The Legislative Council (LegCo) yesterday unanimously voted to join the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), following a motion tabled by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman during the Second Meeting of the 21st LegCo Session.

“The proposal to be a member was due to recognising that the LegCo served as an observer to the IPU and the CPA for several years, and in support of international efforts to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and regional countries,” said Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi said, “Firstly, IPU is a parliamentary union whose members consist of member states of the United Nations (UN) established in 1889, aimed to foster cooperation and dialogue among Parliaments of member states, in promoting democracy, peace and security, health and well-being and sustainable development throughout the world.”

“Secondly, as a permanent observer at the UN General Assembly, the IPU has close ties and cooperation with the UN on various global issues, such as climate change, gender equality and human rights. By becoming a member of the IPU, the LegCo of Brunei Darussalam will be able to follow the development and discussion of global issues among international Parliaments, which are of interest to the Sultanate.”

He highlighted, “The CPA is an organisation established in the Commonwealth in 1911 bringing together all Parliaments at various levels from Commonwealth countries to promote parliamentary democracy, good governance and the rule of law. LegCo membership in the CPA will provide a path to keep track on the development of global issues among Commonwealth countries.”

In addition to networking and collaboration with 180 Parliaments and legislative bodies, he said, “LegCo members will also have the opportunity to participate in professional development and training programmes under the capacity-building programme to improve the skills and knowledge of Parliament and parliamentary staff. CPA also offers technical assistance to further strengthen the institutional capacity of LegCo.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) supports that the LegCo becomes a member of the IPU and the CPA “to directly strengthen the nation’s foundation” and “enhance the quality and efficiency while strengthening the LegCo on the international stage”.

Minister of Foreign Affairs II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof highlighted that with the motion in place, priority can be given to uphold unity between nations, with the Sultanate playing an active role in the development of Islam, the Commonwealth and the Asia-Pacific economy.

He explained how the IPU and CPA can enable them to exchange ideas on how to tackle international challenges such as economic inequality, safety, digital security, public health and so on.

“The IPU and CPA can also be a medium to increase the development of expertise among LegCo through official exchanges and visits.” This motion is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 17, which involves partnership for the goals.

(News source: Borneo Bulletin)