency.

The working visit is also meant to support His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam's efforts in ensuring that government agencies are always observant and sensitive towards current developments in order to ensure the nation's prosperity and tranquility and to uphold the nation's vision. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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