"Alhamdulillah (Thanks to Allah the Almighty) and the able leadership and wisdom of His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di­Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, a Settlement Agreement has been achieved today between the Government of His Majesty The Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Digadong Sahibul Mal Pengiran Muda Haji Jefri Bolkiah relating to the funds of Brunei Investment Agency.

Investigation into the use of the BIA funds which began in June 1998 was entrusted to the Finance Task Force, assisted by several government officials and professionals from overseas with experience and expertise in this field.

With this settlement, Insha Allah, all assets such as hotels, buildings, lands, shares and other similar assets in Brunei Darussalam and overseas, which were acquired with money derived from BIA and are presently under the control of His Royal Highness and his family, will be returned to the BIA. This will assist in the efforts to strengthen BIA's funds.

Negotiations for the settlement between lawyers of both parties started more than a year ago, sadly without success. In late March this year, however, while civil

proceedings were on going, alhamdulilah, with the blessing of His Majesty, an out of court settlement was reached by negotiators of both parties.

Alhamdulilah, the effort to negotiate and reach an out-of­court settlement symbolises an excellent step, and is a blessing from Allah Subhanahu Wataala on the leadership and wisdom of His Majesty who has always put the interest of Brunei Darussalam above everything else.

We pray to Allah Subhanahu Wataala to continue to shower His blessing on His Majesty for the peace and prosperity of Brunei Darussalam."