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 called on the relevant authorities, particularly the National Road Safety Council, to not only focus on legal measures and enforcement, but also place greater emphasis on ensuring the availability of safe infrastructure for road users.
The call was made in His Majesty’s titah during the State Opening of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) yesterday. His Majesty made the call following the recent tragedy that claimed the lives of two cyclists and expressed deep sympathy over the unfortunate incident that caused their lives. The monarch also underscored the government’s continued commitment to strengthening a work culture grounded in integrity, ethics and clean governance across all sectors, which includes sustained and more aggressive efforts to combat corruption and abuse of power in both the public and private sectors, particularly in areas related to service delivery and enforcement.
His Majesty stressed that the government will not tolerate corruption, warning that if left unchecked, such practices could pose a serious threat to the nation’s security.
Expressing gratitude that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, they can gather for the State Opening of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the LegCo, His Majesty emphasised that the sitting of the LegCo is not merely an annual gathering but is also a strategic platform to deliberate on the real issues, faced by the nation and its people, based on in depth reviews and solid facts.
His Majesty added that the approach of dialogue sessions and consultations together with ministries and government departments must be utilised to the fullest.
The monarch believes that such approaches have been proven effective in bringing LegCo members closer to the community in caring for the needs and listening to the people’s grievances.
The country, added His Majesty, must always remain alert to international geopolitical developments and their effects on global economic challenges.
“Our nation is also not exempt from the impact of these challenges, especially if they affect energy comodity prices, which are a source of national revenue. This is where members of the LegCo must join hands and work together to address any uncertainties that may arise.”
His Majesty also wished to see more aggressive implementation actions and greater resilience in formulating national development policies and strategies, particularly towards achieveing the goals of Brunei Vision 2035, including continuous efforts in exploring strategic investments in new sectors that can further stimulate the nation’s economic growth and strengthen the government’s fiscal position.
“What is certain is that the need to develop new areas is no longer an option, but rather a necessity that must be realised, however, progress must also be balanced with prudent spending, including prioritising high-impact initiatives to enhance national resilience,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty added, “New approaches are indeed needed in creating a conducive ecosystem towards strengthening the role of the private sector as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and from the perspective of infrastructure and public facilities, efforts must continue by exploring the provision of higher-quality and safer public transportation services.
“Finally, it is my hope that the LegCo will debate priority strategic issues as a source of sound, pragmatic, and innovative ideas in line with the nation’s current needs. I urge members of the LegCo to work hand in hand with the Government in seeking solutions to the challenges and problems faced by society and the nation.
Our objective is clear; to build a progressive and forward-looking country that balances innovation with financial sustainability while continuing to safeguard the well-being of the people,” His Majesty said.
(news & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)
