Stronger coordination across government agencies is essential to bridge the gap between planning and implementation as Brunei Darussalam enters the final stretch towards achieving the goals of Brunei Vision 2035, said Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee during the debate on the motion supporting coordination towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035.
Expressing gratitude to 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, for consenting to the appointment of Coordinating Ministers, Yang Berhormat Chong described the move as a timely and strategic initiative to strengthen the Whole-of-Government approach in advancing national priorities and safeguarding the well-being of the people.
She said Brunei has less than nine years remaining to realise the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035 and noted that while numerous plans, strategies and committees are in place, the greater challenge lies in ensuring effective delivery.
To illustrate the need for stronger coordination, Yang Berhormat Chong highlighted the proposed establishment of the Brunei Stock Exchange and the transformation of the country’s public transport system.
She noted that preparations for the Brunei Stock Exchange began in 2015, with the Central Securities Depository System introduced in 2017.
The LegCo was informed in March this year that the exchange is now expected to be launched by the end of the third quarter of 2027.
On public transport, she said the comprehensive bus transformation plan was first introduced in 2015, followed by proposed route networks in 2016.
While welcoming the planned launch of the Demand Responsive Transit service this year, she expressed hope that the initiative would proceed as scheduled to provide the public with a more convenient, flexible and reliable transport system, particularly ahead of Visit Brunei Year 2027.
Yang Berhormat Chong stressed that every major cross-ministerial initiative should have a clearly designated lead agency, realistic timelines, defined responsibilities, measurable milestones and regular progress monitoring to ensure projects remain on track. She also proposed that the progress of Brunei Vision 2035 be made publicly available through a regularly updated platform displaying key performance indicators, timelines, implementation status, responsible agencies and corrective measures where necessary.
According to her, greater transparency would strengthen accountability, sustain implementation momentum and enhance public confidence rather than serve as a means of assigning blame.
Yang Berhormat Chong encouraged ministries to consider adopting the Pentahelix Approach, which brings together government, academia, industry, communities and the media to strengthen collaboration on national initiatives through shared expertise and participation.
She concluded by expressing her full support for the motion.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin ; pic source: Info Foto, Jbt Penerangan)
