Bandar Seri Begawan (Borneo Bulletin) - HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday said that the objectives of the Syariah Penal Code Order, 2013 (SPCO) are to protect religion, life, lineage, property and intellect.
In a titah broadcast on Radio Television Brunei last night, in conjunction with the coming of Ramadhan 1440 Hijrah, which begins tomorrow the monarch said, “There should not be any concern on the Syariah law, as it is full of Allah the Almighty’s mercy and blessings. Allah the Almighty, the provider of blessings, would never bestow upon us laws meant to inflict cruelty on others. As evident for more than two decades, we have practised a de facto moratorium on the execution of death penalty for cases under the common law.
“This will also be applied to cases under the SPCO, which provides a wider scope for remission.
“As we are all aware, Brunei Darussalam has begun to fully implement the SPCO on April 3, 2019. This is our religious obligation to Allah the Almighty as an Islamic country.
“The aim of implementing the law is to uphold the objectives of Syariah which are to protect religion, life, lineage, property and intellect.”
“I am aware that there are many questions and misperceptions with regard to the implementation of the SPCO. We have given clarification to this. We are conscious of the fact that misperceptions may cause apprehension. However, we believe that once these have been cleared, the merit of the law will be evident.
“In upholding our international commitments and obligations on human rights, Brunei Darussalam will be ratifying the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT). Both the common law and the Syariah law are aimed to ensure peace and harmony of the country. They are also crucial in protecting the morality and decency of the public as well as respecting the privacy of individuals.
“With the righteous intent of implementing this law, may Allah the Almighty bless us and our country during this holy month of Ramadhan.”
Earlier in the titah, the monarch expressed his thanks to Allah the Almighty for Brunei Darussalam’s enduring peace and prosperity.
“Insya Allah, let it be with His blessings that we enter the holy month of Ramadhan,” said His Majesty.
“Let us pray to Allah the Almighty for our continuous good health and well-being, so that we can perform our obligation during the month of Ramadhan in comfort and happiness.”
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