The proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct for Legislative Council (LegCo) members is an important framework to strengthen the institution’s integrity, credibility, accountability and professionalism.

LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim said the proposed code is in line with 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 call for the formulation of an ethics code to enable LegCo members to carry out their responsibilities more effectively and with a high level of integrity.

He said the Code also reflects His Majesty’s confidence in the role of the LegCo as an important platform for sharing views between the government and the people, particularly in discussing key matters that contribute positively to public well-being.

The proposed Code, he said, would serve as a basic framework guiding members on values, ethics, conduct and rules in carrying out their responsibilities effectively, responsibly and with integrity.

He also expressed appreciation to those involved in its formulation, particularly the Department of the Legislative Council, noting that the initiative was led by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman said the Code would help strengthen good governance, credibility, accountability and professionalism within the LegCo, while safeguarding public trust between members and the community.

He highlighted the five core principles of the proposed Code namely loyalty, integrity, professionalism, transparency and mutual respect, as essential in guiding members’ conduct.

He welcomed provisions on collective responsibility, which require members to act accountably and responsibly while upholding the integrity of the Council and placing the public interest first.

On conflict of interest and abuse of power and position, he said the provisions under Clause 6 were consistent with His Majesty’s recent calls for government machinery to remain free from abuse of power and practices that could undermine the credibility of the government.

He also referred to His Majesty’s June 15, 2026 titah stressing the need for responsibilities to be carried out honestly, with integrity and ethically, as well as His Majesty’s call during His Majesty’s 80th birthday celebrations that there must be no place for corruption and dishonesty that threaten the country’s wellbeing and progress.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman stressed that all members, whether appointed by virtue of office or appointed as members, must uphold the trust placed upon them with wisdom, credibility, integrity and accountability, including when representing Brunei overseas.

He said the principles of Melayu Islam Beraja should continue to guide members’ conduct and interactions, reflecting Bruneian customs, etiquette and values.

(news source: Borneo Bulletin ; pic source: Info Foto, Jbt Penerangan)