Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Lau How Teck expressed support for the motion on strengthening national coordination, describing effective coordination as a critical factor in ensuring that Brunei Darussalam’s development policies are translated into tangible outcomes and contribute towards the successful realisation of Brunei Vision 2035.
Speaking during the debate on the motion, Yang Berhormat Lau said that the nation’s goals under Brunei Vision 2035 are clearly defined, and that the greater challenge now lies in ensuring all ongoing initiatives move in tandem and complement one another so that their benefits can be experienced by both the country and its people.
He emphasised that stronger coordination would play a vital role in turning well-designed policies into measurable results, particularly in the area of economic development.
Yang Berhormat Lau noted that no sector could grow independently in today’s interconnected economy, citing food security as an example that extends beyond agriculture to include research, technology, financing, development, logistics, processing, marketing and export opportunities.
Similarly, he said efforts to develop micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and attract investment require the support and collaboration of multiple stakeholders.
According to him, effective coordination not only streamlines implementation but also ensures that each initiative reinforces others, allowing all sectors to work towards shared national priorities and generate greater collective impact.
He added that stronger coordination would also strengthen investor confidence, noting that investors assess not only incentives or individual policies, but also whether the country’s development direction is clear, national priorities are implemented consistently and all stakeholders are aligned.
Such confidence, he said, would encourage the private sector to undertake long-term investments, adopt new technologies, expand production capacity and create more employment opportunities.
Yang Berhormat Lau also highlighted that effective coordination would enable the country to identify new economic opportunities at an earlier stage.
Using the agri-food sector as an example, he said greater value could be generated through food processing, the development of high-value products, the adoption of modern technologies, halal certification, innovation and access to new markets, rather than focusing solely on increasing production.
Viewing these areas as part of an integrated value chain, he said, it would create broader economic opportunities and accelerate Brunei Darussalam’s economic diversification agenda.
He stressed that stronger coordination would improve national productivity by enabling institutions to work more effectively together.
When issues require action from multiple agencies, he said good coordination helps reduce delays in decision-making, speeds up implementation and ensures resources are utilised more efficiently.
The resulting productivity gains, he added, would benefit not only the government but also businesses, investors and the public through faster and more effective delivery of decisions and services.
Yang Berhormat Lau said the success of Brunei Vision 2035 should not be measured by the number of initiatives implemented, but by how well those initiatives complement one another and generate greater value for the nation.
He expressed confidence that stronger coordination would enhance investor confidence, accelerate implementation, create new economic opportunities and ensure all stakeholders move in the same direction, ultimately supporting the development of a more resilient, competitive and diversified economy that creates greater opportunities for future generations.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin ; pic source: Info Foto, Jbt Penerangan)
