If you're traveling to Brunei this summer, you may have to leave those "pekpek shorts" and tank tops behind.
The first phase of the Islamic criminal law or Sharia law had been implemented in Brunei Darussalam this month, penalizing anybody wearing indecent clothing.
According to Section 197 of the Sharia Penal Code Order, wearing indecent clothing or committing an act of indecent behavior in a public place that “tarnishes the image of Islam, corrupts moral standards, causes negative influence or upsets eyewitnesses” is an offense that can subject offenders to a fine not exceeding 2,000 Brunei dollars (around P70,731) and imprisonment for a term not longer than six months or both.
Members of the Filipino community are now making conscious efforts to watch their demeanor as the newly-implemented Sharia law calls for moral decency in all aspects — starting from their clothing. There are 30,000 Filipinos in Brunei, making them the biggest non-Muslim expatriate community.
The Sharia law doesn't specify in black and white what is “indecent,” but you may not want to risk potential violation of the code.
The Sharia law
Brunei Darussalam is the first South East Asian country to adopt the Sharia law, which is implemented alongside its civil penal code. The adoption of the Islamic law is in celebration of the country’s 30th year of independence from British control, representing “part of the great history” of the nation.
The Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, approved the law in October 2013 and proceeded with its enforcement in three phases beginning May this year.
The first phase of the implementation, which will last for six months starting this month, includes all offenses under Part IV Chapter IV (General Offenses) of the Sharia Penal Code Order and are punishable only by fine or imprisonment.
Aside from indecent behavior, the first phase of the law—which applies both to Muslims and non-Muslims—includes offenses such as disrespect of the month of Ramadan, cross-dressing, and impregnating a Muslim female out of wedlock. Muslims, on the other hand, can be penalized for not performing the Friday prayer, among others.
The second phase slated a year after will allow the amputation of limbs for theft and robbery, whipping for violations such as drinking alcohol, and stoning for offenders guilty of adultery, rape, and sodomy.
The final phase, which will take place another year after the second phase, will fully implement the law including offenses punishable by death.
The Sharia law is applicable to the Brunei population of approximately 415,000, with more than 20 percent being non-Muslims. This includes 30,000 Filipinos, a majority of whom have come to the oil-rich kingdom for employment.
The Philippine Embassy in Brunei held a briefing on the implementation of the Sharia Penal Code Order last February 27. Embassy officials addressed the Filipino community's queries and concerns regarding the Islamic law.--Source: ABS-CBN News