Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman expressed full support for the motion on Brunei Vision 2035, while raising critical reflections and recommendations to strengthen the nation’s collective journey towards its goals during the Second Meeting of the 21st LegCo Session.
“I fully support the motion, which highlights the need for the Council to examine proposals and ideas in light of emerging global issues and to respond accordingly,” the member said at the second meeting of the LegCo session 2025 yesterday.
He commended 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’s government for the formulation of three strategic blueprints, which include the Manpower Blueprint, the Social Blueprint and the Economic Blueprint, developed with input from relevant ministries and stakeholders.
“These documents are seen as vital tools in ensuring the well-coordinated and successful implementation of plans aligned with Brunei Vision. With this whole-of-government approach, I am confident Brunei is now better positioned to achieve the national vision.
There is a clear sense of consensus, understanding, collaboration, and collective effort across ministries,” he said. He highlighted how global political upheaval and economic uncertainty may pose challenges to Brunei’s ambitions, calling for deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation, citing the country’s strong international reputation under His Majesty’s leadership.
“Strategic alliances, trade missions and investment partnerships with friendly nations will be crucial,” he said urging proactive exploration of joint ventures and foreign investment, especially with ASEAN neighbours.
Citing His Majesty’s titah, he emphasised the need for a dynamic and high-quality workforce that is adaptive and forward-looking. While he welcomed the four key aspirations outlined in the Manpower Blueprint, he raised concerns over the current attitude of some civil servants who seem disconnected from the bigger picture and do not internalise the spirit of Brunei Vision 2035.
“We still encounter civil servants who are not cooperative or committed. This must change if we want to produce problem-solvers, not problem-makers,” he stressed.
The LegCo member also highlighted Brunei’s pressing employment challenges, particularly among graduates, including those with Master’s and PhD degrees, who are struggling to secure jobs.
Turning to the Economic Blueprint, he praised its comprehensive structure but stressed the importance of private sector involvement in economic diversification efforts. “At present, private sector players feel their role is undervalued, and some even find the business environment unfriendly. There must be greater mutual understanding and trust between the government and the private sector.”
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi expressing concern over foreign direct investment (FDI), noted the feedback about some investors facing delays and red tape, leading to cancel projects in Brunei. He urged that policies be designed to attract capital, not drive it away, and to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
With only a decade left before 2035, he called for clearer measurement of national progress, noting, “We must know our current standing in the nation’s progress towards our goals.” He emphasised that Brunei Vision 2035’s ultimate aim is a high quality of life for citizens and residents, ensuring access to essential needs such as healthcare, housing, education, places of worship and employment.
Government agencies must perform effectively to avoid marginalisation, injustice, or the neglect of vulnerable groups, he added.
He emphasised the need for clear, realistic, and monitorable goals, supported by firm leadership at every level of implementation, and that “the vision must be robust, flexible, and regularly communicated to the people so they understand and support it”.
He reaffirmed support for the motion and expressed hope that under the wise leadership of His Majesty and with collective national efforts, the Sultanate will succeed in achieving Brunei Vision 2035 goals.
(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)
