The afternoon session of the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday saw several LegCo members delivering their proposals.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusof emphasised the challenge of graduates being unemployed and proposed a comprehensive audit of the education system and the adaptation of study programmes to industry needs to increase marketability.

He also proposed the use of international indicators to measure living standards, empowering aid recipients to be productive and zakat contributors.

Yang Berhormat Amran bin Haji Maidin emphasised efforts to expand new sectors such as tourism, modern agriculture, technology and Islamic finance to reduce dependence on oil and gas.

He also raised the importance of relevant job opportunities, housing, public transportation and effective welfare assistance so that the people can truly experience the fruits of the visionary efforts. Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim meanwhile emphasised the need for detailed action plans for each blueprint, close coordination and an investment-friendly ecosystem to create job opportunities and reduce poverty, the use of SDC and reserve funds for strategic investments including green and halal technology, as well as providing clear policies to gain the support of the people and investors for the success of Brunei Vision 2035.

Yang Berhormat Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abdul Salam in her proposal emphasised on reforming the work culture of civil servants, more transparent performance monitoring through an integrated dashboard and upgrading the National Welfare System (SKN) to encourage mobility and reduce dependence on long-term assistance.

Meanwhile, Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin raised the issue of basic education which is still weak with a number of students leaving school each year, unable to read or count, and a low ‘O’ Level achievement.

He also raised the issue of unemployment challenges for locals compared to foreign workers; and suggested that Syariah scholars be actively involved in the halal industry.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman emphasised integrated action with a nationwide approach; calling for strengthening bilateral cooperation, strategic alliances and foreign investment to support economic growth.

He also stressed on the readiness of the public workforce and the ongoing issue of mismatch between supply and demand for employment.

The proposal by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi concluded the day one meeting and will be continued today with proposals from other LegCo members.

(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)