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SIARAN AKHBAR MAJLIS SAMBUTAN SEMPENA MAULUD NABI SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM, PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA TAHUN 1448 HIJRAH / 2026 MASEHI BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Isnin, 31 Ogos 2026 – Pejabat Peguam Negara pada hari ini telah mengadakan Majlis Sambutan Maulud Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam bagi tahun 1448 Hijrah / 2026 Masehi bertempat di Dewan Jubli Emas, Bangunan Undang-Undang dan Mahkamah-Mahkamah, Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha. Hadir selaku tetamu kehormat pada majlis tersebut ialah Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, Peguam Negara. Majlis turut dihadiri oleh Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi, Peguamcara Negara, pegawai-pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara. Majlis dimulakan dengan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah oleh Yang Mulia Awang Mohammad Nazmi Azwan bin Awang, Penasihat Undang-Undang di Pejabat Peguam Negara dan diikuti dengan bacaan ayat-ayat suci Al-Quran oleh Qari jemputan, Yang Mulia Awang Mohammad Izz' Mozzat Ei Jaz bin Sharif, Pelajar Tahun 10 di Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Majlis diteruskan dengan ceramah khas sempena tema yang bertajuk “Rasulullah Shallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam Suluh Aqidah" yang disampaikan oleh Yang Mulia Ustaz Isham bin Awang Ismail, Pegawai Perkembangan Ugama, Pusat Dakwah Islamiah. Antara intipati ceramah tersebut adalah untuk membangunkan kerohanian iaitu kepentingan dalam memelihara aqidah dan sunnah sebagai panduan utama dalam kehidupan kita, terutama sekali di dalam budaya organisasi. Antara fokus utama adalah membaca Al-Quran setiap pagi bagi memulakan hari dengan keberkatan, mengamalkan adab dalam menegur, serta mengawal kemarahan demi memelihara keharmonian sesama warga kerja. Ceramah juga turut menekankan amalan berzikir sebagai benteng ketenangan dan kekuatan dalam menghadapi cabaran kerja seharian. Majlis diserikan lagi dengan persembahan Dikir Marhaban dari pegawai-pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara. Aktiviti keagamaan ini dijalankan setiap tahun bagi memperingati hari kelahiranan junjungan besar kita Nabi Muhammad Sallahu alaihi Wassalam. Acara kali ini dikelolakan bersama oleh Jawatankuasa keugamaan Pejabat Peguam Negara dan Bahagian Komunikasi dan Strategi. Antara objektif majlis seumpama ini diadakan adalah untuk mengeratkan hubungan silaturrahim di kalangan pegawai-pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat ini.
 
| Latest News | | | ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
FRIDAY, 28TH AUGUST 2026
BRUIPO AND CNIPA STRENGTHEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
COOPERATION THROUGH SIGNING OF MOU
SINGAPORE, 27 AUGUST 2026 – The Brunei Intellectual Property Office (“BruIPO”),
Attorney General’s Chambers and the China National Intellectual Property
Administration (“CNIPA”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on
Cooperation in the field of Intellectual Property on the sidelines of the 79th ASEAN
Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) Meeting held from 24 –
28 August 2026 in Singapore.
Signing the MOU on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di
Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was the Honourable Attorney General, Datin Seri Paduka
Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, while the Commissioner of
CNIPA, Dr. Shen Changyu, signed on behalf of CNIPA.
ccThe MOU establishes a formal framework to strengthen cooperation between BruIPO and
CNIPA in several areas of intellectual property, including patents, industrial designs,
trademarks and geographical indications. It also provides a basis for both offices to
exchange information, knowledge, experience and good practices, as well as to undertake
mutually agreed cooperation activities. In her remarks, the Honourable Attorney General highlighted the importance of
translating the MOU into practical cooperation between the two offices. She expressed BruIPO’s appreciation for CNIPA’s continued support in capacity-building and
knowledge-sharing, and looked forward to further collaboration through technical
exchanges, the sharing of best practices and other initiatives, including the proposed
workshop on Geographical Indications in Brunei Darussalam in 2027. cThe Honourable Attorney General also noted that the signing takes place in the year
marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between
Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China. She highlighted the close and
longstanding friendship between the two countries, founded on mutual respect, trust and
cooperation, and expressed the hope that closer cooperation in intellectual property
would contribute further to the strong bilateral relationship. In the Commissioner of CNIPA’s remarks, Commissioner Shen described the MOU as
marking a new chapter in cooperation between CNIPA and BruIPO. He acknowledged
Brunei Darussalam’s active participation in China–ASEAN and Belt and Road intellectual
property programmes and expressed CNIPA’s readiness to pursue closer and more
targeted cooperation through capacity-building, training programmes and professional
exchanges involving CNIPA patent and trademark experts. Commissioner Shen further
highlighted the importance of jointly advancing intellectual property development and
fostering a more conducive business environment for innovators in both countries. The signing of the MOU marks a new chapter in the institutional relationship between
BruIPO and CNIPA and provides a foundation for more practical and targeted
cooperation. Following the signing, both offices will continue their engagement to
identify suitable activities and arrangements for the implementation of the MOU, with a
view to supporting intellectual property development and fostering a more conducive
environment for innovators and businesses in both countries. 
The Honourable Attorney General and Dr. Shen Changyu, Commissioner of the China
National Intellectual Property Administration, signing the Memorandum of Understanding
between BruIPO and CNIPA. 
The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner Shen with members of the BruIPO
and CNIPA delegations following the signing ceremony in Singapore -END-
Terjemahan
BRUIPO DAN CNIPA MEMPERKUKUH KERJASAMA HARTA INTELEK
MELALUI PENANDATANGANAN MEMORANDUM PERSEFAHAMAN
SINGAPURA, 27 OGOS 2026 – Pejabat Harta Intelek Brunei (“BruIPO”), Pejabat Peguam
Negara dan Pentadbiran Harta Intelek Negara China (“CNIPA”) telah menandatangani
Memorandum Persefahaman (MOU) mengenai Kerjasama dalam bidang Harta Intelek di
mesyuarat sampingan sempena Mesyuarat Kumpulan Kerja ASEAN mengenai Kerjasama
Harta Intelek (AWGIPC) ke-79 yang berlangsung dari 24 hingga 28 Ogos 2026 di
Singapura.
Menandatangani MOU bagi pihak Kerajaan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri
Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam ialah Yang Berhormat
Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, Peguam
Negara, manakala Dr. Shen Changyu, Pesuruhjaya CNIPA,menandatangani bagi pihak
CNIPA.
MOU tersebut mewujudkan rangka kerja rasmi bagi memperkukuh kerjasama antara
BruIPO dan CNIPA dalam beberapa bidang harta intelek, termasuk paten, reka bentuk
perindustrian, tanda perniagaan dan petunjuk geografi. MOU ini juga menyediakan asas
bagi kedua-dua pejabat untuk bertukar-tukar maklumat, pengetahuan, pengalaman dan
amalan terbaik, serta melaksanakan aktiviti kerjasama yang dipersetujui bersama.
Dalam ucapannya, Yang Berhormat Peguam Negara menekankan kepentingan
merealisasikan MOU tersebut kepada kerjasama yang praktikal antara kedua-dua
pejabat. Yang Berhormat Peguam Negara menyatakan penghargaan BruIPO kepada
Mukasurat 1 daripada 3
CNIPA atas sokongan berterusan dalam pembangunan kapasiti dan perkongsian
pengetahuan, serta menyatakan hasrat untuk meneruskan kerjasama melalui pertukaran
teknikal, perkongsian amalan terbaik dan inisiatif-inisiatif lain, termasuk cadangan
penganjuran bengkel mengenai Petunjuk Geografi di Negara Brunei Darussalam pada
tahun 2027.
Yang Berhormat Peguam Negara turut menyatakan bahawa penandatanganan MOU ini
berlangsung pada tahun yang menandakan ulang tahun ke-35 penubuhan hubungan
diplomatik antara Negara Brunei Darussalam dan Republik Rakyat China. Yang
Berhormat Peguam Negara menekankan hubungan persahabatan yang erat dan telah
lama terjalin antara kedua-dua negara, yang berlandaskan rasa saling menghormati,
kepercayaan dan kerjasama, serta menyatakan harapan agar kerjasama yang lebih erat
dalam bidang harta intelek akan terus menyumbang kepada pengukuhan hubungan dua
hala yang kukuh.
Dalam ucapan Pesuruhjaya CNIPA, Pesuruhjaya Shen menyifatkan MOU tersebut sebagai
satu lembaran baharu dalam kerjasama antara CNIPA dan BruIPO. Pesuruhjaya Shen
mengiktiraf penyertaan aktif Negara Brunei Darussalam dalam program-program harta
intelek China–ASEAN dan Belt and Road serta menyatakan kesediaan CNIPA untuk
mempertingkatkan dan mempergiatkan kerjasama yang lebih erat dan terarah melalui
pembangunan kapasiti, program latihan dan pertukaran profesional yang melibatkan
pakar-pakar paten dan tanda perniagaan CNIPA. Pesuruhjaya Shen turut menekankan
kepentingan untuk bersama-sama memajukan pembangunan harta intelek dan
mewujudkan persekitaran perniagaan yang lebih kondusif bagi para inovator di kedua
dua negara.
Penandatanganan MOU ini menandakan satu lembaran baharu dalam hubungan institusi
antara BruIPO dan CNIPA serta menyediakan asas bagi kerjasama yang lebih praktikal
dan terarah. Susulan penandatanganan tersebut, kedua-dua pejabat akan meneruskan
penglibatan bagi mengenal pasti aktiviti dan pengaturan yang bersesuaian untuk
pelaksanaan MOU, dengan tujuan menyokong pembangunan harta intelek serta
mewujudkan persekitaran yang lebih kondusif bagi para inovator dan perniagaan
di kedua-dua negara.
| Latest News | | | ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE FRIDAY, 28TH AUGUST 2026 ATTORNEY GENERAL ATTENDS CHIEF LEGAL ADVISORS FORUM 2026 SINGAPORE, 27 August 2026 – The Honourable Attorney General of Brunei Darussalam
Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, attended the
Chief Legal Advisors Forum 2026 (CLAF 2026), held from 26 to 27 August 2026 at
Shangri-La Singapore.
With the theme “States and Investment Disputes – What Lies Ahead”, the CLAF 2026
gathered Chief Legal Advisors and senior government legal officials from 39 jurisdictions
to exchange views on contemporary developments in Investor State Dispute Settlement
(ISDS) mechanism and the ongoing international efforts to reform the ISDS system.
The discussions focused on the question of fairness, consistency and legitimacy in
investor-State arbitration, States' experiences and evolving approaches to ISDS, and new
approaches and opportunities arising from the proposed Multilateral Investment
Tribunal (“MIT”) currently being considered in the Working Group III of UNCITRAL.
The Honourable Attorney General participated in the Heads of Delegation Roundtable,
during which Heads of Delegation exchanged perspectives on current challenges in ISDS,
ongoing reform efforts, the characteristics of an effective MIT, the importance of
inclusiveness in dispute resolution, and broad-based participation of the reform process.
Brunei Darussalam's participation in CLAF 2026 provided an opportunity to follow
developments in international investment dispute settlement and exchange views and
experiences with other participating States. The Honourable Attorney General attended the CLAF 2026 with senior officers from the
Attorney General's Chambers of Brunei Darussalam.
The CLAF 2026 is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Law of Singapore and the Attorney
General's Chambers of Singapore, which builds upon the inaugural Chief Legal Advisors
Forum convened in Singapore in 2024 that brought together Attorneys-General and high
level government legal advisors from over 20 jurisdictions to discuss trends and
challenges in investor-State dispute settlement (“ISDS”).
| Latest News | | | ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE TUESDAY, 23RD SEPTEMBER 2025 15th China ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)  
The 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, themed “Combating Money Laundering and Corruption, and Recovering Assets in the Technological Age", was held on 23rd September 2025 in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. The Conference reinforces the importance of ongoing mutual exchanges of experiences, expertise and best practices to build a united front against these crimes. At the opening session, His Excellency Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR highlighted the evolving nature of financial crimes due to rapid technological advances and underscored the need for strong regional cooperation. His Excellency Mr Ying Yong, Prosecutor-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China, acknowledged the importance of capacity building in combating such crimes and welcomed ASEAN prosecutors to receive training at Chinese prosecutorial institutes. He echoed the crucial need for enhanced collaboration to combat money laundering, corruption, and cross-border crimes in the digital age. The Conference was chaired by His Excellency Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong SAR. The heads of delegates acknowledged the increasing complexity of money laundering and corruption, aggravated by modern technological advancements which complicate investigation and prosecution efforts. The Honourable Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib led a delegation of prosecutors from the Criminal Justice Division of the Attorney General's Chambers at the Conference. During the plenary session, the Honourable Attorney General stressed the urgency of addressing money laundering and corruption in the digital age. Brunei Darussalam's legal framework and national efforts were highlighted, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, capacity-building, and leveraging advanced technologies and regional networks for both crime prevention and prosecution. A key highlight of the Conference was the launch of the revamped website of the China[1]ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, designed for a more efficient information exchange and cooperation among member states. The Conference concluded with the signing of a Joint Declaration by all delegation leaders from China and ASEAN Member States. The Declaration reaffirmed their mutual commitment to cooperation in sharing information and best practices, and outlined initiatives including exchanges, training programs, study visits, and other capacity building activities to strengthen prosecutorial efforts across the region. Following the conclusion of the formal sessions, the Conference ended with an Anti Money Laundering Seminar, presented by Ms. Nadine Schwarz from the International Monetary Fund. The China ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference is an annual event which serves an important platform to discuss and share experience as well as best practices on matters of mutual interest and concern. It is a testament to the continued commitment of the parties to uphold the rule of law by strengthening regional cooperation and enhance mutual understanding.
| Latest News | | |
SIARAN AKHBAR MAJLIS SAMBUTAN SEMPENA MAULUD NABI SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM, PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA TAHUN 1447 HIJRAH / 2025 MASEHI BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Khamis, 17 September 2025 – Pejabat Peguam Negara pada hari ini telah mengadakan Majlis Sambutan Maulud Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam bagi tahun 1447 Hijrah / 2025 Masehi bertempat di Dewan Jubli Emas, Bangunan Undang-Undang dan Mahkamah-Mahkamah, Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha.  Hadir selaku tetamu kehormat pada majlis tersebut ialah Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, Peguam Negara. Majlis turut dihadiri oleh Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi, Peguamcara Negara, pegawai-pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara.
 Majlis dimulakan dengan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah oleh Yang Mulia Awang Muhammad Yamin bin Haji Amatali, Penolong Undang-Undang di Pejabat Peguam Negara dan diikuti dengan bacaan ayat-ayat suci Al-Quran oleh Qari jemputan, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Hazwan bin Haji Salim, Pegawai Pelajaran di Jabatan Pengajian Islam.
Majlis diteruskan dengan ceramah khas sempena tema “Rasulullah Shallallahu 'Alaihi Wassallam adalah Teladan Keluarga Sakinah, Mawadah Warahmah" yang disampaikan oleh Yang Mulia Awang Muhamad Waqiyuddin Fakhri bin Haji Damit. 
Majlis diserikan lagi dengan persembahan Tausyeh dari pegawai-pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara yang dipimpin oleh Yang Mulia Awang Ahmad Firdaus, Penasihat Undang-Undang, Pejabat Peguam Negara.
| Latest News | | |
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE TUESDAY, 16TH SEPTEMBER 2025 Signing Ceremony of the Sanur Bali Declaration Establishing The ASEAN Prosecutors/Attorneys General Meeting (APAGM) Bali, Indonesia  
ASEAN Member States yesterday marked a historic milestone with the signing of the Sanur Bali Declaration, officially establishing the ASEAN Prosecutors/Attorneys General Meeting (APAGM). This new body will serve as a cornerstone for regional legal cooperation, reinforcing the role of Prosecutors' / Attorney Generals' Offices in upholding the rule of law, delivering holistic justice, and protecting the public interest across Southeast Asia. The signing ceremony was held on the 15th of September 2025 in Bali, Indonesia, and was attended by Attorney Generals and Prosecutor Generals from ASEAN Member States, including the Honourable Attorney General and Public Prosecutor of Brunei Darussalam, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib and senior prosecutors from the Attorney General's Chambers. Under the Sanur Bali Declaration, the APAGM is recognised as an ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Body, which will serve as a vital platform for collaboration among the prosecutorial authorities of ASEAN Member States. It aims to enhance capacity-building, facilitate information sharing, and coordinate efforts to address transnational crimes and uphold the rule of law across the region. Transnational crime remains one of the most pressing challenges in the region, encompassing amongst others, human trafficking, illicit drug trade, money laundering, cybercrime, and environmental offences. Further, the rise of emerging threats such as, the misuse of artificial intelligence, sophisticated cyberattacks, and the spread of disinformation, underscores the urgency of coordinated regional legal responses. The APAGM will provide a formal mechanism for prosecutorial coordination and cooperation, reinforcing ASEAN's legal infrastructure and enhancing its capacity to address evolving criminal threats. It will work in close alignment with existing ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies, such as the ASEAN Law Ministers' Meeting (“ALAWMM"), the ASEAN Ministers/Attorneys General Meeting of the Central Authorities on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (“AMAG-MLAT"), as well as other entities associated with ASEAN.
The Sanur Bali Declaration is a culmination of a series of consultative meetings among the offices of the Attorney Generals and Prosecutor Generals of the ASEAN Member States. The APAGM will be supported by the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting of Prosecutors/Attorneys General (SOM-APAGM), to ensure continuity and implementation of strategic initiatives. -END-
| Latest News | | |
30TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND GENERAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROSECUTORS (IAP): “THE VERSATILE PROSECUTOR AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE"    
On 7 September 2025, the 30th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) was hosted by the Attorney General's Chambers of the Republic of Singapore. This prominent event convened over 450 prosecutors from 90 countries, focusing on the evolving and multifaceted role of the prosecutor in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the integrity and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. This four-day Conference was attended by a delegation of prosecutors from the Criminal Justice Division of the Attorney General's Chambers from Brunei Darussalam, led by The Honourable Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib Attorney General in her capacity as the Public Prosecutor. The delegation's participation reflected Brunei Darussalam's ongoing commitment to international prosecutorial dialogue and capacity building. The Opening Ceremony of the Conference was graciously officiated by His Excellency, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the President of the Republic of Singapore. In his Opening Address, the President observed that prosecutors around the world are confronting increasingly complex challenges, particularly the rise of cybercrime and transnational offences, both of which are being accelerated by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. The President added that criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to carry out large-scale scams and relying on cryptocurrencies to hide their illegal profit, thereby making the problem more complex and widespread. The conference theme, “The Versatile Prosecutor and the Administration of Criminal Justice", explored discussions on the adaptive role of the versatile prosecutor in monitoring emerging trends such as AI-enabled crimes, cultivating deep specialist knowledge alongside cross functional skills, embracing technological advancements through the use of AI to further enhance prosecutorial services, and reinforcing importance of international cooperation amongst prosecution services and international bodies such as IAP. During a bilateral meeting between The Honourable Attorney General and His Excellency Lucien Wong, the Attorney General of the Republic of Singapore, discussions centered on a range of shared legal concerns, and mutual commitment to strengthening legal cooperation and advancing common prosecutorial priorities. In one of the Special Interest Sessions, Deputy Public Prosecutor Hajah Rozaimah binti Haji Abd Rahman delivered a presentation titled “Safeguarding Victims: Protecting Victims' Wellbeing in Criminal Proceedings Without Compromising the Pursuit of Justice" highlighting Brunei Darussalam's existing legal and procedural frameworks affording victim protection. The IAP is a non-governmental organisation and the sole global network dedicated to prosecutors. Its membership includes over 170 organisations—comprising prosecutorial bodies, professional associations, and crime prevention agencies. Together with its individual members, the IAP represents more than 250,000 prosecutors across 175 countries and regions worldwide. The IAP is committed to supporting and empowering prosecutors across the globe in upholding the rule of law and advancing the full implementation of its standards of professional conduct amongst prosecutors. END
| Latest News | | |
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE Saturday, 30th August 2025 PUBLIC PROSECUTOR V NURUL FITRIA ARNAS
HCCT/14/2023
On 25th August 2025, the High Court of Brunei Darussalam sentenced Nurul Fitria binti Arnas, a 31-
year-old Indonesian national, to four years’ imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to assaulting her
newborn baby in a manner likely to cause physical injury, contrary to section 28(1) of the Children
and Young Persons Act, Chapter 219. Judicial Commissioner Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD (B) DSP
Haji Kefli delivered the sentence. The charge concerned an incident sometime between the night of 29th and the early hours 30th June
2023, when the defendant secretly gave birth in the bathroom of her employer’s home. In panic and
fearing discovery, she assaulted her newborn in a manner likely to cause physical injury by punching
the baby’s chest and causing her to fall on her head several times. The baby was later discovered by
the employer. A post-mortem recorded both external and internal injuries, although the exact cause
of death was unascertained. The defendant had come to Brunei sometime in March 2023 to work as a domestic helper, having
concealed her pregnancy during the application process by submitting another person’s urine
sample at medical screening. She was initially charged with attempted murder under section 307(1)(a) of the Penal Code.
Following legal representations, an alternative charge under the Children and Young Persons Act was
preferred on 26 July 2025, to which the defendant pleaded guilty. Under section 28 of the Children
and Young Persons Act, the maximum penalty for the offence carries a fine not exceeding $20,000,
imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years with or without whipping not exceeding 10 strokes,
or both. In sentencing, Judicial Commissioner Faisal emphasized that offences against newborns must be
treated with utmost gravity, noting that such victims are completely defenseless and entirely
dependent on their caregivers. He observed that the defendant had failed in her duty of care and
subjected the child to acts likely to cause serious harm. Taking into account the guilty plea and other
mitigating factors, he imposed a sentence of four years imprisonment to 10th July 2023, the date of
the defendant’s remand. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Fitri Kiprawi appeared for the Public Prosecutor, while Defence
Counsel Nabilah Zainal Abidin of Yusof Halim Partners represented the Defendant. -END-
Terjemahan
PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA SIARAN AKHBAR Sabtu, 30hb Ogos 2025 PENDAKWA RAYA V NURUL FITRIA ARNAS
HCCT/14/2023
Pada 25hb Ogos 2025, Mahkamah Tinggi Negara Brunei Darussalam menjatuhkan hukuman penjara
empat tahun ke atas tertuduh Nurul Fitria binti Arnas, seorang warganegara Indonesia berumur 31
tahun, selepas tertuduh mengaku bersalah atas tuduhan memukul anak damit nya yang baru lahir
dengan cara yang berkemungkinan menyebabkan kecederaan fizikal, iaitu satu kesalahan dibawah
bab 28(1) Akta Kanak-Kanak dan Orang Muda, Penggal 219. Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman, Muhammed
Faisal bin PDJLD (B) DSP Haji Kefli, telah menjatuhkan hukuman tersebut. Tuduhan tersebut berkaitan dengan kejadian yang berlaku antara malam 29hb Jun dan awal pagi
30hb Jun 2023, apabila tertuduh melahirkan anak damit nya secara rahsia di dalam bilik mandi rumah
majikannya. Dalam keadaan panik dan takut akan diketahui, tertuduh memukul anak damit nya yang
baru lahir tersebut dengan cara yang berkemungkinan menyebabkan kecederaan fizikal iaitu dengan
memukul dada anak damit itu dan menyebabkan anak damit itu tersebut terjatuh beberapa kali di
atas kepalanya. Anak damit tersebut kemudiannya ditemui oleh majikannya. Bedah siasat
mencatatkan kecederaan luaran dan dalaman, walaupun punca sebenar kematian tidak dapat
dipastikan. Tertuduh telah datang ke Negara Brunei Darussalam pada sekitar bulan Mac 2023 untuk bekerja
sebagai pembantu rumah, setelah menyembunyikan kehamilannya semasa proses permohonan
dengan menyerahkan sampel air kencing orang lain semasa pemeriksaan kesihatan.
Tertuduh pada asalnya didakwa dengan cubaan membunuh di bawah bab 307(1)(a) Kanun
Hukuman Jenayah. Susulan representasi perundangan, satu tuduhan alternatif di bawah Akta KanakKanak dan Orang Muda telah dibuat pada 26 Julai 2025, yang mana tertuduh mengaku bersalah di
bawah bab 28 Akta Kanak-Kanak dan Orang Muda, hukuman maksimum bagi kesalahan ini adalah
denda tidak melebihi $20,000, penjara selama suatu tempoh tidak melebihi 10 tahun dengan atau
tanpa sebat tidak melebihi 10 kali sebatan, atau kedua-duanya sekali. Dalam menjatuhkan hukuman, Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman Muhammed Faisal menekankan bahawa
kesalahan terhadap anak damit yang baru lahir perlu ditangani dengan serius, dengan menyatakan
bahawa mangsa sedemikian benar-benar tidak berdaya dan sepenuhnya bergantung kepada penjaga
mereka. Mahkamah turut mendapati bahawa tertuduh telah gagal dalam tanggungjawab penjagaan
dan telah menyebabkan anak damit tersebut mengalami tindakan yang berkemungkinan
menyebabkan kecederaan serius. Setelah mengambil kira pengakuan bersalah dan faktor mitigasi
lain, Mahkamah menjatuhkan hukuman penjara empat tahun bermula pada 10hb Julai 2023, tarikh
tertuduh ditahan reman. Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Nurul Fitri Kiprawi mewakili Pendakwa Raya, manakala Peguam Bela
Nabilah Zainal Abidin dari Yusof Halim Partners mewakili Tertuduh. -TAMAT-
| Latest News | | | 
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
SATURDAY, 23RD AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
V
MOHAMAD KHAIRULNIZAM BIN ALI NOH
On 23 August 2025, the High Court sentenced Mohamad Khairulnizam bin Ali Noh, a 33-year-old
permanent resident, to death for the murder of a 70-year-old woman and her 23-year-old
daughter.
The Defendant was found guilty after trial of two counts of murder under section 302 of the Penal
Code, Chapter 22, for the murder of Hajah Jainah binti Haji Husain and Nor Aqilah binti Abdullah,
committed sometime between 4 October 2017 and 9 October 2017. The Prosecution called a total of 44 witnesses during the trial. The Defendant gave evidence and
called one witness, his mother, in his defence. Having considered the evidence adduced by the
Prosecution and the defence put forward by the Defendant, the High Court was satisfied that the
Prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
During the trial, evidence showed that on 5 October 2017, Hajah Jainah had asked the Defendant
to drive her and the partially blind Nor Aqilah to an alternative treatment in Kampong Bengkurong,
using her Mitsubishi Mirage. According to the Defendant, he lost his temper when the two began
quarrelling in the car. He stopped at KM48.8 of the Muara-Tutong Highway and fatally assaulted
both women. He then left Hajah Jainah’s body by the highway and Nor Aqilah’s at Jalan Dadap,
Kampong Kilanas.
Later that week, a relative of the deceased found the Defendant driving the same car and handed
him over to the police. During the investigation, the Defendant led police investigators to the
locations where the bodies had been disposed of. A post-mortem confirmed that both women died
from strangulation, with neck fractures sustained while still alive.
In sentencing, the Honourable Judicial Commissioner Haji Abdullah Soefri bin POKSM DSP Haji
Abidin and Judicial Commissioner Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli noted that the
Defendant had murdered two defenceless women, and that this was a heinous crime for which
the only appropriate sentence was death. The High Court also convicted the Defendant of one count under section 324 of the Penal Code
for voluntarily causing hurt by means of an instrument which, when used as a weapon of offence,
is likely to cause death. This related to an incident involving Hee Siang Hui, whom the Defendant
injured by cutting his neck with a knife. Additionally, the Defendant was convicted of a charge of
dishonest misappropriation of the Mitsubishi Mirage BAQ 3661, which had been in the possession
of the deceased at the time of her death. The Defendant is scheduled to appear before the High
Court again on 28 October 2025 at 9:00 am for the hearing of his plea in mitigation. The Prosecution was represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Hajah Suriana binti Haji Radin
and Prosecuting Officer Shamshuddin bin Haji Kamaluddin. The Defendant was represented by
Haji Ahmad Basuni bin Haji Abbas of Abrahams, Davidson & Co.
-END-
| Latest News | | |
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
THURSDAY, 21ST AUGUST 2025
ASEAN LAW FORUM 2025:
ENHANCING ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN THE ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY:
BRIDGING LEGAL COOPERATION FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN THE DIGITAL AGE The Honourable Attorney-General, Datin Seri Paduka Hjh Nor Hashimah binti Haji
Muhammed Taib and officers from the Attorney General’s Chambers attended the ASEAN
Law Forum 2025 from 19 August 2025 to 21 August 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention
Centre, Malaysia.
The opening of the ASEAN Law Forum 2025, hosted under Malaysia’s Chairmanship of
ASEAN, was launched by the Honourable Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department (Law
and Institutional Reform), Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, on 19 August 2025. It was attended
by ASEAN Law Ministers and Vice Ministers, and the Minister of Law of Timor-Leste, as well
as ASEAN senior law officials and high officials of ASEAN Dialogue Partners including the
Vice Minister of Justice of Japan, and international legal experts such as United Nations
Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), Asian International Arbitration
Centre and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). Through the
plenary sessions and thematic parallel sessions, the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 engaged in
high-level discussions with the objectives of providing platform for dialogue on enhancing
access to justice, strengthening legal cooperation, and promoting inclusive growth in the
digital age. The ASEAN Law Forum brings together officials, practitioners and legal experts,
policymakers and stakeholders from ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners to
participate in discussions on current matters related to ASEAN legal systems in strengthening cooperation and the rule of law, and build an ASEAN Community that is
inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.
Aligned with the theme “Enhancing Access to Justice in ASEAN Economic Community: Bridging
Legal Cooperation for Inclusive Growth”, the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 focused on advancing
international commercial arbitration and mediation in addition to addressing a broader
range of contemporary legal issues and challenges comprehensively in areas relating to
cross-border insolvency, online safety, cyber-related crimes, AI-driven legal innovation, and
good governance. The central outcome of the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 is the adoption of the Joint Statement on
International Commercial Arbitration and Mediation Development by the ASEAN Law
Ministers on 21 August 2025, as gracefully witnessed by Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri
Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia. Also, in attendance at the ceremony was His
Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of ASEAN. The Joint Statement declared
and acknowledged commitments in vital areas such as regional economic development
through alignment with existing international standard, leveraging innovation and
technology and enhancing access to justice. This Joint Statement is also among the key
deliverables of Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. 
A group photo of the ASEAN Law Ministers and ASEAN Secretary General with YAB Dato’
Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, as well as Attorney General of Malaysia at
the ceremony of the Adoption of the Joint Statement on International Commercial
Arbitration and Mediation Development, 21 August 2025, Kuala Lumpur Convention
Centre. – Photo source: asean.org 
Adoption and Affirmation of Joint Statement on International Commercial Arbitration and
Mediation Development by ASEAN Law Ministers. – Photo source: ASEAN Secretariat
| Latest News | | |
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
THURSDAY, 21ST AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
V
TAN KOK DIN
On the 21st of August 2025, Tan Kok Din, the Head of the Billing Management Section at the
Department of Water Services (DWS), was charged in court before the Honourable
Magistrate Harnita Zelda Skinner.
The Defendant faces six counts of misconduct in a public office under Section 12B of the
Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131. Each charge carries a penalty of a BND 30,000
fine and seven years' imprisonment. He also faces two charges of money laundering under
Section 3(1)(a) of the Criminal Asset Recovery Order, 2012, each punishable with a fine of
up to BND 500,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. The Defendant pleaded not
guilty to all charges.
The corruption charges pertain to actions taken during his tenure as the Head of the Billing
Management Section of the DWS between 2015 and 2022, wherein he was responsible for
recommending companies to the Quotation Committee within DWS for the award of DWS
projects. Investigations reveal that the Defendant repeatedly failed to declare his personal
interest in several of the companies that had participated in vying for DWS tender projects.
It was also found that the Defendant benefitted monetarily following the companies’ award
of the DWS tender projects. During this period, the companies secured DWS contracts worth tens of thousands of dollars.
The money laundering charges arise from funds unlawfully acquired through this scheme.
Investigations uncovered that, on two separate occasions in 2015, the Defendant received
deposits of BND 140,000 and BND 60,000 into his personal bank accounts. These funds were
traced back to the companies involved and were known or reasonably suspected by the
Defendant to be proceeds of his misconduct.
The prosecution was represented by Deputy Public Prosecutors Siti Khalillah Hussin, Nur
Ruzana Adnan and Mohammad Syafi’e Mirhan. The Defendant was unrepresented and
released on court bail with strict conditions.
The case has been fixed for further mention on 4th September 2025 at 2pm.
-END-
Bahasa Melayu
SIARAN AKHBAR
KHAMIS, 21HB OGOS 2025
PENDAKWA RAYA
LWN
TAN KOK DIN
Pada 21hb Ogos 2025, Tan Kok Din, Ketua Bahagian Pengurusan Bil di Jabatan Perkhidmatan
Air (JPA), telah didakwa di Mahkamah di hadapan Yang Arif Majistret Harnita Zelda Skinner.
Tertuduh menghadapi enam pertuduhan salah laku dalam jawatan Kerajaan
di bawah Bab 12B dari Akta Pencegahan Rasuah, Penggal 131. Setiap pertuduhan membawa
hukuman denda sebanyak BND 30,000 dan penjara selama tujuh tahun. Dia juga
menghadapi dua pertuduhan pembersihan wang haram di bawah Bab 3(1)(a) dari Perintah
Mendapatkan Kembali Aset Jenayah, 2012, setiap pertuduhan boleh dikenakan hukuman
denda sehingga BND 500,000, dihukum penjara sehingga 10 tahun, atau kedua-duanya
sekali. Tertuduh mengaku tidak bersalah terhadap semua pertuduhan.
Pertuduhan rasuah adalah berkaitan dengan tindakan yang dilakukan oleh Tertuduh semasa
dia memegang jawatan Ketua Bahagian Pengurusan Bil di JPA antara tahun 2015 hingga
2022, yang mana dia bertanggungjawab bagi mengesyorkan syarikat-syarikat kepada
Jawatankuasa Sebut Harga di JPA supaya diawardkan projek JPA. Siasatan mendedahkan
bahawa Tertuduh telah berulang kali gagal mengisytiharkan kepentingan peribadinya dalam
beberapa syarikat yang telah mengambil bahagian untuk mendapatkan projek tender JPA. Tertuduh juga didapati telah menerima faedah dari segi kewangan berikutan pengawardan
projek tender JPA kepada syarikat-syarikat tersebut.
Dalam tempoh tersebut, syarikat-syarikat tersebut telah memperoleh kontrak JPA yang
bernilai berpuluhan ribu ringgit. Pertuduhan pembersihan wang haram berbangkit daripada dana yang diperoleh dengan
menyalahi undang-undang melalui skim tersebut. Siasatan mendedahkan bahawa, dalam
dua kejadian berasingan pada tahun 2015, Tertuduh menerima deposit berjumlah BND
140,000 dan BND 60,000 yang dimasukkan ke dalam akaun bank peribadinya. Dana
tersebut dikesan berasal daripada syarikat-syarikat yang terlibat dan diketahui atau disyaki
dengan munasabah oleh Tertuduh sebagai hasil daripada salah lakunya.
Pihak pendakwa diwakili oleh Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Siti Khalillah Hussin, Nur Ruzana
Adnan dan Mohammad Syafi’e Mirhan. Manakala Tertidij tidak diwakili dan dilepaskan
dengan jaminan mahkamah dengan dikenakan syarat yang ketat.
Kes ini telah ditetapkan untuk sebutan lanjut pada 4hb September 2025 jam 2 petang.
-TAMAT-
| Latest News | | |
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS WEDNESDAY, 23RD JULY 2025 PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
V WARDI BIN HAJI MOHD ALI The Magistrate's Court convicted the Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) for Tourism at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) for offences of misconduct in public office contrary to section 12B of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131. Wardi bin Hj Mohd Ali was appointed as the DPS for Tourism at MPRT on 19th November 2015 and continued to serve until his suspension in February 2021. The Defendant was found guilty of wilfully misconducting himself by being or remaining favourably disposed to two hotels in return for being allowed not to make immediate payments upon checking out. His misconduct amounted to an abuse of public trust in his position as the DPS. Investigations conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau found that the misconduct occurred between 18th June 2020 and 23rd February 2021 which resulted in an accumulated unpaid invoices of about $5,000. The Honourable Senior Magistrate Azrimah binti Abdul Rahman found that this misconduct was in the course of or in relation to the Defendant's office as he had oversight over the tourism industry including matters relating to hoteliers. The Defendant contended that he entered into credit term agreements with the hotels and an expectation to pay existed between them. However, the witnesses called by the Prosecution testified that his position was a consideration in their decision to allow him to defer payments. While the Defendant claimed this arrangement was purely an ordinary commercial transaction, the evidence suggested otherwise. The Prosecution's case was strengthened by the Defendant's state of mind and favourable attitude towards the hotels which were shown through text messages between the Defendant and the hotel owners. The Defendant was further found guilty of wilfully misconducting himself amounting to an abuse of public trust by bringing disrepute to his public office in allowing an event management company to transfer funds into his personal bank account on three separate occasions. The event management company was organising an event in collaboration with MPRT which was under the Defendant's purview. The Senior Magistrate concluded that the Defendant's actions were deliberate, without reasonable justification and showed a serious abuse of power. His failure to act with transparency and in accordance with principles of good governance erodes the intergrity of the insitution. In all instances, the Court found that the Defendant's misconduct compromised public trust in his office and fell far below the standards expected of a senior public officer. His election to remain silent when invited to give his defence reinforces that there were no reasonable explanation or excuse for his misconduct. Having convicted the Defendant and finding that there is no exceptional reason to continue granting him bail, the Defendant's bail was revoked. The Defendant is scheduled to appear in Court again on 30th July 2025 for the Prosecution's submissions on sentencing. The Defendant is facing a penalty of a fine up to of $30,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 7 years. Deputy Public Prosecutors Dk Didi-Nuraza Pg Abdul Latiff, Hjh Siti Mu'izzah Hj Sabli and Jordan Tiah Teck Chiun conducted the trial on behalf of the Public Prosecutor. The Defendant was represented by Yusof Halim & Partners, Advocates & Solicitors. - END -
| Latest News | | |
SIARAN AKHBAR
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 12 Julai 2025 – Pejabat Peguam Negara mengadakan Majlis Sambutan Ilal Hijrah 1447 di Bangunan Undang-Undang dan Mahkamah-Mahkamah, petang tadi.
Hadir selaku tetamu kehormat pada Majlis tersebut ialah Peguam Negara, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah Binti Haji Mohammed Taib. Turut sama hadir, Peguamcara Negara, Yang Mulia Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi pegawai-pegawai kanan, serta pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara.
Majlis tersebut dimulakan dengan bacaan surah Al-Fatihah yang dipimpin oleh Yang Mulia Awang Mohammad Nazmi Azwan bin Awang, Penasihat Undang-Undang dan seterusnya bacaan ayat suci Al-Quran, iaitu Ayat 72 – 74, Surah Al-Anfal oleh Yang Mulia Nur Amal Atiqah @ Aida binti Haji Sudirman, Qariah jemputan. Majlis diteruskan dengan ceramah yang bertajuk “Hijrah: Dari Dunia Menuju Syurga” yang disampaikan oleh Yang Mulia Ustazah Siti Syuhaidah binti Haji Md. Yusoff, Penolong Ketua Bahagian Penyebaran Da’wah (Ceramah) di Pusat Da’wah Islamiah Brunei.
Majlis Sambutan Ilal Hijrah 1447 tersebut merupakan salah satu aktiviti keagamaan tahunan Pejabat Peguam Negara bertujuan bagi meraikan awal tahun Hijrah dan disamping itu juga bagi mengeratkan lagi hubungan silaturahim sesama pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara.
| Latest News | | |
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Isnin 9 Jun 2025 – Pejabat Peguam Negara mengadakan majlis sambutan Hari Raya Aidil Adha tahun 1446 Hijrah di Bangunan Undang-Undang dan Mahkamah-Mahkamah, Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha petang ini.
Hadir selaku tetamu kehormat pada majlis tersebut ialah Peguam Negara, Yang Berhormat Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib. Turut sama hadir, Peguamcara Negara, Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi dan pegawai serta kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara.
 
Majlis dimulakan dengan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah dan Takbir di pimpin oleh Yang Mulia Awang Muhd Adi Faisal bin Haji Omar, Penasihat Undang-Undang dan diikuti dengan Bacaan Doa Peliharakan Sultan dipimpin oleh Yang Mulia Awang Haji Shufi bin Haji Ibrahim, Penasihat Undang-Undang, Pejabat Peguam Negara. 
Majlis merupakan salah satu aktiviti tahunan Pejabat ini yang bertujuan selain meraikan Hari Raya Aidiladha juga bagi mengeratkan hubungan silaturahim sesama pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara. -TAMAT-
| Latest News | | | Workshop on the Promotion of the ASEAN IP Register: Gearing Towards a Data-driven IP Strategy in Business
Bandar Seri Begawan, 26 May 2025 – Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO), in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property (WIPO) has organized a workshop entitled “Promotion of the ASEAN IP Register: Gearing Toward a Data-driven IP Strategy in Business." The workshop aimed to raise awareness and promote the use of the ASEAN IP Register platform as a strategic tool to support businesses and innovation.
 The ASEAN IP Register is an online platform that provides access to data and statistics from the ASEAN Intellectual Property Offices. This platform is designed to help intellectual property (IP) owners, researchers, and other stakeholders in conducting IP searches and making informed decisions related to markets, innovation, and the protection of intellectual property assets. 
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the various types of intellectual property, the registration process and its importance, and how the ASEAN IP Register can be used to support business strategies. The session also demonstrated how data from the ASEAN IP Register can be used for market research, products development, and marketing planning. 
The participants had the opportunity to engage and share ideas directly with IP experts from WIPO and BruIPO on the management and protection of intellectual property. The event brought together approximately 80 participants from government, academia, businesses, and the legal sector in the fields of intellectual property, to foster awareness and understanding of the role of IP in supporting economic growth and building business competitiveness at both national and regional levels. 
| Latest News | | |
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE SATURDAY, 10TH MAY 2025 PUBLIC PROSECUTOR V HOUNG YU KAI
The Honourable Magistrate Harnita Zelda Skinner handed down her sentence today, 10 May 2025, following the Defendant, Houng Yu Kai’s conviction on 1 May 2025 after trial on an alternative count of abetment of an offence under Section 165 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22. Evidence obtained in the course of investigations conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau have revealed that the Defendant had abetted a public servant, one Mohd Shah Nurul Ridzuan bin Haji Maiddin, in committing an offence of obtaining for himself BND1,000.00 without consideration or for a consideration which he knew to be inadequate, which the Defendant knew to have a connection with the official functions of the said public servant as a Staff Officer (Grade II) whose duty was to process payment for the “Additional Power Point at Unit Perumahan Tingkat 2, Bangunan Lama, Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama” work which was provided by the Defendant’s company, Ari Cando Contractor, to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. In her sentencing remarks, the Court emphasised that case law consistently supports the imposition of custodial sentences for offences under Section 165 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22. The Court imposed on the Defendant a custodial sentence of 16 months’ imprisonment, after considering a starting point of 18 months. The sentence is ordered to commence with effect from today. The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Hajah Rozaimah binti Haji Abd Rahman. The Defendant was represented by Counsel Ahmad Basuni bin Haji Abas of Abrahams, Davidson & Co. Section 165 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22 makes it an offence for a public servant to obtain or receive any gifts without any or inadequate consideration from anyone who he has any dealings connected to his official functions. This offence carries a fine and imprisonment up to 7 years. The abetment of such offence also attracts the same penalty.
--- END ---
TERJEMAHAN
PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA SIARAN AKHBAR SABTU, 10HB MEI 2025 PENDAKWA RAYA V HOUNG YU KAI
Yang Arif Majistret Harnita Zelda Skinner telah menjatuhkan hukumannya hari ini, 10 Mei 2025, berikutan Defendan, Houng Yu Kai, yang disabitkan bersalah pada 1 Mei 2025 selepas perbicaraan atas pertuduhan alternatif bersubahat melakukan kesalahan di bawah Bab 165 Kanun Hukuman Jenayah, Penggal 22. Keterangan yang diperoleh semasa siasatan yang dijalankan oleh Biro Mencegah Rasuah telah mendedahkan bahawa Defendan telah bersubahat dengan seorang kakitangan Kerajaan, iaitu Mohd Shah Nurul Ridzuan bin Haji Maiddin, dalam melakukan kesalahan memperoleh untuk dirinya sendiri sejumlah wang BND1,000.00 tanpa balasan atau dengan balasan yang beliau ketahui tidak mencukupi, yang mana Defendan tahu mempunyai kaitan dengan tugas rasmi kakitangan Kerajaan tersebut sebagai Pegawai Kakitangan (Gred II) yang bertanggungjawab memproses bayaran bagi kerja “Additional Power Point di Unit Perumahan Tingkat 2, Bangunan Lama, Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama” yang disediakan oleh syarikat Defendan, Ari Cando Contractor, kepada Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama. Dalam ulasan hukumannya, Mahkamah menekankan bahawa kes undang-undang lazimnya menyokong pengenaan hukuman penjara bagi kesalahan di bawah Bab 165 Kanun Hukuman Jenayah, Penggal 22. Mahkamah mengenakan hukuman penjara selama 16 bulan ke atas Defendan setelah mempertimbangkan titik permulaan pemenjaraan 18 bulan. Hukuman tersebut diperintahkan untuk mula berkuat kuasa pada hari ini. Pendakwaan telah dikendalikan oleh Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Hajah Rozaimah binti Haji Abd Rahman manakala Defendan diwakili oleh Peguam Ahmad Basuni bin Haji Abas dari firma guaman Abrahams, Davidson & Co. Bab 165 Kanun Hukuman Jenayah, Penggal 22 menjadikannya sebagai suatu kesalahan bagi mana-mana kakitangan Kerajaan untuk memperoleh atau menerima apa-apa hadiah tanpa balasan atau dengan balasan yang tidak mencukupi daripada mana-mana orang yang mempunyai apa-apa urusan berkaitan dengan tugas-tugas rasminya. Kesalahan ini boleh dikenakan denda dan hukuman pemenjaraan sehingga 7 tahun. Kesalahan bersubahat dalam perkara ini juga boleh dikenakan hukuman yang sama.
--- TAMAT --
| Latest News | | | 
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
1ST MAY 2025
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
V
NUR ILLYANI BINTI HAJI ABD KAHAR
The Public Prosecutor has brought 31 charges against an attendant at the Raja Isteri Pengiran
Anak Saleha Hospital under Section 6(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131, at
Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrates’ Court for intentionally using overtime claims to deceive the
Ministry of Health.
Investigations conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau revealed that Nur Illyani Binti Haji
Abd Kahar had submitted 31 overtime claim documents between 18th February 2015 and 17th
September 2019. As a result of these misrepresentations, the Treasury Department of the
Ministry of Finance and Economy processed the claims and disbursed payments to the
Defendant.
The Defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court has adjourned the case to 15th May
2025 for trial dates to be set.
The case was presided by the Honourable Senior Magistrate Dewi Norlelawati binti Haji Abdul
Hamid while Prosecuting Officer Jordan Tiah Teck Chiun appeared on behalf of the Public
Prosecutor. The Defendant was unrepresented.
Under Section 6(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, it is an offence to knowingly use a
document containing a false statement with the intent to deceive one’s principal. The offence
is punishable by a fine and imprisonment of up to 7 years. - END -
TERJEMAHAN
PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA
SIARAN AKHBAR
1HB MEI 2025 PENDAKWA RAYA
V
NUR ILLYANI BINTI HAJI ABD KAHAR
Pendakwa Raya telah mengemukakan 31 pertuduhan terhadap seorang atendan Hospital Raja
Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha di bawah Bab 6(c) dari Akta Pencegahan Rasuah, Penggal 131, ke
hadapan Mahkamah Majistret Bandar Seri Begawan kerana dengan sengaja menggunakan
tuntutan kerja lebih masa untuk menipu Kementerian Kesihatan.
Siasatan yang dijalankan oleh Biro Mencegah Rasuah mendedahkan bahawa Nur Illyani Binti
Haji Abd Kahar telah mengemukakan 31 dokumen tuntutan kerja lebih masa di antara
18hb Februari 2015 hingga 17hb September 2019. Hasil daripada penyataan palsu tersebut,
Jabatan Perbendaharaan di Kementerian Kewangan dan Ekonomi telah memproses
tuntutan-tuntutan tersebut dan membuat pembayaran kepada Defendan.
Defendan mengaku tidak bersalah kepada semua pertuduhan. Mahkamah telah menangguhkan
kes tersebut pada 15hb Mei 2025 bagi menetapkan tarikh perbicaraan.
Kes tersebut diperdengarkan oleh Yang Arif Majistret Kanan Dewi Norlelawati binti Haji
Abdul Hamid manakala Pegawai Pendakwa Raya Jordan Tiah Teck Chiun mewakili pihak
Pendakwa Raya. Defendan tidak diwakili peguam.
Di bawah Bab 6(c) dari Akta Pencegahan Rasuah, adalah menjadi suatu kesalahan dengan
mengetahuinya menggunakan suatu dokumen yang mengandungi pernyataan palsu dengan niat
untuk menipu prinsipal seseorang. Kesalahan tersebut boleh dikenakan hukuman denda dan
penjara sehingga 7 tahun.
-TAMAT-
| Latest News | | |  28 April 2025-
Penganugerahan Pingat-pingat Kehormatan Negara Brunei Darussalam yang dikurniakan oleh Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam kepada seramai 463 orang penerima setentunya menjadi penyuntik semangat bagi warga jabatan kerajaan untuk terus maju dan cemerlang demi berbakti dan memberi sumbangan kepada negara.
Empat orang pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara adalah daripada penerima pingat pingat PIKB pada majlis penganugerahan tersebut.
Pengurniaan Pingat-Pingat Kehormatan Negara Brunei Darussalam tersebut adalah sempena Hari Keputeraan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam Ke-78 Tahun.
| Latest News | | | Khamis- 17 April 2025- Bolkiah Garison
Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Hj Mohammed Taib, Peguam Negara selaku Judge Advocate General telah membuat Lawatan Kerja ke Pejabat Perundangan Tentera, Bolkiah Garison.
 
Tujuan lawatan kerja ini adalah untuk memperkukuhkan kerjasama strategik serta bertukar pandangan mengenai isu isu berkaitan dengan sistem perundangan ketenteraan dan meneroka peluang untuk mempertingkatkan kerjasama diantara kedua belah pihak.
Turut mengiringi YB Datin Peguam Negara pada lawatan ini adalah YM Dyg Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi, Peguamcara Negara, Penolong Penolong Peguamcara Negara dan pegawai pegawai Pejabat Peguam Negara dari Bahagian Keadilan Jenayah dan Bahagain Komunikasi dan Strategi.
| Latest News | | |  BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Khamis, 27 Mac 2025 – Sempena sambutan bulan Ramadhan Al-Mubarak 1446 Hijrah / 2025 Masehi, Pejabat Peguam Negara telah mengadakan Majlis Sambutan Nuzul Al-Quran dan Khatam Al-Quran yang berlangsung di Dewan Jubli Emas, Bangunan Undang-Undang dan Mahkamah-Mahkamah, Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha hari ini.
Tetamu kehormat pada majlis tersebut ialah Yang Berhormat Peguam Negara, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah Binti Haji Muhammed Taib. Turut hadir ialah pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara. 
Majlis dimulakan dengan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah di pimpin oleh Awang Muhd Adi Faisal Bin Haji Omar, Penasihat Undang-Undang, Pejabat Peguam Negara dan diikuti dengan bacaan Takhtim, doa Khatam, dikir dan doa Selamat. 
Aktiviti keagamaan ini dijalankan setiap tahun bagi memuliakan bulan Ramadhan yang bermula dari awal Ramadhan oleh pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara. Antara objektif majlis seumpama ini diadakan adalah untuk mengeratkan hubungan silaturrahim di kalangan pegawai-pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat ini. -TAMAT-
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22hb Mac 2025 - Sempena bulan Ramadhan yang Al-Mubarak, Bahagian Hal Ehwal Korporat melalui Bahagian Komunikasi dan Strategi selaku Penyelaras Discussion Hub (D-Hub) bulanan telah menganjurkan tazkirah “Andai ini Ramadhanku yang terakhir” di Dewan Jubli Emas, Bangunan Undang-undang dan Mahkamah hari ini. Tazkirah tersebut disampaikan oleh Yang Mulia Ustaz Nasyith bin Haji Superi dari Pusat Dakwah Islamiah.
  Hadir di majlis tersebut ialah pegawai-pegawai kanan, pegawai-pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara.
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The First Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session which commenced on the 26th February 2025, was attended by representatives from Legislative Drafting Division (LDD) and Civil Division (CD) of the Attorney General’s Chambers, who took turns to attend each LegCo sitting.
The primary responsibility of LDD during the Meeting was to assist LegCo in their procedures and processes and specifically to support the smooth running of the Meeting and debates to ensure consistency with the Standing Orders of the Legislative Council. CD, on the other hand, was tasked to attend the Meeting for purposes of noting any legal issue which emerged during the debates and in questions posed by LegCo Members.
LDD was represented by Dyg Hjh Zunaidah Ismail, Dyg Wajeehah Wahab, and Awg Hj Shufi Hj Ibrahim. While CD, was represented by the following officers and apprentices under the Civil Service Apprenticeship Scheme (SkiPPA) – Awg Ratno Eddy Sophian bin Haji Zaidi, Dyg Hilarie Shim Yi Yyn, Dyg Kamilah binti Awang Mohamad, Dayang Bazilah Amirah binti Awang Haji Mohamad Yunus, Dyg Siti Dayana Amerah binti Mohamad Sunadi, Dyg Zahidah Nur Zahidah Farhanah binti Abdul Aziz, Dyg Naomi Melissa Choo, Dyg Nurin Najla @ Motia'ah binti Hismawadi, Dyg Siti Nuramni Aiman binti Haji Bahar, Dyg Syazana Syafiqah Adilah binti Haji Mahdini, Dyg Nazurah Amani binti Abidin, Dayang Nurul Amirah Faeezah binti Haji Mohamad Sufri, Dyg Zulaiha Beevi binti Abdul Salam, Dyg Nurfarhana Fikriyah binti Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan, and Awg Muhammad Izzuddin Husain bin Haji Bakari.
The 21st Legislative Council Session was adjourned on 20 March 2025 and will reconvene later in the year.
- End -
| Latest News | | | ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
SATURDAY, 22ND MARCH 2025
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR V HAJAH NURUL HUDA @ HAJAH RUSIATI BINTI ABDULLAH
MCCT/BSB/54/2025
The
Magistrate’s Court of Brunei Darussalam has sentenced Hajah Nurul Huda @ Hajah
Rusiati binti Abdullah, a 34-year-old former Immigration Officer, to two years’ imprisonment
after she pleaded guilty to four charges of corruption under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of
Corruption Act, Chapter 131.
The offences involved accepting monetary rewards from an Indonesian national between
October 2023 and July 2024, in exchange for facilitating the unlawful departure of foreign
nationals from Brunei Darussalam without the required re-entry permits, in violation of the
Immigration Act, Chapter 17. Investigations revealed that the defendant had knowingly accepted payments—both in cash
and via bank transfer—amounting to a total of BND 500. These payments were made in
return for her assistance in allowing foreign individuals to leave Brunei unlawfully.
The offences came to light after Malaysian Immigration authorities at Miri ICQ detected
discrepancies in a foreign national’s travel records and discovered another concealed
individual in a vehicle. This prompted a cross-border investigation, which was subsequently
referred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
In mitigation, defence counsel for the defendant urged the Court to consider the defendant’s
personal circumstances, including her early guilty plea, cooperation during investigation,
and the relatively small sum involved, in seeking a more lenient sentence. The Prosecution, however, argued that corruption - regardless of the amount - erodes public
trust and leads to disintegration of public administration, particularly when committed by
enforcement officers in positions of responsibility.
During sentencing, the Court highlighted the defendant’s serious breach of public trust as an
enforcement officer responsible for safeguarding Brunei’s immigration borders.
“Corruption, however small the amount, is contagious and cannot be taken lightly,”
remarked Senior Magistrate Hajah Azrimah binti Haji Abdul Rahman. “Even the slightest act
of corruption sets a dangerous precedent. It damages the integrity of the country and erodes
public trust.”
The court further held that a custodial sentence was necessary to reflect the seriousness of
the offence, to send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated to safeguard
public trust and to preserve the stability of the country. The Court ordered that the sentences for two of the four charges run consecutively, with the
remaining charges to run concurrently, resulting in a total sentence of two years’
imprisonment, effective from the date of conviction on 8 February 2025.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Fitri Kiprawi, while the
defendant was represented by Pg Khairul Nizam bin Pg Hj Mohd Yassin of Messrs Yusof
Halim and Partners.
-END-
Terjemahan
PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA
SIARAN AKHBAR
SABTU, 22HB MAC 2025
PENDAKWA RAYA LAWAN HAJAH NURUL HUDA @ HAJAH RUSIATI BINTI ABDULLAH
MCCT/BSB/54/2025
Mahkamah Majistret Negara Brunei Darussalam telah menjatuhkan hukuman penjara
selama dua tahun ke atas Hajah Nurul Huda @ Hajah Rusiati binti Abdullah, seorang bekas
Pegawai Imigresen berusia 34 tahun, setelah beliau mengaku bersalah terhadap empat
pertuduhan rasuah di bawah Bab 6(a) Akta Pencegahan Rasuah, Penggal 131. Kesalahan tersebut melibatkan penerimaan ganjaran wang daripada seorang warganegara
Indonesia antara Oktober 2023 dan Julai 2024, sebagai pertukaran untuk memudahkan
pemergian warga asing dari Negara Brunei Darussalam dengan menyalahi undang-undang
tanpa permit masuk semula yang diperlukan, yang melanggar Akta Imigresen, Penggal 17.
Siasatan mendapati bahawa defendan dengan sengaja menerima pembayaran – secara tunai
dan melalui pindahan bank – berjumlah BND 500. Pembayaran ini dilakukan sebagai balasan
atas bantuannya dalam membenarkan individu asing itu meninggalkan Brunei secara haram.
Kesalahan itu terbongkar selepas pihak berkuasa Imigresen Malaysia di ICQ Miri mengesan
perselisihan dalam rekod perjalanan seorang warga asing dan menemui seorang individu
yang disembunyikan dalam sebuah kenderaan. Ini mendorong penyiasatan rentas sempadan
yang kemudiannya dirujuk kepada Biro Mencegah Rasuah (BMR). Dalam mitigasi, peguambela bagi defendan menggesa mahkamah untuk mempertimbangkan
keadaan peribadi defendan, termasuk pengakuan bersalah awalnya, kerjasama semasa
siasatan, dan jumlah wang yang terlibat yang dianggap kecil, dalam usaha untuk
mendapatkan hukuman yang lebih ringan. Pihak Pendakwaan, bagaimanapun, menghujahkan bahawa rasuah – tanpa mengira
jumlahnya –akan merosakkan kepercayaan orang ramai dan membawa kepada perpecahan
dalam pentadbiran awam, terutamanya apabila dilakukan oleh pegawai penguatkuasa yang
memegang tanggungjawab itu. Semasa menjatuhkan hukuman, Mahkamah menekankan keseriusan pelanggaran terhadap
kepercayaan orang ramai oleh Defendan sebagai seorang pegawai penguatkuasa yang
bertanggungjawab menjaga sempadan Imigresen Negara Brunei Darussalam. “Rasuah,
walaupun sekecil mana jumlahnya, bersifat menular dan tidak boleh diambil ringan,” ujar
Majistret Kanan Hajah Azrimah binti Haji Abdul Rahman. “Tidak kira betapa kecilnya
perbuatan rasuah, ia boleh menimbulkan kebiasaan yang berbahaya. Ia boleh merosakkan
integriti negara dan menghakis kepercayaan awam.”
Mahkamah seterusnya memutuskan bahawa hukuman penjara adalah perlu bagi
mencerminkan keseriusan kesalahan itu, serta untuk menyampaikan mesej yang jelas
bahawa perbuatan sedemikian tidak boleh diterima demi menjaga kepercayaan orang ramai
dan mengekalkan kestabilan negara.
Mahkamah memerintahkan agar hukuman bagi dua daripada empat pertuduhan dijalankan
secara berturut-turut, manakala hukuman bagi pertuduhan yang selebihnya dijalankan
serentak, yang membawa kepada jumlah hukuman penjara selama dua tahun, berkuat kuasa
mulai tarikh sabitan pada 8 Februari 2025.
Pendakwaan dijalankan oleh Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Nurul Fitri Kiprawi, manakala
defendan diwakili oleh Pg Khairul Nizam bin Pg Hj Mohd Yassin dari Tetuan Yusof Halim and
Partners. -TAMAT-
| Latest News | | | PRESS RELEASE TADARUS AL-QURAN CEREMONY IN RAMADAN FOR THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE AND ITS DEPARTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 1446H / 2025M
TEMBURONG, Wednesday, 12 March 2025 – In an effort to enliven and glorify the blessed month of Ramadan, as well as to seek the rewards and blessings promised by Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and its departments, held their third Tadarus Al-Quran Ceremony for 1446H / 2025M this afternoon at Labu Estate Mosque, Temburong District. The ceremony was organized by the Attorney General's Chambers in collaboration with the Mosque Takmir Committee of Labu Estate Mosque. Present as the Head of the Delegation was the Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at PMO, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Mohammed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohammed Yunos. Also present at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary and Deputy Permanent Secretary of PMO, Temburong Police District Acting Commanding Officer, along with officers and staff from PMO and its departments. The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by Tadarus Al-Quran session, beginning with the recitation of Juz 21, led by the Head of the Delegation. Following this, the presentation of waqaf or endowment contributions consisting of mosque necessities, handed over by the Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at PMO to the Mosque Affairs Officer, Yang Mulia Khairunamirin Fitri bin Haji Samsudin, who also serves as the Imam of the mosque. The event concluded with Asar congregational prayer. The closing ceremony of the Tadarus and Khatam Al-Quran for the PMO and its department, insha Allah, will be held on Sunday, 14 Ramadhan 1446 corresponding to 15 March 2025, at Ash-Shaliheen Mosque, PMO Building Complex. Such religious gatherings during Ramadhan are among the annual activities of the PMO, aimed at strengthening ties among officers, staff, mosque congregants, and local villagers. -END-
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ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS & ANTI-CORRUPTION BUREAU JOINT PRESS RELEASE SATURDAY, 8 MARCH 2025 PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
V HJ MUHAMMAD SUFFIAN BIN HAJI BUNGSU [D1] JONATHAN KHO CHEW SEN [D2] Two government servants, Hj Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu and Jonathan Kho Chiew Sen, were found not guilty by the Magistrate's Court following a trial for offences under section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131 and alternative charges under section 165 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22. Hj Muhammad Suffian was alleged to have corruptly accepted from Jonathan a Mercedes C200 CGI AMG Sports purchased at BND66,800 as an inducement or reward for securing the appointment of Jonathan as the Acting Head of News and Current Affairs at Radio Television Brunei (RTB). The incident occurred on or about 17th July 2014 when Hj Muhammad Suffian was the Director of RTB and Jonathan was his subordinate. In the alternative, it was alleged that Hj Muhammad Suffian obtained the car without consideration from his subordinate who he knew to have a connection with his offical functions. Jonathan was alleged to have abetted Hj Muhammad Suffian in doing so by giving the car. Jonathan was appointed as the Acting Head of News and Current Affairs between between 2013 and 2016. The position was renewed every 3 months and his letters of appointment were signed by Hj Muhammad Suffian. The Anti-Corruption Bureau began investigations into the matter in 2021 and the Defendants were then charged in the Magistrates Court on 11th April 2022. The Prosecution called 6 witnesses whereas the Defendants gave evidence and called 2 witnesses. The Court heard that on 17th July 2014, Jonathan fully paid for the Mercedes car in cash at the car dealer and registered it in Hj Muhammad Sufian's name. He personally presented the car as a surprise to Hj Muhammad Suffian at his home. The claim that the BND66,800 used to pay for the car is an interest-free loan only came into existence after this purchase and delivery. Both Defendants reiterated that their relationship were professional in nature only. The Honourable Court accepted that it was plausible for Jonathan to pay in advance for Hj Muhammad Suffian to avoid a substantial increase in the purchase price due to loan interest. This is given that Jonathan came from a wealthy family and have previously bought cars in cash. The Court also recognised his generosity towards his RTB colleagues as evidenced by his contributions to office events and using substantial personal funds to assist his colleagues and RTB for work-related purposes. Therefore, the Court found that his purchase of the Mercedes car for a colleague was not an isolated incident. Although no repayments have ever been made, the Court accepted that it was credible that Jonathan trusted Hj Muhammad Suffian's ability to repay the amount in lump sum once he had sufficient funds. Given his access to personal or family resources, Jonathan's testimony that he had no immediate need for repayment of the funds was found to be believable. The Court found that Jonathan's appointment as Acting Head of News was based on his merit and is consistent with his long-standing role in the position predating Hj Muhammad Suffian's tenure at RTB. The Court concluded that there was no suggestion for Jonathan to believe he was at risk of not being renewed in the appointment which could lead him to engage in corrupt activity with Hj Muhammad Suffian. Based on the overall conclusions made, the Court acquitted both Defendants of all the charges. The Defendants were represented by Yusof Halim & Partners, Advocates & Solicitors. The Prosecution has filed a notice of appeal against the acquittals. The Anti-Corruption Bureau will continue working to uphold public trust and accountability. The Anti-Corruption Bureau would like to remind the public including public servants serving under the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam that the corrupt giving or acceptance of any form of gifts including loans amounts to gratification and is an offence under section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption Act be liable to a fine of $30,000 and imprisonment for 7 years. It is also an offence under section 165 of the Penal Code for a public servant to accept or attempt to obtain any valuable thing without or with inadequate consideration from any person whom he knows to have any connection with his official functions, which is punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years and fine. - END -
PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA & BIRO MENCEGAH RASUAH SIARAN MEDIA BERSAMA SABTU, 8 MAC 2025 PENDAKWA RAYA V HJ MUHAMMAD SUFFIAN BIN HAJI BUNGSU [D1] JONATHAN KHO CHEW SEN [D2] Dua kakitangan kerajaan, Hj Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu dan Jonathan Kho Chiew Sen, didapati tidak bersalah oleh Mahkamah Majistret selepas perbicaraan untuk suatu kesalahan di bawah bab 6 Akta Pencegahan Rasuah, Bab 131 dan pertuduhan alternatif di bawah bab 165 dari Akta Kanun Hukuman Jenayah, Penggal 22. Hj Muhammad Suffian didakwa menerima rasuah daripada Jonathan iaitu sebuah Mercedes C200 CGI AMG Sports yang dibeli pada harga BND66,800 sebagai dorongan atau ganjaran untuk memastikan lantikan Jonathan sebagai Pemangku Ketua Berita dan Hal Ehwal Semasa di Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB). Kejadian tersebut berlaku pada sekitar 17hb Julai 2014 ketika Hj Muhammad Suffian merupakan Pengarah RTB dan Jonathan adalah orang bawahannya. Dalam pertuduhan alternatif, didakwa bahawa Hj Muhammad Suffian memperoleh kereta tersebut tanpa pertimbangan daripada orang bawahannya yang diketahui mempunyai hubungan dengan tugas rasmi beliau. Jonathan didakwa telah membantu Hj Muhammad Suffian melakukan perbuatan itu dengan memberikan kereta tersebut. Jonathan dilantik sebagai Pemangku Ketua Berita dan Hal Ehwal Semasa antara tahun 2013 dan 2016. Jawatan tersebut diperbaharui setiap 3 bulan dan surat lantikan beliau telah ditandatangani oleh Hj Muhammad Suffian. Biro Mencegah Rasuah memulakan siasatan terhadap perkara ini pada tahun 2021 dan Defendan kemudiannya didakwa di Mahkamah Majistret pada 11hb April 2022. Pendakwaan memanggil 6 orang saksi manakala Defendan memberikan keterangan dan memanggil 2 orang saksi. Mahkamah mendengar bahawa pada 17hb Julai 2014, Jonathan membayar sepenuhnya kereta Mercedes tersebut secara tunai di pengedar kereta dan mendaftarkannya atas nama Haji Muhammad Suffian. Beliau secara peribadi menyerahkan kereta tersebut sebagai kejutan kepada Hj Muhammad Suffian di rumahnya. Dakwaan mengenai BND66,800 yang digunakan untuk membayar kereta tersebut adalah pinjaman tanpa faedah yang hanya wujud selepas pembelian dan penghantaran tersebut. Kedua-dua Defendan menegaskan bahawa hubungan mereka hanya bersifat professional. Mahkamah menerima bahawa adalah munasabah bagi Jonathan untuk membayar terlebih dahulu bagi pihak Hj Muhammad Suffian bagi mengelakkan kenaikan harga pembelian yang tinggi akibat faedah pinjaman. Ini memandangkan Jonathan berasal daripada keluarga mewah dan sebelum ini telah membeli kereta secara tunai. Mahkamah juga mengiktiraf sifat murah hati beliau terhadap rakan-rakan RTB seperti yang dibuktikan dengan sumbangan beliau kepada acara-acara pejabat dan menggunakan dana peribadi yang banyak untuk membantu rakan-rakannya dan RTB untuk tujuan yang berkaitan dengan kerja. Oleh itu, Mahkamah mendapati bahawa pembelian kereta Mercedes untuk rakan sekerja bukan satu perkara yang asing. Walaupun tiada bayaran balik pernah dibuat, Mahkamah menerima bahawa adalah wajar untuk Jonathan mempercayai keupayaan Hj Muhammad Suffian untuk membayar balik jumlah tersebut secara sekaligus apabila beliau memunyai dana yang mencukupi. Memandangkan akses beliau kepada sumber peribadi atau keluarga, keterangan Jonathan bahawa beliau tidak memerlukan pembayaran semula dana tersebut dalam masa terdekat didapati boleh dipercayai. Mahkamah mendapati pelantikan Jonathan sebagai Pemangku Ketua Berita adalah berdasarkan merit beliau dan selaras dengan peranan jangka panjang beliau dalam jawatan tersebut sebelum Hj Muhammad Suffian dilantik di RTB. Mahkamah membuat kesimpulan bahawa tidak ada cadangan untuk Jonathan mempercayai beliau berisiko untuk tidak disambung dalam pelantikan tersebut yang boleh menyebabkan beliau terlibat dalam aktiviti rasuah dengan Hj Muhammad Suffian. Berdasarkan kesimpulan keseluruhan yang dibuat, Mahkamah membebaskan kedua-dua Defendan daripada semua tuduhan tersebut. Defendan diwakili oleh Yusof Halim & Partners, Advocates & Solicitors. Pihak pendakwaan telah memfailkan notis rayuan terhadap pembebasan itu. Biro Mencegah Rasuah akan terus berusaha untuk mempertahankan kepercayaan orang ramai dan akauntabilitnya. Biro Mencegah Rasuah ingin mengingatkan orang ramai termasuk kakitangan Kerajaan yang berkhidmat di bawah Kerajaan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam bahawa pemberian atau penerimaan rasuah dalam apa-apa bentuk hadiah termasuk pinjaman yang berjumlah untuk memuaskan hati dan adalah satu kesalahan di bawah bab 6 Akta Pencegahan Rasuah boleh dikenakan denda sebanyak $30,000 dan penjara selama 7 tahun. Ia juga adalah satu kesalahan di bawah bab 165 dari Akta Kanun Hukuman Jenayah bagi seseorang kakitangan kerajaan untuk menerima atau cuba mendapatkan apa-apa benda yang berharga tanpa atau dengan pertimbangan yang tidak memadai daripada mana-mana orang yang diketahui mempunyai kaitan dengan tugas rasmi, yang boleh dihukum penjara tidak melebihi 7 tahun dan denda. -TAMAT-
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ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE THURSDAY, 6 MARCH 2025 PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S APPEAL AGAINST THE INADEQUACY OF SENTENCE IMPOSED IN THE MAGISTRATE'S COURT FOR OFFENCE OF OUTRAGING MODESTY ALLOWED IN THE HIGH COURT The Prosecution's successful appeal against sentence on a 62-year-old local citizen, Hapandi bin Tahir (“Respondent") for an offence of outraging the modesty of a 25-year-old woman under Section 354 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22 resulted in the quashing of a sentence of 8 months' imprisonment imposed in the Magistrate's Court. In allowing the appeal on 5th March 2025, the Honourable Judicial Commissioner Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli substituted the said sentence with a custodial sentence of 12 months' imprisonment. During the appeal, Deputy Public Prosecutor Hajah Siti Mu'izzah binti Haji Sabli, appearing for the Public Prosecutor, submitted that the Senior Magistrate had failed to place sufficient weight on the aggravating factors present, particularly the repeated touching of the victim's thigh and buttock. It was highlighted that the victim was alone and trapped in the Respondent's vehicle when the offence was committed. The Prosecution also highlighted to the Court the psychological harm done to the victim as a result of the incident. The Prosecution further submitted that the Senior Magistrate had wrongly applied the one-third reduction in sentence, which is typically given to defendants who plead guilty at the first instant. In delivering his judgment, the Honourable Judicial Commissioner was of the view that the sentence of 8 months' imprisonment was manifestly inadequate given the aggravating factors. Furthermore, the Honourable Judicial Commissioner agreed with the Prosecution that awarding one-third discount to the Respondent was wrongly applied by the Senior Magistrate. As such, the Respondent ought not to have been afforded any discounts following his conviction after trial.
--- END ---
SIARAN AKHBAR KHAMIS, 6 MAC 2025
RAYUAN PENDAKWA RAYA TERHADAP HUKUMAN YANG TIDAK MEMADAI YANG TELAH DIJATUHKAN OLEH MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET BAGI KESALAHAN MENCABUL KEHORMATAN DIBENARKAN OLEH MAHKAMAH TINGGI Kejayaan Pendakwa Raya dalam rayuan terhadap hukuman keatas seorang warga tempatan yang berumur 62 tahun, Hapandi bin Tahir (“Responden") bagi kesalahan mencabul kehormatan seorang wanita berumur 25 tahun di bawah bab 354 Kanun Hukuman Jenayah, Penggal 22 telah menghasilkan keputusan pembatalan keatas hukuman 8 bulan penjara yang dijatuhkan oleh Mahkamah Majistret. Dalam membenarkan Rayuan Pendakwa Raya tersebut, pada 5 Mac 2025, Yang Arif, Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli telah menggantikan hukuman tersebut menjadi hukuman pemenjaraan selama 12 bulan. Semasa Rayuan, Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Hajah Siti Mu'izzah binti Haji Sabli, yang hadir bagi pihak Pendakwa Raya, berhujah bahawa Majistret Kanan telah gagal untuk menimbangkan faktor-faktor yang memburukkan keadaan, terutama sekali sentuhan yang dibuat berulang kali pada paha dan punggung mangsa. Perkara mangsa yang bersendirian dan terperangkap di dalam kereta Responden semasa kejadian dilakukan adalah juga ditekankan. Pihak Pendakwaan juga menekankan kepada Mahkamah kemudaratan psikologi kepada mangsa yang telah diakibatkan oleh kejadian ini. Pihak Pendakwaan selanjutnya berhujah bahawa Majistret Kanan telah salah dalam menggunakan pengurangan satu per tiga hukuman, yang lazimnya hanya diberikan kepada defendan yang mengaku bersalah pada kesempatan awal. Semasa penyampaian penghakiman ini, Yang Arif Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman berpendapat bahawa hukuman penjara 8 bulan adalah jelas tidak memadai memandangkan adanya faktor-faktor yang memburukkan lagi keadaan dalam kes ini. Seterusnya, Yang Arif Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman bersetuju dengan pihak Pendakwaan bahawa pemberian satu per tiga pengurangan hukuman kepada Responden adalah salah sepertimana yang digunakan oleh Majistret Kanan tersebut. Oleh itu, Responden sepatutnya tidak layak untuk diberikan pengurangan hukuman berikutan pensabitannya selepas perbicaraan. --- TAMAT ---
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ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE
27TH FEBRUARY 2025
“PUBLIC PROSECUTOR CHARGES BANGLADESHI NATIONAL FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING”
The Public Prosecutor today has brought charges against a 43-year-old Bangladeshi national for offences relating to human trafficking. The case was heard in the High Court before The Honourable Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli, with Deputy Public Prosecutor Hjh Siti Mu’izzah binti Haji Sabli representing the Public Prosecutor. Investigations by the Human Trafficking Investigation Unit of the Royal Brunei Police Force revealed that the Defendant, Mahedi Hasan, allegedly trafficked three Bangladeshi victims into Brunei Darussalam between 2018 and 2019, through deception for the purposes of forced labour.
The Defendant was faced with two charges under Section 4 of the Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order, 2004, for offences occurring in 2018, before the enforcement of the current Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230. The Prosecution also preferred one charge under Section 5(1) of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230 for a similar offence committed in 2019.
All charges were read to the Defendant, who confirmed his understanding and pleaded not guilty. The court has adjourned the case to 24 March 2025 for trial dates to be set. If convicted, the Defendant faces a fine of up to BND$1,000,000, imprisonment for up to 30 years, and whipping under the Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order, 2004. Additionally, under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230, he could face a minimum fine of BND$10,000 per trafficked victim. Authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to combat human trafficking, underscoring Brunei Darussalam's commitment to fighting exploitation and ensuring justice for victims.
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ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE Regional Workshop on Criminal Justice Response to Trafficking in Persons for Forced Criminality in the Southeast Asia Region, Organized by United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) BANGKOK, THAILAND 18th February 2025 – 19th February 2025
On February 18th and 19th, 2025, two judicial officers from the State Judiciary Department and two legal counsels from the Attorney General's Chambers participated in a workshop on trafficking in persons in Bangkok, Thailand, titled "Regional Workshop on Criminal Justice Response to Trafficking in Persons for Forced Criminality in the Southeast Asia Region". The regional workshop, held by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and sponsored by the European Union, addresses the rising cases of human trafficking linked to forced criminal activities, particularly online scams, which have sharply increased in Southeast Asia since 2020. This specialized workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of legal practitioners in conducting comprehensive legal analysis and forming recommendations to improve the effectiveness of criminal justice systems in addressing the global issue of trafficking in persons. The focus includes tackling the unprecedented challenges posed by transnational organized crime groups that traffic people for sexual exploitation, forced labor, and, increasingly, forced criminality. The course provided participants with up-to-date information on best practices from various Southeast Asian countries, as well as the challenges faced during prosecution. Participants were also trained on how to use evidence obtained through investigations effectively to secure convictions for trafficking in persons offenses and ensure justice for victims. Approximately, forty legal practitioners from nine countries participated in the two-day course. The program also aimed to promote international cooperation to address the increasing crime of trafficking in persons and ensure a stronger response to all forms of exploitation.
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17th February 2025 - Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib, the Attorney General of Brunei Darussalam, received a courtesy visit from the Honourable M. Kula Segaran, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) of Malaysia, at The Law Building. This visit is part of the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) ASEAN tour in light of Malaysia's ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship. During the courtesy call, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib and the Honourable M. Kula Segaran discussed opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in legal and institutional matters. A key focus of their discussions was to enhance collaboration in legal areas such as in Commercial Arbitration and International Mediation. Both parties also explored ways to enhance cooperation, foster knowledge sharing, and support capacity building efforts, with the ultimate goal of establishing a framework that would mutually benefit both countries. Also present during the courtesy call were Yang Mulia Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi (Solicitor General) and senior officers from the Attorney General's Chambers.
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ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE Saturday, 1st February 2025 Public Prosecutor v. F Bin D (HCCT/3/2023) On 30th January 2025, a 51-year-old local man was sentenced to 25 years and 6 months' imprisonment by the High Court of Brunei Darussalam for having committed the offence of rape against his own granddaughter, aged 6 years old[HRbHAR1] .
The Defendant, married with 10 children, is the head of family and also the maternal grandfather of the Victim, Miss X. At the time of the commission of the offence, the Defendant and Miss X were living together, with other members of the family. The Defendant had committed the heinous act on Miss X in one of the bedrooms of the said house. The sexual abuse came to light sometime in January 2023, when Miss X's mother noticed that Miss X was acting strangely. Upon asked by her mother about her change in behaviour, Miss X then confided in her mother and revealed the Defendant's atrocious sexual act on her. Acting swiftly, Miss X's mother lodged a police report, leading to a thorough investigation by the Women and Children Abuse Investigations Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department, Royal Brunei Police Force. Investigations uncovered incriminating evidence from Miss X and other witnesses, as well as a gynaecological report of Miss X. The Defendant was charged in the High Court and had pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape under Section 376(3)( c) of the Penal Code, Chapter 22 and went for trial. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Ádliatul Hidayah binti Hj Mohd Zaidi called 8 witnesses, including Miss X. Given Miss X's very young age and limitations, her evidence at trial was elicited through her oral evidence and a video recording of her interview taken during police investigations. The Defendant was duly convicted upon completion of the trial by the Honourable Judicial Commissioner Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli. In its submissions, the Prosecution emphasised the overwhelming aggravating factors in the case. The Prosecution emphasised the Defendant's gross breach of trust as a grandfather to Miss X, highlighting how he exploited her vulnerability due to her tender age. Moreover, the incident occurred in their family home, a place where Miss X should have been protected and felt safe. As the Defendant is above 50 years old, under section 258 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 7, he is exempted from whipping. As such, the High Court imposed 6 months' imprisonment in lieu of whipping. In delivering the sentence of 25 years 6 months' imprisonment, the Honourable Judicial Commissioner Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli remarked that the severe punishment is to serve as deterrence to the Defendant and others on the seriousness of incestuous rape.
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