The proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct for Legislative Council (LegCo) members will strengthen institutional integrity, accountability, and public confidence while providing a practical framework to manage emerging ethical challenges, said Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Security and Law) Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu.

He expressed strong support for the motion to establish the Code, as well as an amendment proposed by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin to refer the draft Code to a committee for further review and refinement over a six-month period.

He stressed that supporting the amendment did not diminish his support for the principles contained in the proposed Code.

Instead, he said the amendment would allow the draft to be examined more comprehensively to ensure that it is robust, practical, and capable of being strengthened through the experience and input of members.

The minister noted that the proposed review was also in line with views expressed 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, who had emphasised the importance of leaving room for the Code to be refined over time based on practical experience.

Addressing concerns surrounding confidentiality provisions, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Sufian said the Code must provide a clear and consistent understanding of the scope and limits of confidentiality while ensuring that it does not unduly restrict the freedom of speech of members.

He also said the provisions reflected common practices among legislative bodies worldwide, adding that the proposed committee review would provide an opportunity to further balance the discipline of the House with the rights and responsibilities of members.

The Internal Security Department is ready to provide briefings and training to members on the handling and classification of confidential information, said the minister.

He stressed that confidentiality provisions were not intended as an unfounded restriction, but were essential to safeguarding the long-term interests of the government.

LegCo members, he explained, are at times given access to sensitive and classified information relating to national security and government policies.

The confidentiality provisions would therefore not only protect government interests but also safeguard members themselves from unintended consequences in accordance with the provisions of the Official Secrets Act. The minister also linked the proposed Code to the emphasis 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 on integrity, accountability, and good governance.

Referring to His Majesty’s titah during the opening of the 92nd Cabinet Ministers’ Meeting on June 15, 2026, he highlighted His Majesty’s call for newly appointed Cabinet ministers to carry out their responsibilities honestly, with integrity, and ethically, while ensuring that the government machinery remains free from cronyism, nepotism, and any form of abuse of power that could undermine public confidence.

He said the concerns over cronyism and nepotism were directly relevant to the proposed Code, particularly its provisions relating to declarations of assets, management of conflicts of interest, and conduct.

The minister added that His Majesty had consistently emphasised zero tolerance towards abuse of power and corruption, alongside the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability across the government machinery, including the LegCo.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Sufian highlighted the international commitments of Brunei Darussalam under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

He noted the strong performance of Brunei in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), in which the country recorded its highest position to date and ranked second among ASEAN countries, behind Singapore.

The proposed Code, he said, was consistent with the commitments of Brunei under UNCAC and demonstrated the continued efforts of the country to uphold good governance.

He also pointed to the unique challenges faced by Brunei as a relatively small country with a population of fewer than 500,000 people, where close family, marital, and social relationships can make the complete avoidance of potential conflicts of interest particularly challenging.

However, he stressed that the purpose of the Code was not to deny the reality of such relationships, but to establish clear mechanisms to ensure that conflicting interests are identified, managed, and addressed transparently without compromising the national interest.

“This will demonstrate to the world that Brunei is capable of managing such challenges professionally, maturely and wisely,” he said.

In his view, this is further evidence of the far-sighted wisdom of His Majesty in initiating the implementation of such a Code of Ethics.

He added that the establishment of the Code reflected the forward-looking approach of His Majesty in addressing potential challenges arising from the unique social structure of Brunei before they became more complex and difficult to manage.

The initiative could also serve as a model for other institutions in the country, both in the public and private sectors, in efforts to strengthen and cultivate a culture of integrity.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Sufian reiterated his strong support for the proposed amendment to refer the draft Code to a committee for further consideration and refinement, while reaffirming his continued support for the principles underpinning the Code.

He called on members to support the motion and the proposed amendment as part of efforts to further strengthen the integrity, credibility, and accountability of the LegCo.

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