| | ASIA/PACIFIC GROUP ON MONEY LAUNDERING 2026 APG ANNUAL MEETING BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 27-31 JULY 2026

Brunei Darussalam hosted its first Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) Forum from 27 to 31 July 2026. The Opening Ceremony was held on 30 July 2026 and was officiated by the Second Minister of Finance and Economy, Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah. As part of the Opening Ceremony, a technical seminar on "Non-Conviction Based Forfeiture" was held. The seminar featured four distinguished speakers from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), and the National Committee on Enforcement and Detection (NCED), who shared their experiences and insights on the use of non-conviction based forfeiture mechanism in their respective agencies. The session was moderated by Hajah Atiyyah Azzahra Binti POKLSDSLJ Awg Haji Abas from the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) and provided participants with valuable perspectives on the role of non-conviction based forfeiture in strengthening efforts to combat financial crime and recover illicit assets.
| Latest News | | | ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS & ROYAL BRUNEI POLICE FORCE
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
9TH JULY 2026
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR V THIAN LI HENG
The Defendant, Thian Li Heng, a Malaysian national, pleaded guilty on 18th June 2026 to
five charges under section 10 read with section 3(1) of the Computer Misuse Act,
punishable under section 9 of the same, before the Honourable Magistrate Muhammad
Qamarul Affyian bin Abdul Rahman. On 1st July 2026, he was sentenced to a total of 6
years’ 8 months imprisonment.
Investigations conducted by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division, Criminal
Investigation Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force revealed that the defendant
acted upon the direction of an unidentified individual based in Malaysia. Pursuant to
those instructions, the Defendant collected Debit Cards in Brunei Darussalam and
subsequently handed them over to other individuals participating in the scheme.
Investigations further established that the Debit Cards were then used by those
individuals to gain unauthorised access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and make
unauthorised withdrawals from the respective bank accounts, resulting in losses totalling
B$8,480. The banks involved provided account and transaction records that assisted in
tracing the unauthorised withdrawals and identifying those involved in the scheme.
In his sentencing remarks, the Honourable Magistrate noted that the Defendant's role
was not merely incidental. By collecting and transferring the Debit Cards for use by other
participants, he played an essential facilitating role in the coordinated cross-border
scheme, as the cards enabled the subsequent unauthorised transactions. Although the
offending did not involve sophisticated technical methods, the Magistrate observed that it demonstrated a degree of sophistication through the coordinated roles performed by
participants across borders. The Magistrate further noted that the offending undermined
public confidence in the security and proper use of electronic banking facilities, as
legitimate banking instruments were diverted and misused for unauthorised
transactions. Given the Defendant's significant role in the completed scheme, the
Magistrate held that the need for general deterrence carried considerable weight in
sentencing. Deputy Public Prosecutor Emily Goh appeared for the Public Prosecutor. -END-
TERJEMAHAN
PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA & PASUKAN POLIS DIRAJA BRUNEI
SIARAN AKHBAR BERSAMA
9 JULAI 2026 PENDAKWA RAYA LWN THIAN LI HENG
Defendan, Thian Li Heng, seorang warganegara Malaysia, telah mengaku bersalah pada
18hb Jun 2026 atas lima pertuduhan di bawah bab 10 dibaca bersama bab 3(1)
Akta Penyalahgunaan Komputer, yang boleh dihukum di bawah bab 9 Akta yang sama,
di hadapan Yang Arif Majistret Muhammad Qamarul Affyian bin Abdul Rahman.
Pada 1hb Julai 2026, Defendan telah dijatuhi hukuman penjara selama 6 tahun 8 bulan
secara keseluruhan. Siasatan yang dijalankan oleh Bahagian Siasatan Jenayah Siber, Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah,
Pasukan Polis Diraja Brunei mendedahkan bahawa Defendan bertindak atas arahan
seorang individu yang tidak dikenal pasti yang berpangkalan di Malaysia. Menurut arahan
tersebut, Defendan telah mengumpulkan Kad-Kad Debit di Negara Brunei Darussalam
dan kemudiannya menyerahkan kad-kad tersebut kepada individu-individu lain yang
terlibat dalam kegiatan berkenaan. Siasatan lanjut mendapati bahawa Kad-Kad Debit
tersebut kemudiannya digunakan oleh individu-individu berkenaan untuk memperoleh
akses tanpa kebenaran ke Mesin Teler Automatik (ATM) dan membuat pengeluaran wang
tanpa kebenaran daripada akaun-akaun bank yang berkenaan, mengakibatkan kerugian
berjumlah B$ 8,480. Bank-bank yang terlibat telah menyediakan rekod akaun dan
transaksi yang membantu dalam mengesan pengeluaran wang tanpa kebenaran tersebut
serta mengenal pasti individu-individu yang terlibat dalam kegiatan berkenaan.
Dalam menjatuhkan hukuman, Yang Arif Majistret menyatakan bahawa peranan
Defendan bukanlah sekadar bersifat sampingan. Dengan mengumpulkan dan
menyerahkan kad-kad debit untuk digunakan oleh pihak-pihak lain, Defendan telah
memainkan peranan penting dalam memudahkan pelaksanaan kegiatan rentas
sempadan yang terancang, memandangkan kad-kad tersebut membolehkan transaksi
transaksi susulan tanpa kebenaran dilakukan. Walaupun kesalahan itu tidak melibatkan
kaedah teknikal yang canggih, Yang Arif Majistret berpendapat bahawa kegiatan tersebut
menunjukkan tahap perancangan tertentu melalui peranan-peranan yang dilaksanakan
oleh pihak-pihak merentas sempadan secara tersusun. Yang Arif Majistret seterusnya
menyatakan bahawa kesalahan tersebut telah menjejaskan keyakinan orang ramai
terhadap keselamatan dan penggunaan kemudahan perbankan elektronik yang
sewajarnya, memandangkan instrumen perbankan yang sah telah dialihkan dan
disalahgunakan bagi tujuan menjalankan transaksi tanpa kebenaran. Memandangkan
peranan penting Defendan dalam perlaksanaan kegiatan tersebut, Yang Arif Majistret
berpendapat bahawa keperluan pencegahan umum perlu diberikan pertimbangan
sewajarnya dalam menjatuhkan hukuman.
Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Emily Goh mewakili pihak Pendakwa Raya.
-TAMAT-
| Latest News | | | ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS & ROYAL BRUNEI POLICE FORCE JOINT PRESS RELEASE
9TH JULY 2026 PUBLIC PROSECUTOR V JAHIR HUSSAIN AMANULLAH
The Defendant, Jahir Hussain Amanullah, a 51-year-old Indian national, pleaded guilty on
25th June 2026 to a charge under section 3(1)(a) of the Criminal Asset Recovery Order
(CARO), 2012 before the Honourable Magistrate Muhammad Qamarul Affyian bin Abdul
Rahman. The charge concerned the delivery of cash totaling B$ 230,000, which the
Defendant failed to take reasonable steps to ascertain were proceeds of crime. A further
similar offence involving B$ 219,000 was taken into consideration for sentencing
purposes pursuant to section 13A of the Criminal Procedure Code. On 2nd July 2026, the
Defendant was sentenced to 2 years’ and 4 months’ imprisonment. Investigations conducted by the Cybercrime Investigation Division, Criminal
Investigation Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force revealed that the offences
were committed as part of a coordinated cross-border scheme involving multiple
individuals. In carrying out these instructions, the Defendant collected cash from other
individuals at separate locations in Brunei Darussalam, and subsequently handed them
to two Malaysian nationals. In carrying out these instructions, the defendant failed to take
reasonable steps to ascertain the source of the cash, the identities of those involved, or
the purpose of the transactions, despite circumstances that would have prompted a
reasonable person to make further enquiries. Investigations further revealed that the
cash, constituted as proceeds of crime and was subsequently moved out of Brunei
Darussalam, where it remains unrecovered. In sentencing the Defendant, the Honourable Magistrate observed that although he did
not organise the scheme or benefit from the proceeds, his role as a courier was essential
to moving the illicit funds. The court found that his complete failure to make any enquiries
into the source of the cash reflected a serious disregard for his responsibilities under the
law, and that collecting cash from separate locations before delivery to foreign nationals
showed a planned, coordinated operation rather than an isolated act. Given the
substantial sum involved and the cross-border movement of funds, the court held that
general deterrence carried considerable weight. Members of the public are reminded to
exercise due diligence and make reasonable enquiries when asked to handle or deliver
cash or valuables on behalf of others, particularly where the source, purpose, or parties
involved are unclear.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Syafina Abd Hadzid appeared for the Public Prosecutor.
-END-
TERJEMAHAN
PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA & PASUKAN POLIS DIRAJA BRUNEI
SIARAN AKHBAR BERSAMA
9 JULAI 2026 PENDAKWA RAYA LWN JAHIR HUSSAIN AMANULLAH
Defendan, Jahir Hussain Amanullah, seorang warganegara India berumur 51 tahun, telah
mengaku bersalah pada 25 Jun 2026 atas satu pertuduhan di bawah bab 3(1)(a) Perintah
Mendapatkan Kembali Aset Jenayah, (CARO), 2012) di hadapan Yang Arif Majistret
Muhammad Qamarul Affyian bin Abdul Rahman. Pertuduhan tersebut berkaitan dengan
penghantaran wang tunai berjumlah sebanyak B$230,000, yang mana Defendan gagal
mengambil langkah-langkah munasabah untuk memastikan sama ada wang tunai tersebut
merupakan hasil kegiatan jenayah. Satu lagi kesalahan yang serupa melibatkan wang tunai
berjumlah B$ 219,000 telah diambil kira bagi tujuan hukuman menurut bab 13A dari Kanun
Peraturan Jenayah. Pada 2 Julai 2026, Defendan telah dijatuhi hukuman penjara selama 2
tahun dan 4 bulan.
Siasatan yang dijalankan oleh Bahagian Siasatan Jenayah Siber, Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah,
Pasukan Polis Diraja Brunei mendapati bahawa kesalahan tersebut dilakukan sebagai
sebahagian daripada kegiatan rentas sempadan yang terancang melibatkan beberapa
individu. Bertindak atas arahan seorang individu yang tidak dikenal pasti, Defendan telah
mengutip wang tunai daripada individu-individu lain di lokasi-lokasi berasingan di Negara
Brunei Darussalam dan kemudiannya menyerahkan wang tunai tersebut kepada dua orang
warganegara Malaysia. Semasa melaksanakan arahan tersebut, Defendan gagal mengambil
langkah-langkah munasabah untuk memastikan sumber wang tunai berkenaan, identiti
mereka yang terlibat atau tujuan transaksi itu, walaupun keadaan tersebut sepatutnya mendorong seseorang untuk membuat pertanyaan lanjut. Siasatan selanjutnya mendapati
bahawa wang tunai tersebut, merupakan hasil daripada kegiatan jenayah dan kemudiannya
telah dipindahkan keluar dari Negara Brunei Darussalam, dan sehingga kini masih belum
diperoleh semula.
Dalam menjatuhkan hukuman terhadap Defendan, Yang Arif Majistret menyatakan bahawa
walaupun Defendan tidak merancang kegiatan tersebut atau memperoleh manfaat daripada
hasil kegiatan jenayah berkenaan, peranannya sebagai penghantar wang tunai adalah
penting dalam pergerakan pemindahan dana haram itu. Mahkamah mendapati bahawa
kegagalan Defendan sepenuhnya untuk membuat sebarang pertanyaan mengenai sumber
wang tunai tersebut mencerminkan pengabaian yang serius terhadap tanggungjawabnya di
sisi undang-undang, dan tindakan mengutip wang tunai dari beberapa lokasi berasingan
sebelum menyerahkannya kepada warganegara asing menunjukkan suatu operasi yang
telah diatur dan dirancang, dan bukannya suatu perbuatan yang berasingan. Memandangkan
jumlah wang yang terlibat adalah besar serta pergerakan pemindahan dana merentas
sempadan, Mahkamah berpendapat pencegahan umum perlu diberikan pertimbangan yang
sewajarnya. Orang ramai diingatkan supaya sentiasa berhati-hati dan membuat pertanyaan
yang munasabah apabila diminta untuk mengendalikan atau menghantar wang tunai atau
barang-barang berharga bagi pihak orang lain, khususnya apabila sumber, tujuan atau
pihak-pihak yang terlibat adalah tidak jelas.
Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Syafina Abd Hadzid mewakili pihak Pendakwa Raya.
-TAMAT-
| Latest News | | | The Attorney General, Yang Berhormat Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib, received a Farewell Call from Her Excellency Marian Jocelyn R Tirol- Ignacio Philippines Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, at the Law Building on Saturday, 20 June 2026.
Her Excellency was accompanied by Minister and Consul Ms Bernadette A Mendoza and Vice Consul Ms Jacqueline L Ong.
During this Call, the Honourable Attorney General and Her Excellency reflected on the positive experiences, the close relationships and cooperation established over the years and wishing Her Excellency best wishes on her future endeavors.
Her Excellency presented her Letter of Credence to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on 24 May 2022 and is leaving the country in early July 2026.

| Latest News | | | The Attorney General, Yang Berhormat Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib, received a Farewell Call from Her Excellency Caryn R McClelland, US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, at the Law Building on Monday, 22 June 2026.

Her Excellency was accompanied by Mr. Austin Slaymaker, Political, Economic and Consular Chief.
During this Call, the Honourable Attorney General and Her Excellency reflected on the positive experiences, the close relationships and cooperation established over the years. The farewell call concluded on a warm and positive note on the continuing relationships and wishing Her Excellency best wishes on her future endeavors.
Her Excellency presented her Letter of Credence to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on 24 May 2022.

| Latest News | | | The Attorney General, Yang Berhormat Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib, received a Courtesy Call from Capt (R) Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) and delegation, at the Law Building on Monday, 9 June 2026.
A presentation was delivered by officers from the MPABD as to the brief introduction, role and development of the maritime and port sectors in this country.
Also present were Yang Mulia Dyg Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi, Solicitor General and senior officers from the Attorney General's Chambers.

| Latest News | | | 
SIARAN AKHBAR BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 22 Jun 2026 – Pejabat Peguam Negara mengadakan Majlis Sambutan Ilal Hijrah 1448 di Bangunan Undang-Undang dan Mahkamah-Mahkamah, petang ini.
Hadir selaku tetamu kehormat pada Majlis tersebut ialah Peguam Negara, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah Binti Haji Muhammed Taib.
Majlis tersebut mendengar bacaan ayat suci Al-Quran, iaitu Ayat 41 – 50, Surah An-Nahl oleh Yang Mulia Pg Ummi Siti Syazana binti Pg Haji Marjuki, Johan Qariah bagi Musabaqah Membaca Al-Qur'an Bahagian Dewasa Peringkat Akhir Kebangsaan Tahun 1447H/2026M. Majlis diteruskan dengan ceramah yang bertajuk “Hijrah Penyelamat Aqidah" yang disampaikan oleh Yang Mulia Ustazah Siti Juhaidah binti Haji Bujang, Pegawai Ugama, Pusat Da'wah Islamiah.
Majlis Sambutan Ilal Hijrah 1448 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 | | |
MAJLIS SAMBUTAN HARI RAYA AIDILADHA PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA BAGI TAHUN 1447 HIJRAH / 2026 MASIHI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Sabtu, 30 Mei 2026 – Pejabat Peguam Negara mengadakan Majlis Sambutan Hari Raya Aidiladha 1447 Hijrah di Bangunan Undang-Undang dan Mahkamah-Mahkamah, Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha petang ini.
Hadir selaku tetamu kehormat majlis ialah Peguamcara Negara, Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi, bersama pegawai-pegawai kanan, pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara.
Majlis diserikan dengan laungan takbir Hari Raya Aidiladha yang disertai oleh pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara.
Majlis ini merupakan salah satu aktiviti tahunan Pejabat Peguam Negara dalam mengeratkan hubungan silaturahim serta memupuk semangat kebersamaan dalam kalangan pegawai dan kakitangannya.
-TAMAT-
| Latest News | | | PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA & BIRO KAWALAN NARKOTIK
SIARAN AKHBAR BERSAMA
19HB MEI 2026
MAHKAMAH TINGGI MEMBENARKAN PERLUCUTAN HAK BERNILAI
B$143,274.40
PENDAKWA RAYA LAWAN MOHAMMAD FAIZAN BIN AHMAD (RESPONDEN 1)
DAN ATIN SUPRIHATIN (RESPONDEN 2)
Mahkamah Tinggi telah membenarkan permohonan Pendakwa Raya di bawah Perintah
Mendapatkan Kembali Aset Jenayah, 2012 (CARO) bagi perlucutan hak wang tunai dan
harta bernilai keseluruhan B$143,274.40 yang dimiliki oleh dua individu.
Mohammad Faizan bin Ahmad dan isterinya, Atin Suprihatin telah ditangkap oleh Biro
Kawalan Narkotik (BKN) pada 15hb September 2020 kerana disyaki terlibat dalam
sindiket pengedaran dadah yang dikendalikan oleh keluarga, yang berjaya ditumpaskan
oleh BKN melalui operasi yang dikenali sebagai “Musang King”. Susulan penangkapan
tersebut, wang tunai, barang kemas emas dan kenderaan telah dirampas kerana disyaki
diperoleh dengan menggunakan hasil aktiviti pengedaran dadah.
Siasatan BKN mendapati bahawa Mohammad Faizan bin Ahmad terlibat secara aktif
dalam kegiatan pengedaran dadah dan memperoleh bekalan dadah daripada ahli
keluarganya yang telah pun didakwa dan kini sedang dibicarakan di Mahkamah Tinggi
atas kesalahan memiliki Methylamphetamine, iaitu dadah terkawal Kelas A, bagi tujuan
pengedaran yang bertentangan dengan bab 3A Akta Penyalahgunaan Dadah serta bagi
kesalahan pembersihan wang haram di bawah bab 3 CARO. Mohammad Faizan dan isterinya juga didapati telah sengaja mengambil langkah untuk
menyembunyikan aset mereka dengan mengagihkannya kepada ahli keluarga yang
dipercayai serta individu yang mempunyai kaitan dengan sindiket tersebut, sebagai
usaha untuk mengelakkan aset berkenaan daripada dikesan dan dirampas.
Timbalan Pendakwa Raya, Syafina Abdul Hadzid dan Mohammad Syafi’e Habibuallah Edi
Mirhan telah memohon bagi perlucutan hak tersebut. Kedua-dua Responden tidak
membantah permohonan berkenaan.
Yang Arif Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman Mahkamah Besar Haji Abdullah Soefri bin POKSM DSP
Haji Abidin mengisytiharkan harta yang dirampas tersebut sebagai harta tercemar di
bawah CARO dan memerintahkan agar ia dilucutkan hak kepada Kerajaan Negara Brunei
Darussalam. Perintah perlucutan hak ini merupakan kejayaan besar pertama yang
terhasil daripada operasi “Musang King” dan menandakan satu pencapaian penting
dalam usaha mengekang hasil kewangan daripada aktiviti pengedaran dadah.
BKN ingin mengingatkan orang ramai supaya sentiasa berwaspada dan mengelakkan
sebarang penglibatan dalam aktiviti berkaitan penyembunyian hasil yang diperoleh
daripada kegiatan jenayah. Ini termasuk memegang aset bagi pihak orang lain, khususnya
individu yang latar belakang dan sumber kewangannya tidak jelas.
BKN akan terus mempergiatkan operasi menentang sindiket dadah di Negara Brunei
Darussalam.
- TAMAT -
Terjemahan
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS & NARCOTICS CONTROL BUREAU
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
19TH MAY 2026
HIGH COURT GRANTS B$143,274.40 FORFEITURE
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR V MOHAMMAD FAIZAN BIN AHMAD (RESPONDENT 1)
AND ATIN SUPRIHATIN (RESPONDENT 2)
The Public Prosecutor’s application under the Criminal Asset Recovery Order, 2012
(CARO) for forfeiture of cash and properties amounting to a total value of B$143,274.40
belonging to two individuals was granted by the High Court.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested Mohammad Faizan bin Ahmad and his wife,
Atin Suprihatin, on 15th September 2020 for their suspected involvement in a family-run
drug trafficking syndicate, which was dismantled by the NCB through an operation
known as “Musang King”. Following their arrests, cash, gold jewellery and vehicles were
seized on suspicion that they were acquired using proceeds of drug trafficking activities. NCB investigations revealed that Mohammad Faizan bin Ahmad was actively involved in
drug trafficking and had obtained his drug supply from family members who have since
been prosecuted and are currently on trial in the High Court for possession of
Methylamphetamine, class A controlled drug, for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to
section 3A of the Misuse of Drugs Act and for money laundering offences under section 3
of CARO. Both Mohammad Faizan and his wife were also found to have taken deliberate steps to
conceal their assets by distributing them among trusted family members and individuals
linked to the syndicate, in an attempt to prevent the assets from being detected and
seized.
Deputy Public Prosecutors Syafina Abdul Hadzid and Mohammad Syafi’e Habibuallah Edi
Mirhan applied for the forfeiture. Both Respondents did not contest the application.
The Honourable Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court Haji Abdullah Soefri bin
POKSM DSP Haji Abidin declared the seized properties as tainted properties under CARO
and ordered their forfeiture to the Government of Brunei Darussalam. This forfeiture
order represents the first major breakthrough arising from the “Musang King” operation
and marks a significant milestone in efforts to disrupt the financial proceeds of drug
trafficking activities.
NCB would like to remind members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid any
involvement in activities related to the concealment of proceeds derived from criminal
activities. This includes holding assets on behalf of other parties, particularly persons
whose background and source of funds are unclear.
NCB will continue to intensify operations against drug syndicates in Brunei. - END -
| Latest News | | | The Attorney General, Yang Berhormat Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib, received a courtesy call from Her Excellency Caryn R. McClelland, the U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, at the Law Building on Thursday, 18 April 2024. During their courtesy call, the Honourable Attorney General and Her Excellency shared perspectives on several issues of mutual interest, including recent developments in their respective countries and they also explored opportunities for cooperation and capacity-building initiatives between both countries.
 Also present during the courtesy call was Solicitor General, Yang Mulia Hjh Zuraini binti Hj Sharbawi and Senior officers of the Attorney General's Chambers.
| Latest News | | | 
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE
THURSDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY 2026 COMMONWEALTH LAW MINISTERS MEETING 2026
The Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM), 2026 was held from 9th to 12th February 2026 in Nadi, Republic of Fiji, attended by The Honourable Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, with senior officials from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
The CLMM Meeting was officially opened by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, The Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka. In his opening remarks, he acknowledged amongst others, the shared commitment of the Commonwealth Law Ministers to strengthen the rule of law across the member countries of the Commonwealth and the importance of the deliberations and measures to be introduced, in order to ensure that justice is dependable, institutions are strong, and laws serve not only those who understand them best, but those who rely upon them the most. This is most important in an era when climate, security, and human mobility are increasingly intertwined. The Honourable Siromi Turaga, the Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney General of the Republic of Fiji, chaired the CLMM Meeting with the support of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, The Honourable Shirley Botchwey. The theme of this year’s Meeting was “Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future” provided a platform for Commonwealth member countries to discuss how justice systems can remain resilient and responsive in the face of evolving global challenges.
In her intervention, The Honourable Datin Seri Paduka Hjh Nor Hashimah noted that the Meeting’s theme was timely in addressing evolving global challenges and stressed the importance of ensuring justice systems remain adaptable, inclusive and responsive. On Justice and Artificial Intelligence, the Honourable Attorney General further highlighted the need to keep pace with rapidly advancing technologies while safeguarding due process and the rule of law, supported by ongoing national efforts including the development of an AI strategy, governance and ethics guidance, judicial guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI and the recent enactment of the Personal Data Protection Order, 2025.
Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including democratic resilience and the rule of law, model laws on suppression orders, military justice, stable coins, and digital trade; legal responses to misinformation and disinformation; Commonwealth legal resources; justice and artificial intelligence; marine boundaries and sea level rise. third-party funding in dispute resolution; asset recovery; rehabilitation through legal education in prisons; model contracts; and the protection of vulnerable groups. The topics and deliberations reflected the importance advancements, particularly in technology, and the need to ensure that the rule of law to remains steadfast and not drift with every challenge but instead remain certain and thereby preserve the public confidence.
Law Ministers also adopted the Nadi Declaration on Democratic Resilience and Participation which serves as a framework for advancing democratic resilience through good governance, the promotion of human rights and respect for the rule of law. The Commonwealth Law Ministers’ meeting is held biennially and provides a platform for Law Ministers and Attorneys General to share best practices and strengthen collaboration among countries with a common legal tradition on a broad range of issues including the role of technology in the delivery of justice; model laws and contracts; legal reform tools; and stronger protections of fundamental rights. -END-
TERJEMAHAN
MESYUARAT MENTERI-MENTERI UNDANG-UNDANG KOMANWEL 2026
Mesyuarat Menteri-Menteri Undang-Undang Komanwel (The Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting - CLMM), 2026 telah diadakan pada 9hb hingga 12hb Februari 2026 di Nadi, Republik Fiji. Mesyuarat tersebut telah dihadiri oleh Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib bersama pegawai-pegawai kanan dari Pejabat Peguam Negara.
Mesyuarat CLMM telah dirasmikan oleh Perdana Menteri Republik Fiji, Yang Berhormat Tuan Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka. Dalam ucapan perasmiannya, beliau antara lain menekankan komitmen bersama Menteri-Menteri Undang-Undang Komanwel untuk memperkukuhkan kedaulatan undang-undang di seluruh negara-negara anggota Komanwel serta kepentingan bersama pertimbangan dan langkah-langkah yang akan diperkenalkan bagi memastikan bahawa keadilan diyakini, institusi-institusi kukuh, dan undang-undang yang bukan sahaja memberi manfaat kepada mereka yang memahaminya, tetapi juga bagi mereka yang bergantung kepadanya. Perkara ini amat penting dalam era yang mana isu perubahan iklim, keselamatan, dan mobiliti manusia semakin saling berkait rapat. Mesyuarat CLMM telah dipengerusikan oleh Yang Berhormat Tuan Siromi Turaga, Menteri Kehakiman dan Pemangku Peguam Negara Republik Fiji, dengan sokongan Setiausaha Agung Komanwel, Yang Berhormat Puan Shirley Botchwey.
Tema Mesyuarat pada tahun ini ialah “Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future” telah menyediakan platform kepada negara-negara anggota Komanwel untuk membincangkan bagaimana sistem keadilan dapat terus berdaya tahan dan responsif dalam menghadapi cabaran global yang sentiasa berkembang.
Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Hjh Nor Hashimah dalam intervensi beliau menyatakan bahawa tema Mesyuarat adalah bertepatan dalam menangani cabaran global yang sentiasa berkembang dan menekankan kepentingan sistem keadilan yang sentiasa boleh disesuaikan, inklusif dan responsif. Berhubungan dengan keadilan dan Kecerdasan Buatan (Artificial Intelligent – AI), Yang Berhormat Peguam Negara turut menekankan keperluan untuk seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi yang pesat, disamping memastikan pemeliharaan proses sewajarnya dan kedaulatan undang-undang, disokong oleh inisiatif berterusan diperingkat kebangsaan termasuk pembangunan strategi AI, panduan tadbir urus dan etika, garis panduan kehakiman mengenai penggunaan AI generatif secara bertanggungjawab serta penggubalan Perintah Perlindungan Data Peribadi, 2025 yang baru dikuatkuasakan.
Perbincangan mesyuarat merangkumi pelbagai topik, termasuk ketahanan demokrasi dan kedaulatan undang-undang, model undang-undang berkaitan dengan perintah larangan penyiaran (supression orders), keadilan ketenteraan, stable coins, dan perdagangan digital; respons perundangan terhadap maklumat palsu dan maklumat tidak benar; sumber perundangan Komanwel; keadilan dan kecerdasan buatan; sempadan maritim dan kenaikan paras laut, pembiayaan pihak ketiga dalam penyelesaian pertikaian; pemulihan aset; pemulihan melalui pendidikan undang-undang di penjara; kontrak model; serta perlindungan golongan yang terjejas (vulnerable groups). Topik dan perbincangan tersebut mencerminkan kepentingan kemajuan, khususnya dalam bidang teknologi, serta keperluan memastikan kedaulatan undang-undang kekal teguh dan tidak terumbang-ambing dengan setiap cabaran, sebaliknya kekal pasti demi memelihara keyakinan awam.
Menteri-Menteri Undang-Undang turut menerima pakai Nadi Declaration on Democratic Resilience and Participation yang berfungsi sebagai rangka untuk memperkukuh ketahanan demokrasi melalui tadbir urus yang baik, mempromosi hak asasi manusia serta menghormati kedaulatan undang-undang.
Mesyuarat Menteri-Menteri Undang-Undang Komanwel diadakan secara dwitahunan dan menyediakan platform kepada Menteri-Menteri Undang-Undang dan Peguam Negara untuk berkongsi amalan terbaik serta memperkukuhkan kerjasama antara negara-negara yang berkongsi tradisi perundangan yang sama dalam pelbagai isu termasuk peranan teknologi dalam penyampaian keadilan; undang-undang dan kontrak model; alat pembaharuan undang-undang; serta pengukuhan perlindungan hak-hak asasi.
-TAMAT-
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SIARAN AKHBAR MAJLIS SAMBUTAN ISRA' DAN MI'RAJ PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA BAGI TAHUN 1447 HIJRAH / 2026 MASIHI PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA
.jpg) BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Rabu, 21 Jan 2026 – Pejabat Peguam Negara mengadakan majlis sambutan Isra' Mi'raj bagi tahun 1447 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 Berhomat Datin Seri 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 bacaan ayat-ayat Suci Al-Quran yang disampaikan oleh Yang Mulia Abdul Qawiyyel Azeez bin Haji Abdul Rajid. Majlis diserikan dengan Ceramah Khas bertajuk “Dari Sembahyang Menuju Cemerlang" disampaikan oleh Yang Mulia Ustaz Muhammad Safwan bin Mohd Suffian. Majlis merupakan salah satu aktiviti tahunan Pejabat ini dalam sama-sama menyemarakkan sambutan hari Kebesaran Islam, iaitu peristiwa bersejarah Isra' dan Mi'raj Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam di samping mengeratkan hubungan silaturahim sesama pegawai dan kakitangan Pejabat Peguam Negara.
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ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE WEDNESDAY, 7TH JANUARY 2026
BASIC PROSECUTION TRAINING COURSE 2026
On 7 January 2026, The Honourable Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, Attorney General and Public Prosecutor officiated the Opening Ceremony of the Basic Prosecution Training Course, a two-day course organised by the Criminal Justice Division of the Attorney General's Chambers.
In her Welcoming Address, The Honourable Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib highlighted that prosecutors play a central role in upholding justice and emphasised the importance to act in the public interest, make decisions fairly and independently, in accordance with the law and based on facts that can be proven by admissible evidence.
The Basic Prosecution Training Course is designed to strengthen participants’ professional competence and advocacy skills through structured and practical training. The course incorporates the Hampel Advocacy training method, which will be utilised for the first time in the training of prosecuting officers from law enforcement agencies, enabling participants to learn through demonstration, guided practice, and structured feedback to enhance courtroom advocacy skills.
The course was attended by 41 officers from the Attorney General’s Chambers, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Narcotics Control Bureau, Immigration and National Registration Department, Royal Customs and Excise Department, Revenue Division of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Department of Labour and Tabung Amanah Pekerja.
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Terjemahan
KURSUS LATIHAN ASAS PENDAKWAAN 2026
Pada 7 Januari 2026, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, Peguam Negara dan Pendakwa Raya telah merasmikan Majlis Pembukaan Kursus Latihan Asas Pendakwaan, kursus selama dua hari yang dianjurkan oleh Bahagian Keadilan Jenayah, Pejabat Peguam Negara.
Dalam ucapan alu-aluan, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib menekankan bahawa pendakwa-pendakwa memainkan peranan penting dalam menegakkan keadilan dan menegaskan kepentingan untuk bertindak demi kepentingan awam, membuat keputusan dengan adil dan bebas, selaras dengan undang-undang serta berdasarkan fakta yang boleh dibuktikan melalui keterangan yang boleh diterima.
Kursus Latihan Asas Pendakwaan tersebut direka untuk mengukuhkan kecekapan profesional dan kemahiran advokasi para peserta melalui latihan yang berstruktur dan praktikal. Kursus tersebut menggabungkan kaedah latihan Hampel Advocacy, yang akan digunakan buat pertama kali dalam latihan pegawai pendakwa daripada agensi penguatkuasaan undang-undang, membolehkan para peserta belajar melalui demonstrasi, latihan berpandu, serta maklum balas berstruktur bagi meningkatkan kemahiran advokasi di mahkamah.
Sebanyak 41 orang peserta telah mengambil bahagian dalam kursus tersebut, termasuk pendakwa-pendakwa Pejabat Peguam Negara, pegawai-pegawai Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei, Polis Diraja Brunei, Biro Kawalan Narkotik, Jabatan Imigresen dan Pendaftaran Kebangsaan, Jabatan Kastam dan Eksais Diraja, Bahagian Hasil Kementerian Kewangan dan Ekonomi, Jabatan Buruh dan Tabung Amanah Pekerja.
-TAMAT-
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ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
SATURDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER 2025
THE LAW MINISTERS REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO UPHOLD THE RULE OF
LAW THROUGH LEGAL COOPERATION


The Honourable Attorney General, Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji
Muhammed Taib led the country’s delegation of officers from the Attorney General’s
Chambers to the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) and related meeting held
on 14th and 15th November 2025 in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines.
The 13th ALAWMM was officiated by the President of the Republic of the Philippines, His
Excellency Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. In his keynote address, His Excellency
highlighted the historic signing of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition as a landmark
achievement in ensuring accountability across borders. He further called for stronger
cooperation to confront emerging challenges, including cybercrime and the legal
implications of artificial intelligence. His Excellency also reaffirmed ASEAN’s unity and
commitment to upholding the rule of law as the foundation of regional peace and stability.
The 13th ALAWMM was chaired by His Excellency Frederick A. Vida, Acting Secretary of
Justice of the Republic of the Philippines, and attended by the Law Ministers and Attorneys
General of ASEAN Member States as well as the Secretary-General of ASEAN, His Excellency
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.
The Meeting reviewed the work progress in the area of law and legal cooperation since the
12th ALAWMM. Particularly, the completion of the negotiation of the ASEAN Treaty on
Extradition and its signing on 14th November 2025, signified a significant landmark in legal cooperation for combating transnational crime, strengthening the rule law and justice.
Further, the adoption of the Joint Statement by ASEAN Law Ministers on International
Commercial Arbitration and Mediation Development at the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 by the
ASEAN Law Ministers, on 21st August 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was another
important milestone in the work on advancing international commercial arbitration and
mediation. The Meeting also noted the successful implementation of the ASEAN Community
Vision 2025 and its associated Blueprints, as well as progress in the harmonisation of trade
laws, strengthening ASEAN’s capacity on crime prevention and criminal justice, and mutual
legal assistance in civil and commercial matters, and the collaborative work with other
ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies in the realisation of the ASEAN community and rules
based agenda. Reflecting upon ALAWMM’s achievements over the last decade, the Honourable Attorney
General highlighted that the collective efforts have strengthened ASEAN’s legal architecture
through the development of important legal instruments such as the Model ASEAN
Extradition Treaty and thereafter the legally binding ASEAN Treaty on Extradition. She
underlined that the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition is more than a legal instrument; it is a
manifestation of ASEAN’s shared trust and unity in upholding the rule of law and promoting
accountability across borders. Together with the Treaty of Mutual Legal Assistance in
Criminal Matters (MLAT), it strengthens ASEAN’s regional legal framework in combating
transnational crime and fostering a rules-based regional order.
In moving forward with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, she underscored that
ALAWMM’s tasks to ensure ASEAN’s legal cooperation continues to evolve, responsive to
innovation, adaptive to change including in artificial intelligence (AI), and unwavering in its
pursuit of peace and justice.
The ALAWMM takes place every two years and is a key forum with the mandate to address
all
matters pertaining to legal cooperation and implement the decisions and
recommendations of the ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN Political-Security Council, in support of ASEAN integration initiatives. A Joint Communique’ was adopted by the Law
Ministers as an outcome document of the Meeting.
The 14th ALAWMM and the 26th ASLOM will be hosted by Singapore in 2027. On the sideline of the 13th ALAWMM, the Honourable Attorney General attended the first
ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting with Japan (ALAWMM – Japan) convened on 15th November
2025 in Manila, the Philippines. The first ALAWMM – Japan marked an important elevation
of cooperation and partnership between ASEAN and Japan in the field of law and justice to a
higher level. The Meeting commended the initiatives and activities to implement the ASEAN
Japan Work Plan on Law and Justice. It was acknowledged that these collective efforts would
create greater cooperation in the field of law and justice, and enhance crime prevention on a
transnational level, capacity building, and mutual legal assistance.
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TERJEMAHAN
MENTERI-MENTERI UNDANG-UNDANG MENEGASKAN SEMULA KOMITMEN
UNTUK MENEGAKKAN KEDAULATAN UNDANG-UNDANG MELALUI
KERJASAMA PERUNDANGAN
Yang Berhormat Peguam Negara, Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor
Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib mengetuai delegasi negara yang terdiri
daripada pegawai-pegawai Pejabat Peguam Negara ke Mesyuarat Menteri
Menteri Undang-Undang ASEAN kali ke-13 (ALAWMM) dan mesyuarat
berkaitan yang diadakan pada 14hb dan 15hb November 2025 di Manila,
Republik Filipina.
ALAWMM kali ke-13 dirasmikan oleh Presiden Republik Filipina, Tuan Yang
Terutama Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. Semasa menyampaikan ucaptama,
Tuan Yang Terutama menekankan bahawa pemeteraian bersejarah Triti
ASEAN mengenai Ekstradisi merupakan pencapaian penting dalam
memastikan akauntabiliti merentasi sempadan. Tuan Yang Terutama turut
menyeru agar kerjasama diperkukuhkan bagi menghadapi cabaran baharu,
termasuk jenayah siber dan implikasi undang-undang berkaitan kecerdasan
buatan (AI). Tuan Yang Terutama juga menegaskan semula perpaduan ASEAN serta komitmen untuk menegakkan kedaulatan undang-undang sebagai asas
kepada keamanan dan kestabilan serantau.
ALAWMM kali ke-13 dipengerusikan oleh Tuan Yang Terutama Frederick A.
Vida, Pemangku Setiausaha Keadilan Republik Filipina, dan dihadiri oleh
Menteri Undang-Undang dan Peguam Negara bagi Negara-Negara Anggota
ASEAN serta Setiausaha Agung ASEAN, Tuan Yang Terutama Dr. Kao Kim
Hourn. Mesyuarat meninjau kemajuan kerja dalam bidang kerjasama undang-undang
dan perundangan sejak ALAWMM ke-12. Khususnya, penyelesaian
perundingan ke atas Triti ASEAN mengenai Ekstradisi dan
penandatanganannya pada 14hb November 2025, menandakan pencapaian
penting dalam kerjasama undang-undang demi membanteras jenayah
transnasional, mengukuhkan kedaulatan undang-undang dan keadilan. Selain
itu, pengesahan Kenyataan Bersama oleh Menteri-Menteri Undang-Undang
ASEAN mengenai Pembangunan Timbang Tara dan Mediasi Komersil
Antarabangsa pada Forum Undang-Undang ASEAN 2025, pada 21hb Ogos 2025
di Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, merupakan satu lagi pencapaian penting dalam
usaha memajukan timbang tara dan mediasi komersil antarabangsa. Mesyuarat
itu juga menyatakan kejayaan pelaksanaan Visi Komuniti ASEAN 2025 dan
Blueprints yang berkaitan, serta kemajuan dalam penyelarasan undang-undang
perdagangan, pengukuhan kapasiti ASEAN dalam pencegahan jenayah dan
keadilan jenayah, dan bantuan undang-undang timbal balik dalam hal sivil dan
komersil, serta kerjasama dengan Badan Menteri-Menteri Sektoral ASEAN lain
dalam merealisasikan komuniti ASEAN dan agenda berasaskan peraturan.
Mengimbas pencapaian ALAWMM selama dekad yang lalu, Yang Berhormat
Peguam Negara menegaskan bahawa usaha kolektif telah memperkukuh
struktur undang-undang ASEAN melalui pembangunan instrumen-instrumen
undang-undang penting seperti Model Triti ASEAN mengenai Ekstradisi dan
seterusnya Triti ASEAN mengenai Ekstradisi yang mengikat dari segi undang
undang. Yang Berhormat Peguam Negara juga menegaskan bahawa Triti
ASEAN mengenai Ekstradisi lebih daripada sekadar instrumen undang
undang; ia adalah manifestasi kepercayaan dan perpaduan ASEAN dalam
mempertahankan kedaulatan undang-undang dan menggalakkan akauntabiliti
merentasi sempadan. Bersama Treaty of Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal
Matters (MLAT), ia mengukuhkan rangka kerja undang-undang serantau
ASEAN dalam membanteras jenayah transnasional dan memupuk tataan
serantau berasaskan peraturan. Dalam langkah ke hadapan dengan Visi Komuniti ASEAN 2045, Yang Berhormat
Peguam Negara menekankan bahawa tugas ALAWMM untuk memastikan
kerjasama undang-undang ASEAN terus berkembang, responsif terhadap
inovasi, menyesuaikan diri dengan perubahan termasuk dalam bidang
kecerdasan buatan (AI), dan tidak goyah dalam usaha mencapai keamanan dan
keadilan. ALAWMM diadakan setiap dua tahun dan merupakan forum utama dengan
mandat untuk membincangkan semua perkara berkaitan kerjasama undang
undang, serta melaksanakan keputusan dan cadangan Sidang Kemuncak
ASEAN dan Majlis Politikal-Sekuriti ASEAN sebagai sokongan kepada inisiatif
integrasi ASEAN. Sebuah Kenyataan Bersama telah disahkan oleh Menteri
Menteri Undang-Undang sebagai dokumen hasil Mesyuarat. ALAWMM ke-14 dan ASLOM ke-26 akan dihoskan oleh Singapura pada tahun
2027. Semasa sidang ALAWMM ke-13, Yang Berhormat Peguam Negara juga turut
menghadiri Mesyuarat Menteri-Menteri Undang-Undang ASEAN yang pertama
dengan Jepun (ALAWMM - Jepun) yang diadakan pada 15hb November 2025 di
Manila, Filipina. Mesyurarat ALAWMM - Jepun pertama menandakan
peningkatan penting dalam kerjasama dan perkongsian antara ASEAN dan
Jepun dalam bidang undang-undang dan keadilan ke tahap yang lebih tinggi.
Mesyuarat telah memuji inisiatif dan aktiviti bagi melaksanakan Rangka Kerja
ASEAN-Jepun mengenai Undang-Undang dan Keadilan. Telah diakui bahawa
usaha bersama ini akan mewujudkan kerjasama yang lebih erat dalam bidang
undang-undang dan keadilan, serta meningkatkan pencegahan jenayah pada
peringkat transnasional, pembangunan kapasiti, dan bantuan perundangan
bersama.
-TAMAT-
| Latest News | | |  ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE FRIDAY, 14TH NOVEMBER 2025
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM SIGNED THE ASEAN TREATY ON EXTRADITION
 
On 14th November 2025, Brunei Darussalam signed the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition along with the ten Member States of ASEAN on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) held on 14th – 15th November 2025 in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines. Signing the ASEAN Treaty on Exradition on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was the Honourable Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, Attorney General as the central authority of Brunei Darussalam for extradition matters. The signing of the Treaty signifies a landmark achievement and an important deliverable under the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025 and the ASEAN Political-Security Plan in ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future. The Treaty strengthens ASEAN's resilience and capacity to respect and uphold the rule of law as well as combat cross-border crime, enhance proce dural transparency, and streamline the extradition process among ASEAN Member States. This also marks a significant step towards ASEAN's resolve to establish a stronger legal framework for cooperation on extradition-related matters and ensuring its implementation. The signing of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition highlights Brunei Darussalam's commitment to deepen regional legal cooperation in addressing transnational crime. Prior to this, a non-legally binding Model ASEAN Extradition Treaty (MAET) was adopted by 10th ALAWMM in October 2018.
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TERJEMAHAN
NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM MENANDATANGANI TRITI ASEAN MENGENAI EKSTRADISI Pada 14hb November 2025, Negara Brunei Darussalam telah menandatangani Triti ASEAN mengenai Ekstradisi bersama sepuluh anggota Negara ASEAN semasa acara sampingan Mesyuarat Menteri-Menteri Undang-Undang ASEAN ke-13 (ALAWMM) yang berlangsung pada 14hb hingga 15hb November 2025 di Manila, Republik Filipina. Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, Peguam Negara selaku Pihak Berkuasa Negara Brunei Darussalam bagi perkara-perkara ekstradisi menandatangani Triti tersebut bagi pihak Kerajaan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam. Penandatanganan Triti tersebut menandakan pencapaian bersejarah dan hasil yang penting di bawah ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025 and the ASEAN Political-Security Plan in ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future. Triti tersebut mengukuhkan ketahanan dan keupayaan ASEAN bagi menghormati dan menegakkan kedaulatan undang-undang di samping memerangi jenayah rentas sempadan, meningkatkan ketelusan prosedur, dan memperkemas proses ekstradisi dalam kalangan Negara Anggota ASEAN. Triti tersebut juga merupakan langkah penting ke arah usaha ASEAN bagi mewujudkan rangka kerja perundangan yang lebih kukuh untuk kerjasama dalam pekara-perkara yang berkaitan dengan ekstradisi dan memastikan pelaksanaannya. Penandatanganan Triti tersebut menekankan komitmen Negara Brunei Darussalam untuk memantapkan kerjasama perundangan serantau dalam menangani jenayah rentas negara. Sebelum ini, Model Triti ASEAN mengenai Extradisi (MAET) yang bersifat tidak mengikat dari segi undang-undang telah diterima pakai semasa Mesyuarat Menteri-Menteri Undang-Undang ASEAN ke-10 pada Oktober 2018.
-TAMAT-
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PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA SIARAN AKHBAR SABTU, 08 NOVEMBER 2025 Negara Brunei Darussalam Tekankan Usaha Berterusan untuk Memperkukuh Rangka Kerja Perundangan dalam Kenyataan yang Disampaikan Sempena Minggu Undang-Undang Antarabangsa di Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu
New York, 7 November 2025 — Semasa Mesyuarat Pleno ke-36 Jawatankuasa Keenam bagi Sesi ke-80 Perhimpunan Agung Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu, yang diadakan selepas penutupan Minggu Undang-Undang Antarabangsa, Dyg Hjh Fauziah binti Hj Sulaiman, Timbalan Penasihat Undang-Undang Kanan, telah menyampaikan kenyataan Negara Brunei Darussalam di bawah Agenda Perkara 80: Laporan Suruhanjaya Undang-Undang Antarabangsa (ILC) mengenai Kerja Sesi ke-76, yang memberi tumpuan kepada Penggal IX — Perjanjian Antarabangsa yang Tidak Mengikat dari Segi Undang-Undang. Kenyataan tersebut, yang pada mulanya dijadualkan untuk disampaikan semasa Minggu Undang-Undang Antarabangsa (27 – 31 Oktober 2025), telah dibentangkan pada peringkat seterusnya berikutan pertimbangan lanjutan bagi Kluster I laporan Suruhanjaya Undang-Undang Antarabangsa. Dalam kenyataannya, Negara Brunei Darussalam memuji Suruhanjaya Undang-Undang Antarabangsa atas komitmen berterusan terhadap pembangunan progresif dan pengkanunan undang-undang antarabangsa. Delegasi Negara Brunei Darussalam turut mengalu-alukan tumpuan Suruhanjaya Undang-Undang Antarabangsa (ILC) terhadap perjanjian antarabangsa yang tidak mengikat dari segi undang-undang, yang mengiktiraf kepentingan praktikalnya bagi Negara-negara kecil seperti Negara Brunei Darussalam dalam memupuk kerjasama antarabangsa yang fleksibel dan pragmatik. Negara Brunei Darussalam menyatakan penghargaan kepada Pelapor Khas, Profesor Mathias Forteau atas laporan komprehensif dan cadangan membinanya. Kenyataan tersebut menggariskan sokongan Negara Brunei Darussalam terhadap pendekatan yang seimbang dan praktikal, dengan mencadangkan format hibrid yang menggabungkan kesimpulan draf dengan contoh lampiran atau klausa model bagi meningkatkan kebolehcapaian dan pelaksanaan, khususnya bagi Negara-negara kecil. Dengan menonjolkan inisiatif domestik, Pejabat Peguam Negara Brunei Darussalam sedang menerajui usaha untuk membangunkan templat kebangsaan dan garis panduan dalaman bagi perundingan serta pemeteraian Memorandum Persefahaman yang tidak mengikat dari segi undang-undang. Inisiatif ini bertujuan untuk mengukuhkan konsistensi institusi, menyediakan panduan prosedur yang lebih jelas di seluruh kementerian dan agensi kerajaan, serta menghasilkan penerbitan sebuah buku panduan praktikal pada tahun 2026. Di peringkat serantau, Negara Brunei Darussalam selaras dengan ASEAN's 2023 Rules of Procedure for the Conclusion of Non-Legally Binding Agreements (Aturan Prosedur ASEAN 2023 bagi Pemeteraian Perjanjian yang Tidak Mengikat dari Segi Undang-Undang), yang mencerminkan komitmen bersama terhadap koheren, ketelusan, dan amalan terbaik dalam penggunaan instrumen tersebut. Negara Brunei Darussalam sekali lagi menegaskan kesediaannya untuk menyumbang secara konstruktif terhadap kerja berterusan Suruhanjaya Undang-Undang Antarabangsa (ILC), dengan menekankan bahawa pembangunan draf kesimpulan atau garis panduan yang jelas akan meningkatkan kepastian undang-undang, menambah baik amalan penggubalan, dan menggalakkan kerjasama antarabangsa yang berkesan. -TAMAT-
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ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
THURSDAY, 6th NOVEMBER 2025
BANGLADESHI NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Mahedi Hasan, a 44-year-old Bangladeshi national, pleaded guilty on 30 September 2025 to three counts of trafficking in persons offences. Two charges were brought under Section 4 of the Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order, 2004 for offences committed in 2018, while the third charge was brought under Section 5(1) of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230 for an offence committed in 2019. The prescribed penalties for these offences include imprisonment for a term of not less than 4 years, but not exceeding 30 years, fines not exceeding $1,000,000, and, whipping. In delivering the sentence, the Honourable Judicial Commissioner Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli observed that the Defendant's conduct exhibited serious aggravating features; in which victims were deliberately recruited through deception and lured by false promises of stable and well-paid employment in Brunei Darussalam. The Defendant exercised exploitative control over the victims, confiscating their passports and demanding monthly payments under false pretense of legal requirement and repatriation as well as deploying them to various workplaces often with meagre or no salary. The Court further emphasised that the offences were not isolated but formed part of a repeated pattern of criminal conduct over a significant period of time, revealing a calculated scheme rather than a momentary lapse. This pattern involved multiple victims who had placed their trust in the Defendant, having left their families and incurred debts in hopes of improving their future. The Defendant's action also undermined the integrity of Brunei Darussalam's labour and immigration systems. Given the gravity of the deception and exploitation involved, the Honourable Court held that a substantial custodial sentence and a strong deterrent punishment were warranted. Following that, the Honourable Judical Commissioner sentenced the Defendant to a total of 5 years' imprisonment, a fine of BND$50,000 in default of 50 months' imprisonment and 6 strokes of whipping. Deputy Public Prosecutors Hajah Siti Mu'izzah binti Haji Sabli and DPP Syazwani binti Jumat represented the Public Prosecutor and counsels from Messrs Daud Ismail & Company for the Defendant.
-END-
Mahedi Hasan, seorang warganegara Bangladesh berumur 44 tahun, telah mengaku bersalah pada 30 September 2025 atas tiga pertuduhan kesalahan pemerdagangan orang. Dua pertuduhan telah dikemukakan di bawah Bab 4 Perintah Pemerdagangan dan Penyeludupan Orang, 2004 bagi kesalahan yang dilakukan pada tahun 2018, sementara pertuduhan ketiga dikemukakan di bawah Bab 5(1) Akta Anti-pemerdagangan Orang, Penggal 230 bagi kesalahan yang dilakukan pada tahun 2019. Hukuman yang diperuntukkan bagi kesalahan-kesalahan tersebut termasuklah hukuman penjara bagi tempoh tidak kurang daripada 4 tahun tetapi tidak melebihi 30 tahun, denda tidak melebihi $1,000,000, serta sebatan. Dalam menjatuhkan hukuman, Yang Arif Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli menegaskan bahawa tingkah laku Defendan menunjukkan factor-faktor yang memberatkan; di mana mangsa-mangsa telah direkrut secara sengaja melalui penipuan dan diperdaya dengan janji palsu mengenai peluang pekerjaan yang stabil dan bergaji lumayan di Negara Brunei Darussalam. Defendan telah mengeksploitasi mangsa-mangsa tersebut dengan merampas pasport mereka serta menuntut bayaran bulanan atas alasan palsu kononnya sebagai keperluan undang-undang dan bagi tujuan penghantaran pulang. Defendan juga telah menempatkan mereka di pelbagai tempat kerja, sering kali dengan bayaran yang amat sedikit atau tanpa gaji sama sekali. Mahkamah selanjutnya menegaskan bahawa kesalahan-kesalahan tersebut bukanlah kejadian terpencil tetapi merupakan sebahagian daripada corak perlakuan jenayah yang berulang dalam tempoh masa yang panjang, menunjukkan suatu rancangan yang dirancang dengan teliti dan bukannya kealpaan sementara. Corak tersebut melibatkan ramai mangsa yang telah meletakkan kepercayaan mereka kepada Defendan, setelah meninggalkan keluarga masing-masing dan menanggung hutang dengan harapan untuk memperbaiki masa depan mereka. Tindakan Defendan itu juga menjejaskan integriti sistem buruh dan imigresen Negara Brunei Darussalam. Memandangkan keseriusan penipuan dan eksploitasi yang terlibat, Mahkamah memutuskan bahawa hukuman penjara yang berat serta hukuman pencegahan yang tegas adalah wajar. Sehubungan itu, Yang Arif Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman telah menjatuhkan hukuman terhadap Defendan dengan hukuman penjara selama 5 tahun, denda sebanyak BND$50,000 dengan hukuman penjara selama 50 bulan sekiranya gagal membayar denda tersebut serta 6 kali sebatan. Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Hajah Siti Mu'izzah binti Haji Sabli dan Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Syazwani binti Jumat telah mewakili Pendakwa Raya dan peguam-peguam daripada Tetuan Daud Ismail Company bagi pihak Defendan.
-TAMAT-
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ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
TUESDAY, 28TH OCTOBER 2025
61 -YEAR-OLD WOMAN JAILED FOR DECEIVING ELDERLY VICTIM
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR V WEI FENGHUA
MCCT/BSB/376/2025
The Magistrates’ Court of Bandar Seri Begawan has sentenced Wei Fenghua, 61, to 18 months’ imprisonment for cheating an elderly woman, an offence under section 420 read with section 34 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22. The charge relates to her role in a deceptive act involving a purported blessing ritual. The sentence was handed down on 16 October 2025 before the Honourable Magistrate Abdul Azim bin Haji Othman.
The offence took place on 26 August 2025 outside a supermarket in a commercial area of Bandar Seri Begawan, where the defendant, acting with three unidentified accomplices, approached the 85-year-old victim and deceived her into believing that they could spiritually heal her daughter, who suffers from a mental health condition. The victim was persuaded to bring her valuables for a supposed ritual, during which her cash and jewellery were secretly replaced with bottles of water and packet drinks. The total loss was estimated at B$36,000 in cash and several sets of jewellery, none of which were recovered.
Investigations revealed that the defendant had first entered Brunei in August 2025, during which the offence was committed, and left the country on the same day. She later re-entered Brunei on 14 September 2025 via a flight from Nanning, China, and was arrested upon arrival at Brunei International Airport. The Prosecution described the act as an organised scam, carried out with accomplices who remain at large, noting that the elderly victim had been targeted because of her vulnerability.
In delivering sentence, the Honourable Magistrate Abdul Azim said the offence involved deliberate planning and that deterrence was an important consideration in safeguarding the public interest.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Fitri binti Kiprawi.
-END-
TERJEMAHAN
Mahkamah Majistret Bandar Seri Begawan telah menjatuhkan hukuman penjara selama 18 bulan terhadap Wei Fenghua, wanita berumur 61 tahun, atas kesalahan menipu seorang warga emas, suatu kesalahan di bawah bab 420 dibaca bersama bab 34 dari Kanun Hukuman Jenayah, Penggal 22. Pertuduhan tersebut berkaitan dengan peranannya dalam perbuatan memperdaya yang kononnya mengadakan upacara keugamaan. Hukuman tersebut dijatuhkan pada 16 Oktober 2025 di hadapan Yang Arif Majistret Abdul Azim bin Haji Othman.
Kesalahan itu berlaku pada 26 Ogos 2025 di luar sebuah pasar raya di kawasan komersil Bandar Seri Begawan, yang defendan, bertindak bersama tiga rakan subahat yang belum ditangkap, menghampiri seorang wanita berumur 85 tahun dan memperdayakannya untuk mempercayai bahawa mereka boleh menyembuhkan anak perempuannya secara rohani, yang mengalami masalah kesihatan mental. Mangsa telah dipujuk untuk membawa barangan berharganya bagi tujuan upacara yang sepatutnya diadakan, yang pada masa tersebut wang tunai dan barang kemasnya telah ditukar tanpa diketahuinya dengan botol air dan minuman paket. Jumlah kerugian dianggarkan sebanyak B$36,000 dalam bentuk wang tunai dan beberapa set barang kemas, yang kesemuanya tidak dapat dijumpai.
Siasatan mendedahkan bahawa defendan pertama kali memasuki Negara Brunei Darussalam pada Ogos 2025, iaitu pada masa kesalahan itu dilakukan, dan telah meninggalkan negara ini pada hari yang sama. Dia kemudiannya masuk semula ke Negara Brunei Darussalam pada 14 September 2025 melalui penerbangan dari Nanning, China, dan ditangkap sebaik tiba di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Brunei. Pihak Pendakwa memerihalkan perbuatan itu sebagai penipuan (scam) terancang, yang dilakukan bersama rakan subahat yang masih bebas, dengan menekankan bahawa mangsa warga emas itu telah menjadi sasaran kerana mudah terperdaya.
Semasa menjatuhkan hukuman, Yang Arif Majistret Abdul Azim menyatakan bahawa kesalahan tersebut melibatkan perancangan terlebih dahulu, dan bahawa pencegahan amat penting untuk dipertimbangkan bagi melindungi kepentingan orang ramai.
Pendakwaan dikendalikan oleh Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Nurul Fitri binti Kiprawi.
-TAMAT- | Latest News | | | 
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE WEDNESDAY, 22ND OCTOBER 2025 HIGH COURT SETS ASIDE THE ACQUITTALS OF TWO GOVERNMENT SERVANTS AND ORDERS A RETRIAL PUBLIC PROSECUTOR V HAJI MUHAMMAD SUFFIAN BIN HAJI BUNGSU AND JONATHAN KHO CHEW SEN On 22nd October 2025, the Honourable Judicial Commissioner Haji Abdullah Soefri bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin allowed the Public Prosecutor's appeal against the acquittal of Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu and Jonathan Kho Chew Sen. The respondents claimed trial in the Magistrates' Court for offences under sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 131, and alternative charges under section 165 and section 109 read with section 165 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22. At the time of the alleged offences, Haji Muhammad Suffian was the Director of Radio Television Brunei (RTB), Prime Minister's Office, and Jonathan Kho was the Assistant Head of Editorial News and Current Affairs, RTB. The case involved a Mercedes-Benz C200 CGI AMG Sports valued at B$66,800 given by Jonathan Kho Chew Sen to Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu which was alleged to be gratification for securing his appointment as the Acting Head of News and Current Affairs at RTB. At the end of the trial, the trial magistrate accepted the defence case that the car was an interest-free loan that had no connection to Jonathan Kho's appointment in RTB, though there was never any repayment. Both respondents were acquitted on 6 March 2025. On appeal, the Honourable Judicial Commissioner held that the trial magistrate had misdirected herself on the presumption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, that any gratification proven to have been given or received is corrupt unless the contrary is shown. It was further held that the trial magistrate did not decide whether this presumption had been successfully rebutted by the respondents, and that the trial magistrate failed to assess the evidence in totality based on the objective test of a reasonable man when determining corrupt intent. The High Court set aside the acquittals, and ordered a retrial on all main and alternative charges. Deputy Public Prosecutors Hajah Suriana binti Haji Radin and Nurul Fitri binti Kiprawi appeared for the Public Prosecutor. The respondents were represented by Mr Roy Prabhakaran and Mr Kamal bin Shaari of Messrs Yusof Halim & Partners. -END- Terjemahan Pada 22 Oktober 2025, Yang Arif Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman Haji Abdullah Soefri bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin telah membenarkan rayuan yang dibuat oleh Pendakwa Raya atas pembebasan Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu dan Jonathan Kho Chew Sen. Responden telah dibicarakan di Mahkamah Majistret atas kesalahan di bawah bab-bab 6(a) dan 6(b) Akta Pencegahan Rasuah, Penggal 131, serta pertuduhan alternatif di bawah bab 165 dan bab 109 dibaca bersama bab 165 Kanun Hukuman Jenayah, Penggal 22. Semasa kesalahan yang didakwa berlaku, Haji Muhammad Suffian merupakan Pengarah Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB), Jabatan Perdana Menteri, manakala Jonathan Kho merupakan Penolong Ketua Bahagian Berita dan Hal Ehwal Semasa, RTB. Kes ini melibatkan sebuah kereta Mercedes-Benz C200 CGI AMG Sports bernilai B$66,800 yang diberikan oleh Jonathan Kho Chew Sen kepada Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu, yang didakwa sebagai satu bentuk suapan bagi tujuan mendapatkan pelantikan beliau sebagai Pemangku Ketua Bahagian Berita dan Hal Ehwal Semasa di RTB. Pada akhir perbicaraan, Mahkamah Majistret telah menerima hujahan pembelaan bahawa kereta tersebut merupakan pinjaman tanpa faedah yang tiada kaitan dengan pelantikan Jonathan Kho di RTB, walaupun tiada bayaran balik pernah dibuat. Kedua-dua responden telah dibebaskan pada 6 Mac 2025. Dalam rayuan tersebut, Yang Arif Pesuruhjaya Kehakiman berpendapat bahawa Mahkamah Majistret telah tersilap tafsir berhubung anggapan (presumption) di bawah Akta Pencegahan Rasuah, iaitu apa-apa suapan yang dibuktikan telah diberikan atau diterima hendaklah dianggap sebagai rasuah melainkan dibuktikan sebaliknya. Mahkamah Tinggi turut berpendapat bahawa Mahkamah Majistret tidak memutuskan sama ada anggapan tersebut telah berjaya dibantah oleh responden, dan Mahkamah Majistret gagal menilai keseluruhan keterangan secara menyeluruh berdasarkan ujian objektif orang yang munasabah dalam menentukan niat rasuah. Mahkamah Tinggi telah membatalkan pembebasan tersebut dan mengarahkan perbicaraan semula bagi semua pertuduhan utama dan alternatif. Pihak Pendakwa Raya diwakili oleh Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Hajah Suriana binti Haji Radin dan Nurul Fitri binti Kiprawi, sementara Responden diwakili oleh Peguamcara Roy Prabhakaran dan Kamal bin Shaari dari firma guaman Tetuan Yusof Halim & Partners. -TAMAT-
| Latest News | | | Intellectual Property Enforcement Seminar with the theme: “Counterfeit Goods: Health & Safety"
Bandar Seri Begawan – In conjunction with the annual IP Enforcement Week celebrated by ASEAN Member States under the auspices of The ASEAN Network of Intellectual Property Enforcement Experts (ANIEE), Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) organised a seminar on Intellectual Property Enforcement on Counterfeit Goods: Health and Safety held on 15th October 2025 at the Golden Jubilee Hall, The Law and Courts Building. 
The seminar aimed to provide a sharing session for entrepreneurs and individuals, particularly those from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), on the actions that should be taken when facing issues of counterfeit sales affecting their goods or services. 
The Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, the Attorney General and Registrar of Trade Marks, Patents, and Industrial Designs, delivered the opening remarks. She emphasised the importance of IP against counterfeit goods especially pertaining to health which can pose serious threats to public's safety and that even if the number of prosecuted IP cases relating to counterfeit products remains relatively low compared to other jurisdictions, there is still a need to strengthen awareness, vigilance and enforcement readiness. This requires collective responsibility from government agencies, the private sector and the public. She further emphasized that it is a shared duty to remain vigilant and to ensure that Brunei Darussalam continues to be a safe marketplace for consumers and a fair environment for legitimate businesses.

Speakers from BruIPO, Criminal Justice Division of the Attorney General's Chambers as well as guest speakers from Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Department of Consumer Protection, Royal Brunei Police Force and Royal Customs and Excise Department and the Law Society delivered insightful presentations, amongst others, to address the sale of counterfeit goods/services in Brunei Darussalam and enhance the audiences' understanding of acting against counterfeit goods.

The event brought together approximately 100 participants from government agencies and the legal sector, reinforcing BruIPO's commitment to strengthening public awareness and closer cooperation in safeguarding both intellectual property rights and the well-being of the public, particularly when facing issues of counterfeit sales affecting their goods or services. -END-
| Latest News | | | Brunei Darussalam Reaffirms Strong Commitment to Rule of Law at 80th UN General Assembly
New York, 9 October 2025 — Delivered in the Trusteeship Council Chambers at the United Nations Headquarters, Dyg Hjh Fauziah binti Hj Sulaiman, Deputy Senior Counsel from the Attorney General's Chambers, represented Brunei Darussalam during the Seventh Plenary Meeting of the Sixth Committee at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The delegation delivered the national statement on Agenda Item 84: The Rule of Law at the National and International Levels. Brunei reiterated its unwavering commitment to the rule of law as a fundamental pillar for peace, justice, and sustainable development, both domestically and globally. The statement highlighted Brunei's active support for the UN Charter, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Pact for the Future, emphasising the importance of international cooperation and respect for multilateral legal frameworks. Domestically, Brunei shared significant strides made under Wawasan Brunei 2035, including recent legal reforms such as amendments to the Employment Order, the upcoming Personal Data Protection Order, and initiatives to improve judicial efficiency and access to justice, notably the Judicial Case Management System 2.0 and a new online legal aid application platform. A key focus was also given to the Continuous Legal Education (CLE) programme, which equips public officers and legal practitioners with up-to-date knowledge and skills to promote ethical governance and a more legally empowered society. On emerging challenges, Brunei emphasised its forward-looking approach to ethical and transparent artificial intelligence governance, aligning with international standards like the Global Digital Compact. The statement reaffirmed Brunei's firm belief that upholding the rule of law is essential for building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies worldwide.
Brunei Darussalam remains dedicated to strengthening its legal frameworks in alignment with national development goals and international obligations. The Government is committed to ensuring that justice is accessible, equitable, and administered effectively, thereby supporting peace, stability, and sustainable development both domestically and internationally.
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ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS PRESS RELEASE
FRIDAY, 3RD OCTOBER 2025
BANGLADESHI NATIONAL SENTENCED IN THE HIGH COURT FOR HUMAN
TRAFFICKING
Khairul Bashar, a male Bangladeshi national charged with six counts of trafficking in
persons under Section 4 of the Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order, 2004 was
sentenced to a total of 7 years and 6 months’ imprisonment, a fine of $120,000 (in default
60 months' imprisonment) and 12 strokes on 2 October 2025. The Defendant had been
convicted following his guilty plea entered during the course of trial. He had admitted to
having recruited six male Bangladeshi nationals between 1 January 2018 and 30 March
2019 through deception for the purposes of exploitation through forced labour in Brunei
Darussalam. The prescribed penalty for such an offence is fine not exceeding BND
1,000,000, imprisonment for a term of not less than 4 years but not exceeding 30 years
and whipping.
In handing down his Sentencing, The Honourable Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme
Court Muhammed Faisal bin PDJLD DSP Haji Kefli remarked that the presence of multiple
victims greatly increases the seriousness of the offence as it demonstrates that the
Defendant's conduct was not opportunistic or confined to a single act, but a sustained
pattern of exploitation that preyed upon a group of vulnerable men. The Court considered
as a grave aggravating factor the significant hardship endured by the victims, stemming
from the Defendant’s deceptive assurances of lucrative employment in Brunei
Darussalam. The victims had been compelled to meet the financial demands of the
Defendant during the recruitment phase, only to face unemployment or
underemployment marked by low and irregular wages, trapped in conditions of
dependency with their passports confiscated and subjected to threats of repatriation
should they fail to make monthly payments to the Defendant. In concurrence with the Prosecution’s submissions, the Court further highlighted that the offence of trafficking in
persons constitutes a grave and heinous violation of human rights, subjecting victims to
the absolute control of traffickers, stripping them of personal autonomy and reducing
them to mere instruments of exploitation.
Deputy Public Prosecutors Hajah Rozaimah binti Haji Abd Rahman and Hajah Siti
Mu’izzah binti Haji Sabli represented the Public Prosecutor and counsels from Daud
Ismail & Company for the Defendant. -END-
| Latest News | | | 
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
FRIDAY, 3RD OCTOBER 2025
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
V
MUHAMMAD ALI ISKANDAR BIN MUSTAPHA
A former Assistant Narcotics Officer II Muhammad Ali Iskandar bin Mustapha was
charged before the Honourable Senior Magistrate Hajah Azrimah binti Haji Abdul
Rahman on 26th December 2024, for five counts of section 12B of the Prevention of
Corruption Act, Chapter 131 and two charges taken into consideration. This section
carries a penalty of a fine of $30,000 and imprisonment of 7 years.
Muhammad Ali Iskandar pleaded guilty to all the charges preferred against him. The
Honourable Senior Magistrate subsequently imposed an overall custodial sentence of 2
years and 8 months’ imprisonment.
The Prosecution subsequently filed an appeal against the sentence on the basis that the
sentence was manifestly inadequate. The appeal was heard before The Honourable
Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court Haji Abdullah Soefri bin POKSM DSP Haji
Abidin. In the appeal, the Prosecution invited the Court to reconsider the weight accorded
to the aggravating features of the case. These included the degree of abuse of his position
as an Assistant Narcotics Officer II at the Narcotics Control Bureau, the frequency of the
commission of the misconduct, the nature of information he disclosed, and the
overarching effect of his misconduct on the Narcotics Control Bureau - the sole institution
entrusted to eradicate the use, supply and trafficking of illicit drugs in Brunei Darussalam.
In handing down his judgement on 2nd October 2025, The Honourable Judicial
Commissioner remarked that the aggravating factors present in the case led the court to
take on the view that the starting points for the offences committed by Muhammad Ali
Iskandar should be nearer to the maximum prescribed penalty for the offence under
section 12B, which is imprisonment sentence of 7 years. He further highlighted that
among the most aggravating features of this case are Muhammad Ali Iskandar’s abuse of
his position as a Narcotics Officer in order to obtain personal benefits, and the overall
effect of his misconduct on the public trust and their confidence in the integrity of the
Narcotics Control Bureau.
The Honourable Judicial Commissioner then ordered for the overall custodial sentence to
be increased to a total of 4 years’ imprisonment. The appeal was conducted by Deputy
Public Prosecutor Siti Khalillah binti Haji Hussin.
-END-
| Latest News | | | 
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
THURSDAY, 2ND OCTOBER 2025
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
V
1253 CAPT MUHAMMAD HANIS BIN AWANG MASRI
On the 30th of September 2025, 1253 Captain Muhammad Hanis bin Awang Masri, was
preferred a holding charge of murder under section 302 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22, in
court before the Honourable Magistrate Abdul ‘Azim bin Othman. The defendant was
charged with causing the death of the deceased by means of strangulation.
On 28th September 2025, an emergency call had been made to the Police Emergency line
(993) reporting that the dead body of a 23-year old female had been found at the Defendant’s
residence in Berakas. Police investigations have identified the deceased, a Filipino national,
as the wife of the Defendant. Upon the Prosecution’s application, the Court ordered for the Defendant to be remanded for
two weeks to allow the Royal Brunei Police Force to conduct further investigations. The
Prosecution was represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Khalillah binti Haji Hussin.
The case has been fixed for further mention on 14th October 2025. -END-
Terjemahan
PEJABAT PEGUAM NEGARA
SIARAN AKHBAR KHAMIS, 2HB OKTOBER 2025 PENDAKWA RAYA
LWN
1253 KAPTEN MUHAMMAD HANIS BIN AWANG MASRI
Pada 30hb September 2025, 1253 Kapten Muhammad Hanis bin Awang Masri telah
dikenakan pertuduhan sementara bagi kesalahan membunuh di bawah bab 302 Kanun
Hukuman Jenayah, Penggal 22, di hadapan Yang Arif Majistret Abdul ‘Azim bin Othman.
Defendan didakwa atas kesalahan menyebabkan kematian si mati dengan cara mencekik.
Pada 28hb September 2025, satu panggilan kecemasan telah dibuat ke talian Kecemasan Polis
(993) melaporkan bahawa mayat seorang wanita berumur 23 tahun telah ditemui
di kediaman Defendan di Berakas. Siasatan pihak polis telah mengenal pasti si mati, seorang
warganegara Filipina, sebagai isteri Defendan.
Atas permohonan pihak Pendakwa, Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Defendan
direman selama dua minggu bagi membolehkan Pasukan Polis Diraja Brunei menjalankan
siasatan lanjut. Pihak Pendakwa diwakili oleh Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Siti Khalillah binti
Haji Hussin.
Kes tersebut telah ditetapkan untuk sebutan lanjut pada 14hb Oktober 2025. -TAMAT-
| Latest News | | |  ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
PRESS RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, 1ST OCTOBER 2025
BANGLADESHI NATIONAL PLEADED GUILTY FOR THE OFFENCE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE HIGH COURT
On 30 September 2025, a 44-year-old Bangladeshi national, Mahedi Hasan, pleaded guilty to three counts of trafficking in persons offences. Two of the charges were brought under Section 4 of the Trafficking and Smuggling of Persons Order, 2004, for offences committed in 2018, while the third charge was under Section 5(1) of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 230, for an offence committed in 2019.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 and counsels from Daud Ismail & Company for the Defendant.
Investigations by the Human Trafficking Investigation Unit of the Royal Brunei Police Force revealed that the Defendant had trafficked three Bangladeshi nationals into Brunei Darussalam between 2018 and 2019, for the purposes of forced labour. The victims, having incurred significant debts in Bangladesh had travelled to Brunei Darussalam in reliance on the Defendant’s promises of well-paid employment. Since their arrival in Brunei Darussalam, the Defendant failed to provide the victims with the promised employment. Notwithstanding their unemployment, the Defendant continued to demand monthly payments of BND$50-BND$100 from the victims and threatened them with repatriation should they fail to comply. He also admitted to deploying the victims to various workplaces at his discretion and retaining possession of their passports.
The Defendant pleaded guilty to all the charges preferred against him and admitted to the Statement of Facts presented by the Prosecution. Sentencing for the case has been deferred to 6 November 2025.
-END-
| Latest News | | | AGC Badminton Team defends winning streak The Attorney General's Chambers Badminton Team once again reigned supreme at the annual badminton tournament organised by the Law Society of Brunei Darussalam. The tournament saw AGC claimed over the Law Society and the Judiciary (Civil and Syariah) teams. AGC defended its champion title for the sixth year in a row after winning eight out of 12 categories in the tournament. The Category include two men's doubles, two women's doubles, one mixed double and one senior men's doubles. The senior men category players have a total combined age of 90 years and above. The Law Society placed second with six wins while the Judiciary came in third with four wins. The badminton tournament was held at the Peak Club last Sunday, 28th September 2025. The AGC will also participate in other games hosted by the Law Society such as bowling, futsal and Hybrid Games in the coming months.
(Top) Team AGC – Champion of the 2025 Law Society Badminton Tournament 
(Below) Group photo
| 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.
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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.
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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-
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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
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