Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Haji Mohamed highlighted the importance of inclusive development, infrastructure improvements and economic diversification as Brunei Darussalam enters the final five-year phase towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035.
Speaking during the budget deliberations, the LegCo member noted that the Financial Year 2026/2027 budget, presented by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, forms part of the country’s fiscal planning for the last five years leading to the national vision.
Describing the period as a critical phase in determining whether the goals of Brunei Vision 2035 can be realised, the LegCo member observed that the government continues to prioritise strengthening the country’s economic foundation, improving public welfare and public services as key drivers of national development.
As a district representative, he emphasised that development should not be measured solely by economic growth figures but also by how effective the benefits reach communities across the country.
While welcoming efforts to diversify the economy through strategic investments and the development of sectors capable of generating sustainable growth, particularly in light of uncertain global economic conditions, he stressed that the benefits of development must be shared more widely, including among communities in settlements and districts.
Among the initiatives highlighted were development projects funded through the national development allocation, including the Phase 7 National Housing Scheme at Kampong Tanah Jambu, which will provide more opportunities for citizens to own homes.
He also noted the planned construction of new mosques at RPN Kampong Rimba, RPM Kampong Lumut and RPN Kampong Lugu to improve religious facilities for the community.
The LegCo member also pointed to key infrastructure projects aimed at supporting economic growth, including the construction of a flyover at the Muara-Tutong Highway junction near the Tanjong Kajar industrial area, as well as upgrades to the national water supply system through pipe replacements and improvements to water treatment plants.
He said such infrastructure is essential not only for improving quality of life but also for supporting business activity and economic expansion.
The LegCo member expressed hope that development projects under the national development fund would be implemented efficiently so that their benefits can be delivered to the public in a timely manner.
He also voiced his support for the Financial Year 2026/2027 Supply Bill proposed by the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
