DAY 12 MORNING
14TH 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 Legislative Session of the State Council Meeting convened for the twelfth day, on this Thursday, 3rd of Ramadan 1445 corresponding to 14th March 2024, starting with a Doa Selamat.
DOA SELAMAT
Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Metali Al-Hafiz (Imam of Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque).
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, all praises be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds and by Him we seek assistance. Peace and blessings upon His noble Messenger Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all who follow them in righteousness until the end of time. We give thanks to Allah Almighty for by His grace and permission, we have gathered here this morning to convene on the twelfth day of the First Meeting of the 20th Legislative Session of the State Council Meeting. Praises and peace upon our Noble Messenger Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all his obedient and loyal followers until the end of time.
Your Honourable Members. The State Council Meeting is still discussing the Bill (2024) Supply, 2024/2025 proposed by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Department and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy.
Therefore, to enable us to continue scrutinizing this Bill systematically and in order, I adjourn the State Council Meeting and we shall reconvene in Full Committee stage.
(The State Council Meeting was adjourned)
(The meeting convened as Committee)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Your Honourable Members. The Council is now convened in Full Committee stage to consider the Bill (2024) Supply, 2024/2025 which has been proposed by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Department and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy. Your Honourable Members. The Committee meeting yesterday has concluded the discussion and subsequently approved the budget under the Ministry of Education. Now we move on to the next Title.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Title SA01A to SA27A - for the Prime Minister's Department.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, now we move on to the topics under the Prime Minister's Department. Before I open for discussion under this ministry as customary, I would like to invite Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II to present his opening remarks on the planning and direction regarding the budget provision for the Prime Minister's Department for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ Peace, good morning and greetings for the 3rd of Ramadan.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ أَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيْمِ بِسْمِ اللهِ وَبِاللهِ وَعَلٰى مِلَّةِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ أَحْمَدٍ
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members who are blessed by Allah whom peramba/kaola/I respect. Firstly, allow peramba/kaola/I to express my utmost gratitude to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for the opportunity to deliver this opening speech about the Budget focus of the Prime Minister's Department for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 in this honourable council, on our third day of obligatory fasting in the month of Ramadan, Syahrul Quran, a month filled with forgiveness, blessings, and significance.
On this occasion, peramba/kaola/I on behalf of the Prime Minister's Department and its affiliated departments, am delighted to convey our highest regards and gratitude to 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 dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam for the provision of an allocation amounting to $566,321,410.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, before this committee discusses the allocations for the Prime Minister's Department and its departments, kaola would like to seek permission from Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi to briefly share the focus and priorities of the Prime Minister's Department for Fiscal Year 2024/2025. It aims to guide the discussions more focused and directly towards budgetary matters being discussed.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
It is with pleasure to inform that the Expenditure Estimate of the Prime Minister's Department and its departments is outlined with emphasis on the objectives and priorities of the nation's budget theme for Fiscal Year 2024/2025, "United in Building a More Prosperous Future".
The Prime Minister's Department as the main agency in leading and coordinating the implementation of the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam fully supports the desire of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in continuously improving service delivery as a catalyst for the economic development of the country that is resilient and maintaining leadership, security, safety, and well-being of the country and its people and residents.
This is also in line with the vision of the Prime Minister's Department's strategic plan, which is excellent leadership and governance, and the objectives of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
In this regard, the Prime Minister's Department and its departments aim to execute their expenditure budget based on efforts supporting the three national budget priorities set.
The First Priority is to improve public welfare and productivity. The Prime Minister's Department and its departments will continue to devise strategies towards maintaining political stability, defending the country's sovereignty, and supporting efforts related to defense and international diplomatic relations including national planning in combating threats to security. Hence, state security agencies will always collaborate with various stakeholders, especially the public, emphasizing a whole of government and whole of nation approach.
On the aspect of social progress and development in this country, the formation of a social blueprint will be the main document in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of related strategy and program policies. It is also aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035 priorities, especially towards the goal of high-quality life for the people. The effectiveness and quality of related public safety services will continue being given attention and priority. It's implemented through planned workforce mobilization and economical asset acquisition as well as optimal utilization.
For instance, to ensure smooth operations and increase the presence of enforcement agencies nationwide, the use of vehicles and motorcycles is implemented under the Projek Perancangan Perolehan Aset Pasukan Polis Diraja Brunei for the Royal Brunei Police Force, Narcotics Control Bureau, and Internal Security Department use.
The importance of maintaining public welfare is also emphasized through the roles of government’s official media agencies, namely Radio Television Brunei and the Information Department. The relevant agencies will continue to collaborate with each ministry, government departments, and statutory bodies in ensuring that information related to the government is accurate and its dissemination to the public is orderly and swift. This includes the production of radio and television programs, the publication of the government’s official newspaper Pelita Brunei, and the execution of societal programs at the grassroots and national levels.
Equally important is the role taken at the Prime Minister's Department level, especially the use of the latest multimedia platforms in disseminating information as for instance, Brunei Vision Office launching the official Instagram application @wawasanbrunei2035 and also the sustainable development goal (Sustainable Development Goal-SDG Tracker) website and the official Instagram application @sdg_brunei. Meanwhile, the Government Mufti Department, in addition to the routine publication of Al-Hadaf and other publications, has also introduced a YouTube channel and official Instagram application @jmkmbrunei.
Such efforts aim to ensure all parties, especially the public, receive accurate and up-to-date information about efforts and progress in the related fields, besides being a platform for sharing progress at the international level, encouraging cooperation, and enhancing national, regional, and international integrated actions.
In terms of the availability and sustainability of hydrocarbon, efforts are continuously enhanced to ensure that oil and gas resources are sufficient and there is continuity for domestic energy supply, especially electricity and fuel including petroleum products and LPG tanks.
A continuous energy supply is crucial in supporting the growth of the country's economic activities and for the welfare of the people and residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Department through the Energy Department places great importance on the continuity of the energy supply. With the implementation of development projects continuously under the Annual Budget Allocation and the National Development Plan previously, Negara Brunei Darussalam has successfully improved the reliability index of the electricity supply or System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) significantly between 2013 to 2022, to a level that is among the best in the region.
However, like other country's utility providers, Brunei is not exempt from unexpected power supply interruption incidents, typically caused by infrastructure system failure to function optimally and matters beyond control. Therefore, priority is given to the standardization of electric power supply system infrastructure in terms of reinforcement, repair, and renewal.
This includes enhancing the effectiveness of preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance activities. On generation systems, transmission and distribution networks, and also streetlights.
In addition, to ensure the continuity of critical services affected by electric power supply interruption incidents, the Electrical Services Department is actively improving response actions, especially through a more integrated Business Continuity Plan between related government entities. This includes ensuring the availability of power supply from alternative channels and sources, including movable gensets to accommodate supply in unexpected interruption situations.
In continuing to meet the needs of the people and residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam, efforts to increase supply capacity are actively implemented. Towards this, the construction of Bukit Panggal Power Station Phase 2, has been planned and is expected to begin operations in 2027.
Priority is also given to expanding electricity supply services to remote areas including Mukim Sukang and Melilas, Belait District, which have begun to receive supply in phases.
For domestic fuel supply, with the presence of an oil refinery at Pulau Muara Besar, petroleum product supply can always be guaranteed, and the minimum national stock level remains at 21 days at all times.
While for LPG tanks, the minimum national stockpile threshold will be increased from 7 days to 14 days starting this year to ensure supply is higher than the current demand rate. The short-term LPG supply contingency plan is also strengthened through the importation of LPG in bulk to be further processed for bottling at the LPG plant, Lumut.
As a long-term assurance, God willing, a new bottling plant will be developed on Pulau Muara Besar in 2026 with a higher capacity and a more efficient design concept. Towards supporting the first main priority, specifically to enhance public productivity of the Prime Minister's Office and its departments, through cooperation with relevant government agencies continues to implement initiatives aimed at further increasing productivity levels in public service and the quality of services provided to the public and private sectors.
These initiatives include:
The partial transfer of the Public Services Commission's (SPA) roles to ministries for the recruitment of positions below Division 2, which aims to improve the effectiveness of the vacancy filling process. Moreover, efforts to enhance the Public Service Commission Recruitment 2.0 (PSCR 2.0) and Public Service Commission Computerized Assessment Management System (PSC CAMS) are ongoing in adding and improving features to expedite the vacancy process.;
Implementation of the second phase for the Human Resources System (SSM), which launches models related to human resource management and payroll. The launch of these models will reduce manual processes further, including the ability to acquire data digitally quickly. This will surely contribute to more efficient and systematic human resource management and work processes.;
The Prime Innovation Award (AIP) will continue to be held every year to invigorate efforts and foster a culture of innovation in the public service. Since AIP began in 2019 until 2023, a total of 50 projects have been received, and 39 of them have been contested for the award.;
Conducting workshops to develop frameworks to strengthen productivity levels in the public sector at the ASEAN level, which is among the initiatives under the ASEAN Cooperation Of Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) 2021 - 2025 framework. The results will assist in planning, exploring, shaping, and implementing various initiatives towards enhancing public productivity, especially for this country.;
Continuously implement and ensure training programs for capacity building and skills development emphasized by technological advancements and fostering innovation in daily tasks execution.
Moving to the Second Priority, namely Fostering a Resilient Economic Diversity. The Prime Minister's Office, through the Department of Energy, remains diligent in sustaining the upstream sector to support efforts in diversifying the economy, which directly furthers the development of the oil and gas downstream sector. We continue to be grateful for the fortune where we could endure extracting oil and gas since 1929. However, the upstream sector is becoming increasingly challenging in terms of technical, commercial, and economical aspects.
To enhance production prospects, the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office and the Authority of the Petroleum Brunei Darussalam continue to prioritize integration with all parties to ensure optimal operations in the short term, and for medium and long terms to enhance project feasibility for field development and exploration activities, as well as the decree issued by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to maintain and activate the upstream sector's production direction.
Towards supporting these efforts, an Upstream Growth Steering Committee has been established for a more integrated approach to accelerate implementation. In 2023, God willing, the New Development Project, namely the Salman Project, has started producing first oil, with production from new wells also successfully accelerated. In advancing the downstream sector, the Implementation Agreement for the Muara Besar Island Development Project Phase 2 was signed last November between Brunei Darussalam's Petroleum Authority and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) together with Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. to further develop the oil and gas downstream sector in this country to support and realize Brunei Vision 2035 and the Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint.
Phase 2 is expected to start operations in 2029 and will focus on new downstream products of higher value, further adding to the development of advanced downstream activities.
This will further strengthen the value chain of the downstream sector and indirectly strengthen the country's energy security position and continue playing a role as the nation's official primary burner to supply petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and Jet-A1 to be produced, namely LPG, where these products meet internationally recognized standards in terms of product quality, health, safety, and environment (HSE).
Moreover, Phase 2 is expected to further increase employment opportunities and new enterprises for local youths. To ensure the overall energy sector is sustainable and low carbon, the Prime Minister's Office, through the Department of Energy, will continue to focus on initiatives such as operation optimization, efficiency, and energy saving, along with the use of alternative and renewable technologies, particularly solar energy.
The 30 Megawatt Solar Energy Project in Kampung Belimbing Subok is currently under development, God willing, will start operations in 2025, while others, including the Solar Power Project developed by various agencies, including large-scale solar system initiatives by TotalEnergies Brunei with a 12 megawatt capacity expected to produce first power in early 2025.
Towards this, several water sites (floating solar) have been identified as locations for solar power plant systems. Small and medium-scale solar energy development will also be pursued to encourage the public to voluntarily install solar energy systems. Ensuring this alternative technology is affordable to encourage more widespread use of solar energy, the Department of Energy has continued to press for the most cost-effective mechanism. However, the overall price of solar system supply and installation is also influenced by market factors.
In advancing and accelerating more integrated and renewable energy projects, an Energy Safety and Efficiency Steering Committee has been established involving stakeholders as peramba/kaola/I shared last week. Input from Your Honourable Members is very welcomed by the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office.
To reflect the government's commitment in leading energy-saving efforts, the Department of Energy actively collaborates with other ministries through appointed energy managers to practice saving and efficiency in government buildings, including conducting energy audits.
The establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC) or the ASEAN Climate Change Centre in Brunei Darussalam also emphasizes the country's commitment to climate change-related efforts in line with aspirations towards sustainable national development and economy. This center, expected to be operational this year, is a regional knowledge hub and climate change research facility encouraging regional collective climate action among ASEAN member countries.
This will be realized through policy development and identifying areas of cooperation in climate change, especially related to mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
Kaola further briefly shares about the Third Priority, namely the development of dynamic and visionary human capital. The Prime Minister's Office and its departments will continue to implement capacity development programs to enhance the skills of civil servants in this country. As a reform effort, the implementation of programs under the Civil Service Leadership Pipeline (CSLP), for the first time, the 30th session of the Executive Development Programme for Senior Government Officers (EDPSGO) last year was conducted in cooperation with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.
Hence, this expertise is hoped to have a positive impact on more comprehensive learning and encourage program participants to practice solution-centered thinking while embedding the ability to make more effective decisions and produce innovative and transformative policy proposals and projects.
Other capacity enhancement programs such as the Young Executive Program (YEP), and the Executive Development Programme for Middle Management Officers (EDPMMO) will continue to be implemented, including a review of their effectiveness to ensure their relevance and the significant impact expected.
In addition to domestic programs, priority is also given to cooperation with foreign countries, including a public service development program which is a placement program for government officials of this country to the Republic of Singapore. This one-year program aims to enhance the competency and professional reach of the participants through direct work experience and understanding of best practices that can be applied in their respective fields.
So far, nine officers who are the first cohort have followed the program last year, and by the grace of Allah, this will be extended to other officers this year. In addition, the public service exchange program known as Echelon between Negara Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore continues to be managed involving the deployment of senior officers in the public service in both countries.
Such cooperation can certainly provide benefits not only in increasing the capability of the participating officers, especially through idea exchange, experience-based learning (experiential learning), and best practices sharing, and knowledge sharing, but will also strengthen networking and good relations between the two countries that have long been established.
To further strengthen the capability of public officers in this country across Ministries and Government Departments, the Civil Service Institute (IPA) is actively expanding and updating the Public Service Capability Development Framework or PSCDF briefly. This framework is a renewal in the public service capability development ecosystem through the assessment of workforce capability and competence in executing strategies, initiatives, and department programs.
Through government agencies, it is possible to identify gaps, individual capabilities and subsequently enable the planning and implementation of training tailored to the individual's needs. This is important for improving work performance at the individual level and has a positive spillover effect on the organization and the public service in general.
In creating an employable and marketable local workforce, the Manpower Planning and Employment Office through the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC), and the cooperation of educational institutions in this country implement ongoing efforts by providing programs such as i-Ready, Program Study and Professional Institution SPIN, Skills Plus, Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), Tradeskills and the Identity Program that support efforts towards the development of dynamic, proactive and innovative human capital.
Meanwhile, to enhance knowledge and skills of local children at the professional level besides the provision of competency frameworks such as Brunei ICT Industry Competency Framework, and Brunei Darussalam Marine Competency Framework, Program TechInspire Apprenticeship Program, Clinical Supervisory Program (CSP) and iLeap Flexi have been introduced which provide training programs in the fields of ICT, Health and Oil & Gas, towards ensuring local children's skills are aligned with industrial and economic needs.
In efforts to attract local children to work in the private sector, a salary guideline has also been introduced outlining salary information for certain positions, and to assist private companies in providing more competitive salary packages.
Not excluded is the organization of Grassroots Level Programs, handled by the Brunei Employment Center, involving the Penghulu Mukim and Village Head (including Your Honourable Members present in this esteemed Council) to join hands in addressing issues faced by village children, especially in terms of employment affairs.
Through this program, briefings on work scope, initiatives, and programs unveiled have been provided, and dialogue sessions were also conducted. Through these dialogue sessions, Penghulu Mukim and Village Heads had the opportunity to share issues, perspectives, and suggestions for improvements in jointly efforts towards reducing unemployment rates and increasing employment and skills uptake among local children in Negara Brunei Darussalam.
In caring for the welfare of participants in human resource programs managed, initiatives such as the provision of an on-boarding pack, periodic monitoring and assessment through visits, providing feedback forms and a hotline number have also been introduced by the Manpower Planning Office.
Meanwhile, in the energy sector, the initiative to further expand employment opportunities for local children, especially in oil and gas operator companies including also downstream oil and gas industry companies, is actively carried out in line with the goal of the Bruneianisation Directive. While the Local Business Development Directive for the Oil and Gas Industry will continue to play an important role in providing a competitive ecosystem for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) such as the i-Usahawan program.
Efforts are also extended to further strengthen human resource management and development in the energy sector. Therefore, the development of abilities and competency capacities of capable officers and staff, technical and specific trainings, and coaching programme operations will continue to be implemented through the Human Resource Competency Framework (HRCF).
Overall, efforts to empower human resources in this country are guided by the Manpower Blueprint led by JPM through the Manpower Planning and Employment Council together with the Ministry of Education, as a national guide for implementing agencies and stakeholders in formulating strategic plans at the ministry and other sectors levels, while aligning education, training, and human resource policies, and strategic direction towards effective manpower planning in line with Vision Brunei 2035 and based on the philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) and Maqasid Syariah objectives.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. In support of the three budget priorities kaola/I have outlined earlier, in terms of governance of the Brunei Vision 2035 Framework under the Supreme Council of Brunei Vision 2035 chaired by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, which is in line with efforts to further strengthen the governance of the Brunei Vision 2035 Framework.
The Prime Minister's Office through the Brunei Vision Office is implementing an initiative to obtain the ISO Certification for the Brunei Vision Office.
This initiative will provide an assessment of the achievements of Vision Brunei 2035 including verification of National KPIs through independent perspectives and validation, quality improvement of the Brunei Vision 2035 Framework including national KPIs quality, emphasis on data and evidence-based decision-making, and identification and management of risks that could affect the achievement of Vision Brunei 2035 through risk-based thinking.
It is also with pleasure kaola/I inform that the 2024/2025 Fiscal Year efforts are also intended to support the Fiscal Consolidation program in ensuring economical expenditure and high priority (priority spending) emphasizing 'value for money', while continuing to ensure internal control is adequate concerning financial management of each department towards achieving the desired success through such expenditure.
In conclusion, with the permission of Allah the Almighty and thanks to the wise leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister's Department and Departments under it will always be guided by the priorities under each goal of Brunei Vision 2035 by continuing to emphasize the 'Whole-of-Government' and 'Whole-of-Nation' approach in the planning and implementation of its led strategies.
The Prime Minister's Office will also continue to strive to manage allocated spending economically and ensure each expenditure will generate a positive and meaningful impact on national development and each citizen and resident.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Based on that, the Prime Minister's Department and Departments under it, for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025, have been supported to be provided an allocation for Staff salaries and Recurrent Expenditure amounting to:- $566,321,410, comprising $321,284,710 for Staff Salaries and $245,036,700 for Recurrent Expenditure.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. That is all briefly kaola can explain about the budget proposal for the Prime Minister's Department and Departments under it for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
Before concluding, kaola would like to announce that 5 departments under the Prime Minister's Department are classified departments, namely the Narcotics Control Bureau, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Internal Security Department, Royal Brunei Police Force, and Brunei Research Department.
Since these departments are directly related to strategic security affairs of the country where issues to be discussed may be sensitive and not suitable for public discussion, thus kaola request considering Yang Berhormat Pengerusi that the budget for these Departments need not be discussed.
That is all,
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 his family and companions.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II for the clear and detailed explanation concerning the direction and priorities in the preparation of the Prime Minister's Department's Budget for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
Your Honourable Members. Before we start to discuss and debate the Titles under the Prime Minister's Department, I would like to remind Your Honourable Members, as stated by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Pertahanan II earlier, that there are 5 departments under the Prime Minister’s Department categorized as closed departments: Narcotics Control Bureau, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Internal Security Department, Royal Brunei Police Force, and Brunei Investigation Department. These departments are directly related to strategic and national security affairs and are not suitable for open discussion; thus, we do not need to discuss their budgets in this Chamber.
Your Honourable Members, the Prime Minister’s Department has 21 Titles, and I believe that for the purpose of facilitating discussions and to ensure they are more effective and organized, the Titles under the Prime Minister's Department will be divided into 3 parts for scrutiny and debate. Titles SA01A to SA07A are now open for debate. I have a list of Your Honourable Members who would like to participate in discussing this Ministry's Budget. I think I will invite a few of the Appointed Your Honourable Members first to pose their questions, and then, I will invite Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II to provide answers or responses.
Now, I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed to proceed.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and peace be upon you.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II for the explanation regarding the direction of the Prime Minister's Department's Budget previously. Kaola wish to raise the issue of unemployment in this country, which is an issue that has been repeatedly brought up.
Kaola wish to seek clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II on several matters. As explained earlier during the discussion on the Supply Bill at the beginning of this year's session that our country's unemployment rate was reported at 5.2% in 2022. However, when compared with the population of about half a million, this figure is still high compared to countries with larger populations.
Kaola wish for further clarification regarding this percentage whether 5.2% includes individuals who are working but the pay scale they receive does not match their educational achievements and those who are temporarily employed but have the potential to be unemployed again, such as those involved in the i-Ready program or temporary employment based on projects where when their contracts end, they will become unemployed again? In addition, kaola wish to know the strategies or next steps that have been or will be taken by MPEC after their temporary contracts end to ensure that these individuals do not revert to unemployment? What can be offered to them to help them remain in the workforce? Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
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 Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Before that, kaola do not forget to congratulate and thank Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri for the effort and planning towards the governance of the Budget 2024/2025. What kaola hope for it to be implemented according to the aspirations and goals of the ministry, God willing.
In brief, kaola are pleased to refer to kaola's question in the discussion session with the Prime Minister's Department concerning the current living standards of the citizens considering the challenging economic situation. This matter is important as an indicator of the citizens' quality of life for achieving Brunei Vision 2035. In this regard, kaola wish to suggest that a special study be conducted to determine the current living standards of the citizens of Brunei Darussalam by providing percentages based on household income in categories like in neighboring countries. Has the living standards status based on income been updated in categories such as the impoverished, poor, middle-class, and wealthy? That is all Yang Berhormat Pengerusi kaola can convey.
Thank you,
May Allah bless our state. Peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite 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 Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
I give my most gratitude and thanks. It's in the believing and the entrusted. May gather what has been decreed by Allah.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. It is with great honor that kaola express profound thanks to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for giving me this opportunity to participate in the debate on the allocation for the Prime Minister's Department for the session year 2024/2025.
On this occasion, kaola also wish to convey my highest appreciation and congratulations to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II on the presentation of the budget allocation for the Financial Year 2024/2025, which is very comprehensive and outlines the direction and strategic framework according to needs and priorities to achieve its vision, leadership and excellent governance. The transformation and modernization of excellent public services for a country are very important in driving progress and socio-economic development since its main driving force and facilitator lies in the public service workforce.
Aligned with the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035 and towards fulfilling this aspiration, we are very grateful and congratulate the Prime Minister’s Department for successfully providing a strategic roadmap in the form of a public service framework for the years 2016-2020. The public service framework has identified three (3) strategic themes:
- Excellent Leadership.
- Organizational Performance and Productivity.; and
- Pro-Business and Public Environment.
In this connection, I would appreciate clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II, to what extent has the implementation of the transformation and modernization aligned with the mentioned public service framework? and what is the continuity to the framework to align and parallel with the current and future situation and trends?
Secondly, has the Prime Minister’s Department conducted a comprehensive study on the level of public service work productivity? The study is a very important component to determine the extent of public service work productivity measures, especially in aspects of ranking according to certain indexes like World Bank or ASEAN level.
It's also necessary to be linked with other indexes as benchmarks such as the Government Effectiveness Index as practiced by international bodies like the World Bank.
In this regard, I would like to seek clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II, what are the steps or action plans to improve the development of productivity levels, especially in government departments?
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. The Prime Minister's Department as the main and excellent agent for empowering and leading an effective government policy ecosystem supported by all ministries and government departments within the government machinery of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
As also in the mission of the Prime Minister's Department in the strategic plan of the Prime Minister's Department 2021-2024, which outlines the Prime Minister's Department leading the formation, resolution, and implementation of government policies and priorities of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Peratuan of Brunei Darussalam.
In relation to this, kaola also wishes to request clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II on how far the Prime Minister's Department, as a leading agency, has intensified efforts in coordinating or aligning government policies to ensure that all ministries and government agencies support and carry out their respective duties to collectively realize or achieve a more effective policy that has a significant and effective impact towards achieving desired targets. For instance, here kaola has mentioned about how 'kitani' is attracting more investors to this country and promoting the tourism industry here.
Therefore, kaola will not elaborate further on this matter, rather kaola seeks only an explanation on how 'kitani' can enhance the alignment and coordination of all ministries and government agencies in order to achieve a particular government policy.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Kaola wishes to mention here about the Audit Committee. To kaola's recollection, an Audit Committee was established a few years ago chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Department which discussed audit reports prepared by the Audit Department.
Kaola believes this committee should be established if it does not exist yet or be revived. It is very important to, among other things, assess audit reports and auditing results of government agencies in identifying the cause of any misappropriation or violations against financial regulations, especially those involving losses to the government.
In addition, to make assessments for appropriate action to be taken. This Audit Committee will further recommend remedial steps and appropriate actions to further enhance governance that is integrity-based, responsible, and more efficient, effective, and dynamic within the Government of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
On this matter, kaola requests clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II. Once again, does the committee still exist and what are its functions and roles?
To this extent, if it exists, what is the effectiveness, roles, and functions of the Audit Committee in ensuring all government agencies comply with financial regulations in strengthening governance and financial management and matters related to it?
Kaola also seeks assurance, to what extent has 'pembarigaan' and dissemination about understanding been absorbed by all levels of officers and staff including executive and management levels to understand and be knowledgeable in financial affairs management and matters related to it according to financial regulations to avoid any misuse, misappropriation, and unwanted activities such as corruption and the like.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Negara Brunei Darussalam indeed rich in customs and traditions passed down through generations. However, the current generation, including kaola, notices a diminishing attention and understanding towards customs and traditions that embody 'kebruneian'.
Efforts to provide understanding about customs, traditions, and Melayu Islam Beraja must continue and be intensified. What has been understood and practiced cannot be denied that departments such as the Adat Istiadat Department, History Centre, and Melayu Islam Beraja Supreme Council through knowledge sessions, presentations, and discussions, through lectures, and courses have also been held for schools, institutions, and those relevant.
In this matter, kaola also wishes to suggest more comprehensive and complete reference books or writings about Bruneian customs that, God willing, can be used as reference materials and inheritances for generations.
Thus, our renowned customs and traditions will always be preserved and maintained. Here, kaola also wants to look at the Department of Adat Istiadat which shows an indicator of the number of briefings about the understanding of customs and traditions is not very encouraging in terms of increase.
Kaola observes that between 2023 to 2027, there is only an annual increase of one. For example, in the years 2022/2023, 2024/2025, and 2025/2026, so kaola takes this opportunity here if 'kitani' can work harder to further enhance this effort from time to time because this matter is very crucial for 'kitani' to 'barigakan' and disseminate specifically related to Bruneian customs and traditions among stakeholders of interest either in the private sector or grassroots leaders and the population of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Whether 'kitani' can do through mass media, courses, knowledge sessions, and be adapted and updated in accordance with the flow and current demands. Thus, once again kaola wishes to express many thanks for the opportunity in this session and conclude with may Allah provide guidance and peace be upon you and His mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the most noble of Prophets and Messengers, our master Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings and greetings of prosperity. Kaola first wishes to express many thanks to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for allowing kaola to participate in discussing allocations for the Prime Minister's Department and departments within it.
Thank you also to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II for the long and detailed introduction. Kaola congratulates the initiatives that have been, are being, and will be implemented by the Prime Minister's Department in further enhancing the function of the Prime Minister's Department as a lead and coordinating agency.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, in the Budget 2024/2025, the Prime Minister's Department has set 8 programs. What caught kaola’s attention is a new program related to Brunei Vision 2035 affairs aiming to manage and monitor the development of Brunei Vision 2035 and sustainable development goals implementations.
Congratulations on the re-establishment and strengthening of this section. Kaola just wishes to seek clarification on questions related to this program. Based on the data collected by the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics and reports presented by International and Regional Financial Institutions like IMF, AMRO, and ADB.
Overall, compared to the glidepath or steps that have been undertaken by the country so far, what is the Prime Minister's Department's assessment of the country's achievements in fulfilling the targets of Brunei Vision 2035 to date?
In other words, where is the country's level now in meeting the targets of Brunei Vision 2035? To kaola what is also important is its impact on the ground, where continuous assessment must be made carefully and transparently in terms of its impact on all stakeholders especially involving the life and well-being of citizens and residents.
Therefore, kaola further requests clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II, what kind of assessments have been conducted to measure these achievements especially regarding the actual impact on the ground and whether this impact assessment is also evaluated by a third party?
The second matter is about what kaola refers to as '3P': employment, unemployment, and poverty eradication. '3P' is related to the social blueprint led by the Prime Minister's Department. This matter is interconnected and deeply impactful on the life and well-being of citizens and residents in this country.
As known, issues of employment, unemployment, and poverty are also synonymous with the issue of economic growth. If the economy grows well and progresses, encouraging and rapid growth will undoubtedly create many job opportunities at all levels and sectors.
This will somewhat reduce the number of citizens and residents in the poverty category. However, in kaola's opinion, this issue also requires comprehensive scrutiny of other related causes, among others including lifestyle, work culture, housing policy, education policy, labor and minimum wage policy, banking policy, welfare and the country's safety net system, identity, mindset, and others.
Therefore, kaola wishes to request clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II regarding the way-forward and actions that have been, are being, and will be implemented by relevant agencies in addressing this issue holistically. Kaola believes this issue is a cross-cutting issue requiring concerted, integrated, and coordinated effort as well as action alignment from all parties involved.
Thirdly, regarding the Prime Minister's Department's initiative to enhance the productivity of public servants has already been raised by my fellow Your Honourable Members here but has yet to be addressed. Therefore, kaola will not bring up this matter again except to seek clarification from the Prime Minister's Department on whether there is planning by the Prime Minister's Department to review the existing Civil Service Framework to align with the current situation, especially to synchronize with the country's digital transformation towards achieving a Connected Smart Nation and at the same time, make the business ecosystem in this country more conducive?
For instance, by implementing flexi hours for public servants to accommodate the welfare of parents when sending and picking up their children due to the integration of religious and regular curriculum.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola extends congratulations on the human development programs that have been and will be undertaken by the Prime Minister's Department in enhancing the capacity of public servants.
Kaola personally believes it not only requires improvement in the public service's hardware support overall, but importantly, the strengthening of regulations and policies as well as upgrading competency, productivity, and effectiveness of its workforce so that it will produce service-ready public servants.
Therefore, kaola seeks clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Pertahanan II on strategic efforts of the Prime Minister's Department to identify high-performing officers as future leaders who have not only proven their leadership, experience, and expertise in their respective fields but also possess high integrity, credibility, and discipline, are well-behaved, forward-looking, and strategic thinkers and have the ability to understand issues on the ground.
Kaola believes that with the identification of these polished diamonds, high flyers, and rising stars, it will allow the Prime Minister's Department to enhance the capacity of these officers and have organized, sincere, and tested subsection plans.
Lastly, regarding the achievements of MPEC, where in the key performance indicators, the target is for the recruitment of local workers in the public and private sectors to total 12,635 individuals per year. Up to now, the reports shared by JobCentre seem quite encouraging but on the ground, the feedback from the public especially parents and job seekers themselves seems to differ from the report provided.
Therefore, kaola seeks clarification, is it possible that some of these job seekers are not covered or outside the radar and not captured by JobCentre? What are the government efforts to increase opportunities for new and quality employment in all sectors including public, private, GLCs, and FDI especially at the HND level and degree holders?
This matter was also emphasized in the IMF Article IV Consultation 2023 report for Negara Brunei Darussalam, where there was IMF concern towards the government's initiatives largely directed or concentrated on filling low paid jobs positions. This development is challenging because a number of degree holders and youths entering the job market are forced to accept salaries lower than their highest qualifications, which affects domestic consumption and inter-generational equity.
That is all,
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Pertahanan II to respond to the questions previously raised by the four Your Honourable Members. Please, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. First and foremost, kaola would like to express many thanks and appreciation to Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed for highlighting the issues faced by the country in terms of unemployment, and kaola believe this is relevant to MPEC, which kaola am confident my colleague Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II as the lead of MPEC will be ready to provide clarification and explanation.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. First of all, kaola would like to thank Your Honourable Members for the questions posed earlier.
Some of them touched on unemployment in the country, there were also one or two questions about the Audit Committee, and kaola would like to also respond to those questions.
First of all, kaola would like to refer to the question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed regarding the unemployment rate and the strategies or measures that have been taken or will be taken by MPEC after the contract of the i-Ready apprentices ends.
Firstly, kaola would like to share further explanation regarding the unemployment rate which is based on the Labour Force Survey (LFS). The LFS is conducted using systematic sampling methods, and the data obtained is calibrated based on the population in this country.
The unemployment rate takes into account the number of unemployed, which are individuals who are not working and actively seeking employment from the total workforce. To answer the question raised by Yang Berhormat earlier, individuals who are employed regardless of whether the pay-scale received does not match their educational achievements or are working in temporary jobs or the Apprentice Program are considered as employed and are included as part of the workforce.
This calculation is in line with the international standard methodology or from the International Labour Organization, which is commonly used by other countries including 'our country'.
Additionally, some other states like our neighboring states also measure the long-term unemployment rate. This rate considers only the group of individuals who are not working, ready to work, and have been actively seeking employment for a prolonged period of one year or more. For Negara Brunei Darussalam, the long-term unemployment rate has shown a decreasing trend, from 4.3% in 2019 to 2.4% in 2022.
Regarding the next question, about the strategies or measures that have been taken or will be taken by MPEC after the contract of the i-Ready apprentices ends. The MPEC Permanent Secretariat through JobCentre Brunei has been and is carrying out several efforts towards ensuring these individuals do not revert back to unemployment. For Your Honourable Pengerusi's information, the main objective of the i-Ready Apprentice Program is to provide employment experience and skills in both the private and government sectors for 18 months. At the same time, it also helps in improving the marketability and employability of local graduates.
To ensure the quality of the i-Ready Program is always guaranteed and to increase the number of local youths securing employment, JobCentre Brunei has taken various steps such as:
Further tightening the selection process for companies participating in this program by prioritizing companies that provide a Conditional Offer of Employment after the apprenticeship period. So far, about 70% of apprentices in the private sector have been offered a Conditional Offer of Employment.
The names of these apprentices are also included in the JobCentre Brunei job seeker or talent pool lists and are shared with companies looking for local workers from time to time through job matching efforts; and
The apprentices are also encouraged to participate in capacity development initiatives conducted by the MPEC Permanent Secretariat such as the Skills Plus Program and initiatives conceptualized together with the Manpower Industry Steering Committee.
بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ with continuous efforts from all parties, it will help in collectively addressing the issue of unemployment especially for our local youths as desired.
Next, to answer the question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub regarding living standards, the people's standard of living, and so on. So, kaola would like to share that for the special study of household income by category, JPES indeed conducts a study every 5 years.
Currently, the Family Expenditure Survey KPK 2023/2024 is being conducted from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024. The KPK was originally conducted in 2020/2021 but was postponed due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The main objective of this study is to collect up-to-date information on spending patterns and family income levels. The information from this study will be used as important data in aiding planning, research, policy formulation, and socio-economic management in the country.
The results from this study could be used as an input for the Basic Needs Minimum Cost or KMKA to calculate the minimum cost for supporting the basic daily needs of the low-income group.
Next, regarding 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 regarding the Prime Minister's Department as the leading agency, especially in addressing unemployment issues, the economy, and so on.
So kaola would like to share that indeed the Prime Minister's Department or through the Ministry of Finance and Economy has always cooperated with other ministries to further enhance our efforts or strategize our policies for us to be more successful in attracting investors from foreign countries.
So, this is indeed a continuous effort that is coordinated under the Economic Blueprint. Indeed, all parties are involved as kaola have shared in this honorable hall, developing the economy or together attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to this country, is the responsibility of all parties.
That's why the cooperation between all ministries and also the private sector is important for us to jointly succeed in this agenda.
Next, there was also a question from Yang Berhormat regarding the Audit Committee. To share previously, indeed the Audit Committee has continued to function.
In August 2020, the name of the Audit Committee was changed to the National Audit Committee. So before that, since 2016, there was also an Ad Hoc Discipline Committee established.
So considering the membership for both committees is more or less the same, so in September 2022, both committees were merged into one committee, named the National Audit Committee and Ad Hoc Discipline Committee.
So far, since kaola chaired the committee, 8 meetings have been held in the past 2-3 years. So, in the committee, there are also issues of reports from the Audit Department totaling 166 reports.
At this time, 59 reports have been completed, so the remaining about 100 more reports are still in discussion with the Audit Department. Indeed, this is a continued effort to solve audit reports considering most issues in these audit reports touch on the Government Financial Regulations whether it’s corruption or financial misuse.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy has had several meetings with senior officers, whether involved in the audit reports or not. So, the Ministry of Finance and Economy feels, it is a serious issue that we need to have meetings with senior officers so that what we often see in audit reports will not continue to happen.
Next, regarding the question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim about the achievements of Brunei Vision 2035 so far. Undoubtedly, at this time, we all understand Brunei Vision 2035 was launched in 2007, half of its time has already passed.
So what remains is only 11-12 years more. So, it is necessary for us to review again if we are still on track to achieve what is desired in the Goals under this Vision, we need to also review the KPIs and so forth.
However, it seems in the last one or two years there have been successes. Like Goal I, an educated, highly skilled, and successful populace, regarding this Goal, our country has recorded an increase in the 2021 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) evaluation which was shared by Yang Berhormat Minister of Education previously, in which the score in all three domains if compared with the PISA 2018 study was 442 for Mathematics, 429 for Reading and 446 for Science.
Among the ASEAN countries that participated, Brunei Darussalam is in the top three positions in all PISA 2022 domains. Regarding Goal II, Brunei Darussalam is in position 51 out of 191 countries that are categorized as very high human development according to the Human Development Index report issued by the United Nation Development Programme for the year 2021/2022.
So for Goal III, a dynamic and resilient economy. For kaola to answer this question, kaola has shared before that developing an economy cannot be achieved in a short time, indeed we must continue our efforts.
So kaola has shared some micro-economic factors in this honorable hall a few days ago, so it’s unnecessary for kaola to repeat. Just touching briefly on the continuous growth of the non-oil and gas sector for the past 7 years which achieved an average of 4.3%, 7 years on average. So this already shows our efforts to diversify our economy are starting to show achievements. But this is something that we must continue. Unemployment from 9.3% in 2011 to 5.2% in 2022.
That we already see efforts from the government to reduce unemployment. Undoubtedly, there are still several of our people who have not found employment, and this continues to answer the question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim regarding the efforts of MPEC. So, what's important we see, is the government continuing to work to address the issue of unemployment or not, so we see the statistics in recent years have shown this rate is decreasing.
So this is it, if there are still those who feel they are ‘invisible’ or job seekers still feel they might not be on the radar they can register themselves with JobCentre Brunei or consult MPEC.
At this time, facilities at MPEC including JobCentre Brunei have been provided so it's easy for the public to visit JobCentre Brunei or MPEC to share information and so forth. So, this is encouraged, any party who feels they yet completely understand the role of MPEC or JobCentre Brunei, can come to JobCentre Brunei or MPEC. So MPEC constantly organizes roadshows or recruitment fairs and so forth at shopping centers and so on. This is indeed advertised beforehand in newspapers and so forth or Instagram and so on, possibly for those job seekers who are serious it’s impossible to miss these advertisements shared with the public.
If they are indeed interested, they can go to JobCentre Brunei. So, by your permission, this matter we will continue, the government does not stop thinking of new ideas that at this time we are also thinking about positions held by foreign workers at high levels, at professional, manager, engineering technician levels. So we also have the Manpower Industry Steering Committee.
At this time, several committees have been formed for us to think about the possibility that some of these jobs can be replaced by our local children such as in construction, accountancy and so forth. So at this time, there are already 5-6 Manpower Industry Steering Committees working together with the private sector and trainers from the private sector. Together we are looking for opportunities to replace the positions currently held by foreign workers with our local children.
And it was also shared, there are several human resource development programs currently being run by MPEC like Skill Plus, SPIN in Accountancy and so forth. So there’s another reason, from the statistics some of these workers, they do not last long. So, there’s a moment they work 3 months then leave and so on. So, for these workers, we also have a program called the Identity Program in collaboration with PKBN so they’re more disciplined.
So, it seems, since this program was established in 2021, the results have been positive. So a question from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim regarding whether we are doing enough, how do we help our workers obtain a certificate in HND, TVET. This is indeed an issue raised in discussions with several interested parties.
If we look at our statistics, according to the planned economic development at this time, if we map it to 5 years in the future, if we succeed with the FDI targeted to be brought to Brunei Darussalam, in 5 years from now we will have a shortage of graduates from TVET and HND.
So at the same time, if we look at our school dropout rate every year. The average school dropout is 1800 people, this is what was meant by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim earlier. How do we help these school dropouts so that at least they can further enhance their skills, improve their skills, increase their chances of getting better quality jobs and higher incomes.
This is an effort that will continue and will work with IBTE and Politeknik Brunei so that any school dropout does not just hang in limbo, so we will think of an attraction for them to continue, maybe also from regular schools maybe their interest is not to study like usual school subjects, maybe they have an interest in more hands-on, TVET and so on. So this is us opening opportunities again for them to enhance their skills, gain qualifications.
This also contributes to our economic development as I have shared earlier. If we follow any economic development that we desire during these 5 years, if we succeed, we may see a reduction in the workforce at the HND and TVET levels. That's all I can share for now. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, I would like to add a bit. I thank my colleague for the responses, even though they specifically pertain to the field of Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Amin Liew bin Abdullah.
However, I was hoping to answer one by one from him and I just want to add regarding the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @Tekpin bin Ya'akub about development and social progress indeed being a long-term mission of the Government under His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Prime Minister's Office is firmly committed to the continuous positive impact that has provided assurance of this country's social development. JPM will always carry out monitoring and continuous evaluation to ensure the effectiveness of strategies and programs implemented, especially in improving the quality of life of the people of this nation.
I take note of his suggestion and greatly appreciate the concern and involvement of all parties in this matter, and JPM, God willing, will ensure continuous cooperation with all parties, including community and civil society, and relevant agencies such as JAPES, KKBS, and JAPEM Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports to gather information as suggested and integrate various perspectives for effective policy formulation.
Regarding the question asked by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof, it has been partly answered by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
However, regarding the transformation and modernization of the public service framework and its capacity has somewhat been touched upon in the introduction, and regarding the comprehensive performance review of public service workers, it has also been implemented and will continue with new methods and, by the grace of God, necessary clarifications will be made either in writing or in a different session.
Secondly, there was also a question about how much alignment the ministries have with JPM in directing the performance of this public service. As stated in the introduction, there are several living documents as support and guidance, mostly 'kitani' is guided by the Brunei Vision 2035 and strengthened by having 3 blueprints at this time, and also every ministry updates or formulates its strategic plans which are endorsed by JPM and the last of which is the SUT Platform is still ongoing as before and there these matters can still be discussed and undertaken.
Other issues like audits have been answered by the colleague earlier and I also welcome the observations made about the Bruneian adat istiadat, which may have some shortcomings as the current generation faces new and different environmental challenges, possibly necessitating the Department of Adat Istiadat to also create new approaches aside from 'passing down' any adat to students and schools.
And in the recent Royal Wedding Ceremony, a whole of government approach between the Information Department and also Radio Television Brunei including the Department of Adat Istiadat as much as possible highlight or introduce about the old Brunei adats especially the Royal Wedding Adat through introductions to the Alat-Alat Kebesaran Diraja and so on. This is one of the initiatives thus the observation is taken into account and will be optimally performed.
Regarding issues highlighted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, a lot has already been clarified by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, however, whatever is still deemed necessary to be explained, I will try to explain it at an appropriate opportunity.
Aside from the suggestion to look into flexi hours and the integration of religious education, perhaps we should not forget that COVID-19 has also provided many lessons, especially on how to use online digital methods etc., and also business continuity plans without working on-site, perhaps these matters can also be synchronized and given specific synergy to it.
However, other things like the selection of potential officers will not be neglected but given priority as per your understanding polished diamonds must be prioritized. God willing, that's among the additions, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan to provide some explanations regarding the issues raised by Yang Berhormat earlier.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I would just like to add a bit regarding the question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohammad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub concerning the quality of life in Negara Brunei Darussalam.
At the same time, I wish to draw attention to the statement made earlier by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim about how, from a macro perspective, economic growth does play a role, it will open spaces, job opportunities and certainly more opportunities for the target community groups to achieve independence.
Thus, the government in general indeed does not overlook and provides various forms of assistance to the target groups in need.
However, I wish to draw attention to the micro aspect. From this perspective, I want to share that any assistance application is channeled to the National Welfare System, and this system is known as the 'Power Business Intelligence' (Power BI).
Power BI is software that helps collect data within the system and integrate it into a more interactive “dashboard” for ease of analysis and detailed study of the assistance ecosystem. The analysis conducted with data from SKN serves what purpose? It helps identify patterns and trends of poverty in the country.
For example, I want to share an analysis, namely beneficiaries among youth aged 18 to 40 years categorized as able-bodied, able to work (ABAW) or essentially what we know as healthy and capable of working, who are married meaning they have dependents, unemployed, have no income, and are wholly dependent on government assistance, it was found that there are 207 beneficiaries out of a total of 13,277 young applicants equivalent to 1.6% as of 4 March 2024.
So, as an example, findings like this can contribute to and support evidence-based policy formulation or the implementation of more appropriate and targeted intervention programs, meaning customized and targeted intervention, and improve any existing programs or projects suggested and addressed by the concerned parties. Importantly here I share, a majority of these beneficiaries do not possess qualifications, unable to meet the minimum requirements whether it be furthering education or obtaining skills qualifications for employment.
In this regard, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, there exists a Youth Development Center running community-based programs aimed at skills provision.
This means providing specific courses, both short-term, to ensure they acquire the necessary skills for obtaining suitable employment, matching their existing skills, and thereby producing beneficiaries who move out of the assistance cycle, meaning they become independent.
So, that is what I wanted to share here. Sometimes, questions arise why they need to submit their applications through SKN? So, I here want to share what actually are the benefits obtained from the SKN system apart from channeling assistance applications and producing an independent society. Why I want to share this here, because the question raised earlier by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub was very relevant regarding the living standards of the citizens and very relevant in looking at employment opportunities to produce more independent people.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I again apologize for taking too much time and thank you. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاْتُهُ
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I take this opportunity to add or provide an explanation if the question about poverty is related to existing efforts through the distribution of zakat, for example. This is also related to the SKN, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
And the connection has been explained there about the study of data there if in terms of people receiving assistance. But, receiving help with receiving distribution is different, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Receiving help means it’s already fixed for example able-bodied. If in the SKN application, it will be directly migrated to the zakat section, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Because able-bodied does not necessarily mean having a job, because they do not want to work only or indeed there are other reasons why they do not work.
But in terms of zakat, it is not receiving help but it is receiving distribution, the distribution means it has a right from the zakat fund contributed by zakat payers. So, its right is called distribution. So, the distribution must be measured from its necessity. In terms of necessity, 'lakat' from the year 2015 uses 'sukat-sukat' what it calls the basic minimum needs cost.
So, if the basic minimum needs cost is not sufficient from what its income or what it's called if retired people have their salaries and so forth not enough, then they by themselves fall into the category of poor asnaf. With the poor asnaf, they receive zakat distribution. That's the situation. But one clear thing now, something interesting in this question is the necessity of having data to know about the poverty level.
Efforts towards that as explained by a colleague a moment ago, Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, the data can be obtained from BI as one analysis and so forth. 'Ganya' proposed earlier is whether we have already established a living standard in Brunei? The distinction of which like for example earlier between receiving help and receiving distribution. Both needs are there.
So, matters like these are possibly considered to further facilitate the channeling or care for people or groups whose lives need it.
Then in terms of poverty, this is related not just to employment, but also to housing needs, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. So, that's why housing needs are taken into account including in parts of food, drink, clothing, and shelter, which is housing.
They are also entitled to receive distribution for housing protection. That's why housing assistance in terms of house renting approximately 600 families at this time are supported by zakat and developed housing around more than 100 and more will follow as much.
This in terms of zakat contributing to caring for people in need, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. However, on this matter, we may agree that a rational matter that requires explanation or 'nya' clarity regarding the living standard for 'us' for the citizens in Negara Brunei Darussalam.
I always mention perhaps my saying this as a layman from the economic perspective that the more advanced we become, reaching 2035, there will be a gap in poverty between the haves and have-nots. So, based on the experience of developed countries, part of this gap is widening. So, the effort to not widen this gap is now what the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam is striving for through tackling unemployment, creating jobs, and so forth. But, let's not 'us' 'nya' people 'rapan-rapan' 'karang' by 2035 have achieved a high economic life, high living standard, no more poverty, I feel that's too ideal also, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. That's all I can add, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you for the answers given and further explanations provided by the Yang Berhormat Ministers concerned.
Your Honourable Members, I would like to suggest that we take a 10-minute break and we will resume this meeting later, إن شاء الله.
(The Meeting was adjourned)
(The Meeting resumed)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, the Meeting is now in session again to examine and consider the Bill (2024), Supply 2024/2025 proposed by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
Before the break, the Committee Meeting had already begun discussing and debating some of the Titles under the Prime Minister's Department. Now we will continue the debate on titles under this ministry, we are still discussing titles SAO1A and SAO7A and I will proceed by inviting Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and with His help. Prayers and peace be upon the noblest of prophets and messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, and all his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, peace be upon you and blessings of Allah. I have 2 questions for Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II:-
Regarding renewable energy development and climate change. The establishment of the Brunei National Climate Change Policy (BNCPP) in 2021 is a significant step in guiding Brunei towards sustainable development with its first objective, Established To Pave For Brunei Low Carbon In Climate Change, Resilient Pathway For A Sustainable Nation.
The Brunei National Climate Change Council (BNCCP) sets a clear direction for the country's future efforts and establishes ten key strategies, each important in guiding Brunei towards its goals.
These strategies include critical targets such as achieving zero routine flaring by 2035, one industrial emissions strategy, and achieving at least 30% of the energy mix from renewable sources (Strategy 4 - Renewable Energy). The question arises whether this can be achieved within the stipulated time frame.
Moreover, it is crucial to consider the implications of this transition on the country's economic growth. The Brunei National Climate Change Council (BNCCP) suggests various opportunities in the green and low-carbon industry, local business development, employment, digital technology, and research and development.
Continuous monitoring and adaptation are essential to ensure progress towards a greener and more sustainable future for Brunei. My first question, how do we measure these opportunities and understand their potential impact on economic growth and employment opportunities; and
As the host for the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, I would like to receive the latest developments regarding the establishment of this center. In the last parliamentary session, it was announced that plans for its operations would commence in 2023. However, I observed that the center has not been operational until now.
Kaola has noted from the introduction by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II that it will become operational this year.
Kaola seeks enlightenment on this development. Thirdly, what are the breakdowns of funds to be utilized whether from the national budget allocation ($2.1 million and $700,000) each year and in relation to other countries such as NZD500,000 for ASEAN Centre for Climate Change.
Kaola's second question, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, regarding reputation and crisis management. Facing current challenges impacting Brunei's reputation on both domestic and international stages.
Effective reputation management strategy is a priority, for example, the power supply disruption incident in October 2023 and the BL/NG plant closure in June of the same year.
The impact of prolonged power supply disruption was significant, including water supply disruptions, children 'damit' having to sleep in cars due to discomfort at home, and patients at home needing electric medical aids like oxygen having to be taken to hospitals. From a business perspective, significant losses were incurred by merchants and counter services were halted.
There was also negative social media perspective related to the BLNG plant closure such as "BLNG is no longer a reliable supplier" and pertaining to the prolonged power supply disruption like "Brunei is struggling to serve the basic needs of the community". Brunei faces challenges in meeting the basic needs of the community.
In this matter, social media plays a critical role in conveying accurate information. Thus, relevant parties should transparently convey information related to issues that attract public attention and face negative perceptions internationally.
Kaola's first question is, what specific steps have been taken by this ministry to address the recent incidents impacting Brunei's reputation? Secondly, how are these steps coordinated within a broader reputation management strategy to reduce negative perceptions domestically and internationally?
Brunei as a developing country requiring foreign investments should have more open and clear communication to maintain the country's image and give confidence to investors and the international community.
Therefore, kaola suggests that the Jabatan Perdana Menteri leads the creation of a National Reputation Management Policy and Strategy.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the name of Allah the Most Merciful and Compassionate, all praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our leader Muhammad and all his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. First, kaola would like to express congratulations and thanks to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II for the introduction, plans, and direction of the ministry in managing budget expenditures for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
God willing, kaola hopes that it can be implemented successfully, especially towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035. Kaola wishes to discuss under Title SA01A.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. The practice of reciting prayers while on duty is a good practice that should be implemented in government departments, and it is a work culture that should be practiced to ensure every work and service is blessed by Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala. Besides, it can create a more conducive work environment and supports the 'Melayu, Islam, Beraja' concept.
In this regard, kaola is pleased to suggest the establishment of a Religious Section Unit in all government departments and appointing or absorbing a religious officer or teachers for the purpose of reviving the practice of reciting prayers before starting daily duties. Kaola requests enlightenment from Yang Berhormat Menteri regarding this matter. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Thank you, wise Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, Most Compassionate. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon the most noble of prophets and messengers, our leader Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.
Peace be upon you, and Allah's mercy and blessings.
Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II for clearly presenting the budget preparation for the Jabatan Perdana Menteri for the Financial Year 2024/2025 just now.
Kaola has several proposals and questions:-
Regarding MPEC, that is the non-exhaustive use of annual allocations and the lengthy permission process for conducting courses that affects the Human Resource Development programme.
Kaola joyfully refers to the allocation Title of Jabatan Perdana Menteri, which is 006/003 - Human Resource Services amounting to $24,909,000.00.
The issue experienced year after year is its non-exhaustive use. One of the causes kaola believes is due to existing processes in formulating skill courses and also the slow permission process in agencies and related authorities.
For example, applying for permission to conduct short courses in Health and Safety Executive (HSE), takes 8 weeks and sometimes even longer, which delays registered training centers from conducting necessary skill courses required by MPEC, leading to delays. This in itself stalls the planned development of skilled human resources. Kaola suggests that these causes be studied and improvement actions be taken immediately;
Allow kaola to raise the next question regarding the impact and benefits of the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. to the country to date, where phase 1 has finished and now entering phase 2. What kaola wishes to raise here is about the impact and benefits to the country to date in terms of employment opportunities for local youths.
From the total number of local youths employed at Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. phase 1, how many have resigned? And what are the reasons they resigned? If many work only briefly and then resign, it means something is not right with the company; and
Allow kaola, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, regarding female drivers. That is, drivers for government departments which kaola raised during the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Allow kaola to raise again kaola’s suggestion regarding drivers for government departments for senior government officials which kaola raised during that ministry.
If observed, all the drivers of vehicles provided by the government for them are all men. Is there consideration by Jabatan Perdana Menteri to employ female drivers specifically for senior government VIP officials? It would appear more polite if our government VIP departments' drivers are selected from among female drivers.
This is in line with religion, customs, and the way of the Bruneian people. There is no longer room for rumors and even worse slander regarding close proximity. Kaola believes there would be discomfort for the respective senior government officials to take a short nap or fall asleep due to fatigue after working or returning late at night from invitations and furthermore staying outside the district. On the contrary, kaola believes there would be comfort if their driver is female.
Kaola wishes to bring attention to the Circular Letter of Jabatan Perdana Menteri Number: 11/2009 Negara Brunei Darussalam which sets additional guidelines for sending abroad a male officer and a female officer who are not mahram together, which nearly all government officers are aware of.
Kaola is also informed that there are parties charged under Chapter 196 of the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013 for they are not mahram and being in a car which is a close proximity case causing suspicion. It would be prudent for the concerned parties to be more vigilant not to take this matter lightly.
This matter is no longer an emergency because we have another option, which is female drivers who, in terms of their abilities, we find that many of them are capable of becoming school bus drivers and also pilots. As a result, it also provides benefits, especially in offering employment opportunities for women.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings.
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
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
God willing, together we will succeed, and with a commitment to fulfilling our quotas and requirements, we will cooperate with you and stand by your side.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings, I wish you peace and a blessed fasting. Firstly, kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for giving kaola the opportunity to participate in discussing the allocations for the Prime Minister's Department for the Year 2024/2025.
I would also like to thank Yang Berhormat Menteri in the Prime Minister's Department and Menteri Pertahanan II for the enlightenment and explanations related to the progress and direction of focus and priorities in the ministry for the year 2024/2025.
Kaola have several questions and views, some of which are follow-ups from issues kaola raised in the 19th Meeting and during the discussion session as well as current issues that have been conveyed to kaola by the citizens.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, in Topic SA01A to SA07A. Kaola have several questions seeking clarification on Wawasan Brunei 2035, Jabatan Tenaga and MPC. First question, code 010/000. Wawasan Brunei 2035, managing and monitoring the development of implementing Wawasan Brunei 2035 and Sustainable Development Goals.
Kaola is informed that among the responsibilities of the Prime Minister's Department are managing and monitoring, ensuring the implementation of the government's integrated strategic plans and efforts to achieve the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
Kaola is also informed that there are more than 100+ KPIs which contain 37 national KPIs. KPIs at the ministry and department levels from action plans in 3 objectives that require monitoring. Kaola understands the ministry plays an important role in ensuring that activities carried out are aligned with achieving the Wawasan’s objectives.
Kaola seeks clarification on the status of integrated audits to ensure the progress reported by ministries and government agencies and whether it is necessary to tighten the audit schedule from every 5 years to a more appropriate period so that early interventions can be taken if needed considering the time is too short to reach the year 2035.
If there is an independent audit to help ensure alignment in achieving the goals.
Kaola also seeks clarification on how Unit Wawasan 2035 can provide assurance that the integration of initiatives by government agencies achieves maximum effectiveness and makes necessary changes (how can we be sure that some of the various initiatives of the Wawasan will equal to meeting the Wawasan targets and make prepared intervention as necessary).
Kaola also seeks clarification on the second goal, namely the high quality of life for citizens and achieving a top 10 Human Development Index (HDI) ranking in the world. (HDI) is a good indicator that takes into account the health and age of society, a quality education ecosystem, and achieving a comfortable standard of living.
When Wawasan Brunei 2035 was launched by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in 2008, the country's HDI ranking was in the 40s, but now as we have undergone half of the Wawasan Brunei 2035 program, the country is now at HDI ranking 51 out of 203 countries. Although the index value of 0.84 is at a very high level.
Although the HDI achievement has improved, it is certain that other countries have also improved, or are there other reasons, is there a change in the definition of the HDI index that we overlooked causing us to drop in the world ranking and far from the desired level, which is the top 10 in the world.
Request clarification on the interventions that need to be done by 'kitani' if the country still wishes to achieve the 10th-place ranking in the world by the time remaining before 2035.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi I continue to issue number 2 regarding Jabatan Tenaga. Bruneianisation Plan. God willing, some of the top officials in the ministry and government agencies are now professional workers who began their careers with a private company in the oil and gas field.
The success of the Bruneianisation program initiated by this company effective from one directive of the government for the company to amplify the Bruneianisation Program and strong monitoring by the Board of Directors which requested that the status of Bruneianisation Program achievements be reported at every annual board meeting.
This was also aided by strong monitoring by the Petroleum Authority at that time. Thus, the Bruneianisation Program not only managed to increase the percentage of locals at every level within that private company but more importantly, through its competency framework program, it succeeded in raising the number of local youths to professional levels. Local youths in technical, finance, governance, IT, and HSE aspects.
This includes elevating the management status of local contractors who undertake this challenging work. The ancillary industries also benefit from the success of the Bruneianisation program initiated by this company. This is kaola's view. Kaola is sure that the presence of professional workers from this company, who are now in the ministries and government agencies, will devote time and commitment to introduce aggressive best practice Bruneianisation programs and similar or even better professional upgrading programs that can be adopted in the monitored industry or within their scope of responsibility.
In the name of God. Additionally, kaola is certain that the presence of professional workers from this company within government agencies will also bring any best practices and operational excellence such as maintenance and equipment sparing standards, operational readiness assurance audit commonly conducted in the oil and gas industry, and best practices from independent electricity operators can be directly adopted into critical government industries like at the Electrical Department so that incidents of electricity outages known as the October tragedy do not recur or if something unforeseen happens, a quick recovery effort and courtesy business continuity plan can be expedited.
Kaola's question regarding Jabatan Tenaga. The public is aware that since Hengyi Chemical Complex Phase 1 on Pulau Muara Besar began operations, all domestic petroleum products have been fully supplied by Hengyi, and the Refinery Brunei Shell in Seria has been closed and kaola understands it is awaiting demolition.
Request clarification on why retail fuel stations in the country still use the Shell patent logo as if the product sold is indeed a Shell product. Whereas all products are produced by Hengyi which meets high internal standards. Even though Shell is still a business partner with Brunei Shell Marketing.
Kaola is of the opinion that it is time for Brunei to display its own logo to sell products produced by Brunei as Brunei products, made in Brunei and proud it is made in Brunei. Request Yang Berhormat Menteri’s views.
Second question regarding energy. The landscape of Seria Oil Town has now changed with the project of demolishing unused Shell Oil Company residential houses and the refinery complex site will be emptied. Kaola seeks clarification if there are any preliminary plans, any developments or constructions that have been considered to be built on these sites understood to be high economic value estates that will be vacated later.
The hope of the people in Kuala Belait District is that these sites will not only be beautified with landscapes but also be built with value-adding infrastructure such as providing high-end office complexes for rent by energy industry contractors that can help generate the local economy.
Third issue Topic SA006 - 001 - MPEC. Kaola does not wish to repeat suggestions and hopes kaola expressed when discussing the expenditure of the Ministry of Home Affairs, that is, the analysis of work permits to assist MPEC and MISC in making forward manpower planning, providing locals with plus skills and any relevant skills to replace work permit holders when their work permit expires.
What kaola wishes to seek clarification on is the KPI of MPEC, which is 12,635 people per year to be employed. Request clarification if this is an incremental 12,600 every year, if it is an incremental 12 thousand target every year, God be with us, in a short time, many work permits will be replaced by Bruneians.
Also request clarification, the expenditure of $24 million, which is an increase of $4 million from last year, is not a contribution to locals but must be announced as a government subsidy contribution to the private sector to pay the first 18 months' allowance of workers with the i-Ready program. It is a government subsidy contribution to the industry for employing i-Ready Brunei workers to be given work experience.
This issue must be highlighted so that industries receiving i-Ready workers know they are receiving government subsidies. They are supposed to pay the salaries to the i-Ready graduates, but it is the government that pays salary subsidies for the first 18 months. This is a substantial fund that Kaola thinks must be broadcasted to companies that receive many graduates from the i-Ready program.
For now, this is the issue Kaola wishes to convey in the first session of the Prime Minister's Office budget discussion.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Allow kaola to first address some of the questions raised by the Yang Berhormat-Yang Berhormat just now.
First of all, the question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, regarding renewable energy and climate change. The first question about the impact on jobs if we continue to encourage renewable energy and efforts to address this climate change issue, and also the impact on the economy.
For kaola, just like other issues, digitalization and so forth, it will indeed have an impact. This is subject to each country's planning and so on. Whether we welcome these new issues by seizing opportunities or accept whatever they come, the impact with it.
So, in terms of climate change, it will create new jobs especially in the green economy and so on. We need new engineers who are experts in the development and use of renewable energy technology. So, the renewable energy expertise and so on. This, for kaola, is a new job opportunity for us, so we must prepare to seize these opportunities.
In terms of the economy, kaola also feels this is an issue that will actually benefit us. If we look at our current power generation, we use gas; if we could use renewable energy, we could sell our gas or develop a downstream industry and so on.
So, this is actually positive for our economy. Therefore, we encourage, if other countries, for example, use solar panels and batteries, perhaps future prices will decrease.
So, we take the opportunity, if the price drops, we also adopt solar energy and so on at a low price, we can save our gas for the development of the downstream industry and so on. That's what, for kaola, this is positive. We must also play a role with other countries to jointly address this climate change issue. But by doing that, maybe we will also benefit in terms of jobs and economy.
Regarding the ACCC, currently, prior to the establishment of ACCC, we require all 10 ASEAN countries to submit the instrument of full power to the ASEAN Secretariat. So, at this moment, 5 countries have signed on. Insya'allah, not long more, they will complete, the rest are still in the internal process.
So, what was hoped before, we will establish the ACCC as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this is beyond our country's control; we had no choice but to wait but indeed efforts to always negotiate with the countries that have not sent the instrument of full power, indeed we are always in touch with the concerned countries so that they can expedite.
Regarding the budget of $2.1 million. It is actually allocated for the next 3 years for the growth of ACCC because ACCC requires a physical office. If all 10 countries sign on the instrument of full power, we will strive to appoint an Executive Director so that ACCC can run independently from the Brunei Climate Change Secretariat.
Next, if kaola may also answer the question from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
Regarding the course approval process taking up to 8 weeks to allow a course. So, Insya'allah, if we could 'accelerate' the process, insya'allah MPEC and Job Center will look into and examine the process.
Next, regarding Hengyi, its impact in terms of human resources. So, as of now, Hengyi employs about 700 local workers. So, kaola does not yet have the exact number of those who have left, etc.
So, looking at the number of local workers at Hengyi, it is increasing but not as fast due to certain reasons. So, why do these individuals leave Hengyi, sometimes reasons are given because they have alternative job opportunities, they might have been offered another place or some feel, this job is not for me, hence they leave, some want to continue studying, so some of those who leave, it’s for personal reasons, not shared with the company, it's hard for us to know 100% why.
Finally, the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin about whether Vision 2035 can be audited more frequently than once every 5 years, we see the need for shorter-term audits. For us, we have conducted an audit report which the latest from 2016 to 2022 has been released.
So, from there we see what more improvements need to be made. But, certainly, as we are approaching the year 2035, whether we need to shorten the duration to maybe every 3 years and so on, that will be considered by Vision.
So, at this moment, we also receive ISO Certification quality management system upgrades for the Office of Vision Brunei through an independent assessment. So, once this is achieved, it also provides an input on how we can further improve the management of the Vision Office.
Next, regarding the Assurance Integrity Agency, although we have distinct committees for each goal, we are also thinking because most of the membership in each committee, there is duplication, like kaola myself, kaola is actually in all three committees as well.
So, what issue, the possibility that our economy's progress will be hindered socially, that too is indeed considered, just as shared by Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs earlier, if we advance economically, there may be a possibility that a portion of the population is left behind.
So, we have seen in recent years, we have improved our system, the National Welfare System. So, if there are groups that are left behind, unable to catch up, indeed there are, so they would be covered by the National Welfare System and so on.
So, to advance the economy, we also want workers to be able to prepare themselves to seize these job opportunities we 'control' our SPK so that those who work will have secured retirements. So, unlike before, the scheme might not have been attractive, leading some workers to say "even though work hard, upon retirement it's still not sufficient", that did not encourage them to work. This is, with the improvements made to this SPK, it will motivate people to continue working, altogether we support, develop our economy.
So, developing the economy requires skilled workers. So, this must work with Goal 1 committee as well. So, this is always integrated so that we can jointly achieve, whatever is achieved in Goal 1 indeed helps Goal 3.
Next, regarding UNHDI. Kaola shared earlier regarding the achievements of UNHDI and so on. So, HDI is used only as global positioning or benchmarking. So, to strengthen our differences with other countries.
So, we need to look at progress within our country. If we compare with other countries, we must also concentrate, continue our nation's progress where we implement various significant changes leading to sustainable development and prosperity, enhancing the welfare and quality of life in the Nation of Brunei Darussalam.
This is what we continue, sometimes we like to compare this index with that index. It is indeed a good practice, we can see our position compared with other countries.
But, what is more important, if we are too fixated on the index, sometimes we overlook the actual progress that needs to be made in this country. So, it's important we use these indexes as references, what truly matters is the real progress we need to make in the country.
That is all from kaola's perspective regarding a question that was asked earlier. That is all kaola can share. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola would like to add to some of the questions posed by Your Honourable Members. Firstly, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin had voiced concerning the reputation and crisis management regarding the electrical disruptions that had occurred twice last year, for instance, in June for L/NG and also in the month of 'October' for energy. In such cases, for incidents of electricity supply disruptions, the Prime Minister's Department through the Department of Electrical Services has taken an incident management approach prioritizing the wellbeing of the public through quick, safe, and concerted recovery measures.
Among the response measures are first, the activation of the Business Continuity Plan such as deployment of mobile gensets, crisis management team, stringent Standard Operating Procedures in line with the best industry practices, to ensure controlled impact. This kaola has slightly explained in the early introduction.
Second, integrated actions and close cooperation from all parties to ensure controlled impact on critical services.
And lastly, the department will also continuously relay the latest information to the public through various methods including social media, television news, and radio, as well as through existing WhatsApp channels between the Department of Electrical Services and all village heads and headmen in the Districts of Brunei-Muara, Tutong, and Belait.
Constantly sharing official updates is to ensure public trust and to halt the spread of invalid information about the said disruption incidents. However, following those disruption incidents, it was found that there is still a gap in the country's Business Continity Plan (BCP). Therefore, the Department of Electrical Services is actively improving response actions especially through a more integrated Business Continuity Plan among related government entities.
Peramba/kaola/I would like to convey that the department has proposed several appropriate actions for the long term including upgrading relevant assets and infrastructure towards improving the provision of electric power services to the people of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
This is in line with the objective of the Agency for Energy under the Prime Minister's Department to ensure a reliable supply of electric power towards driving the country's economic development. إن شاء الله, with these response plans, the impact of disruptions on the daily activities of the public, especially critical services, can be controlled while further increasing public confidence in the efficiency and effectiveness of the country's electrical power supply system in ensuring the wellbeing of all societal levels in Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Next, kaola also thank you for the question raised by Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir concerning the proposal by Yang Berhormat for the establishment of a religious unit across all government departments and the appointment or implementation of an officer or religious teachers for the purpose of enlivening the practice of reciting prayers before starting duties.
Kaola am also unsure if I was not present in this Honoured Hall whether the Ministry of Religious Affairs has responded to it? However, kaola also opine it is a good proposal, taking into account kaola's experience at the Ministry of Defense.
The Ministry of Defense is different from other larger ministries or departments in terms of its members, so there is also the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Religious Department (JAMA'AT) to manage religious matters ranging from basic teachings, fardhu ain, and fardhu kifayah up to the level before a serving soldier retires or resigns.
That is a benefit. Regarding the purpose of reviving the practice of reciting prayers before starting daily duties, other ministries are using current methods, namely the method of prayer every time work commences in the main buildings of ministries or departments, and similarly for closing prayers after carrying out daily tasks.
‘Perhaps’ if it is only specialized for reading prayers by its religious officer or teachers might also be considered as not providing a comprehensive benefit.
Concerning the subsequent question from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin. On the proposal by Yang Berhormat to create the position of female drivers in Government Departments for senior government officials.
Kaola am also not sure what response has been conveyed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs as well. However, as a response, it's my pleasure to inform that the advertisement scheme for the driver's position is open to both male and female applicants in accordance with the minimum qualification requirements to fill the said position.
Among the scope of duties and responsibilities is the capability to maintain safety and cleanliness and to ensure that the vehicle driven is in good and safe condition and readiness to be on duty at any time if needed including outside of regular working hours.
Although the scheme mentions that preference is given to male candidates, the recruitment of drivers for senior officials is based on qualifications, willingness to perform the duties and responsibilities, and passing the interview session regardless of gender.
We hope that whatever perspectives or scenarios envisioned by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, hopefully, can address these issues especially those related to Sharia and so on.
Regarding questions and some observations and remarks by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin and somewhat answered as well by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II. Kaola will ‘interject’ a bit and add concerning clarifications regarding questions related to energy.
The first question regarding Bruneianisation. As per the Bruneianisation Directive enforced in 2018. Major operating companies in the upstream sector, particularly under the Brunei Shell Joint Venture (BSJV), have successfully achieved 90% Bruneianisation level as also stated by Yang Berhormat.
This is the result of the cooperation among various stakeholders. The enforcement of this directive is not only focused on the upstream sector but also encompasses the entire oil and gas industry, i.e., upstream to midstream and downstream.
As of December 2023, the Bruneianisation achievement for major operating companies in upstream and downstream is at 73% on average. However, the objective of this effort is to reach a minimum of 90% local workforce at all levels and skill groups.
Towards this, the Prime Minister's Department through the Agency for Energy will continue the enforcement of the said directive closely collaborating with the stakeholders.
Concerning the best industry practices to be adopted into operations in other sectors especially critical installations, kaola welcomes this good proposal.
Towards this, several best practices can indeed be followed especially in terms of processes and safety standards, capacity development, and human energy management. Project management including contracts and procurements and others.
Meanwhile, Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam has already conducted operations audits on the biggest operating companies in efforts to achieve and maintain oil and gas production level. At the same time, the establishment of safety agencies especially the National Authority for Safety Health and Environment (SHENA) has been implemented according to work procedure manuals and guidelines adapted and applied by international oil and gas sector standards.
In addition, the Agency for Energy has and continues to carry out employment subsidy programmes especially from BSJV companies to drive the development and application of best practices from that industrial sector among the public services.
Further regarding the shell brand at petrol stations. As also stated in the introduction by peramba/kaola/I and in the previous discussion session. With the existence of Hengyi Industries Sdn. Bhd. refinery in Pulau Muara Besar, manufacturing can be produced domestically and this will be able to strengthen the country's energy supply assurance in terms of petroleum products.
As the official local supplier of the country supplying major petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and Jet-A1, indeed this capability is an additional advantage as these products are high quality and meet internationally recognized standards.
However, these products are marketed on a commercial basis and Brunei Shell Marketing (BSM) is the sole buyer for the domestic market.
This is a quite common trade modality where the said products are opened to buyers on a commercial basis and subsequently utilized by the company concerned for further scale purposes. These products are indeed local products produced by Negara Brunei Darussalam not only for domestic use but also exported to the international market. That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I apologize, kaola might have missed out on a question regarding MPEC posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, which is about MPEC's target to employ 12,600 workers each year.
Just to confirm, that number is per year. So, if we look back since 2019, we achieved 11,100. In 2022, 12,800. In 2021, 12,200. In 2022, 13,600. In 2023, more than 12,600 and this is the number we achieve every year.
Yang Berhormat's question earlier, if we can reach zero unemployment with currently over 11,000 people unemployed, then to share with Yang Berhormat too, every year we estimate 5,800 new graduates entering the labor market.
So, there are about 1,800 dropouts from school, secondary school and so on. There are also those who already had jobs but quit, re-entering the labor market, more than 5,000 people, so if gathered, every year we expect over 12,000 people re-entering or newly entering the labor market.
Our achievement in these years seems like we can only replace those who are newly entering. That is why our unemployment rate is still around 5.2, 5.0 and so on.
So these are our efforts to continuously reduce it, thus we must further increase school dropouts to obtain at least a TVET certificate, and if possible to HND level so that there are many jobs available, in Hengyi for example, waiting at this moment. So they can replace.
But if he just drops out without any qualification, it's difficult for us to continuously reduce it. This is one issue.
Secondly, those who have not been able to find a job for possibly years, maybe their qualifications mismatch with industry demand, or too many people have already acquired that qualification, so there's no additional need to hire for that qualification.
So this is the possible mismatch in the industry. On this issue, the government currently has a high-level committee to tackle the issue from policy perspectives and so on. إن شاء الله with these efforts we will be able to identify what actually, what causes our unemployment to be very sticky at 4.9, 5.2 and so on.
So in these 3 years, it seems like ‘it’s decreasing’, so we must identify what are the root causes causing this unemployment rate, so how else can we employ so that it can continue to decline بإذن الله Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola also missed earlier there was actually a last question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin which is regarding the proposal for development on currently vacant high-value estate sites in Belait District.
Brunei Shell Petroleum is currently reviewing areas of former housing sites including refinery and those assets. At this time, BSP is still consulting with interested parties to develop them.
Whereas areas that are unsafe for habitation and unsuitable for any developments will be demolished for the safety of the people and residents in the Seria and Belait areas. بإذن الله The department will closely cooperate with the company and related agencies to ensure public safety first before exploring the value that can be derived from those assets.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. I would like to thank Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II and also Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II for the explanations provided in relation to the questions that have been raised and I think the answers given are sufficient to explain the situation raised by Your Honourable Appointed Members.
I believe that it is enough for us to debate for today. Thus, I am of the opinion that it would be good for us to adjourn this Committee Meeting and we shall reconvene in the State Legislative Assembly session.
(Committee Meeting Adjourned)
(State Legislative Assembly reconvenes)
Your Honourable Members. We are now reconvening in the State Legislative Assembly session. I think it is enough for us to convene for today. I adjourn this State Legislative Assembly session and we will reconvene إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّهُ on Saturday, 16 March 2024 starting from 10.00 am.
That's all,
وبالله التوفيق والهداية. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
(State Legislative Assembly 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, Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
AHLI RASMI KERANA JAWATAN (PERDANA MENTERI DAN MENTERI-MENTERI)
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 dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance and Economy and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Department, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, Special Advisor to Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam and a Minister at the Prime Minister's Department, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
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 Major General (Rtd.) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Department and Second Minister of Defence, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
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 Department 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 Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. 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 Infocommunication, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
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 Mohd. Yusuf.
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, Penghulu of Mukim Lumapas - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat, Head of Village Subok - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, Head of Village Putat - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohamad Ali bin Tanjong, Head of Village Lumapas 'B' – Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan, Head of Village Belimbing – Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, Penghulu of Mukim Bukit Sawat – Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Head of Village Bukit Sawat – Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, Penghulu of Mukim Ukong – Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, Head of Village Sengkarai – Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, Head of Village Labu Estate and Piasau-Piasau – Daerah Temburong.
HADIR BERSAMA
Yang Mulia Dr. Dayang Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah, Clerk of State Council Meeting, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Mulia Pengiran Hajah Zaidah binti Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Deputy Clerk of State Council Meeting, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
(The meeting commenced at 10:00 am)
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