Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abdul Salam called for prudent fiscal management, stronger policy implementation and greater cross-sector collaboration to ensure the success of Brunei Vision 2035.
The LegCo member expressed support for the Financial Year 2026/2027 budget themed, ‘Together Achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035’, which is anchored on three key priorities: strengthening fiscal stability and financial governance, empowering the economy through transformation and innovation, and ensuring social sustainability and future development.
She noted that while the national budget allocation is welcomed, the country must remain mindful of its fiscal position. Brunei recorded a notable deficit int he 2024/2025 financial year, with government revenue declining by 4.3 per cent and expenditure rising by 2.2 per cent.
The country is also expected to continue facing a deficit in the upcoming financial year, underscoring the need for prudent spending, transparency and accountability to ensure every dollar benefits the people.
The LegCo member stressed that strengthening the economy requires collective effort from both the public and private sectors, as well as the wider community.
She welcomed initiatives such as subsidy reviews, corporatisation, public-private partnerships and improvements to revenue collection systems, but emphasised th need for clear key performance indicators, regular reporting and consistent monitorin to ensure their effectiveness.
Highlighting national development planning, she said that while Brunei already has a clear direction through three national blueprints covering manpower, social and economic development, the focus must now shift to effective implementation as the country approaches 2035.
The LegCo member also welcomed positive developments in foreign direct investment (FDI), noting that 18 new FDI projects expected between 2026 and 2029 could generate around 3,000 job opportunities and create business opportunities for local companies.
She suggested that information on these opportunities should be widely publicised in advance through official government platforms so that locals can prepare and acquire the relevant skills. On development projects under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN-12), which includes 305 projects, she stressed the importance of effective project management to ensure timely completion, cost control and adherence to the planned scope.
She called for regular quarterly monitoring, early intervention for delayed projects and reassessment of projects that may no longer be relevant to avoid wastage of public funds.
The LegCo member also highlighted opportunities for the country to strengthen its role in the green economy and climate initiatives.
With its rich natural forests and environmental commitments, she said Brunei has the potential to become and ASEAN climate cooperation hub, while attracting investment in environmental research and sustainable development.
At the same time, she raised concerns over widening income inequality despite overall economic growth, nothing that limited access to well-paying jobs continues to place pressure on the cost of living for many families.
She stressed the importance of strengthening social protection and support for families, particularly women and children, while addressing emerging challenges such as online exploitation, cyberbullying and digital abuse.
She also emphasised that the success of the budget depends on an efficient and accountable public service, calling for continued transformation of the civil service and a work culture that prioritises productivity, integrity and results.
The LegCo member voiced full support for the proposed budget, stressing that every allocation is a trust that must be managed responsibly to improve the well-being of the people and advance the nation.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
