​Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman made recommendations during his deliberations on the Supply Bill at the 21st LegCo session yesterday.

He expressed the hope that the allocated funds would enable all ministries to operate efficiently, implement their plans effectively, and achieve their objectives through prudent spending. He emphasised the need for every civil servant to be dedicated, disciplined, knowledgeable, efficient and obedient in their efforts.

“There is a need to monitor implementation at the highest level so that the transformation and economic diversification efforts by all ministries are aligned and ‘on the same page,” he said.

He added, “What is seen is that there is still a lack of alignment among ministries despite the call for a whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach. Among other reasons and causes, is that the use of allocations is not fully utilised to achieve the desired objectives.”

He also touched on the JobCentre Brunei (2022) report whereby 2,760 jobseekers were First Class degree and above graduates compared to only 311 position available.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi called for a stronger focus on aligning educational achievements with economic development, ensuring that graduates are better equipped to enter the job market. While local higher institutions continue to produce graduates each year, the number of available job opportunities often falls short of meeting the demand from job seekers.

He added, “A recent study showed that 70 per cent of the workforce is employed in the private sector, which is a positive trend as jobseekers are open to working beyond the government. The question is whether we can provide sufficient jobs in sectors such as oil and gas, agro-food, tourism, construction, manufacturing and small businesses.”

He also questioned if the allocation for the agro-food industry is enough to develop agriculture, including infrastructure such as water, electricity, drainage, marketing, subsidies, and research and development.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi asked, “How can we attract more foreign direct investment to the country, whether through direct investments, joint ventures or public-private partnerships, by offering attractive incentives? More importantly, how can these investments create new jobs and improve the lives of our citizens and residents? A good budget is one that is responsive to the country’scurrent needs – promoting economic growth, expanding job opportunities, and enhancing the well-being of the people.

“In regards to healthcare, Alhamdulillah, Brunei Darussalam continues to be ranked among countries with a ‘Very High Human Development Index’. We are grateful that the government allocated BND652,530,900 to the Ministry of Health this year, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the country’s healthcare system.”

(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)