Islamic Da'wah Centre launches 10 new books

THE Islamic Da'wah Centre (PDI) yesterday launched 10 books which it published, including six fictional children's stories. The launching ceremony was officiated by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Mohd Zain Hj Serudin. Also present was the patron of the ceremony, Deputy Minister Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman.

One of the publications is an English translation of 'A Review on: The Implementation and Administration of Islamic Law in Brunei Darussalam' which was originally written in Malay by the late Professor Dato Dr Hj Mahmud Saedon Othman.

A prize presentation was also held for the winners of the 2006 Islamic Creative Writing Competition in conjunction with the Isra' Mi'raj Celebration.

"The aim of the ceremony is to publicise the centre's new publications and at the same time give the participating local authors the chance to exchange ideas with one another," said Acting Director of PDI, Hjh Hasnah Hj Omar.

The total entries for 2006 and 2007 remained the same at 103. Although the figures are encouraging, Hjh Hasnah said that the department hoped for more participation in the coming competition. "This was made in relation to the changes in the competition's rules and regulations as well as the format of the writing which will be more knowledge-based," she said. Applications for the competition is now open until December 31.

The children's picture storybooks are published for the first time by the centre to create variety and include children. All the books will be sold at a 20 per cent discount until June 12. The books are available at the centre. The Brunei Times