The recent viral video of a destitute woman kneeling and begging for assistance from His Majesty the Sultan during the Royal Birthday get-together in Tutong has sparked a wave of public outrage.
The emotional scene has drawn attention to ongoing issues with zakat distribution and the competence of authorities responsible for aiding the needy in Brunei.
In the video, the woman is seen crying as she hands over a letter of appeal to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, highlighting her desperate situation.
This incident has intensified scrutiny of the management of Zakat and the National Welfare System (SKN), which is meant to streamline and ensure effective aid distribution.
His Majesty's Frustrations
He noted that despite the Zakat Collection and Distribution Division being upgraded to the Department of Zakat, Waqaf, and Baitulmal Affairs last July, issues persist in how zakat is administered.
His Majesty has repeatedly called for the relevant authorities to fulfil their duties with honesty, diligence, and empathy, yet the same problems continue to plague the system.
These concerns were not new. In September 2020, during another unscheduled visit to MoRA, His Majesty questioned the commitment of religious authorities to helping the underprivileged, noting that poor zakat management was still prevalent.
He highlighted the issue of late payments to landlords who rent out homes to welfare recipients under MUIB's Baitulmal housing rental scheme, with reports indicating that some homeowners only received payments after two years.
Additionally, this is not the first time the Sultan has raised concerns about poor zakat management. In 2018, His Majesty had called for zakat reforms, emphasising that the redistribution of wealth could lift people out of poverty.
Public Reaction
The incident has triggered a public outcry, with many citizens expressing their frustration on social media.
Comments reflect a deep dissatisfaction with the current system, accusing authorities of incompetence and inefficiency in managing zakat and other forms of assistance.
One public comment captured the sentiment: "Zakat management in Brunei needs a major overhaul and open-minded innovation. Hundreds of millions of zakat money is yet to be distributed, just sitting wherever it is kept. If you study what was done in Islamic history, leaders would try their best to deplete the zakat fund every year until poverty was abolished. When there were excess funds and no more poverty, they invested the funds for longer-term benefits and even distributed the money to other poorer countries such as those in Africa."
Another concerned citizen added, "Zakat is a religious obligation. Muslims whose wealth sits above the minimum threshold are obliged to pay a 2.5 per cent 'tax' on their assets, known as zakat harta, which is then redistributed to the needy and new converts to Islam. Paying zakat is obligatory, and distributing it efficiently and effectively is a religious calling, not just a job. The people in the religious agencies should know better. The leader in this context ultimately would be accountable before Allah."
"Why must there be so much red tape? People are suffering while waiting for aid that should be promptly delivered," another user commented, reflecting a common sentiment.
Calls for Accountability and Action
The public is calling for immediate action and accountability from the authorities.
The inefficiency and perceived lack of empathy from officials in handling such sensitive matters are seen as unacceptable, especially in a country that prides itself on its welfare systems and the principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other institutions like Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) are also being urged to play a more active role in ensuring that aid reaches those in need promptly.
Moving Forward
In response to the public outcry, there are calls for a comprehensive review of the zakat distribution process and the implementation of more effective mechanisms to ensure timely assistance.
There is also a need for better coordination among various agencies to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable without unnecessary hurdles.
His Majesty's recent titah and direct involvement in this matter underscore the importance of addressing these issues swiftly and efficiently.
The hope is that the authorities will heed the public's concerns and take decisive actions to improve the zakat distribution system, ensuring that no one in Brunei has to endure such hardship and humiliation in the future.
Conclusion
As the nation waits for concrete steps to be taken, the incident in Tutong serves as a stark reminder of the gaps in the current welfare system and the urgent need for reform to uphold the values of compassion and support that the Zakat system is meant to embody.
Despite His Majesty's repeated calls for action and improvement, the recurring issues suggest a pattern where authorities may temporarily improve but soon revert to their old ways, plagued by inefficiencies and 'little Napoleons'—bureaucrats who act like big bosses while failing to deliver their basic responsibilities.
The incident has not only embarrassed the nation but has also deeply disappointed His Majesty. It is high time for the authorities to get their act together and uphold the dignity and welfare of the people they are meant to serve.
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