The Motion on the Formulation of a Code of Ethics and Conduct for members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) was proposed by Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof on the third day of the Second Meeting of the 22nd Legislative Council Session on Thursday.

In his remarks for the motion, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi said, “I hope that this Code of Ethics and Conduct will not merely serve as an official document, but will also become a catalyst for fostering a lasting culture of integrity among members of the LegCo.

“This will further strengthen public confidence and trust in this institution, while enabling members of the LegCo to serve as role models of integrity for public servants and society at large, both for the present generation and generations to come.”

He added, “I also uphold 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’s titah delivered in conjunction with His Majesty’s 80th Birthday Celebration in 1448/2026, in which His Majesty emphasised that the government will not compromise with any party that attempts to undermine the unity of the people. Similarly, in Brunei, there is no place for corruption and dishonesty to take root within society, as such actions threaten the well-being and progress of our nation.

“The titahs of His Majesty serve as a trust and clear guidance for the entire government machinery, including the LegCo, as an institution entrusted with the significant responsibility of representing the voice of the people and supporting the implementation of government policies. Indeed, public confidence in the LegCo is highly dependent on the integrity, accountability, and transparency of its members.”

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi emphasised that it is important to clarify that offences such as corruption and criminal breach of trust are already established as criminal offences under existing laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Penal Code, and are addressed by the courts through the appropriate prosecution process.

However, he said, “The erosion of public trust in a public institution often occurs at a more subtle level, below the threshold of criminal conduct. This may include the acceptance of undeclared gifts, conflicts of interest that are not managed transparently, as well as the misuse of positions for personal benefit through unethical practices, even where such actions may not necessarily constitute criminal offences.”

He said, “This Code of Ethics and Conduct has been specifically developed to address such areas by establishing higher standards of conduct beyond mere compliance with the law, ensuring that every member of the LegCo consistently upholds public confidence and trust.

“I believe that the principles contained in this Code of Ethics demonstrate the collective commitment of members of the LegCo towards integrity and transparency, in line with the noble aspirations of His Majesty.”

He revealed that the Code of Ethics has been formulated based on five key principles, namely loyalty, integrity, professionalism, transparency, and mutual respect. Together, these principles form the foundation of noble personal integrity and exemplary conduct expected of every member.

The scope of the code covers ethics and conduct during sessions, consultations, dialogue sessions, working visits, and meetings; compliance with laws and regulations; management of conflicts of interest, including the declaration of assets and property and the acceptance of gifts; the use and protection of confidential information; the responsible and prudent use of public resources; and continuing responsibilities after completing service as a member.

The Code of Ethics also outlines enforcement mechanisms, procedures for submitting complaints, review and preliminary investigation processes, as well as an investigative panel to address any breaches.

Fundamentally, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi said, “I believe that this will provide significant benefits and protection to members of the LegCo themselves, particularly through the establishment of a comprehensive and complete declaration register.

“Any motion, decision, or action taken by members of the LegCo will be safeguarded from being tainted by allegations of personal interest, favouritism, or nepotism, while also serving as a continuous reminder to prevent any prohibited conduct.”
He noted that the provisions contained in the Code of Ethics are not intended to restrict the rights of LegCo members, but rather to ensure that their duties can be carried out in a more orderly, accountable, and responsible manner.

In this regard, he said, “I would like to suggest that Appointed Members of LegCo continue to further elaborate and refine the practical implementation aspects of this Code of Ethics, as it is important for these principles to be clearly and transparently outlined to prevent any room for misinterpretation among LegCo members as well as the public.”

In upholding the noble aspirations of His Majesty, he said, “I humbly and sincerely urge all LegCo members to consider the principles contained in this Code of Ethics as a shared foundation in safeguarding the credibility and sanctity of this institution.
“I also believe that there will always be room to further refine the draft Code of Ethics so that it can continue to be strengthened over time through practical experiences and the valuable input of LegCo members themselves once these principles are implemented.”

He added, “Let us work together – the government and members of the LegCo – in strengthening a culture of transparency, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, in accordance with the noble aspirations of His Majesty, towards achieving a clean, ethical, and corruption-free national administration. This is essential in preserving public trust and upholding the dignity of the LegCo.”

(news source: Borneo Bulletin ; pic source: Info Foto, Jbt Penerangan)