“I can confidently say that Brunei and its people hope to see permanent peace prevails in Moro land in South Philippines. As a close neighbor that shares 600 long years of history, I believed it is also our responsibility to ensure progress in the peace process and if necessary to sponsor the peace talk between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of Philippines (GRP)”, stated Yasin Affandy the President of the National Development Party (NDP).

Therefore, he said, he considers the pull out of the Malaysian IMT contingent as an opportunity for Brunei to show its credibility and capability by taking over the leading role following the withdrawal of the Malaysian contingent.  

The President made these remarks in his key note address at the official opening of NDP’s 3rd Annual General Congress. It was held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas on 21st June 2008.

Some 1000 members of the party including 181 delegates representing 19 NDP’s branches from all over the country, 36 delegates from the Supreme Councils and 10 each from the Non-Muslim, Youth and Women Assemblage were in attendance at the ceremony.

Also present to witness the opening ceremony were representatives from 12 foreign envoys in the country that include, the United States of America, Britain, Australia, German, France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Iran and Japan.

Earlier in his speech, the President touched on the need for Brunei as an Islamic nation to be on the forefront in the struggles to protect and uphold the sovereignty and dignity of Islam which he said have constantly come under assault by those in the west suffering from Islamophobia.

He cited the recent released of a film called "Fitna" produced by Dutch legislator Geert Wilders as an example of the latest attempt to insult

Islam and Muslims the world over.

As an Islamic state, suggested the President, Brunei could play a greater role in  bridging the gap between Islamic and non Islamic thinkers, in reducing the tension between Islamic world and the west through dialogue and to nurture understanding between the two civilizations.