Bandar Seri Begawan - A Malaysian businessman, Vimalesan Letchmanan, converted to Islam, and chose his Muslim name as Muhammad Vimal Mdbarak Letchmanan in a ceremony that took place yesterday at a friend's house.

Muhammad Vimal, who had been in Brunei for four years, said his heart began to truly open up to the beauty of the Islamic religion two months ago, with the backing of his close friends.

He said he was encouraged by many friends, but mostly by one of his closest friends, the owner of the house where the conversion took place, Che Azman from Kelantan.

Muhammad Vimal took the oath of becoming a Muslim and successfully recited the "Dua Kalimah Syahadah" during the ceremony.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Idy Kasrin, an officer from the Islamic Conversion Unit, Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The ceremony was attended by friends and villagers, and began and ended with a Zikir presentation.

Muhammad Vimal said he was a bit nervous during the conversion but later felt relieved after successfully reciting the "Dua Kalimah Syahadah".

He thanked the conversion official for his close guidance prior to and during the ceremony.