DAY 9 MORNING
9TH MARCH 2024 - MORNING
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Yang Mulia Jurutulis
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The First Meeting of the 20th Session of the Legislative Council convened today, Saturday, 28 Sha'baan 1445 corresponding to 9 March 2024, began with the reading of a Doa Selamat.
DOA SELAMAT
The Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Metali Al-Hafiz (Imam of Masjid Jame’ Asr Hassanal Bolkiah).
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universes, may peace and His mercy and His blessings be upon them.
Praise be to Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta’ala for with His abundant grace and permission, we are able once again to be present this morning to attend the ninth day of the First Meeting from the 20th Session of the Legislative Council. Prayers and blessings to our Noble Prophet, his family, companions, and his devoted followers till the end of time.
Your Honourable Members. The Legislative Council is still discussing the Supply Bill (2024), 2024/2025 proposed by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy.
Before we move to the Committee Stage to examine the topics contained in the said Bill further, I have been informed that the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy wishes to make a statement and respond especially to some questions that were raised by the Appointed Members regarding the Bill that was discussed while debating the Supply Bill (2024), 2024/2025 last Thursday, 29 February 2024.
With that, I now invite the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and with His aid, we seek assistance in the matters of this world and religion.
Allow me to refer to several questions and feedback that were proposed by some Your Honourable Members on Thursday, 29 February 2024, where I have not yet had the opportunity to provide explanations. I would also like to thank the Your Honourable Members concerned and welcome the feedback that has been given.
The first question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim regarding strategic steps
The Ministry of Finance and Economy through the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) is to further improve the involvement of the local banking sector to help develop and enhance the ecosystem in this country.
First, let me share some of the efforts that have been undertaken by BDCB to facilitate and help individuals and merchants including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to obtain financial loans more easily as follows:
In 2016, BDCB introduced Collateral Registration to help MSMEs secure financial loans by using their movable property as collateral. BDCB also continuously enhances awareness and understanding of this Collateral Registration to the industry and the topics presented during these capacity building sessions are beneficial for MSMEs such as Factoring and Asset-Based Lending;
In 2018, Credit Score was introduced to assist banks and financial companies in making more informed loan decisions and to further facilitate access to finance for individuals and commercial entities, especially for MSMEs;
Through Notice On Equity-Based Crowdfunding (ECF), Platform Operators and Notice on Peer-to-Peer Financing (P2P) Platform Operators released in August 2017 and April 2019, respectively. These notices provide clear legal guidance for any company that wants to operate ECF and P2P platforms in this country. Furthermore, it is hoped that this will pave the way towards alternative financing sources for MSME-level businesses to generate capital.
In addition, BDCB also encourages the development of companies and Financial Technology (FinTech) products. In 2017, BDCB FinTech Regulatory Sandbox was introduced and so far, there are 2 FinTech companies currently testing digital financial services Peer-to-Peer Crowdfunding Platform and also money remittance.
These services, among others, offer financial technology solutions to tackle financial issues faced by MSMEs in this country.
BDCB has also conducted studies on the loan rates offered to the corporate sector and FDI and found that the bank loan rates offered in this country are reasonable and can be considered low compared to regional countries.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, before I move on to the next question, allow me to touch a bit on business sentiment or business confidence especially in addressing the challenges faced by merchants in this country, particularly after COVID-19. From the feedback obtained from certain platforms such as dialogue sessions with the National Chambers of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam, roundtable economic discussions, business forums, etc., the government has been continuously identifying areas for improvement including changing policies to be more business-friendly towards ensuring a positive economic outlook for the business community and encouraging new investments. The Ministry of Finance and Economy will strive to increase outreach to more businesses. I also very much welcome the idea and constructive suggestions from Your Honourable Members to improve the business ecosystem in this country.
Next, towards assisting local merchants especially MSMEs to thrive, let me take this opportunity to share the findings from the MSME Festival that was held from 29 February to 3 March 2024, recently at Bridex Hall, Jerudong.
In this year's event, a total of 180 local MSME entrepreneurs participated to showcase their products. A total of 10 importing companies from Singapore, Japan, China, and Malaysia were invited with the aim to explore opportunities for business matching. From the festival, a total of 34 local production products such as bakery products, seafood products, frozen meat products, dried shrimp, spice ingredients, sauces, beverage products, agricultural products, and others have been identified by the importing companies concerned for export.
The festival has proven that Negara Brunei Darussalam has the potential to produce exportable products. For example, the participation of Mustafa Centre from Singapore for the second time attending this festival has shown their commitment to importing more 'kitani' local products such as tea beverages and sambal. These products are as additional imports to their existing imported products.
Next, to answer the question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman:
Regarding the sharing and 'remembering' of initiatives that I presented during the Financial Year 2024/2025 Budget Presentation. Alhamdullilah thank you to Your Honourable for that good suggestion. Insya'allah The Ministry of Finance and Economy will 'remember' and promote the initiatives to interested parties through various platforms; and
The next question regarding the performance monitoring mechanism for expenditures to ensure that expenditures achieve the objectives implemented. The Ministry of Finance and Economy has conducted several scheduled monitoring such as mid-year review and on a monthly and ad hoc basis including visits to specific sites especially for RKN projects with each ministry to identify challenges faced in implementing expenditures including the following:
Examining Key Performance Indicators with the targets to be achieved to measure the generation of outputs or achievements of outcomes that will be obtained from the execution of expenditures made by each ministry and department.;
Emphasizing accountability and financial discipline at every level especially to controlling officers in managing government finances in achieving policy objectives and goals. Better financial management by prioritizing important or priority spending which will lead to savings in the long term or increase results to each ministry and department. Besides, ensuring the implementation of prudent and cost-effective spending planning using the value for money concept through shared use and selection of work scope with controls that meet functionality appropriate to the actual requirements.;
Emphasizing the importance of taking immediate action on acquisition plans or projects that are pending in the approved appropriations to ensure that the appropriations are used efficiently. Officers should have a regular expenditure monitoring platform at their department level to ensure spending according to appropriation and priorities. In addition, the National Development Plan Division (RKN), at the Ministry of Finance and Economy has also implemented several efforts to improve the performance of RKN projects and physical.;
Next, to answer the question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof about the allocation for research and development. I welcome Your Honourable's statement and agree that the research and development sector plays an important role in driving the country's development. Towards this, several allocations have been provided in the Financial Year 2024/2025 and RKN-12 under the Council for Research and Advancement in Technology and Science (CREATES). However, it cannot be denied that the amount provided is still low and it needs to be reviewed again from time to time.
Regarding the question from Your Honourable Dayang Chong Chin Yee about the Return on Investment (ROI) expected from digital transformation initiatives in Negara Brunei Darussalam. To answer, between the years 2015 to 2023, on average the technology and information communication sector or ICT has grown by 3.1%. This growth is driven by increases in telecommunications activities and computer programming, consultancy and information service activities. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for this sector to grow due to high demand and subsequently has pushed for increased production of ICT services such as mobile applications, e-commerce platforms, and more advanced telecommunication technologies ultimately helping accelerate the country's efforts towards digital transformation.
Last but not least, regarding the question from Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin about the efforts to increase FDI investment at this time, and its relation to GLCs. As I have detailed during the presentation of the Supply Bill (2024), 2024/2025, several projects have, are, and will be implemented:
The company Muara International Fish Landing Sdn. Bhd., which is a subsidiary of Muara Port Company Sdn. Bhd. (MPC), has successfully completed modernization and redevelopment works at the Muara Fish Landing Complex, which among other things includes the development, facility amenities, Cold Storage that will contribute to the convenience and requirements of Cold Chain Logistics network in the country.;
A joint investment project between Strategic Development Capital funds with a local company and several international companies, which is the Integrated Marine Maintenance and Decommissioning Yard operated by Anson International Sdn. Bhd. located in Pulau Muara Besar to provide maintenance and decommissioning services for ships in this country's waters including decommissioning of platforms and crude oil wells, fabrication, and others.;
The Pulau Muara Besar Phase-2 Advancement Project between the government and Hengyi Sdn. Bhd. which is expected to increase feedstock capacity to produce more products and provide more employment opportunities to local youths.
Allow me to add that during the COVID-19 pandemic that struck the entire world, the government also paid attention to the potential spin-off as well as the production of value-added products that can be utilized from companies that have been established and are operating in this country. For example, under the Downstream Oil and Gas Sector strategy, the government has expanded the list of local raw materials such as ammonia, benzene, and methanol which will become catalysts for the production activities and other products. With the availability of various local raw materials, the government is currently in the final steps of joining investment opportunities to develop an acetic acid and aniline production plant at the Sungai Liang Industrial Site in Belait District. When the plant begins operations, it will further add to the list of raw materials that can be utilized by local companies and also to attract new FDI.
That is all I can share briefly to answer the questions concerned. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
We would like to thank the Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II for the further explanations on the issues raised by Your Honourable Members and I believe that such clear explanations do not need to be followed up with other questions. Now is the time for us to continue our session to examine the Supply Bill (2024), 2024/2025 one by one. To enable this, I adjourn the State Legislative Council session and we will resume in full Committee Stage.
(The State Legislative Council session is adjourned)
(Meeting resumes as Committee)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Your Honourable Members. This assembly is now in full Committee Stage to consider the Supply Bill (2024), 2024/2025 proposed by the Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II one by one.
Your Honourable Members, the Committee Meeting on Thursday afternoon has finished discussing and debating the Budget Title under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and its departments and subsequently, these titles have been approved.
Before we proceed to the next title, I have been informed that the Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs would like to make a statement or response to the issue of claw machine games that were brought up or raised last Thursday. I invite the Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs to give his statement. I also do not understand and have never seen this claw machine. Please, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you also to Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, who requested clarification on the claw machine game involving youth and the sale of something categorized as gharar which is prohibited. Under the Public Entertainment Act, Chapter 181, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the district departments, municipal boards are responsible for issuing approvals for applications sent by companies operating game machines in this country. This includes "claw machines" or claw machine and other game machines such as balloon popper or pop the balloon, basketball or basketball machine, and so on.
Meanwhile, according to the Fatwa Series of the Government Mufti No. 19/2023 regarding claw machine games issued on December 18, 2023, following the clarifications requested by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Government Mufti Department regarding the mentioned games as well as following the widespread message from the public. The Government Mufti Department has briefly issued a fatwa.
Based on the way the claw machine game operates, it contains elements of gambling as follows:
Players are required to pay a sum of money as a wager to obtain a prize.;
This game mostly relies on luck whether one will get a prize or not.; and
The game has a risk of winning or losing.
Among the forms or characteristics of gambling that are prohibited are every party in a game is uncertain whether he will receive a reward or he will suffer a loss. Islam prohibits gambling and all forms of activities with gambling elements whether through entertainment games and so forth. The prohibition of gambling is clearly mentioned in the Quran as stated by Allah in Surah Al-Maidah verse 90 interpretation:
"O you who believe, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, idol worship, and casting lots with arrows are abominations of Satan’s handiwork. So avoid these so that you may be successful."
Claw machine games are gambling-oriented games. Gambling may occur in current games like claw machine games and other games as mentioned earlier because all these games have the elements of gambling mentioned above. In connection with this, the Ministry of Home Affairs has updated the public entertainment license guidelines by no longer allowing the issuance of licenses for claw machines or similar games.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, the district departments, and municipal boards have currently identified companies that had been issued public entertainment licenses before the Mufti's Fatwa was issued and will issue notices to stop the operation of the mentioned machines. The ministry also from time to time cooperates with the Government Mufti Department in implementing actions against other games that can be categorized as gambling. That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi my explanation. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs. Now we move on to the next Title.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
The title SC01A - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, we have now moved on to the Title under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. So as usual, before I open this schedule for debate and discussion, I would like to invite and give space to the Yang Berhormat Minister of Foreign Affairs II to present his introductory remarks on the planning and direction of his ministry as well as the explanation and statement on the preparation of the Budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Financial Year 2024/2025. I invite the Yang Berhormat Minister of Foreign Affairs II.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad and upon his family and companions.
Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings and good day,
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Firstly, kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for giving kaola the opportunity to deliver this introduction in this honorable Hall during the First Session of the 20th Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with utmost respect, I am delighted to offer the highest form of gratitude to The Most Honourable Council before Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, for His Majesty's royal address during the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Session of the 20th Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara on 27th February 2024.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola also wish to express appreciation to the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for supporting an allocation amounting to $124,706,795.00 for the Financial Year 2024/2025 for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Generally, this allocation is divided into three parts:
A sum of $57,564,750.00 is for emoluments among others to finance the salaries of ministry officers and staff domestically and abroad;
While $57,400,000.00 is for Recurrent Expenditure; and
A total of BND 9,742,045.00 allocated for Development Expenditure.
This allocation will be utilized as effectively and economically as possible to cover the ministry's expenditure needs and enable the ministry to continue carrying out its entrusted roles and responsibilities more efficiently and effectively. Especially in enhancing staff capabilities and upgrading ministry infrastructure, and further enhancing Brunei Darussalam's efforts and contributions towards regional peace and prosperity while supporting the people and agencies of the nation in the international arena.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
This ministry also welcomes the 12th National Development Plan commencing in the Financial Year 2024/2025. Through this Development Plan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will, Insya Allah, implement several development projects that will not only upgrade the ministry’s infrastructure but also preserve government assets, and our diplomatic offices abroad.
This infrastructure upgrading project will enable the ministry to accommodate its overall capacity of officers and staff, many of whom are currently placed in the International Conference Centre (ICC). With this Development Plan, it will be able to provide comfortable and sufficient office space to accommodate existing officers and staff as well as to cater to future workforce expansion. Furthermore, the International Conference Centre will be fully and optimally utilized for conferencing, meetings, exhibitions, and various public or private events.
Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also needs to maintain the nation's assets abroad, such as diplomatic office buildings. These assets should be maintained according to good standards and current requirements. These projects will further improve the quality of services and strengthen the role and responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in maintaining good bilateral relations as well as safeguarding the interests of the citizens abroad.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Alhamdulillah, this year Brunei Darussalam celebrates 40 years of full independence, and with this, it also marks 40 years of the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic relations of this country with several friendly nations reaching 40 years. This year is also very significant as we also celebrate the 40th anniversary of Brunei Darussalam's membership in regional and international organizations such as ASEAN, the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Commonwealth.
Alhamdulillah, over these four decades, despite being a small developing country with a small population, Brunei Darussalam has been able to prove its capability in contributing positively to regional initiatives like ASEAN and international efforts towards peace and collective development. In other words, our country has successfully demonstrated maturity as an independent, sovereign, respected, and trusted nation in the regional and international arena. Through close cooperation with government agencies and the private sector, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also successfully fostered and enhanced cooperation with strategic partners in safeguarding and advancing this country's interests.
However, the country will not be exempt from various challenges due to the increasingly volatile geopolitical environment and uncertain global economic conditions. This requires the ministry to be more adept and agile in facing them. Therefore, Brunei Darussalam will always be consistent in its foreign policy of amicability with all countries, mutual respect, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries to ensure sovereignty and national interests are always respected and preserved.
Along with this, the country's approach in resolving any disputes peacefully through dialogue, negotiation, cooperation for mutual benefit, and in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter must continue to be the backbone of our foreign policy. All these are in line with the values of the Malay Islamic Monarchy concept, which are tolerance, compassion, mutual assistance, discussions, and negotiations. The pragmatic foreign policy principles that have been practiced have contributed to the welfare, security, development, and also the honor of the country.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. More than half in this past four decades, Brunei Darussalam has established diplomatic relations with 172 countries and has 43 representative offices in friendly nations as well as in regional and international organizations. This ministry will strive to further enhance bilateral relations, especially with our closest neighboring countries, based on the close and friendly brotherhood and friendship that has long been established. Furthermore, this ministry will also work to strengthen existing relations with interested countries through negotiations, exchange of visits and cooperation in various sectors for mutual benefit.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. This year, the ministry intends to organize several additional activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also the establishment of diplomatic relations of Brunei Darussalam with the concerned countries as well as the membership of these countries in regional and international organizations.
Among the planned activities is to conduct high-level visits to several countries to further strengthen and enhance bilateral relations and cooperation of Brunei Darussalam with the concerned countries. It is also an important diplomatic effort to enable us to identify new cooperation opportunities with partner countries, especially in strategic areas that contribute to the progress and sustainability of the country, such as investment, defense, education, competitiveness, agriculture, and so forth. Besides, it also provides us the opportunity to promote Brunei Darussalam as a peaceful country and an attractive destination for investors or tourists.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Brunei Darussalam will also continue to be active in utilizing its membership in regional and international organizations. Our participation in ASEAN has enabled the country to play a larger role in the maintenance of regional peace and prosperity contributing to our shared future in this region towards the achievement of ASEAN Vision 2025 and drafting ASEAN Vision 2024/2025 as well as cultivating close relations with ASEAN dialogue partners who are also world powers. For example, through mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit, and ASEAN Regional Forum, we have the opportunity to present the country's position on various security issues, both traditional and non-traditional, as well as non-security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
Other ASEAN forums also provide opportunities for cooperation with dialogue partners in strategic areas such as disaster management, climate change, connectivity, food security, terrorism issues, and so forth.
We have the opportunity to build and enhance capacity in areas of interest to this country through various cooperation frameworks offered in ASEAN and also its dialogue partners. Brunei Darussalam's involvement in international organizations, among others, aims to safeguard our interests and also contribute to efforts to ensure global security, safety, and stability in general. This includes upholding the country's stance at the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on issues of importance such as Brunei Darussalam's position on the Palestine issue.
Brunei Darussalam continues and consistently condemns in the strongest terms the prolonged occupation, and the continued violation of the inalienable rights of the Palestine people by the occupying power.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also continue to emphasize support and solidarity for the Palestinian people's struggle towards the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestine state based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The country will also continue to emphasize the importance for all members of the international community to uphold and demonstrate higher and more equitable commitment to the enforcement of international principles and laws without bias due to personal interests.
In addition, as a responsible member of the international community, Negara Brunei Darussalam will also strive with our existing capabilities to jointly address natural disaster issues and humanitarian crises, including by providing assistance to countries in need.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
At the forefront of global affairs issues are the officers and staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We are aware of their importance in ensuring readiness to face global uncertainty challenges.
Therefore, efforts to strengthen and ensure a more effective recruitment and appointment process as professional diplomats will always be continued. The Ministry will also focus on improving the abilities of the officers, including through training and development opportunities, both domestically and abroad.
This process will take time and require continuous resources to achieve the Ministry's aspiration to produce competitive and capable diplomats in carrying out their responsibilities and in effectively advocating for the country's interests.
The Ministry will also continue to emphasize the importance for our diplomatic officers to build networking with counterparts from abroad towards strengthening further bilateral and international relations and diversifying existing cooperation. In addition, the Ministry will also enhance and strengthen the role of the overseas representative offices in safeguarding and advancing the interests of the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Our representative offices are assets acting as a contact point between agencies of Negara Brunei Darussalam and agencies in the respective countries. This includes facilitating efforts of the lead agencies in increasing trade and investment opportunities and identifying new areas of cooperation. This Ministry also cares about the welfare of our officers, diplomats, and local staff working at the representative offices abroad.
Therefore, the Ministry will continue to work to ensure their well-being and safety, guided by local regulations and laws set in the respective countries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the representative offices abroad, is also always concerned about providing consular assistance services to the citizens and permanent residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam abroad. To facilitate further consular assistance, it is important for anyone wishing to go abroad for any purpose to fill in the e-Register form.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. All the achievements of Negara Brunei Darussalam's foreign policy by this Ministry have been obtained through collaboration and input from other government agencies through a whole of government approach. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will always support and provide strong backing to government agencies. This is to continuously safeguard and advance the country's interests and achieve the goals set jointly in supporting efforts to realize Vision Brunei 2035.
Towards this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes to obtain support for this allocation to enable the Ministry to maintain current achievements and further enhance efforts in the future.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Before kaola conclude this preamble, kaola seek the opportunity to express our highest appreciation to Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Judin bin Haji Asar for his service and efforts while holding the position as Jurutulis of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, at the same time kaola also wish to congratulate Yang Mulia Dr. Dayang Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah on her appointment as Jurutulis of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
That is all that kaola can convey for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. والله الهادي إلى سواء السبيل. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Praise be to Allah, we have just heard a clear and detailed explanation from Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II about the direction and priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the provision of the ministry's budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
Therefore, Topic SC01A - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I now open for debate. I have a list of Your Honourable Members who are interested in participating in the discussion of these topics. So, I will give the opportunity for the Honourable Member to ask questions and then for Yang Berhormat Menteri concerned to provide answers or responses. To start, I invite Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin. Please, Your Honour.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Thank you, wise Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praises to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and prayers and peace be upon the noblest of the Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II for the clear preamble and for providing the budget and direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Financial Year 2024/2025. I hope and congratulate this Ministry on its 40th anniversary. I hope as citizens of Negara Brunei Darussalam, our firm stance and concern about the Palestinian issue, according to our ability, are blessed, and we are among those who defend and assist our Muslim brothers and sisters.
Negara Brunei Darussalam has established good diplomatic relations with friendly countries, regionally and internationally, both bilaterally and multilaterally. As is known, Negara Brunei Darussalam strengthens its international relations through Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed with friendly countries and by partaking in various Free Trade Agreements (FTA).
Several of these MoUs were signed during state visits of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam and several FTAs at the ministerial level.
As the Ministry that coordinates all these MoUs, my question is, to what extent have the implementations of the signed MoUs produced tangible results, especially for the private and local sectors, and through the follow-up not only were the MoUs signed but also how far have the related Ministry of Foreign Affairs and corresponding ministries ensured the implementation of these MoUs by the private sector in this country?
That's all, Your Honourable Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola also extend thanks to Yang Berhormat for the question posed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indeed is the signatory to most MoUs conducted during visits whether those visits are at the ministerial level or at the head of state level to or from Negara Brunei Darussalam. On those occasions, after discussions among the concerned agencies which feel the need to have an MoU or to cooperate with those countries have been concluded.
So, possibly from recent visits, you have seen MoUs signed by the Minister of Education, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. From there, it is quite apparent that the concerned agencies or ministries are the lead agencies where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs only acts as a facilitator or as a mediator between the agency in the concerned country and the agency in this country.
From the aspect of MoUs involving other ministries, perhaps in terms of these ministries, they will conduct monitoring and also assess the implementation. Indeed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has signed MoUs, mostly the MoUs signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are regarding strategic cooperation such as upgrading from cooperative dialogue to strategic cooperative dialogue and this, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' perspective, if the MoU is already in place, meetings, negotiations, and discussions will be held subject to the timing suitability of both parties, usually conducted annually.
One example is the Strategic Dialogue with the United Kingdom that we hold annually at the senior officer level. Strategic Dialogue with the United States of America is also held annually if it occurs at the ministerial level, our Comprehensive Dialogue Cooperation with the People's Republic of China is also held as far as possible every year. Sometimes, each foreign minister is usually too busy, not that I am saying I am always busy but to 'match' the schedule of these two foreign ministers is indeed difficult, so if not busy because of something else, busy regarding other meetings, sometimes it gets postponed by 1 to 3 years.
But I recommend that the meeting be implemented to review the progress that has been made in the parts or other MoUs signed such as at the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. In this regard, if there are problems or it is felt that the country in question or our country needs to further enhance efforts in various fields, that's where it will be discussed and then either the MoU is renewed or a new MoU is made. That is the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, all praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, firstly, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks for the opening speech by the Minister of Foreign Affairs II regarding how the ministry's functions can be fully realized with God’s permission. Discussing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs abroad attending conferences or conventions related to the Government of Brunei Darussalam or through invitations from ASEAN regional countries and international countries. Some of these delegations are fully sponsored by the government or foreign countries including air travel, accommodation, and daily expenses.
At the same time, there are also expenses borne by them, as soon as they arrive abroad, some of the Brunei Darussalam delegations have been greeted by staff of the Brunei Darussalam embassy, however, some came on their own without being invited.
In connection with this, I would like clarification from the Yang Berhormat Minister. Has the embassy or representation of Brunei Darussalam abroad taken note of the presence of the Brunei Darussalam delegations in the concerned countries?
Next, does the embassy have a list of events at the ASEAN regional or international level involving requests from Brunei Darussalam and are there efforts from the embassy towards monitoring the presence and welfare of the Brunei Darussalam delegates concerned? I ask for clarification from the Yang Berhormat Minister on this.
Thank you,
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. And peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, upon his family, and all his companions.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thank you, Yang Berhormat, for the question and request for clarification.
Your Honourable Members. I, here, would like to explain and draw attention back to the introduction mentioning e-Register. Everything relies on e-Register to know the status and presence of citizens (permanent residents) of Brunei Darussalam while they are abroad. The Representational Office of Brunei Darussalam if in terms of official delegations, they will indeed be notified by the relevant ministries or departments.
So, from the beginning, the embassy and representational office have taken note of their presence. The issue arises for delegations or individuals attending activities, conferences, or expos and so forth at their own expense, if they do not notify the specific embassy especially, if they do not fill in the e-Register form there are some difficulties for the embassy to know their time and place of stay. Therefore, it is requested for the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam, the importance of registering through e-Register and also to ensure receiving assistance, can be helped in case of emergency or need.
Regarding being 'greeted' or not 'greeted' at the airport, if those who go overseas are on personal matters or individually, it might depend on the availability of the embassy staff to greet them but it is not mandatory. It lies in their 'presence' there or 'presence' of 'matters' at the airport, maybe they can 'greet'. However, if for every private delegation or individual and so on, it might further increase expenditure or costs. The important thing here is regarding e-Register.
In addition to e-Register, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize on travel insurance although not mandatory but it is good to be prepared in case of emergencies. One issue often faced by the ministry is visitors or individuals who go abroad facing health problems like heart attack, fainting, and stroke. They then contact the embassy to ask for assistance so that their treatment is covered by the ministry. So far, my experience and I, is that health services are free in Brunei Darussalam only. Free health services do not include abroad. So, this is an important issue to be cautious and prepared when going abroad to purchase insurance to avoid burdens in case of mishaps.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Foreign Affairs II. I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and peace be upon you. Praise be to Allah, whose command is between the 'kaf' and the 'nun'. My greatest in my Lord and I thank Him for the blessing of security and stability, a blessing He expands to our kingdom and our people Allah please make it a lasting blessing and protect our kingdom and our peace, to You be the praise.
Firstly, I would like to thank the Minister of Internal Affairs II for the presentation of the Budget Estimate for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There is no compulsion in religion, based on mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of a country, the principle of being friendly with all countries, not interfering in the affairs of other countries which has been practiced for the past 40 years, thus, Brunei Darussalam enjoys political stability and security to this day under the wise leadership of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Brunei Darussalam has enjoyed peace, and is known and respected as an independent and sovereign nation, and as a Malay Islamic Monarchy. Congratulations and well done to the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both past and present, who have successfully preserved and promoted the interests of Brunei Darussalam for good relations with foreign countries. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola would like to refer to the budget estimate for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025, one of the things that caught my attention is the Key Performance Indicator, which is to preserve and enhance the image and interests of Brunei Darussalam on the international stage in meetings with the hosting government and targets for the years 2024/2025 and the following years up to 2026/2027 are as many as 860 meetings. Kaola is not sure how this target figure is reached with the figures 860 confirmed. Even if that figure was achieved or targeted in the previous year, are we expecting the same figure for the following years?
Is this target communicated to all representatives to achieve it? Kaola believes it would also be appropriate if one of the ministry's performance indicators is how much services of Brunei Darussalam's overseas missions are utilised by ministries, government agencies, and other NGOs according to their function as official representatives and channels of communication with the host government.
Next, kaola would like to ask Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II several questions:
To what extent have our foreign missions been successful in actively strengthening economic and trade cooperation with the host countries and in attracting investment to Brunei Darussalam? Do we have statistics that show the amount of foreign trade and investment brought in with their values?;
Are the officers and staff at all our embassies adequate for carrying out substantive work other than preparing political reports and administrative tasks? Looking at the allocation under Code Title 002/000, there is no addition of middle management officers in our missions as it is still recorded at 9 officers like last year. While support staff decreased from 57 to 54. This may cause our missions to be unable to perform all their duties properly.;
How does the ministry evaluate the performance of an embassy? Are Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for such matters communicated to each mission, what they should achieve each year, and so on.;
Regarding allocations, the allocation for each representative office is not stated, it is just collected together. So, it is difficult for us to know whether the allocation given is according to the needs, functions, roles, and effectiveness of a mission.
Also, the allocation given according to the achievement of KPIs for each mission especially those successful in attracting investments that successfully increase trade that managed to bring trade missions to Brunei Darussalam, which successfully brought a significant number of tourists to Brunei Darussalam. This will motivate our representatives, and if additional allocation is given, they will continuously pursue their efforts. So if the allocation is more or less the same, there might be less motivation to do more work, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.;
Next, kaola would like to ask about the MoU, which has been mentioned earlier by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin that Brunei Darussalam has signed many MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding). How many of these MoUs have materialized? How many have become MOAs, agreements for signing that could be implemented? Are all missions directed to follow up on the signed MoUs? If so, there might be some achievements obtained from these MoUs.; and
Lastly, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola would like to ask if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has any plans to establish an academy to train diplomats? Like IDFR (Institute of Diplomacy Foreign Relations) in Malaysia, MFA Diplomatic Academy in Singapore and Philippine Foreign Service Institute in the Philippines. Perhaps there's also a need to run such programs, either stand-alone or placed within our local universities.
The purpose is to increase the level of professionalism and expertise, as well as the knowledge of our diplomats to a higher level as they have successfully carried out their duties well, but as also mentioned by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II, in the future perhaps we won't know how conflicts, international relations, issues that arise, conflicts born out of misunderstandings, and so on.
So, we need diplomats who can truly handle issues like these. Initially, when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established, all our officers were sent to pursue Master's Programs at various universities abroad and attended short diplomatic courses or placements in allied countries, but such practices seemingly haven't been continued at present, as far as known.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola believe, in this esteemed Dewan, Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, it's an appropriate place for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enlighten about its strategic plan and direction as it is related to the amount of allocation applied for. So that the planning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be known, even if not in detail, but at least their plans can be understood by us.
That is all Yang Berhormat Pengerusi kaola wishes to raise in discussing the budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
والله الغنيو والباسط. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Here, kaola would like to request from this esteemed Dewan due to the numerous questions that there are only six, but what kaola remembers are only the first and the last. So, if kaola will try to answer them all in today's session, it might not suffice with the facts requested by Yang Berhormat earlier. If Yang Berhormat Pengerusi allows, kaola would like to take or request from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman to give me the opportunity to answer those questions so that kaola can respond more clearly orally at another meeting. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I have no objection if that is what is required by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II and perhaps Your Honourable Members as well, we need to emphasize that the questions should perhaps be precise so that they can be more understandable by those who will answer them. But I myself have an interest or personally regarding with the question of training successors who will follow the footsteps of our future diplomats. Perhaps, this is something good that could be explored or looked into more deeply especially as we have several institutions in the country that could be utilized as best as possible.
As someone who first stepped out of the country to receive such training, I truly understand the actual position regarding this matter. So, it would be good if this could be further examined by the concerned ministry.
I have no doubt that Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman is willing to provide more in-depth input about the question he asked.
I now invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi,
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ وَالصَّلاَةُ وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلَى نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ and peace be upon you.
My question, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, is about the role of international relations in supporting the economic development of the country. One important aspect in strengthening the economy is the transfer of technology and innovation that allows the country to maintain technological value-added domestically and reduce dependence on foreign services. Strategic diplomatic initiatives and international partnerships can be used to attract foreign investment, stimulate economic growth, and facilitate joint ventures (JV).
With that, here are a few questions to consider:
How can Brunei use strategic diplomatic initiatives and international partnerships to attract direct foreign investment (FDI), especially in technology and innovation fields that can help develop potential economic sectors in the country?;
What approaches and best practices can Brunei adopt to enhance trade visits in the context of BIMP-EAGA and chair cross-border economic cooperation with neighboring countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines?
How does the ministry ensure that technology transfer and innovation brought into this country through international cooperation can add significant value to the local economy and contribute to the nation's long-term development while reducing dependence on foreign services?
In another matter, referring to the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is to preserve and enhance the image and interests of Brunei Darussalam at the international, bilateral, and multilateral arenas by holding meetings with the host government representatives. In kaola's opinion, this KPI needs to be reviewed for improvement by evaluating the outcomes of these meetings, such as the estimated amount of technology or innovation investment that could be obtained as a result of discussions in these meetings.
That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, the trustworthy.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Before the Minister of Foreign Affairs responds to the related question, it is known that a few years ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also covered trade, but now, this matter has been separated, and trade has moved to another agency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longer deals with matters related to trade. Perhaps, the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Minister of Finance and Economy II would like to provide further details about FDI, which I believe has a plethora of information about FDIs.
It also has provided us, over the past few days, some information that it has presented regarding FDI that is already existing in Brunei Darussalam and that might attract more to undertake further economic plans for us. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Indeed, the Ministry of Finance and Economy always collaborates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries to collectively advance our economy.
Regarding efforts to expand our economy, whether in the field of technology or other industries, this is not 100% the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Other ministries and the private sector also play a role.
To answer the question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin on how we can attract more technology companies and bring new technologies into this country, indeed, in one of the priority sectors under the five priority sectors under our economic blueprint.
Currently, as we can see, with cooperation with the Ministry of Health, we have established a company, EVYD, to develop our medical application using Artificial Intelligence not only to advance in terms of management or health management in this country. Currently, this company has collaborated or promoted business activities in other countries, in this region, the United States, and so on.
In terms of technology, we continue to collaborate with investors interested in investing in this country. But for koala, this technology can be defined as knowledge technology, knowledge process, and so forth. For instance, some of the FDIs currently coming in like Brunei Methanol Company, which is currently producing methanol. Then in the future, we think, are there opportunities for us to produce green ammonia and blue ammonia.
These are new technologies that perhaps we do not yet possess. Collaborating with these FDIs, we not only attract new FDIs but also companies that have been operating in this country can be enhanced and collaborate with the existing FDIs to further advance and bring in more new technologies considering the issue of climate change at present. Thus, at Muara Port Company, we have technology transfer, where our workers at Muara Port Company have reached over 90%.
Hopefully, with ongoing technology transfer, technology in terms of management security, etc., this is what is shared with our people so that one day they can take over even if not 100% may increase more local participation.
And also, as kaola shared the other day about the cold storage, cold chain, that's another technology currently present at Muara Fish Landing Complex, but on a small scale.
What kaola meant the other day, another larger one, not only to meet domestic needs but for export, etc. That’s the technology, although we are not just looking at semiconductors or electric vehicles, etc.
But the other ones are not so obvious but are actually also technologies that are constantly being improved in this country. That's all kaola might share. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Minister of Foreign Affairs II.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Perhaps a little insight 'abiskaola' would also like to illuminate regarding the question posed, particularly with the meeting specifically to be evaluated focusing on the results as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are facilitators and the services provided are collaboration with agencies coming from Brunei Darussalam, either from the trade section or promotion and investment section, BEDB, and so on.
So, possibly the misunderstanding most people have is what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs covers. Even though it’s about foreign trade, importing goods, etc., it's not like that. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a facilitator and works in cooperation.
It itself is non-functional except for politics that opens bridges or roads for all domestic parties to connect. We are the bridge. It might sound like a useless thing, but a bridge, 'if not burned, does not fall', maybe trade can go through it.
So there lies the task of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in ensuring relations between a country and Brunei Darussalam, and there 'atulah' on that bridge are the efforts of other agencies.
Should it need the ministry or representation to assist in obtaining information or conducting meetings, then 'tah' we initiate because if 'inda' initiated by ourselves, it might not generate interest from Brunei Darussalam. Strategic interest regarding the economy is always with relevant agencies, not with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We do not drive the policies of other ministries.
Regarding the KPI out there, it's a number 3 KPI, meetings. It is subject to how many dialogues are held with partner countries and ASEAN meetings, etc. So, those are all from kaola, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and also thank you to Yang Berhormat.
Kaola will try to answer as much as kaola can remember. Maybe in terms of promoting e-Register to the public, indeed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to strive to increase awareness among the public about its importance, as Yang Berhormat informed earlier, kaola itself every year will make a statement about e-Register.
However, the ministry is aware of the need to conduct promotions to increase awareness about it. Therefore, the ministry is planning to carry out its promotion through mass media, print media, or electronic media in the future.
In terms of upgrading the website, from time to time, this website standard will be enhanced. The ministry also has plans to further upgrade the website using a more up-to-date design by filling in useful information.
Regarding improving the website, the ministry also plans to provide not only online but using mobile phone applications in the future. This matter is being reviewed to see what applications or what services can be included in the mobile phone application later.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. If there are any omitted questions, kaola would like to request Yang Berhormat to address them for kaola to answer later. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of prophets and messengers, our master Muhammad, and on all his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you and peace be upon you. First of all, thank you to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for giving me the opportunity to participate in the discussion of the allocation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the years 2024/2025 and thanks to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II for the enlightenment and explanation regarding the development and direction of the Ministry for the year 2024/2025.
Only now do I understand why the opportunity to discuss with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs II could not be seized due to busy schedules with meetings within ASEAN. In the name of Allah, and there is no power or strength except with Allah, and if Allah wills, although there was no opportunity to discuss, I felt compelled to pose 3 fundamental questions to receive enlightenment.
Before that, I want to record my gratitude to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II even though he could not answer my question last year in this esteemed council but followed up with written answers for all the issues I raised.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
I have several issues for which I seek clarification:
Assets of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I understand that some friendly nations with their diplomatic missions in Negara Brunei Darussalam benefit from constructing their own buildings on special sites in our country;
Is this a mutual agreement and reciprocated, and do our representations abroad receive the same benefits? Therefore, in Code/Account 1209, an expenditure estimate of $53 million requested in RKN-12 for the construction or renovation of office buildings and residences of heads of representation in ten listed friendly countries in the blue book. Is this building constructed on special sites granted by Negara Brunei Darussalam abroad?;
Please enlighten on the government's policy when we are offered benefits to own land plots abroad? Do we build our own buildings or rent them under a long-term lease?
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, regarding the welfare of staff serving abroad. I was fortunate to have worked and lived abroad with my family for a long time (in two locations). Working and residing abroad with the family had a positive impact not only on me and my career but also on family members who joined me during my service abroad.
I understand the challenges faced by workers serving abroad because I have experienced them. Especially the economic challenges due to the cost of living to cover personal and family expenses during service abroad, as well as the expenses of the family left behind in Negara Brunei Darussalam.
My question is about the welfare of ministry staff while carrying out diplomatic missions of Negara Brunei Darussalam abroad. I seek clarification, if there is an evaluation process to align allowances and living costs abroad for ministry staff, including Bruneian citizens working abroad under local term contract because I understand there are Bruneians who apply directly to missions abroad that do not consist of MFA citizens sent on duty. I believe immediate evaluation and adjustment of salaries, allowances, and living costs abroad is an aspect that must be taken seriously to maintain the welfare of staff and the efficiency of embassy operations abroad.
Additionally, by having a competitive package, more quality talents can be attracted while retaining experienced staff. Furthermore, providing a competitive and responsive package to living costs abroad can also help embassies attract qualified local talents to replace foreign workers in several embassies of Negara Brunei Darussalam abroad.
Land and maritime boundaries of Negara Brunei Darussalam. I seek clarification on the status of discussions on the country's boundaries with neighboring countries. There are some elderly citizens who recall that the current boundaries differ significantly from those in the past when they served or were stationed there. These are places easily observed, what about areas not visible to the naked eye and not common crossing points?
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. I am excited and grateful to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to hear directly from Yang Berhormat Menteri in this esteemed council about the stance and commitment of the Government of Negara Brunei Darussalam in fighting for the rights of the Palestinian people to be free from the cruel colonization of the Zionist regime, God willing. May our efforts as a small country be blessed by Almighty Allah and free the country and its people from the trials of this world and the hereafter.
Before I conclude, allow me to offer my personal thanks to the ambassadors and embassy representatives when I was abroad on official duty. The solid cooperation from the ambassadors and embassy representatives in managing my affairs was very encouraging, and some of it was beyond the call of duty, with a personal touch.
I offer my thanks and convey my greetings to them, with prayers accompanying them in hopes they continue to maintain and defend the goodness they have achieved. Respectful greetings to all embassy members abroad.
That concludes my speech, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and thank you Yang Berhormat for the questions posed.
I also wish to express my delight upon hearing that Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman received good care and treatment from the embassy, God willing, their thanks will be conveyed to the relevant parties.
Regarding the questions posed by Yang Berhormat. The first regarding land issues or issues regarding buildings in special places in this country. Indeed, granting land is done on a reciprocate basis. If land is given to Negara Brunei Darussalam to establish a mission or residence for its officers and staff, the same will be given.
However, currently, the criteria are under review to be more in line with the current situation. In terms of construction, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an allocation for the Financial Year 2024/2025 to construct new buildings for heads of representation abroad especially in Berlin, Riyadh, and also Canberra.
But this will be gradually implemented every year in such construction. To answer Yang Berhormat's question, there is indeed reciprocity, I do not want to say reciprocate, so as not to mispronounce it. So there is basically reciprocity if we are given land and we will also give land to that mission. Sometimes our mission requires buying land. So, the land offered to the diplomatic enclave might also be sold to that mission but currently, the criteria are still under review so that it aligns with the current situation.
Regarding the welfare of MFA staff during diplomatic missions of Negara Brunei Darussalam abroad. As mentioned in my introduction, our staff abroad are a priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not only for officers and staff from Negara Brunei Darussalam who are called home-based staff but also for officers and staff who are locally engaged or local engaged staff. Meaning foreigners or Bruneians working with embassies or representations using local term contracts.
This is crucial and indeed I wish to also inform here a slight increase in terms of salary because all our missions abroad for local engaged staff have been authorized for an increase after 20 years.
So, we have managed to do that this year, all missions' local engaged staff, their salaries will increase and this is definitely with permission also, allowing our workers in those embassies to receive a salary commensurate with their tasks and I also receive fewer letters usually when going abroad.
The second phase is to review and reassess the salaries and cost expenditures for home based staff. This indeed takes some time because it has been done in parallel with local engaged staff, but it requires further examination due to home based staff or officers and staff coming from Negara Brunei Darussalam having allowances such as the Foreign Allowance, in addition to their salaries, are provided housing, electricity, water, and other facilities.
Thus, all of these matters need to be scrutinized and aligned with what is provided by other countries from this region or from other regions. So that it is consistent and does not exceed or
Regarding the third issue concerning land boundaries, regarding the status of discussions about this land boundary, indeed, this matter has been pursued for a long time and here kaola/I would like to inform you that Negara Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia continue to closely cooperate in the implementation of land boundary demarcation between the two countries through the Technical Committee on Boundary Marking and Measurement.
This project has been ongoing since its establishment in 2012. The total length of the Brunei and Sarawak boundary is 539.450 kilometers and so far, the boundary marking that has been implemented only reaches 176.146 kilometers, which is only 33.3% completed.
This is only the work of marking, demarcation, not yet the actual boundary because these tasks take time. One reason it requires is the primary agreement of both parties to conduct reconnaissance surveys, verification surveys, demarcation surveys as well as the production of plans and mapping.
For Brunei and Malaysia, indeed both parties will continue to accelerate the work of marking and measuring the land boundaries especially and primarily in priority areas, where there might be adjacent activities such as in Sungai Tujuh, Bebuloh, Kuala Lurah, Bukit Gadong.
Touching on what was stated by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin that some elderly citizens remember the current entry and exit places differently from the past.
It might be said that the past was wrong or not yet official because the boundaries at this time like the apparent ones are based on old agreements like those at Sungai Tujuh and Pandaruan, which are based on the agreement of both parties and lean on old treaties that are already on records.
So maybe in the past, the boundary was just considered and only recently has it been determined where the boundary lies and the marking exists.
Although the issue regarding Kuala Lurah has been an issue, previously the boundary was by the river, on this side, this matter is still being discussed between the two countries.
Indeed, issues concerning overlapping claims will continue but most importantly both countries and the Foreign Ministers of both countries agree that activities conducted in still overlapping areas are to be halted momentarily until the boundary marking can be resolved. Indeed, sometimes people like to take advantage, so there is encroachment or there are activities within it and so on from time to time.
This matter is always monitored by security agencies, but also the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which the ministry can issue a notice to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry regarding these activities so that the matter can be handled accordingly. That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II. I guess there are no more Your Honourable Members wishing to ask questions or make statements about the budget proposed by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II.
Therefore, I believe it would be good to now vote on Title SC01A – Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your Honourable Members in favor, please raise your hand.
(All Members raise their hands in agreement)
It seems that all Your Honourable Members agree, hence Title SC01A - Ministry of Foreign Affairs is approved and we will move on to the next topic.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Title SC01A - Ministry of Foreign Affairs is made part of the Schedule. Title SD01A to Title SD09A - Ministry of Finance and Economy.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. Now we have moved to the topic under the Ministry of Finance and Economy, then as usual before I give the floor for Your Honourable Members to debate and discuss this Schedule, I would like to invite Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II to present his introductory remarks on the planning and direction of his ministry as well as explanations and statements regarding the preparation and budget for the Ministry of Finance and Economy for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi,
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praises be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgement. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings, and good health.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035, especially the third goal, which is to become a nation that possesses a Dynamic and Resilient Economy.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy plays a major role in ensuring that efforts to realize the outcomes set based on aspirations in the Economic Blueprint including roadmaps are more organized and strategic.
These aspirations have been aligned with the strategic plan of the Ministry of Finance and Economy for 2021 to 2025 to ensure the Ministry of Finance and Economy and its departments will continue to strive towards achieving 4 aspirations in the said strategic plan, namely;
Development of economic diversity.
Maintaining fiscal sustainability through the efficient use of government financial allocations.
Effective engagement and cooperation with stakeholders
Delivery of excellent services.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy will continue to collaborate with other ministries and FDI and GLC's companies as well as related industries to enhance the financial and economic sustainability of the country by supporting policies, expanding the base of the country's income sources while diversifying sources and economic activities in this country.
The success and progress of the country's development as kaola shared during the presentation of the Supply Bill (2024), 2024/2025 a few days ago, is evidence of determination and serves as a motivation and benchmark that the country is capable of transforming the landscape and structure of the economy with the solid cooperation of all parties.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy, like other ministries, continues to strategize and support the government's digital transformation plan towards becoming a smart nation. In this regard, the Ministry of Finance and Economy through the Treasury Department, in the name of Allah, will launch the Tafis 2.0 system on April 1, 2024.
Tafis 2.0 will have additional software modules not found in the current Tafis system. Among them, modules such as supply and budget can be handled online and the Project System module for monitoring projects under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN-12) can be implemented more systematically and efficiently.
At the same time, kaola also wants to share the development and success of the Human Resource System (SSM), a system jointly developed by the Prime Minister's Department especially the Civil Service Department and Ministry of Finance and Economy.
New modules have been implemented, namely the allowance module for leave and fares to replace the module in Tafis. The use of the module will also commence on April 1, 2024, where government officers and staff will be able to submit applications for allowances and fares online.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
For the Financial Year 2024/2025, the overall budget allocation proposal for the Ministry of Finance and Economy amounts to $1,098,806,940.
About 20% of that amount, which is $220,270,740, is for financing the needs of the Ministry of Finance and Economy and its four departments, namely the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Treasury Department, and the Office of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertua of Negara Brunei Darussalam's Pilot.
While the remainder, amounting to $878,536,200 is provided under Title SDO9A, which is Miscellaneous Services among others to finance the needs of all ministries and departments.
Allow kaola to first explain the allocation breakdown for the Ministry of Finance and Economy and its departments:
An allocation under the Emolument category is provided for $64,200,040 to finance the payment of salaries, bonuses, allowances, and contributions to TAP, SCP, and SPK for 2,120 positions.
Under the recurring expenditure category, an allocation of $156,066,700 is provided, among others, to finance the operational needs of work, enforcement and 'granting', maintenance, and upkeep of assets, buildings, and ICT infrastructure in ministries, departments, and branches in all districts, specifically:
An amount of $16 million is provided for Maintenance and Repair of Assets such as lift upgrading work, main switchboard and genset repairs, and maintenance of scanner machines and repairs of buildings of the Royal Customs and Excise Department in each district.;
An amount of $26.2 million is provided for Information and Communication Technology, among others, to finance the maintenance of information technology systems such as Annual MoFE Consolidated Maintenance and Support, Network Infrastructure Services, building MoFE Infrastructure Disaster Recovery for application systems in the Ministry of Finance and Economy and ePG Migration to One Government Private Cloud (OGPC).
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Allow kaola to further share briefly the allocations under the Title SD09A - Ancillary Services as kaola explained earlier, it is provided to finance Shared Expenses for all ministries and departments as well as unexpected expenditures. The provided allocations are as follows:
$113.5 million is provided for Aid, Transfer Grants, and Subsidies.;
$25 million to address Natural Disasters, where an amount of $16.5 million for road elevation works in flood-prone areas and an amount of $1.1 million for slope repair works at several locations.;
Allocations to address infectious disease outbreaks are provided in the amount of $37 million.;
To finance costs for ministry projects under Ancillary Projects, an amount of $276.4 million is provided.;
Financing the repair works of the Al-Islah Centre.;
Upgrading and maintenance works of buildings in Maraburong Prison Phase 1 and Phase 3 of Jerudong Prison and Prison Institutions.;
Modification of old Telekom Brunei buildings.; and
Repairing roof leaks and other damages to the Brunei History Centre buildings.;
Further, to finance programs or projects that support the focus of the national budget, an amount of $27.5 million is provided. Among others to implement;
Tafis 2.0 Project (TAFIS Migration).;
National Coastal Surveillance System Acquisition Project of the National Maritime Coordination Centre.;
Project Supply and Delivery of 4 Units of Interceptor Class Boat.
Repair Works of Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University Buildings, Gadong Campus and Sinaut Campus.; and
Purchase of Laboratory Equipment necessary for food analysis for the Scientific Services Department in the Ministry of Health which will help enhance the productivity and capability of the said department towards assisting certain parties to increase food export efforts. In addition to ensuring food safety for consumers in this country.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Under the Development Expenditure category, an amount of $12.8 million with a Plan Price totaling $98.3 million is allocated, among others, to finance the Government Human Resource Management System project, now known as the Human Resource System (SSM).
National Business Service Platform Project, Macroeconomic Cluster Development, Green Building Project, Integrated Statistical Data System, and Socio-Economic Census and Study.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. That is all that kaola can share as information and guidance for Your Honourable Members. Before kaola ends this introductory speech as is usual in the past years, kaola seeks permission for the allocation of the Office of Flight of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, which is considered a closed department, not to be discussed.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, for the explanation given regarding the direction and priorities in the preparation of the Ministry of Finance and Economy's budget for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025. I now open this title for us to discuss, and I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praises be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and on his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Before that, kaola does not forget to congratulate and thank Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II for the efforts and strategic planning towards the governance of expenditure for the 2024/2025 budget. What kaola hopes is that it can be implemented in line with the aspirations and goals of the ministry. God willing.
Kaola is compelled to voice concerns regarding the currency of Brunei Darussalam or the Brunei Dollar. Kaola is pleased to refer to a press release dated 27 September 2016 from the Autoriti Monitari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) concerning the different exchange issues for the Brunei Dollar and Singapore Dollar (SGD) where the Currency Interchangeability Agreement (CIA) was enforced in 1967 between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore. Under this agreement, Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore will each accept SGD and BND at the same currency value. The currency of Brunei Darussalam in circulation in the Republic of Singapore can be accepted as customary tender for making any payment in the Republic of Singapore.
There are also some issues arising regarding the acceptance of the Brunei Dollar in ASEAN countries or internationally when making currency exchanges, such as money changers. Some countries do not accept the Negara Brunei Darussalam paper money. In Jakarta, only the $100 Brunei note is accepted. What kaola raises here is solely to understand a bit about the direction of the Brunei dollar currency in terms of acceptance and at the global level.
That is, does this relate to the economic status of Brunei Darussalam at the global level, or is there a specific explanation that would allow the Brunei dollar to one day be on par with other world currencies, such as the American dollar, Malaysian ringgit, Singapore dollar? I request enlightenment from Yang Berhormat Minister on this matter.
That's all.
May Allah grant success and guidance, peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thanks are also due to Yang Berhormat for the question raised earlier regarding the Brunei dollar currency.
Indeed, we have an agreement with the Monetary Authority of Singapore or the Government of Singapore for our currency interchangeability. But it cannot be denied that some of these currency exchange agencies do not accept Brunei money. Perhaps they consider once Brunei money is accepted then there's not much demand to exchange it back.
So, once exchanged, maybe they reckon cash flow gets stuck on that day. Hence, we always discuss with the Monetary Authority of Singapore so they can increase awareness among currency exchange agencies and so on.
So, if outside Singapore or outside Brunei in places like mentioned earlier, in Jakarta, kaola is not certain on how enforcement works, whether we have the power to enforce all currency exchanges around the world to accept it, kaola need to further examine this matter.
There are also some members of the public sometimes going to Singapore to exchange Brunei currency to Singapore currency, some of which are charged fees. For public information, we must see where we exchange the currency. In the airport, there are 2, one is the currency exchange agent which is correct and there's another travel agent. So, the travel agent usually charges fees and so on. So, we must check first before exchanging the currency. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praises are due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. I thank you. Kaola congratulates the efforts of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, especially in executing responsibilities and missions towards the progress and development of Negara Brunei Darussalam. Thank you also for the clear and concise introduction by the Yang Berhormat Menteri.
Kaola would like to discuss the price control based on the Price Control Act (Amendment), 2021 Chapter 142, items that are continuously under maximum price control include items subsidized by the government such as rice, sugar, and energy materials.
Apart from that, there are several categories of items that are set with a maximum price, namely rice obtained and supplied by the Treasury Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, sugar also obtained and supplied by the Treasury Department of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, motor gasoline RON97, motor gasoline RON92 and RON98, Automative gas oil Diesel, formula milk powder for infants, corn oil, palm oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil for passenger motor vehicles.
As stated before the implementation of maximum price settings on essential goods, information analysis and consultations will be conducted from various regulatory agencies in the relevant sectors and stakeholders to assess the impact, cost, and infrastructure holistically on the pricing of these goods.
This act clearly states that traders cannot arbitrarily set the prices of controlled items. However, there are still daily necessities items not listed such as red onions, garlic, potatoes, butter, chicken eggs, etc. All the prices of the items mentioned by kaola will increase during festive seasons due to high demand.
In relation to this, as an additional initiative, kaola suggests that price control for certain necessities during festive seasons be implemented by the government such as during the month of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. What penalties will be imposed on those found in violation under the Price Control Act, Chapter 142? Kindly enlighten us, Yang Berhormat Menteri, on this matter.
That is all,
والله تعالى أعلم بالسداد، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thank you to Yang Berhormat for the question on price control.
Currently, our act, Chapter 142, specifies there are 10 types of items under price control (price control). Recently, we have made amendments to the Price Control Act Chapter 142 aimed at refining and strengthening enforcement measures of price control that enable effective monitoring and enforcement for essential goods according to the suitable duration under certain conditions such as during the COVID-19 pandemic or circumstances that require special consideration with regard to impact on the market and the nation's economy.
Following this amendment, provisions are given for enforcement actions against any non-compliance with the seasonal maximum price setting typically executed on certain food categories temporarily, specifically during the month of Ramadan until the first week of Syawal.
The amendments also include updates to the list of items under continuous maximum price control including items subsidized by the government. Furthermore, during Ramadan and Hari Raya, several types of food are also controlled such as chicken meat, chicken eggs, butter, margarine, beef oil, milk, and flour.
As we observed during COVID-19, some types of food or items in the market are included in the act such as red onions mentioned earlier. That is all we can share. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
Your Honourable Members, I believe it is enough for us to convene in this Committee Meeting, I adjourn this Committee Meeting and we shall convene again in the State Legislative Council Conference.
(Committee Meeting adjourned)
(State Legislative Council reconvened)
Your Honourable Members. We are now reconvened in the State Legislative Council Conference, I believe it is enough for us to have convened this morning.
I would like to adjourn the State Legislative Council Conference and we will convene again this afternoon starting at 2:30 PM.
That is all,
وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته
(Committee Meeting adjourned)
HADIR
YANG DI-PERTUA
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, P.S.N.B., S.L.J., P.H.B.S., P.J.K., P.K.L., Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
AHLI RASMI KERANA JAWATAN (PERDANA MENTERI DAN MENTERI-MENTERI)
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance and Economy and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince, son of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, Special Advisor to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam and Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Not present due to official duties)
Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Not present due to official duties)
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmadddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abd. Rashid, Minister of Development, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr. Dayang Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md. Salleh, Minister of Education, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Not present due to official duties)
AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG BERGELAR
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG TELAH MENCAPAI KECEMERLANGAN
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK MEWAKILI DAERAH-DAERAH
Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin, District Officer for Lumapas -Brunei and Muara District.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat, Village Head for Subok - Brunei and Muara District.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, Village Head for Putat - Brunei and Muara District.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohamad Ali bin Tanjong, Village Head for Lumapas 'B' – Brunei and Muara District.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan, Village Head for Belimbing – Brunei and Muara District.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, District Officer for Bukit Sawat – Belait District.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Village Head for Bukit Sawat – Belait District.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, District Officer for Ukong – Tutong District.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, Village Head for Sengkarai – Tutong District.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, Village Head for Labu Estate and Piasau-Piasau – Temburong District.
HADIR BERSAMA
Yang Mulia Dr. Dayang Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah, Clerk to the Legislative Council, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Mulia Pengiran Hajah Zaidah binti Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Deputy Clerk to the Legislative Council, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
(The meeting commenced at 9.30 am)
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