Minister of Religious Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, in his closing speech on the fourth day of the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday, stated that both motions brought forward during the meeting have had a positive and significant impact.

He emphasised that this reflects the nation’s progress along the right path towards realising the aspirations of 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, through Brunei Vision 2035.

He also expressed confidence in the new generation, describing them as the nation’s catalyst who will “experience Brunei” – growing up in an ecosystem rooted in Islamic principles and centred on the values of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). This generation is being educated to meet the demands of fardhu ain, making them not only knowledgeable and successful, but also contributors to a dynamic and resilient economy.

He added that this emerging generation represents the Brunei Vision 2035 generation, succeeding the current catalytic generation with whom they will continue to progress together. These two generations, he said, will drive Brunei towards becoming a modern and advanced monarchy with balanced development.

The new generation of the Vision will grow alongside the present catalytic generation, forming a society of educated, highly skilled, and successful individuals, enjoying a high quality of life and contributing to a vibrant, resilient national economy.

The nature and form of the country is also clear, namely the MIB, which is an independent, sovereign and democratic country based on the teachings of Islam according to Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah based on justice and the trust of freedom.

This generation will comprise citizens and residents who understand, uphold, and respect the true values of Islamic teachings. They will be a nation of MIB, aligned with the mainstream of the national religious identity – one that understands and practises Islam as taught in the nation’s schools, implemented in households and communities, nurtured in mosques, and reinforced through teachings and practices that are officially supported and promoted at the national level.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, in his closing speech, described the meeting as a historic moment, noting that two meetings had been held within the same year, reflecting the LegCo’s commitment to strengthening national governance.

He also called for a whole-of-nation approach in realising Brunei Vision 2035 and the aspiration for an integrated, inclusive, and resilient health system.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to cross-sectoral collaboration, highlighting the importance of health as a shared responsibility – essential for both the well-being of the people and the nation’s development.

The four-day meeting witnessed fruitful, dynamic, and authoritative discussions. The insightful views and questions raised by the LegCo members were acknowledged with appreciation and will serve as valuable input in enhancing the country’s health services and policies.

He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all health workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in both the public and private sectors, for their dedication, commitment, and tireless spirit of service.

Their sacrifices on the front lines have been – and continue to be – the backbone of Brunei’s health system. Insya Allah, with the continued cooperation and support of all stakeholders, the planned initiatives and policies will be implemented effectively, benefitting the people and contributing to the progress of Brunei Darussalam.

Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, in his closing speech, emphasised the importance of a whole-of-nation approach in achieving Brunei Vision 2035, noting that it requires comprehensive action from the government, private sector, society, and individuals, all guided by the core values of Brunei Darussalam.

He also highlighted the crucial role of grassroots leaders in supporting the national development agenda, particularly in matters such as the approval of government assistance aimed at eradicating poverty.

He added that the bersyura method offers a significant advantage in collective decision-making, ensuring that policies are inclusive and reach the grassroots level of society.

(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)