The proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct for Legislative Council (LegCo) members is a significant step towards strengthening integrity, discipline and accountability while ensuring parliamentary conduct remains aligned with Islamic values and the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy, said LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Md Salleh bin Haji Othman.

Supporting the motion, Yang Berhormat Haji Md Salleh said the approval of the code by 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 would help reinforce the trust, integrity, character and conduct expected of the members.

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining respectful conduct during parliamentary debates, noting that differences in opinion should be expressed with courtesy and wisdom. Members, he said, should be free to criticise policies and point out weaknesses, but such criticism should be guided by facts, honesty and the intention to bring about improvements for the people and country.

He linked the proposed code to the concept of calak Brunei, which he said reflected values such as good manners, courtesy, respect for others, appropriate speech and maintaining harmony within the society.

“These values are closely aligned with the teachings of Islam, which not only require us to uphold what is right but also teach us to convey it in a good, respectful and wise manner,” he said.

Yang Berhormat Haji Md Salleh stressed that, as a country founded on the MIB philosophy, institutions and individuals entrusted with public responsibilities must ensure Islamic values are reflected not only in policies and regulations but also through good character, courtesy, honesty, justice, trust and responsibility.

In the context of the LegCo, he said the principles were particularly important as members carry the responsibility of representing the people, deliberating on policies and contributing views towards national development.
“Such responsibilities must be carried out with wisdom, moderation and a strong sense of responsibility,” he said, adding that debates and differences of opinion should not undermine social harmony or national stability.

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