In the fabric of a nation’s governance, few
threads are as vital as those woven by its Legislative Council (LegCo).
Serving as the cornerstone of decision-making, the functions of this
council extend far beyond the halls of power, impacting every aspect of
society’s progress and development.
From enacting laws that shape the legal
landscape to scrutinising policies for their societal impact, the LegCo
stands as a beacon of representation, ensuring that the voices of the
people resonate in the corridors of power.
As the curtains fell on the 20th session of
the LegCo meeting on March 24, the echoes of adjournment speeches from
its members reverberated through the chambers.
Over the span of 18 days, over 700
questions were posed, reflecting the rigorous deliberations and scrutiny
that characterise the proceedings of this esteemed council.
“Continuous guidance and direction are
crucial to cultivating youth who are more responsible and committed to
contributing to all forms of national progress and development,” said
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
He stressed the importance of aligning
youth programmes with their needs and capacities, advocating for
initiatives in technology, social engagement and community development.
He also emphasised the necessity for ongoing and future projects to prioritise the preferences of the youth.
He highlighted the significance of
integrating youth programmes with village consultative councils, aiming
to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency through grassroots
leadership. This, he believes, will greatly benefit the well-being and
socio-economic advancement of rural areas, fostering balanced progress.
Regarding 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 aim to diversify the nation’s economic resources, Yang
Berhormat Abdul Aziz underlined the importance of systematic and patient
efforts in this direction.
He underscored the need for every
initiative to be mindful of capacity and capability, advocating for a
grassroots approach that gradually yields desired success. Acknowledging
that there are no easy shortcuts, he highlighted the necessity of
embracing this reality.
“Success depends on our commitment to
change, being more open to making changes and transformations without
side-lining the values of Bruneians based on Malay Islamic Monarchy
principle.”
He added, “Existing policies and regulations need to be reviewed and implemented in line with the rapidly changing times.”
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Hajah Safiah
binti Sheikh Haji Abdul Salam said that the prosperity and progress of a
country are closely related to economic stability and social factors
such as crime rates, poverty, and unemployment.
“Social issues can be better controlled by strengthening sustainable economic growth across the various sectors,” she added.
She also believes that when making any
alterations, it’s crucial for the rationale and anticipated advantages
of these adjustments to be transparent to all stakeholders, particularly
the broader community.
She said there should be a focus on
efficiency and effectiveness of implementation, monitoring and
evaluation to ensure the successful execution of the initiatives.
Yang Berhormat Hajah Safiah also called for
stakeholders to change their mindset towards existing work cultures,
re-evaluating ineffective strategies and embracing efficiency for better
outcomes, adding that the civil service needs to prioritise
productivity and transparency, addressing shortcomings in areas such as
welfare assistance processing and financial claim resolution.
Engaging with diverse groups for fresh ideas, including youth and skilled officials, is essential for progress, she added.
She also said that protection of women and
children is paramount, especially in today’s technological age, and
policies safeguarding their rights must be reinforced and promptly
enforced.
Also highlighted by the LegCo member were
prioritising inclusive building designs accommodating people with
disabilities and the elderly; the crucial role local entrepreneurs play,
thus should receive robust support from the government; and
transparency in leadership with the authorities openly sharing planned
policies, addressing challenges and engaging with public feedback, even
on social media.
“With deep understanding, the people will
give their trust, and find it easier to support and accept any changes
with an open heart, ready to move towards a brighter life,” said Yang
Berhormat Hajah Safiah.
Meanwhile, Yang Berhormat Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub highlighted sustainable economy in his adjournment speech.
“It cannot be denied that the government
has already spent heavily on providing business infrastructure.
“However, efforts and initiatives to preserve a more competitive
business climate are not merely about construction but go beyond that,”
he said.
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Hajah
Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, on the other hand, said there are
various key sectors that have been identified with a primary focus on
maintaining the prosperity of the country, such as ensuring water and
energy security, including upstream and downstream oil and gas,
self-sufficiency in food supply, and growth of the tourism sector for
national development.
“I believe it is time for us to make
significant leaps because the small steps taken so far have not yielded
desired impact,” she said.
One crucial aspect of the transformation,
she said, is harnessing the potential of the younger generation as
agents of change, aligning with His Majesty’s 77th Birthday celebration
titah that emphasised the need for the Sultanate to move faster by
encouraging more high-quality foreign direct investments (FDIs) to
diversify the economy and simultaneously provide job opportunities and
spin-offs for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty also placed
emphasis on the core education transformation to improve students’
performances towards achieving the first goal of Vision 2035;
encouraging efforts to attract more tourists to Brunei through various
international events; and the importance in recognising the need to
reduce social stigma against individuals with mental health issues.
In discussing new investment opportunities,
the LegCo member called for prompt action, suggesting a special
taskforce in key economic sectors. Active participation in the global
arena, especially regarding climate change through the ACCC, she
believes, will align BNCCP with national economic goals.
The LegCo member also underlined the need
for cultural transformation in government, by promoting open dialogue
and accountability. Effective leadership, she said, is crucial at all
levels, advocating for a results-oriented approach that fosters leaders
dedicated to achieving excellence.
“Let us remove any constraints and embrace
the spirit and determination in pursuing our country’s aspirations. Our
small country, from various aspects, needs to be expanded,” said Yang
Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty.
(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)