Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, in his remarks during the fifth day of the Second Meeting of the 22nd Legislative Council (LegCo) Session, highlighted that the updated Brunei Vision 2035 Framework provides a common strategic reference for strengthening coordination, linking the three goals of the vision with eight national priorities, 13 national outcomes and 42 national key performance indicators (KPIs).

Through the alignment, he noted, “Progress towards the vision can be assessed at the national outcomes level, while ministries and agencies continue to lead the policies, strategies, programmes and actions under their respective mandates.

“The framework also emphasises an outcome-based approach. Progress should not be assessed solely based on the number of programmes implemented or activities completed, but also on the extent to which these efforts contribute to national outcomes and create a tangible impact on the people and the country.”

He added, “The monitoring of National KPIs and the Brunei Vision 2035 Index will serve as important references for assessing progress in a more consistent and evidence-based manner.

“The Manpower Blueprint, Social Blueprint and Economic Blueprint further sets out detailed directions for each of the vision’s goals through more specific actions. Stronger alignment between national aspirations, policies and implementation at the ministry and agency levels will help ensure that resources and efforts are directed towards areas that deliver the greatest value and impact for the country.”

For citizens and residents, he emphasised, “The meaning of such coordination should be clear and tangible. It can be reflected through smoother services, more consistent policies, more focused government action, wider opportunities to contribute and progress, and development outcomes that can be felt in everyday life.

“This is what gives meaning to the achievement of Brunei Vision 2035. It is not merely about measuring the country’s progress against established targets, but also about the quality of life that continues to be enjoyed and the future we build for the next generation, based on the values and principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy as the national philosophy.

“Communication on progress is equally important. The people need to know not only what has been planned, but also what has been implemented, what progress has been achieved and where further efforts are needed. Accurate, consistent and easily understood information will help build greater understanding, confidence and a sense of shared ownership of the Brunei Vision 2035 journey, as well as of the challenges that the nation faces and continues to overcome.”

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi also touched on important milestone in the formulation of the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Members of the LegCo.

He highlighted, “Alhamdulillah, the Legislative Council has approved the Motion on the Formulation of the Code of Ethics and Conduct for Members of the LegCo, together with an amendment put forward by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin to refer the draft code to a special committee for further examination and refinement within a period of six months.”

The submission and acceptance of this amendment, he expressed, “In my view, is a clear indication of the maturity of the legislative process within the LegCo, particularly as an amendment of this nature has never before been tabled in the history of the LegCo. The debate on the motion also witnessed broad support from LegCo members, reflecting a shared recognition of the unique challenges faced by a small-population country such as Brunei Darussalam, particularly in managing potential conflicts of interest within a close-knit and interconnected society.”

He reiterated, ”Brunei Vision 2035 is the nation’s guiding framework, a trust for future generations and a legacy for the future, under the wise leadership of 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, and through the commitment of the government, members, and the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam. The nation’s journey towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035 will continue to be strengthened with steadfast faith, confidence, unity and a shared sense of responsibility.”

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