DAY 15 MORNING
22ND MARCH 2023 - MORNING
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(The meeting began at 9.30 am)
Clerk
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The First Meeting of the Nineteenth Session of the National Assembly is held today, which is the fifteenth day, Wednesday, 29th of Sha'ban 1444H corresponding to 22nd March 2023M, preceded by a Prayer of Safety.
PRAYER OF SAFETY
The Prayer of Safety was recited by Your Honorable Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Kunchang (Imam of Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque).
Your Honorable Speaker
َPeace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings. In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
All praise is due to Allah, we thank Him for His abundant grace and permission, which has enabled us to gather again this morning for the fifteenth day of the First Meeting of the Nineteenth Session of the National Assembly.
May blessings and peace be upon our Great Prophet, Muhammad, his family, his companions, and his loyal followers until the end of time.
Honorable Members. The National Assembly is still discussing the Supply Bill (2023) 2023/2024 proposed by the Honorable Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy.
To enable us to continue discussing and examining the topics contained in this Bill, I propose that we adjourn this National Assembly meeting and convene as a Committee.
(The National Assembly is adjourned)
(The meeting continues as a Committee)
Your Honorable Speaker
Honorable Members. The Committee is now fully convened to consider and discuss the Supply Bill (2023) 2023/2024 one by one.
Yesterday afternoon, the Committee was still discussing the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Honorable Members. There are still many issues that need to be resolved quickly, namely the Supply Bill (2023) 2023/2024 to enable the ministries to continue their operations from 1st April 2023M.
I believe and I think it is not beyond our Standing Order, even though the Speaker usually acts as a mediator in this meeting. I believe that to fulfill our responsibility in determining the integrity of the position of the National Assembly itself, it is necessary for us to resolve this matter as soon as possible.
I understand that the Honorable Members who have been appointed, including the Honorable Cabinet Ministers, are new and some of them need a lot of information to know about the progress and situation of the Government under the reign of His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam himself.
I believe that this venue is the only venue that allows Honorable Members to obtain such information. Of course, there are other venues and I believe that Cabinet Ministers are willing to work with officials in their respective ministries to receive Honorable Members either personally or collectively or in writing to present any issues or questions. I also believe that even though we can now ask questions, the questions asked may require further research from the relevant parties.
So that is why we see that even though we have passed the relevant Ministry Titles, the Honorable Ministers concerned can still provide further explanations on unanswered matters. This reciprocity shows that there is a strong understanding in our assembly.
I would like to request that if the appointed Honorable Members who like to ask questions, if their questions are minimum and relevant to the matters at hand and preferably focused on the Budget that we are currently discussing. As for other questions, such as unbuilt roads, burnt houses, and so on, which are common challenges we face in life, they can be raised later in any situation that allows us to do so.
I also want to state that Honorable Members have time to make speeches when we give them the opportunity to make adjournment speeches. Perhaps there, Honorable Members can make any appeals and I believe that Cabinet Ministers will certainly be able to learn from or at least note the issues raised in the speeches of Honorable Members and will be able to either resolve or consider them.
I believe that not all proposed suggestions can be approved. Each proposal must be evaluated for its goodness and suitability according to our current situation. We are facing many problems such as financial and staffing issues. Therefore, it must be made in the context of the challenges we are currently facing.
So, whenever we make a proposal, I think the relevant Honorable Ministers will consider it, but with the limitations they face in their own circumstances.
In our system, we have no teams, no opposition, no government parties, we are one team. Perhaps I am not a football player, but one team cannot play without another team, but nevertheless, this team can achieve our own goals if we want to use our own strength, we use our own spirit with our own determination. Therefore, we can successfully achieve the Brunei Vision 2035.
Honorable Members, I apologize for expressing these hopes and I think it is a bit out of the Speaker's neutral role, but nevertheless, in my view, as the chair of this meeting for the ninth year, it would not be appropriate if we cannot resolve this budget issue before April 1, 2023.
With that, I invite the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports to provide some explanations on some questions raised yesterday. Please.
Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. And thank you, Your Honorable Speaker, for the wise advice and views on the approach we will all take in this noble Council.
In response to the proposal from the Honorable Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through JAPEM and relevant agencies to go down to the field to collaborate and support the mission of the charitable group providing assistance to those in need.
Here, Your Honorable, I am pleased to share that besides the availability of JAPEM to assist charitable groups, I also share that since 2019, the Department of Community Development has organized the Community Assembly Program to villages and districts throughout the country.
This program aims to provide exposure, knowledge, and disseminate information about the roles and issues handled by JAPEM, especially issues related to the National Welfare System, Monthly Welfare Assistance, Senior Citizens and Pensioners, Families, Women and Children, Persons with Disabilities, Counseling, and JAPEM Welfare Lines, namely Line 141 and Child Line 121.
This program also provides an opportunity for all attendees to voice any assistance needs, and JAPEM will be able to take immediate action. This program, ان شاء هللا, will be extended to ministries and NGOs. I am also pleased to share that since 2019 until 2022, a total of 12 community assembly sessions have been held, and more than 800 people have participated in this program.
Furthermore, regarding the question raised by Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim regarding the 15% target in the Performance Base Program Budget or PPB, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
It is an annual target set to be achieved specifically for the indicator of the percentage of trainee graduates from the Youth Development Center involved in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises or MSMEs. The setting of the 15% target is from the overall target of the employment rate of Youth Development Center graduates, which has been set at 70%, which also includes a breakdown of 50% obtaining employment and 5% continuing their education to a higher level.
Regarding the skills enhancement courses at the Youth Development Center, one component of the youth development program is entrepreneurship learning, in which Youth Development Center students will be exposed to entrepreneurship and business knowledge for 144 hours. Trainees will also be assessed, and those interested in this field will be given mentorship to start a business, and at the end of the course, trainees will hold the YDC Carnival as practical training.
Meanwhile, the YDC Lights On Program, which began in 2019, also incorporates entrepreneurship learning aspects implemented in collaboration with Livewire Brunei. It includes lessons such as basic entrepreneurship, masterclass entrepreneurship, and emphasis on Digital Marketing and Content promotion.
Praise be to Allah, the Youth Development Centre in collaboration with strategic partners has introduced a program aimed at producing young entrepreneurs from among creative individuals, especially in the local clothing industry. Recently, the YDC has also collaborated with the School of Design, University Technology Brunei and PPB Aewon in conducting a 3-day workshop on fashion design technology.
Regarding the National Welfare System (SKN) which was also raised by Your Honorable Pehin and Your Honorable Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, specifically the proposal to consolidate all aid distribution so that it can be handled comprehensively and integrated, and to identify appropriate action plans to help aid recipients break the cycle of poverty.
Firstly, I emphasize that the poverty eradication strategy is indeed being handled holistically, comprehensively, and nationally through the poverty eradication action plan under the National Social Issues Council or known as MKIS, whose members consist of the Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Education, Minister of Religious Affairs, Second Minister of Finance and Economy, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation.
The poverty eradication action plan approved in 2020 contains strategies for employment, entrepreneurship, skills training, education, mindset, housing, transportation, and childcare.
Related initiatives implemented by each ministry and agency that will support these strategies are listed together with their respective KPIs. Therefore, the question about poverty eradication KPIs raised by Your Honorable is actually included in the national action plan and not just under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
So in this regard, the National Welfare System or SKN has been specifically designed based on the aforementioned strategies. SKN is not only a platform to align the aid-giving process from various agencies to facilitate a systematic aid application process so that aid is given to those who are truly eligible and timely, but also helps the government analyze the latest data to understand the aid recipient situation.
SKN reports are indeed shared with members of the National Social Issues Council (MKIS) and relevant ministries for further action. Initiatives under the employment strategy, entrepreneurship strategy, and mindset strategy in the poverty eradication action plan include providing appropriate briefings and training to foster interest, support efforts, and improve the employability of aid recipients in obtaining jobs or engaging in entrepreneurship.
The empowerment program has been and continues to be promoted by KKBS and JAPEM in collaboration with several strategic partners of KKBS, namely the employment program, entrepreneurship program, and skills and training program. Through the employment program, Alhamdulillah, since 2020, a total of 430 people from the underprivileged group have been successfully assisted in obtaining employment. Through the entrepreneurship program, aid recipients have been channeled to participate in home-based business programs, the BIBD SEED Program, and the Entrepreneurship Assistance Program. Meanwhile, through the skills and training program, aid recipients and their dependents have been arranged to participate in the Micro Business Bootcamp under DARe, community programs, youth innovation programs, and agricultural workshop programs.
The assistance available in SKN, namely the monthly welfare assistance from JAPEM, the aid for the poor and destitute from MUIB, and the annual school needs assistance that has been newly integrated involving agencies from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, are all coordinated through the SKN process. Since SKN was introduced on July 15, 2020, it has had an impact and brought changes to the trend of online access to monthly welfare assistance applications.
As of March 20, 2023, more than 30,000 users have registered with SKN. For assistance applications, more than 47,000 applications have been recorded. Of this number, 44% are applications to JAPEM and 46% are applications from MUIB.
The success of SKN is also from the aspect of improving and strengthening the SKN administration and processing of monthly welfare assistance applications. Although the processing of assistance is uniform and equal, the assessment of processed applications and distributed assistance varies according to their respective committees.
For information, the Monthly Welfare Assistance Committee does involve members from other agencies such as the Ministry of Finance and Economy, MUIB, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, and AMPEC besides JAPEM.
Regarding efforts to increase the percentage of able-bodied and able-to-work individuals to obtain employment and economic independence, in realizing the strategy of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to develop a progressive society towards a united, caring, and excellent community.
One of the initiatives outlined under the poverty eradication action plan is to update the monthly welfare assistance guidelines with mandatory requirements for BKB applicants who are able-bodied and able to work to register with the Brunei Job Centre. The KPI target for this initiative is 500 jobless individuals, with 200 people through JAPEM and 300 people through AMPEC.
Praise be to Allah, it is shared that the number of able-bodied and able-to-work aid recipients who have registered with the Brunei Job Centre was 355 people in 2021 and has increased to 1,262 people in 2022. Meanwhile, the number of able-bodied and able-to-work aid recipients who have obtained employment was 123 people in 2020, 157 people in 2021, 145 people in 2022, and 150 people in 2023 as of February this year.
Under the same strategy, aid recipients who are able-bodied and able to work are also given enhancement and capacity building in the form of skills training and entrepreneurship under community programs. These programs are implemented in an integrated manner with other relevant agencies, especially JAPEM through skills training and entrepreneurship programs for aid recipients, MUIB through the PPB program, YHSHB through entrepreneurship assistance, and DARE through the Micro Business Bootcamp.
To address the proposal of Your Honorable Dayang Hajah Rosmawaty binti Haji Abdul Mumin regarding the need to verify the status of aid recipients through follow-up visits to their residences, I am pleased to inform that social workers from the Department of Community Development (JAPEM) generally conduct visits to the homes of applicants or aid recipients. This is for the purpose of assessing the eligibility of applicants for aid and continuing aid for recipients to ensure that they are truly eligible for the assistance. However, the ministry welcomes this proposal to ensure that there is no waste or misuse of aid.
In addition to the approach by JAPEM social workers, Penghulus and Village Chiefs also play an important role in supporting JAPEM's efforts. Among them are verifying the information and whereabouts of their village residents, assisting in accessing JAPEM services according to their needs and eligibility, and serving as first responders for village residents who require immediate assistance from domestic violence and other disasters.
Therefore, I, as the speaker, warmly welcome the Village Head and Chief to work together in monitoring the welfare of the villagers' children and to be the eyes and ears of the government in identifying those who need assistance.
Furthermore, in response to the question raised by Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusuf regarding the efforts of relevant agencies in ensuring more marketable and inclusive job opportunities for the disabled community (OKU), various efforts have been made through training centers such as Pusat Bahagia and Pusat Pembangunan Belia to provide inclusive vocational skill development in relevant fields such as Creative Arts, Culinary, and Computer courses. So far, 230 OKU individuals have registered as trainees at Pusat Bahagia, and 61 former trainees have already secured employment.
Efforts to place the OKU community in the workforce are a priority. However, to meet the limited job market demand among employers, further discussions with JPM and AMPEC, especially employers, are needed to hire individuals with disabilities (OKU).
In addressing the readiness and marketability of the OKU community in employment and entrepreneurship, various initiatives have been implemented by stakeholders such as AMPEC, which as of February 28, 2023, has recorded 63 OKU individuals working in the government and private sectors, and 27 active job seekers registered at the Job Centre.
In identifying positions that can be offered and filled by the OKU community, the AMPEC Permanent Secretariat has also collaborated with the private sector on advertising 88 vacant positions specifically for OKU during the Career Fair in November 2022.
Regarding the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and certain agencies to ensure early exposure to Islamic teachings, norms, culture, and Bruneian history, among other functions, especially in Child Care Centers, I, as the speaker, welcome this proposal, as it is in line with the ministry's strategy to strengthen the nation's identity as a Malay Islamic Monarchy and to continuously enhance dynamic culture and preserved heritage.
As an effort to promote reading activities from an early age, the Department of Language and Literature has launched an annual project called the Early Literacy Program, which began in 2014 by providing a package of reading materials to newborns. The distribution of the early literacy package has also been carried out during the National Family Day celebration since 2015.
One of the main objectives of this program is to uphold the command of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the words of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on the importance of basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic to produce a knowledgeable, informed, quality, and competitive Bruneian society.
In addition, the use of the early literacy package can cultivate a harmonious family institution, strengthen the relationship between parents and children, and increase interaction among individuals. This can reduce dependence on gadgets or pacifiers for children, which is becoming increasingly prevalent nowadays.
This is in line with the aim of the early literacy program to build a close relationship between parents and their children. The role of parents and NGOs is also important in supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to instill Bruneian values for the identity of the nation to future generations.
Collaboration between the Department of Community Development, the Cultural and Arts Division, and the Department of Language and Literature will be enhanced to further develop the content of the early literacy package by including reading materials that are suitable for culture, customs, Calak Brunei, identity, and so on, in addition to specific content to develop literacy skills and cultivate reading habits for children who receive the package.
Furthermore, early literacy activities will also be implemented by introducing Bruneian culture and customs that can enhance the national identity from an early age.
At the same time, the Ministry of I will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to develop a holistic and comprehensive framework for early childhood care and education for children from birth to 8 years old.
In line with the definition of ECCA under the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a baseline to ensure that children develop fully based on Malay Islamic Monarchy.
Next, regarding the question of whether this ministry and the Ministry of Religious Affairs have the latest population data defined within the poverty group. The definition of the poverty group, which has been certified by the Special Committee on Poverty Issues under the National Social Issues Council (MKIS), is the recipients of monthly welfare assistance under the Department of Community Development and the recipients of zakat distribution according to the asnaf fakir and miskin under the Brunei Islamic Religious Council. Based on this definition, let me share that as of March 22, 2023, a total of 47,370 assistance applications have been recorded by JAPEM and MUIB.
Out of this number, 35% of the applications have been assessed as eligible and supported to receive assistance, which is a total of 24,088 individuals, including heads of households and their dependents.
To answer whether the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Religious Affairs have a strategic plan to review or formulate a new definition of poverty, I am pleased to share that according to the decision of the National Social Issues Council Meeting on January 17, 2011, the definition of poverty from the Shariah perspective has been agreed upon as the official definition of poverty in Brunei Darussalam, which will be used by all relevant parties, whether in the government or private sector, especially in planning, shaping, implementing, coordinating, reviewing, and improving poverty eradication programs in this country.
To adapt this definition for ease of use, it is linked to the Minimum Basic Needs Cost or KMKA, which has been agreed upon. KMKA is the minimum cost to meet basic daily needs, including food and non-food items, for an individual. The estimated KMKA is a common method used by countries to determine the poverty line, where families or households with per capita income below the line are categorized as poor.
As Brunei Darussalam does not officially release poverty line data, the term KMKA will continue to be used. The KMKA rate used as the eligibility criteria for receiving assistance through SKN at present is the KMKA rate calculated by the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (JPES) based on the 2015/2016 household expenditure survey.
Regarding the Honorable Member's question about this ministry's strategy to increase outreach programs to reduce the involvement of youth in more serious social issues, the Ministry has taken initial steps as a ministry that cares for the youth in this country by implementing several initiatives and outreach programs in collaboration with strategic partners:
Your Honorable has implemented the National Youth Policy and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Strategy through the National Youth Policy Secretariat 2020/2035 and in collaboration with the youth advisory group, has so far implemented 12 youth empowerment programs involving 1,300 youths for the year 2022. The aim is to disseminate information and understand the interests and issues raised by the youth in all districts, and from here, the ministry can identify the trends of the youth in the four relevant districts.
Based on the research conducted, it is also hoped that more youth development programs can be implemented towards the interests of the youth. For the year 2023, this empowerment program will target students and involve 37 educational and higher learning institutions in the country.
Your Honorable has implemented programs to develop the identity of the youth. In order to strengthen the identity of the youth in this country, the ministry, in collaboration with strategic partners and leaders of the National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020/2035, will further enhance the implementation of leadership, identity, capacity building and human capital development programs aimed at producing youth who are of noble character, world-class and ready agents of change in future inclusive national development as desired.
The National Service Program, which is one of the programs that acts to build the identity of the youth, has also proven to have an impact when trainees and parents can see positive changes in themselves and among their children after completing the training.
In addition, programs conducted by Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD) and the Department of Youth and Sports have also been organized to produce youth who are leaders and ready to act. For the Financial Year 2021/2022, it is recorded that 38,110 youths have been involved in leadership, identity development, capacity building and human capital development programs organized by government agencies, educational institutions, schools, and private agencies in the country.
Your Honorable has implemented skills training programs aimed at preparing youth for employment or starting a business, and one of the initiatives implemented is to ensure that the courses or training offered are relevant to the industry. Some of the courses conducted are in collaboration with industry players in the country.
Your Honorable Speaker. I, Kaola, actually do not intend to elaborate further on this explanation. So it is sufficient for me to stop here and take into account the advice of Your Honorable Speaker.
That's all I can share and I thank you.
Your Honorable Speaker
Honorable Members, I now continue our discussion on this topic. There are about eight more Honorable Members who would like to participate in discussing the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. I hope the relevant minister is ready.
I invite Honorable Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam to begin.
Honorable Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم
Your Honorable Speaker and Honorable Members. ُالسَّال ُم عل ْي ُك ْم ورحْ مةُ للاِ وبركاتُه and greetings.
In today's discussion, I bring two topics, namely:
SL06A - Department of Community Development (JAPEM) code 002-000 general assistance services and empowering aid recipients. However, after hearing the comprehensive, lengthy and clear explanation from the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and the questions raised by the Honorable Members earlier, I just want to make one additional suggestion in this topic, which is related to the provision of basic needs assistance in the form of basic needs assistance and assistance in knowledge, skills and entrepreneurship.
So in this matter, I would like to suggest one thing as well, which I think has not been touched upon or perhaps I missed or missed hearing, can be corrected or clarified. So in ensuring that these aids reach and are given to the recipients, what is also important, in my opinion, is continuous monitoring of this group, meaning that even if they have already obtained a job or are involved in entrepreneurship and so on, they still need to be monitored for a certain period. This means that they should not be left alone once they have a job or are trying to start a business.
This is to ensure their discipline or commitment in whatever field they are involved in, whether it is work or entrepreneurship, continues for a long period so that they can improve their economy and standard of living for themselves and their families.
In sha Allah, until this group is lifted out of the poverty circle and the assistance programs provided. That is the first. In this matter, the integrated cooperation of all parties is very much needed, not just focused on the relevant ministries alone.
The second matter, Your Honorable Speaker and Honorable Members are on the subject of SL02A Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka Code 004 Library. Alhamdulillah, the explanation given by the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports regarding the initiative of the Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka is very clear.
Here, I just want to refer to the objective of the library program contained in the Budget Book (2023-2024) for the Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka. The objective reads, 'to ensure the national library, to ensure student and youth-friendly libraries, by organizing various programs and activities with information technology applications and broadcasting knowledge to be relevant and significant to modern library service standards.'
So here, I would like to seek clarification from the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, to what extent have public libraries in Brunei Darussalam achieved the objective of being student and youth-friendly? The second question is, how does the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports or the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports ensure that the standard of public library services, including mobile libraries, has met the desired modern library service standards and where has the level of reading become a culture of Brunei society? Has this matter ever been studied? In this matter, I would like to propose a little suggestion that all public libraries in this country, including libraries in districts and mobile libraries, be equipped with more varied and relevant reading materials for all levels of society, including technology-based sources such as e-books and audio books, and so on. Facilities that are not only conducive but also with attractive and visitor-friendly concepts, especially for students and youth groups, such as providing cafe spaces and the like.
Then provide equipment and systems that support technology-based learning such as internet access, computers and suitable software that are of interest and trend for today's youth. In addition, the library services should be provided in locations that are popular with the public such as in commercial buildings and during festive seasons, school holidays and recreational events, providing reading spaces or mobile libraries there.
Or opening library services during holidays, public holidays with various programs and activities that can attract the interest of these target groups to cultivate reading habits or be in the library. So that's all, Your Honorable Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity. Peace be upon you and may Allah's blessings and guidance be with you.
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, thank you, Your Honorable Speaker and thank you, Your Honorable, for the question and suggestion that has been raised.
Firstly, regarding the proposal for continuous monitoring for a certain period to ensure discipline and commitment that is felt so that the recipients of this aid can be lifted out of the cycle of poverty. Thank you, I express my gratitude to Your Honorable for the suggestion.
Indeed, monitoring is being carried out, however, it will continue to be updated and improved to ensure that it meets the intentions and objectives of the aid. There are certainly some limitations in monitoring, but God willing, this matter will be overcome and improved from time to time.
Secondly, regarding the objective of ensuring a student-friendly library, IT relevant and significant with the delivery of modern library services. Actually, this is indeed the goal of the Language and Literature Bureau to make the Language and Literature Bureau in line with the evolution of libraries at the international level, meaning that the libraries we knew before, now have changed and have transformed into a more comprehensive library that provides various services in providing sources of knowledge and skills to library users.
The proposal for the library to be equipped with various sources is certainly in line with what is being pursued by the Language and Literature Bureau. Access to the internet, computers, is already available in every library in the four districts. The Language and Literature Bureau also takes steps and initiatives to showcase and teach traditional musical instrument-playing skills, as well as contemporary musical instruments.
And this is as an initiative to attract the interest of youth to come to the library and to see for themselves what the library has to offer, in addition to teaching these skills. Of course, these skills are what attract the interest of youth to visit, so their interest is first drawn and then offered with various other services that can be used by library users.
Regarding library services provided at locations that are popular such as business buildings during school holidays by organizing programs and activities, this matter will certainly be studied and considered for its suitability and in terms of the resources available to provide library facilities at the proposed locations and once again, I express my gratitude for the suggestion made by Your Honorable.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann.
Your Honorable Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. الرحْ يم السَّال ُم عل ْي ُك ْم الرحْ َٰم ن ِبس ِْم ه ّٰللا ُورحْ مةُ للاِ وبركاتُه
I would like to speak on the topic of SL03A Department of Youth and Sports regarding sports facilities in the Belait District. Regarding the sports infrastructure at the Mumong Sports Complex, the condition of the complex is very concerning and requires maintenance and repair work. What short-term and simple plans will the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports provide towards improving the infrastructure of the Mumong Sports Complex? In particular, the Seria Town in the Belait District does not have many options for providing football fields to meet the demands of the local residents. This issue is further exacerbated when the KBRC sports field is no longer used for sports activities.
As usual, football activities in the area are usually held at night.
In this regard, I request the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to consider and provide lighting facilities at the Seria Arena Field and whether there are plans to provide additional sports fields in the Belait District? I would appreciate clarification from Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Thank you.
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Thank you to Your Honorable for the question raised earlier. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, as Kaola has previously explained, is currently in the process of upgrading and improving major sports facilities in phases or stages under the RKN-11 and upcoming RKN-12 allocations.
Therefore, I would like to convey some good news that the upgrading of the Mumong Sports Complex is included in the RKN-12 plan. Upgrading of football fields, racetracks and main stages, as well as football field lights;
New construction, namely the construction of a children's swimming pool and the construction of a main football stage;
Construction of a special Martial Arts Sports Art Hall.
In addition, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is also planning to develop some of the land at the Mumong Sports Complex through public-private partnerships (PPP).
Regarding the plan for the provision of lighting facilities at Padang Arena Pekan Seria, as explained in the preamble where sports infrastructure will continue to be upgraded in phases. The installation of these lights is included in the list of upgrades, in addition to the repair of football and racing fields.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is also planning to develop part of the land at the arena through PPP. In the planning for the provision of additional sports fields in the Belait District, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports prioritizes upgrading and improving existing fields under its control in the Belait District, namely the Mumong Sports Complex Football Field and the Seria Arena Field. Meanwhile, additional sports fields in the Belait District will be further studied in detail, إن شاء الله.
That is all that I can explain. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
I invite Your Honorable Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub.
Your Honorable Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Your Honorable Speaker and Honorable Members.
Question:
I am pleased to touch on the topic of SL04A - Department of Museums. Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park under the Department of Museums, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Referring to the speech of kaola the other day regarding ecotourism related to Tasek Merimbun Park, kaola would like to know the response or statistics of local and foreign visitors who have visited Tasek Merimbun Park in the past 5 years. From the statistics, which visitors recorded the highest number of visits to the park and what efforts have been made to promote Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park to the public, especially in providing an understanding of the function and role of the park as an ASEAN Heritage Park?
What are the government's plans to expand the spin-off of Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park so that it can be utilized by local residents, especially in the Tutong District, including collaborating with relevant parties regarding ecotourism, events that focus on preserving forest biodiversity, and so on.
Touching on the topic of SLO3A - the Youth and Sports Department which concerns the direction of the country's sports. I understand that efforts to improve the quality of the country's sports are not only absorbed by the government alone but also need to be implemented together through a whole of government and whole of nation approach. This is evidenced by the government's efforts to include national athletes in regional and international sports championships.
However, there are also local sports athletes individually and in groups participating in overseas championships such as bodybuilding, football, cycling, senior citizen sports championships and so on. Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
I would like to know what incentives and assistance are provided by the government to local sports athletes who participate in individual sports championships. Is there a plan by the ministry to make sports a professional job?
I seek clarification from Your Honorable, thank you. "And with Allah's guidance and blessings, peace be upon you."
Your Honorable Menteri Kebudayaan Belia dan Sukan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Thank you to Your Honorable Speaker and thank you to Your Honorable for the questions raised, which cover two matters. Firstly, regarding the Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park and secondly, regarding the direction of national sports, particularly in terms of providing incentives and assistance to local athletes participating in individual sports events and planning to make sports a professional career.
Regarding promoting and expanding the spin-off of Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, including eco-tourism and events that focus on preserving the biodiversity of the forest, I take note that it is the same suggestion made by Your Honorable to make Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park an eco-tourism destination to be introduced and utilized by the local residents of Tutong District, which was previously raised during the debate on the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. The ASEAN Heritage Park Tasek Merimbun is part of the Heart of Borneo initiative and it will certainly maintain the original atmosphere of the park as outlined by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heritage Parks.
Your Honorable, this effort involves the collaborative efforts of several stakeholders such as the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, Ministry of Development which also serves as the focal agency for ASEAN Heritage Parks and coordination with ASEAN Centre For Biodiversity, Forestry Department and including the Tutong District Department.
Among the potential transformation projects and ecotourism opportunities that have been designed are the provision of recreational opportunities for tourists and the public who appreciate the importance of natural resources, as well as opportunities for education and research in science and natural resources for researchers from within and outside the country. For example, scientific research activities that have been conducted there were by students from Queen Mary University, United Kingdom.
I would also like to share that Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park often organizes programs and activities from time to time as an effort to introduce the park to the public to gain experience and knowledge that can be obtained there. For example, the young naturalist program and Borneo Bird Race program in collaboration with the Tourism Development Department.
From 2015 to 2022, the total number of visitors to Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park was 12,661 visitors. In 2015, the highest record was recorded with more than 3,300 visitors.
However, in the past 2 years, the number of visitors to Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park has decreased by 51% compared to 2020. This is due to several factors beyond our control such as floods, temporary closure for improvement and upgrading works, and also the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an effort to make Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park one of the ecotourism attractions in Brunei Darussalam, the Museum Department, together with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), has received expressions of interest from foreign investors to jointly develop and upgrade the park. At present, it is under review by the relevant parties.
Regarding the direction of sports in the country, especially the provision of incentives and assistance to local athletes participating in individual sports competitions. This ministry would like to share information on participation in overseas competitions as follows:
Associations are required to submit a complete application to the Youth and Sports Department, including an invitation letter to the championship, a list of athletes who will participate, championship regulations, and other related documents.
The application will be evaluated based on the importance and status of the championship.
For financial assistance applications, sports associations are required to submit a 3-month expenditure budget before the championship. This application will be evaluated by the Youth and Sports Associations Aid Committee.
Applications and other requirements such as training flexibility, unrecorded leave, and permission to leave the country must also be submitted according to the required period before participating in any championship.
The incentive scheme for sports excellence promotion will be given to sports championships that are carded games and allowed to participate. Associations are required to submit a reward application after the championship for consideration by the Sports Excellence Promotion Scheme Committee. This ministry welcomes the initiatives of athletes who have and will participate in any sports championship individually. Such efforts are highly appreciated.
However, it is better if such participation is informed to obtain views and permission through their respective national sports associations first. Invitational international championships that are participated in usually have confirmation from their respective national sports associations and are agreed upon championships.
The approved championship categories are recognized by their respective international sports bodies, which usually have high-quality championship status attended by the best international athletes and recognized. This category is eligible for appropriate incentives according to the explanation given earlier.
Regarding plans to make sports a professional status job, sports are actually a sector that can generate the country's economy and create job opportunities. From the perspective of national athlete development, we certainly welcome them to continue to strive to make sports a professional career.
So far, we are proud that several athletes and teams have succeeded in achieving a professional or semi-professional level. For example, a national e-sports athlete has been imported to join a professional club team in Malaysia and another national football association officer from Brunei Darussalam has been employed at the Asian Football Confederation office based in Kuala Lumpur.
In addition, the sports sector continues to open up job opportunities for locals in various fields such as sports science, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, fitness instruction, counseling, and sports nutritionist, which are essential in creating a vibrant sports ecosystem.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports also provides opportunities for athletes who wish to pursue a career in coaching by offering coaching or technical courses. So far, several elite athletes have served with the Department of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education as sports coaches in sports such as wushu, badminton, squash, pencak silat, athletics, and lawn bowling. In the profession of Sports Technical Officer at the regional and international levels, several locals have been recognized in sports such as football, with seven international referees, swimming with an international technical officer, and several other sports.
To reach a professional level, an athlete must have consistently high achievements and be able to compete at the international level. At the same time, the ministry has also discussed with the Ministry of Education to explore scholarship opportunities for athletes to pursue higher education with the aim of empowering the country's sports in the present and future.
So far, one academic scholarship has been awarded to outstanding wushu athlete Basma Lachkar. In addition, sports training scholarships are offered by the International Sports Body, which can shape athletes into elite athletes. For example, the scholarship from the world aquatic was awarded to Nur Haziq Samil.
As a future plan, the ministry, with a national approach, also sees the importance of developing the sports sector in the country to create job and economic opportunities. This will certainly be studied together with other agencies and ministries.
That's all I have to explain. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir.
Your Honorable Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings. First of all, I would like to congratulate Your Honorable Dato for the introduction of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports' plan. Hopefully, everything that is planned will achieve the desired perfection, InshaAllah.
I have one suggestion, although I actually have three suggestions in this discussion, but in response to the call of Your Honorable Speaker, I will bring the rest ان شاء هللاduring the conference or other meetings ان شاء هللا.
Your Honorable Speaker and Honorable Members, أ ْلح ْمدُ ِ هلِل the government through the Department of Youth and Sports has spent a lot of money in providing complete sports facilities and infrastructure in Brunei Darussalam. This is no exception in the Temburong District, where the Batu Apoi Sports Complex has been built.
In addition, I also see a broader scope with the idea of transforming buildings and facilities into multipurpose sports complexes that can be used by the local community not only for sports activities but also for social, economic, and recreational activities. For example, an open futsal court can be used for exhibitions, sales, bazaars when it is built or provided with a roof.
In this regard, I suggest that the method of transforming existing sports buildings and facilities into multipurpose ones be considered so that they can be used by the community extensively. I seek clarification from Your Honorable Dato. Thank you سال ُم عل ْي ُك ْم ورحْ مةُ هللاِ وبركاتُه وباهلل التوفيق والهداية
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker, and thank you, Honorable Members, for the question and suggestion raised. Regarding the suggestion to study the method of transforming existing sports buildings and facilities, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports welcomes the suggestion.
We are pleased to share that at this time, all sports buildings and facilities, including open areas, can be used by any party for activities and programs that are allowed, subject to the determined rates.
For Small and Medium Enterprise traders, this ministry also provides stalls at rental rates approved by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, such as:
For Small and Medium Enterprise traders, including target groups or individuals, the rental rate is $15.00, while for established traders, including franchise companies such as Coffee Bean and Tea, Jollibee, KFC, PIZZA HUT, and others, the rental rate is $50.00, and for food trucks, it is $30.00;
Meanwhile, parking spaces at several venues such as the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex, and the Sports Village Wire Field are subject to a minimum rental rate for any use of activities and events.
Regarding the earlier proposal on adding a roof to the futsal court for multipurpose use, I would like to share that from the perspective of the futsal court, it is more inclined to be made according to international standards because at certain times, the same court will be used for futsal sports competitions. And if it contradicts international standards, then it will be difficult for us to use the court for international level competitions.
So it is still not impossible, there are still courts that we can use and transform for the same purpose. In sha Allah, this proposal will be further studied, but by taking into account specific sports courts that are designated to hold competitions that are in line with the needs of international competitions. That's all I can explain, Your Honorable Speaker. Thank you.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman.
Your Honorable Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim and greetings. Please proceed with your question, Your Honorable Speaker.
I am interested in the issue raised by my colleague, Your Honorable Awang Haji Abdul Aziz, regarding the SKN. The education assistance scheme for orphans and children from poor families. I understand that the assistance for orphans is $70.00, while for poor or needy children it is $200.00. These aids are distributed in the form of purchase and financial vouchers. Please correct me if I am wrong.
From another perspective, I see the current situation and reality of the increasing cost of living, including the cost of school supplies, which affects low-income groups. Not all orphans are categorized as easy, but some of them face life suffering when a low-income single mother supports 3 to 8 children to continue living. In this regard, I suggest that education assistance for orphans be carefully studied, taking into account the statement I mentioned earlier; and
Next, I would like to touch on the topic of SL05A - the History Center, which is related to archaeological and historical sites in Brunei Darussalam. For reference, I would like to know if there are any new archaeological sites that have been discovered recently and what efforts and initiatives are being made to preserve these historical sites.
Has there been any recorded incidents involving the sale or storage of high-value artefacts or archaeology in Brunei Darussalam? Is it illegal for the public to store or sell old artefacts found on private land?
Kaola also supports the suggestion of his honorable colleague, Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, regarding the empowerment of the Brunei language. In this regard, he also suggests that efforts to introduce the culture and heritage of the 7 Brunei ethnic groups such as traditional food, music, dance, clothing, crafts, and traditional drum-making such as kayu sedaman, dombak, gambus, and ketaci should be expanded to our society, especially the youth, through cultural events and festivals, workshops, and exhibitions to keep it alive and thriving throughout time, as the saying goes "Inda luntur terkena hujan, tidak lakap terkena panas". Your Honorable, please enlighten us on this matter.
Thank you and may peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker, and thank you, Honorable Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, for the questions and suggestions raised.
Regarding the suggestion of educational assistance for orphans. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, through JAPEM, welcomes the suggestion of providing educational assistance to orphans.
So far, the general welfare assistance and education allowance amount to $65.00 per month or a living allowance of $200.00 for children under 18 years old. It is not only specific to orphans, it is a general aid given to children under the care of families, parents, guardians who are living in difficult and low-income conditions that meet certain criteria and requirements.
Special donations for orphans registered with the Department of Community Development (JAPEM) are not limited to those living in difficult conditions, only given during the Donation Ceremony for Orphans through the National Orphan Fund under the control of JAPEM. The donation is intended to help prepare orphans during the month of Ramadan and before the celebration of Hari Raya.
In addition, since 2022, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in collaboration with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), has started a scholarship program for orphans, where every year, 2 orphans who are recipients of monthly assistance according to the terms and qualifications, will be sponsored to participate in the BIBD ALAF Program using funds from the Orphan Fund.
This program is one of the government's initiatives to ensure that students who participate in the BIBD ALAF Program will succeed in their studies and become individuals who can help and improve the standard of living for their families, and break free from the cycle of poverty.
Regarding newly discovered archaeological and historical sites and efforts to preserve historical sites, there have been no recent discoveries of historical sites, tombs, and gravestones of the Brunei Sultanate. However, the Brunei History Centre, in collaboration with the Museum Department, has continuously conducted research and studies on them, which serve as an added value to the proof of the Brunei Sultanate's history.
These efforts also involve cooperation with the Village Head, Village Chiefs, Village and District Consultative Councils, and other relevant parties. The Brunei History Centre has carried out restoration and maintenance work to make tombs, gravestones, and historical sites a source of historical research and cultural heritage.
To date, 9 restoration and conservation works have been carried out on the tombs of the Brunei Sultans and one historical site. In addition to physical maintenance and restoration work, the Brunei History Centre has also carried out maintenance in the form of documentation through the publication of books on historical sites for public reference and study.
The Museum Department, through the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act, has declared 27 monuments and historical buildings, consisting of 15 historical monuments, 12 Royal Tombs throughout the country, and including 3 archaeological sites, namely the Sungai Limau Manis Site, Getak Labu Estet Industrial Site, and Arang Batu Coal Mine Site. 8 archaeological sites have been recorded in the past 5 years, such as Kampung Bukit Kandol, Kampung Kiudang, Sungai Brunei, Kampung Kasat, and Kampung Katimahar. This is because research work is focused on monuments and historical buildings in Brunei Darussalam, which are also included in the preservation under the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act.
However, the Museum Department will continue to conduct research on archaeological sites and historical buildings throughout the country. Continuous research has been conducted on archaeological sites found in Brunei Darussalam, and more than 100 archaeological sites have been recorded in all four districts.
Projects to improve and upgrade not only ensure the maintenance and restoration of monuments and sites, such as the upgrading of the old Pengawai Daerah Belait house to the Belait District Museum in 2016, the upgrading of the Kota Batu site to the Kota Batu Archaeological Park in 2015, and the recent upgrading of the Old Customs and Excise Building to the Royal Wharf Powerhouse in 2022, but also to make these places tourist attractions. Continuous cooperation with the Brunei History Centre is also maintained to ensure the preservation of Royal Tombs.
Regarding the errors involving the sale and smuggling of artifacts and archaeology, only one case involving the smuggling of artifacts and archaeology in Brunei Darussalam has been recorded to date, which occurred in 2002.
The Department of Museums Brunei is fully responsible and has a high priority in protecting and preserving the country's heritage, and also cooperates with the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Royal Customs and Excise Department, and the Attorney General to protect historical items.
The importation of historical items into the country has increased from one application in 2009 to 1,436 items applied for in 2022.
The Department of Museums Brunei has taken several initiatives to preserve cultural heritage, such as organizing lectures for schools and government agencies, conducting roadshows, and distributing posters to significantly increase public awareness of the negative effects of illegal trading and smuggling activities. At the ASEAN level, through the responsible ASEAN Ministers for Culture and Arts, several declarations have been agreed upon, including an agreement to jointly control the illegal trade of antiquities and historical items.
At the international level, with Brunei Darussalam signing the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of World Cultural Heritage in 2011, joint control of the illegal trade of antiquities and historical items has been agreed upon.
Regarding the public's mistakes in storing and selling old artifacts found on private land, the Antiquities and Hidden Treasures Act provides for several provisions in Part 2, Section 3 and Part 9, Section 37, which state that every ancient item found in Brunei Darussalam is the absolute right of the government of Brunei Darussalam.
All materials found either on the surface or buried in the ground or buried at the bottom of rivers, lakes or seas. Anyone who violates the act can be punished with one year imprisonment and a fine of $3,000.00. Section 37 (1) Part 9 review in 2022.
No one is allowed to trade in ancient materials unless they obtain approval and a business license from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Anyone who violates the act can be punished with 6 months imprisonment and a fine of $2,000.00. The reference is Section 37 (7) Part 9, review in 2022. That's all I have to convey. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman.
Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. الرحْ َٰم ِن الرحْ يم ِبس ِْم ه ُهللا وبركاتُه and greetings. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports for the comprehensive presentation of the KKBS 2023/2024 special allocation regarding the achievements and direction of the ministry as well as action plans, and taking into account the suggestions of Your Honorable Speaker, I will move on to the matters that I want to raise.
Firstly, regarding museums. I refer to Title SL04A - Department of Museums, which is an increase in the number of visitors to museums from 12,149 in the Financial Year 2021 and 2022 to 120,000 for the years 2022 and 2023. For me, this is a significant increase.
I would like to know whether this increase is expected to come from school students and educational institutions or tourists who are expected to come to Brunei Darussalam, whether from within or outside the country.
However, I suggest that our museums be continuously upgraded with appropriate content to attract more visitors.
Next, I would like to move on to the second topic, Your Honorable Speaker, which I want to raise regarding the Registry of Children and Young Persons in Need of Protection (RCYPNP).
My question is whether the children who are included in this list are those who have been abused or those who are involved in cases such as police cases, court cases or hospital cases. I am more inclined if cases of abused children can be detected early before they occur.
I would like to thank the teachers who can detect early or early detection of child victims of abuse, violence, and so on, and provide advice before the situation becomes worse or report it to the authorities.
If such cases have already occurred or if the child has been abused, tortured or assaulted by any party or even by their own family, and only then reaches the assistance of the ministry, how can we prevent such incidents from happening? Surely, the child in question will feel traumatized, possibly for the rest of their life.
Furthermore, I would like to touch on the associations, welfare bodies, and NGOs in this country that have been established to help people with disabilities and special needs. The bodies that I am referring to are SMARTER, PAPDA, KACA Learning Ladder, Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, and others. The revised action plan for people with disabilities, which has been under review since 2021, will be published this year.
I would like to ask to what extent the ministry is working closely with these bodies and is aware of the progress and problems they face. Problems such as the ability of the body to continue their work, financial problems, obtaining experts, counseling services, and so on.
This is to prevent these bodies and associations from stopping their services if they face problems such as financial issues. They play an important role in the lives of their members, and support from the government and the public is like oxygen to them.
Furthermore, in the opening remarks, Your Honorable mentioned senior citizens. I would like to ask about the action plan for senior citizens. What is meant by successful senior citizens?
Have problems faced by senior citizens, such as health issues, financial problems where most senior citizens live on a pension of only $250.00, but still have dependents, housing problems, loneliness or depression, caring for orphaned grandchildren, and so on, been identified? How can we help senior citizens facing these problems and make them successful senior citizens?
Lastly, I would like to turn to the topic of SL05A - History Center. One of the objectives of the History Center program is to popularize history. If I understand correctly, this means that Brunei's history should be known to the public in this country.
I welcome the aim of this program because our history should be known to the general public. However, I would like clarification on how the History Center popularizes history. We have history clubs that can be strategic partners, for example.
Is there any collaboration between the History Center, history clubs, and educational institutions to help popularize history in this country? Because I believe that not many people know about Brunei's history in the past and if workshops or lectures are held from time to time for those interested in history, there may be opportunities for the public to learn about it.
That's all, Your Honorable Speaker, that I will convey. Many issues that I have noted here have already been raised by Your Honorable colleagues. Thank you. والسَّالم عليكم ورحمةُ الله وبركاتُه. وباهلل التوفيق والهداية.
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker, and thank you, Your Honorable, for the question and suggestion.
However, before that, Your Honorable Speaker, I would like to touch on an issue raised earlier by Your Honorable regarding the suggestion for the seven Brunei indigenous tribes to continue their production efforts, especially for our youth.
Indeed, the suggestion raised by Your Honorable is in line with the thinking and direction of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and ان شاء الله this matter will be continued to further elevate and profile the 7 Brunei indigenous tribes, including in terms of producing traditional clothing and musical equipment, with the aim of preventing the disappearance of musical instruments produced by local children. This is certainly a good suggestion and ان شاء الله will be continued with the cooperation of various parties later.
Then I turn to the question raised by ### Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Regarding museums. The suggestion is to upgrade museums with appropriate content to attract visitors and also regarding the projection of whether 120,000 visitors for 2022/2023 consist of school children or tourists from abroad.
I currently do not have detailed information on this matter, but what is clear is that the number of visitors is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that when this projection was made, it was likely made before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I will return to this issue later to seek more accurate explanations about this matter.
Regarding the upgrading of museums, at present, the museums in Brunei Darussalam are being upgraded, both in terms of the physical museums and the core collection materials displayed in these museums. It is certainly being studied in terms of its suitability for these materials to attract more visitors.
Regarding the children on the list, have any of them been abused, either in police cases or hospital cases? Actually, the number of these children includes cases registered with JAPEM and usually these abused children are registered with hospital cases and also police cases for any cases that meet the requirements.
How to prevent this from happening. Actually, to prevent these things from happening, a national approach is very much needed not only among ministries and government agencies but also with grassroots institutions, neighbors, village communities where most of these abuse cases occur in the home and the people closest to the victim are the people around the house, around the family and also the school environment, whether close school friends or teachers.
Kaola also thanks the teachers who have been able to help these children in terms of early identification that these children are actually victims of abuse. What happens, most of these abuse cases are found from reports from school teachers and this is certainly appreciated and from here early actions can be taken to address these issues and similar problems.
Regarding the associations and NGOs established to help the disabled and special people such as SMARTER, the Association of Wheelchair Users and Disabled People (PAPDA), Pusat Ehsan and Learning Ladder, especially regarding the problems faced by these associations. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through JAPEM and relevant departments certainly cooperate closely with these parties.
Most of the cooperation is behind the scenes where direct communication is held to address any problems faced by associations, especially associations that provide education to help disabled and special children. We will continue this cooperation and assistance and God willing, it will be able to overcome the problems faced.
Regarding the elderly, whether successful elderly people are defined including from a financial perspective, depression, problems in caring for grandchildren and how we can help these elderly people, especially the elderly who care for children or grandchildren who are orphans.
Actually, assistance regarding the cost of caring for grandchildren and orphans is indeed provided through various forms of aid and it is not specifically targeted towards the elderly.
For successful elderly individuals, I agree that what was mentioned by Your Honorable earlier encompasses a wide range of issues including financial, mental health, housing, loneliness, and so on.
To address the problems faced by successful elderly individuals, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Department of Community Development welcomes the participation of elderly individuals in elderly activity clubs because their participation in these clubs can help to some extent in overcoming the problems they face; and
Popularizing history. As Kaola has previously explained, the History Center has implemented several programs including collaborations between the History Center and History Clubs. History Clubs in Brunei Darussalam, for example, PESEBAR, also collaborate with educational institutions.
This is one of the collaborative programs to popularize history in addition to programs organized and arranged by the History Center itself to provide materials available at the History Center in this country.
That's all Kaola can explain. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Your Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
الرحْ يم السَّال ُم عل ْي ُك ْم ورحْ مةُ للاِ وبركاتُه َّ الرحْ َٰم ِن ِ ِبس ِْم ه َّ ّٰللا
Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his loyal and obedient friends until the end of time.
أ ْلح ْمدُ ِ هلِل, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this discussion and to take good advice from Your Honorable Speaker, I will continue with the issues and suggestions.
The first issue under the title - SL01A and Title SL03A is about the national sports strategy, namely direction and action planner. I request that it be made available so that it can be assisted in achieving it. We agree that sports are the only healthy activity whether done individually, in small groups or in large groups (mass crowd) that can increase self-esteem, train discipline, build resilience, foster team spirit and healthy competitive spirit while respecting opponents in a harmonious and safe situation in the sports arena, whether at the village, school, national or international level.
Your Honorable, sports have been recognized to elevate the level of love for the country, patriotism, and national pride. I remember a time when I attended a football match with my family, the 'Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah HBT Cup'. I felt a sense of pride when almost 25,000 spectators spontaneously sang the national anthem without any plan, rehearsal, or coordination. This boosted the morale of our national football team, who went on to defeat the top team and become the champions of the HBT Cup that year.
Sports not only bring positive values, as mentioned by the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports in response to a question from another Honorable Member, but also serve as a measure of individual and national health. As we know, a significant portion of our population falls under the categories of obese and overweight. More than 35 to 40% of children aged 13 to 17 years old in our country are obese or overweight, and 60% of our population, including myself, falls under these categories.
Continuous participation in sports can help monitor these negative statistics. Therefore, many initiatives have been introduced to promote group activities such as Bandarku Ceria and the 30 Billion Kilometer Walk, solely to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports.
The third strategy of the ministry is to allocate $16.6 million to strengthen an inclusive and excellent sports ecosystem that focuses on high-performance sports with the potential to win medals, such as wushu and silat.
Therefore, I humbly request that the ministry implements a whole-of-nation approach involving athletes, sports associations, corporate entities, businesses, and the public to develop strategies and action plans to advance other sports in our country, whether it is to assist able-bodied athletes or athletes with special needs, from grassroots to school levels, to higher education, and then to youth and junior levels, to increase the number of sports enthusiasts. Among the sports that can be supported and guided to win medals, besides wushu and silat.
As we know, to achieve success at the international level and compete with countries that have established their own solid strategies, we need to enrich our sports. Therefore, I believe that investment and commitment should be made now and continuously if we want to achieve success in the future. As mentioned earlier, I hope that winning medals will not only be a measure of our country's success in promoting sports domestically but also in sending athletes abroad.
We agree with the small population of our own priorities. Of course, we have challenges to compete at the international level, but as a member of the global sporting community, we must send representatives to international sports events under the auspices of the Olympic Council such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, SEA Games, Paralympics, and the like, as well as football matches under the auspices of FIFA or the ASEAN Football Federation.
We agree to comply with the laws of the Olympics or FIFA. If Brunei Darussalam does not send representatives for valid reasons, unfortunately, there will be no chance to win medals or fear of losing badly, which cannot be used as an excuse not to send representatives. Brunei's membership in the global sports community may be questioned and the country's membership may be revoked for repeatedly refusing to send representatives.
The question is, how can the ministry help associations that join global sports bodies to be supported to represent the country even though we know that achieving medals is not yet possible? Especially for sports that have many fans and supporters such as football, hockey, netball, and the like. Fourth suggestion.
The ministry currently has no indication of the country's sports performance. We request consideration for the Department of Youth and Sports to present appropriate key performance indicators to measure the progress of sports in the country in the short and long term.
The second issue is about "kaola". 004-000 Sports Development. Making the host of international sports events. The ministry's good goal to provide sports infrastructure to become a host of international sports events needs strong support not only from the ministry but also from business and corporate bodies. The last time the country hosted a prestigious international sports event was the SEA Games in 1999, where the country's sports performance that year was the best ever achieved with 4 gold, 12 silver, and 31 bronze medals (47 medals). Since then, the country has withdrawn from "volunteering" to host when it was the country's turn for the SEA Games in 2019. We withdrew in 2015 and in 2021, the country announced that it is not willing to host the SEA Games in 2027. The medal tally in the SEA Games has also decreased, not as good as the country's athletes' performance in the 1999 SEA Games.
Proposal 1. Agreeing to become the host of an internationally renowned sports event not only requires far-sighted views and strategies, but also requires long and solid preparation, as well as investment in infrastructure, energy, and expenses.
I hope that there will be research conducted by wise individuals in the ministry to formulate a long-term strategic plan on how the country can respond to the challenge of becoming a host of a prestigious sports event, just as we did in 1999. This can create excitement among the citizens and give them a direction to strive for.
I propose that if the country responds to this call, a phased plan should be made, namely:
- Preparing from the grassroots level to become the host of the games;
- Then hosting games at the inter-ASEAN school games level, followed by the youth games level, and then the Borneo games level; and
- Finally, when the infrastructure is ready and we are capable, hosting the general games.
With this, not only will we systematically develop our infrastructure, but we will also be able to guide our athletes from the grassroots level and expose them from the beginning until they achieve international success. Moreover, the country will have experience in being a mature host.
I agree with this proposal, as it will initiate a commitment and a far-sighted strategic view. Therefore, this long-term initiative should not be handled solely by the Ministry of Welfare, Youth, and Sports, as it is a national initiative.
I suggest that the ministry invite corporate members and business communities who benefit from the country to contribute a small amount of their funds under the corporate social responsibility project to choose any sport they wish to adopt and help in fulfilling this commitment, so that the people will admire and appreciate the high responsibility of these corporate and business entities.
Code SL001000 Policy Management. Is sports success easy? Regular sports can help:
Generate the economy in sports tourism, especially in hosting regional sports events, particularly at the grassroots, youth, school, and university levels;
Make sports a target for employment, as stated by Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports. It can be an alternative source of viable employment, not only as an athlete but also as a support staff, a recognized coach, a medical support team manager, and so on.
To assist Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in small-scale trading during international competitions. Suppliers of souvenirs and sport apparel to support loyal supporters, and the sports industry.; and
Accommodation and logistic support when hosting international sports events. I hope that the international marathon can be considered through the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge, between Bandar Seri Begawan and ending in Temburong. Included in the calendar of high-performance international sports.
I have one suggestion, help do not close opportunities, in English, may I have permission to say "if you cannot be a supporter be a facilitator, if you cannot facilitate do not be a blocker". I recommend that the ministry play a crucial role in achieving issue 3. If the ministry cannot continue to help (support), strive to seek help, be the facilitator, and if you cannot help, please do not be a hindrance, don't be a blocker.
Personal interest declaration. I am thrilled to hear the answers given by Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports to the questions posed by Your Honorable Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
I am the Deputy President of the Brunei Darussalam Football Association (FABD), the National Football Association that strives to raise the standard of football in the country.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is also aware of the many challenges faced by FABD and local football clubs to survive.
While meeting the challenges of providing football players to raise the dignity of football. Football is the most popular sport in the country. Different from public opinion. According to public opinion, football in our country is still at the recreational sport level, which is a leisure sport.
Although we have a league and many club players registered, only a small number of our football players are amateur and perhaps 2 or 3 Bruneian children become professional in one season. Playing football full-time outside the country, praise be to God.
But the average player and club are recreational footballers. If there is free time, there are new games to go down to the field. Practice and kick the ball alone and if there is an empty field, there is a new team to compete, then form a team to play.
Only a few of our football players are dedicated, continuously monitored training, listened to by certified coaches to be ready and fit to play when invited to represent the country.
Your Honorable, FABD is trying to change the mentality and concept by organizing football leagues and assisting clubs with proper management and development characteristics, training team development from grassroots to senior squad to increase the pool of national athletes.
The development of our country's football has been stagnant for a generation, with no progress. Meanwhile, other countries are rapidly advancing the development of football, realizing that this sport is not only raising national pride but also generating economic growth. Therefore, if we look around, we see too few children playing football on the streets nowadays.
Therefore, we cannot be surprised when our senior national team does not perform well when playing abroad. Until the team we once defeated can now beat the Brunei Darussalam national team, "aduh."
Football needs a different direction and requires a lot of help from all government agencies. If we want our senior national team to no longer be beaten at the international level, we cannot continue with business as usual.
We cannot expect improvement if we do not send young players abroad for exposure. This will not help raise the team's performance, which will only develop as a "village champion."
Therefore, football club initiatives such as DPMM FC and Royal Bees Netball Team, which dare to bring the Brunei Darussalam national team to play abroad, deserve recognition and strong support because they provide our young players with exposure to playing abroad and prepare them for the country's good, not just to become "village champions."
Like any other sport, our senior squad will not excel without early exposure and development from the grassroots. Insha'Allah, with commitment, strong support, and a far-sighted view from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, football and other sports have the potential to win medals.
But because of its mass appeal, it can support the country as an alternative source of employment and generate side income. Therefore, let us support sports that are not categorized as medal-winning sports. That is all I can present. May Allah bless us.
Your Honorable Speaker
Honorable Members. I would like to ask the relevant minister if Your Honorable would like to answer this question now or require time to study this question, which was raised at length by Your Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, which I believe has been deeply considered by him and therefore I think the relevant minister also wants to consider it or 'consult' with his football advisors in particular and sports in general regarding the issues raised. How?
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. I agree with the proposal put forward by Your Honorable Speaker.
However, I would like to touch on what was raised by Your Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin earlier.
I take note that Your Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin is the Deputy President of NFABD, which is the Brunei Darussalam Football Association, and the challenges faced in preparing a solid national football team are well known to Your Honorable and it is certainly important to position the National Football Association as a strategic partner to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in developing strategies to advance football and other sports.
I am actually a little disappointed when Your Honorable mentioned "be a facilitator, do not be a blocker" and if you cannot support, try to be a mediator. If you cannot help, do not be an obstacle. I have never thought for a moment that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports would be an obstacle to the development of sports in this country because if sports succeed, it will be a credit not only to this ministry but also to all sports associations in Brunei Darussalam.
Therefore, I would like to correct that it has never crossed the minds of the people in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to hinder the development of sports in Brunei Darussalam; and
In general, I have explained the strategy for sports here, which will be given together with other sports associations when the time comes. In summary, there are two: -
i. Provision of sports infrastructure. The existing sports infrastructure needs to be upgraded because the design of the existing sports infrastructure is outdated and the current sports standards have undergone transformation in terms of modernization and our previous design no longer meets the needs of sports infrastructure in terms of safety and other facilities; and
ii. In terms of sports training programs. What is clear so far is that conducting sports training programs alone is not enough because to develop an athlete, it requires mental endurance. Where we can develop this mental endurance is through sports competitions, both domestically and internationally. Of course, participating in sports competitions abroad requires limited resources and funding.
So one of the ways is to organize competitions or leagues in certain sports that are managed at the national level in this country, and of course, to manage such leagues requires strategic partners, cooperation with existing strategic partners, whether in terms of sports associations or from private parties or companies that are capable of becoming sponsors or existing strategic partners.
Maybe here, I will stop there. Later, اِْن شاء هللا I will get information from my advisors to respond to specific issues raised by the Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin earlier. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
Thank you. Finally, I invite Your Honorable Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin.
Your Honorable Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم السالم عليكم ورحمة هللا وبركاته Your Honorable Speaker and Honorable Members whom I respect. First and foremost, congratulations and thanks to the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports for the clear and lengthy introduction. I am pleased to refer to Topic SL01A Code 04, which is Youth and Sports Development.
I suggest that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports build a multi-purpose hall or community hall in villages, perhaps in collaboration with the District Department, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Development. The construction of this community hall can be used for the benefit and convenience of the community, especially involving youth to be more proactive in advancing village activities such as improving sports training, such as badminton, ping pong, soccer, netball, darts, self-defense, and others.
The involvement of youth in community development and activities can indirectly train and guide them to be more responsible and disciplined, as well as adapt to group leadership activities suitable for producing generations as catalysts, heirs, and leaders of the country in the future.
In addition, the community hall can also be used as a village meeting place, for healthy social activities, and as an office or central point for village heads and leaders to deal with their subordinates. Meanwhile, for community halls that have already been provided in several villages, they may require improvements in terms of infrastructure and added with the latest sports facilities.
Next, I would like to refer to Topic SL02A - Language and Literature Bureau. Research, Documentation, and Recognition. Your Honorable Speaker and Honorable Members.
I am interested in the slogan "Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa" which means the characteristic of national identity, where language represents how a nation or ethnic group uses language as a means of communication.
In this regard, I also refer to the fact that we have indigenous peoples in the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam and it is a national treasure that we should preserve and protect. However, in this modern age, we have realized that the use of these indigenous languages is decreasing and almost disappearing, especially among the younger generation. The Ministry's initiative to create e-dictionaries and printed dictionaries to protect these languages is a good action and should be supported.
However, what else can we do together to strengthen the preservation of this national treasure? How can the Ministry, especially the Language and Literature Bureau, take further action to address the issue of the almost disappearing indigenous languages?
Your Honorable Speaker, I would like to suggest that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports take steps to digitize these languages, at least by storing them on a website dedicated to easy access and learning.
The use of the website by the public, especially language enthusiasts and experts, can contribute by uploading language samples in text, audio, and video formats using a tagging system that allows for easy searchability.
In addition, by completing language resources with the cooperation of the Malay Language and Linguistics Program, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) to document these indigenous languages.
Language experts and researchers can record the correct words and phrases so that the community can obtain and learn these languages. And it can be used as a proper and valid reference. Discussions and cooperation to share ideas from regional language associations can also be planned to exchange views and share opinions to preserve these indigenous languages.
Finally, the sustainability of the issue of disappearing indigenous peoples in this country each has its own uniqueness and cultural continuity value.
I noticed that there is a lack of people in our country to revive the practices and culture of indigenous peoples such as the Kedayan people's "makan tahun" which involves a communal rice-sharing practice; making "kelupis" and "mengarat" meat; and so on.
My opinion is that this culture is not adequately taught in schools and needs to be practiced and implemented so that at least young people can experience and participate in these events.
That's all, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
Does the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports want to answer that question or how?
Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
Your Honorable Speaker, if I may answer briefly.
Your Honorable Speaker
The questions that have been raised have already been answered or explained by the previous Honorable Minister. How long will we discuss with the indigenous people and languages or the cultural characteristics of these indigenous peoples, while in our constitution it is stated that Malay is the official language of the country.
So if we want to make this matter controversial, one day we may create an atmosphere that ... However, I do not like to participate in this matter.
Although I myself have a lot of interest in this matter because I myself come from one of the ethnic groups listed in the constitution.
So that's the Honorable Member's part, my part now. Listen to me, my part now is dealing with the relevant Laws.
And I think with the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports' acknowledgment that he will answer the question raised by the Honorable Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin and possibly also answer one or two questions raised by the Honorable Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin.
So I think that's enough for us to discuss the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. And now I want to vote on this matter. Any objections? Wait a minute. Is that an objection?
Now I want to ask all Honorable Members who agree to pass the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Title, please raise your hand.
(All members raise their hands in agreement)
Thank you, it seems that everyone agrees and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Title, namely Title SL01A to SL06A, is approved.
The Deputy Clerk
Title SL01A to Title SL06A - Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is included in the Schedule.
Your Honorable Speaker
Honorable Members, I think that's enough for us to discuss this morning. It is better to adjourn this Committee Meeting and we will reconvene at the National Assembly Meeting.
(Meeting of the Committee is adjourned)
(The Meeting of the Parliament reconvenes)
Your Honorable Speaker
Honorable Members of Parliament. We are now reconvening the Meeting of the Parliament. Today, this afternoon, a specific delegation will be observing whether the Ramadan crescent moon can be sighted or not.
Therefore, as a preparation, perhaps we will expedite our work by finishing earlier than usual at noon.
However, we still have one ministry, which is the Ministry of Health that I believe needs to be implemented and I hope it will be approved later this afternoon.
With that in mind, I would like to propose that our meeting be adjourned for us to take a break at noon. إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ we will reconvene as usual starting at 2.30 pm.
That is all, علَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ. سَلَمْ. وَبِهِلْلِ التَّوْفِيْقِ وَالْهِدَايَةِ
(The Meeting of the Parliament resumes at 2.30 pm)
ADJOURNED
(The Meeting of the Parliament is adjourned)
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