Stronger coordination across government agencies, improved ease of doing business, greater private sector participation and a whole-of-nation approach are essential to ensuring Brunei Darussalam achieves the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035, said Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusof during the debate on the motion supporting coordination towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035 on the Second Meeting of the 22nd Session of the LegCo.
Speaking in support of the motion, he expressed his highest appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, for establishing three coordinating ministers overseeing national security policy, economic policy, and social and manpower policies.
He said the appointments reflected His Majesty’s vision of strengthening the whole-of-government approach, ensuring ministries work in a coordinated manner rather than in isolation as the country moves closer to its Brunei Vision 2035 targets. He stressed that with fewer than eight years remaining before 2035, all stakeholders must work together with commitment to translate national plans into tangible benefits for the people.
He noted that while ministries have established strategic plans and action frameworks, gaps remain in policy alignment, particularly in areas affecting socio-economic development, public welfare and investor confidence.
Among the key concerns raised was the need to improve Brunei’s ease of doing business and create a more conducive business environment to attract foreign direct investment.
He cited feedback indicating that regulatory processes remain overly complex and fragmented, with some agencies acting as obstacles rather than facilitators for businesses and investors.
He also highlighted several challenges faced by local enterprises, including limited infrastructure and utilities, insufficient incentives and financing support for micro, small and medium enterprises, lengthy approval processes, and shortages of skilled and professional workers.
He proposed a comprehensive review of policies and regulations across relevant agencies to streamline procedures, reduce bureaucracy and improve coordination, efficiency and transparency in public service delivery.
Calling for a broader collaborative framework, he said policy coordination should extend beyond government agencies to include the private sector, non-governmental organisations and the wider community, creating a whole-of-nation approach that would generate stronger economic multiplier effects, improve productivity and support sustainable national development.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin ; pic source: Info Foto, Jbt Penerangan)
