DAY 13 MORNING
16TH MARCH 2024 - MORNING
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Yang Mulia Jurutulis
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The First Session of the 20th Legislative Council convened on this Saturday, 13th day of the month, 5th Ramadan 1445 corresponding to 16 March 2024, commenced with a Prayer for Safety.
DOA SELAMAT
The prayer for safety was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Metali Al-Hafiz (Imam of Masjid Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah).
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and in Him, we seek assistance.
All praise be to Allah, for by His grace and permission, we are gathered here this morning for the 13th day of the First Session of the 20th Legislative Council Meeting.
May blessings and peace be upon our esteemed Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and his followers who remain faithful until the end of time.
Your Honourable Members. The Legislative Council is still discussing the Bill (2024) Supplies, for the fiscal year of 2024/2025 which was proposed by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
Thus, in order for us to continue examining this Bill one by one in an orderly manner, I adjourn the Legislative Council session, and we shall reconvene in full Committee stage.
(The Legislative Council session was adjourned)
(The meeting continued in Committee stage)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, We are now in full Committee stage to consider the Bill (2024) Supplies, for the fiscal year of 2024/2025 as proposed by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
Your Honourable Members, The Committee Meeting last Thursday had already begun the debate and discussion on the Budget Titles under the Prime Minister’s Office and we have finished discussing Titles SA01A through SA07A.
Before I open the following titles for discussion, I have been informed that Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Pertahanan II would like to respond to and clarify questions raised last Thursday that have not yet been answered. I now invite the Menteri Di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Pertahanan II.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
السَّلام عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ بِسْم اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم الحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْأَعْمِينَ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى أَشْرَفِ الأَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ
This morning, kaola would like to refer to the question posed 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, among others, Yang Berhormat sought enlightenment as to the extent of modernization transformation in line with the civil service framework and what is the sustainability of said framework that aligns with the current and future trends.
And also, what are the steps and action plan to enhance the government's productivity level. In response, kaola thank for the question, several efforts and planning have been made. As the host for the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) meeting this year, a workshop titled "Developing Framework for Measuring Productivity and Public Sector" will be conducted by the Public Service Institute (IPA) under the ASEAN Work Plan 2021-2025 in November this year with ASEAN countries aimed at producing standards applicable to identifying critical factors in measuring public servant productivity as a benchmark for continuous improvement and as a driver for change in building human resource strategies.
Aligned with the goal of ACCSM which is "to Build and Sustain High Performance, Dynamic, and People-Centric Public Services for ASEAN", the workshop "Strengthening Government Strategies in Mental Health and Well-Being towards Achieving Work-Life Balance in Public Sector" will be organized by the Public Service Institute in May 2024 under the ACCSM 2021-2025 plan.
The outcome of this workshop is to produce a guide on managing work-life balance in the public sector and documenting best practice initiatives and challenges identified. This document will be usable by policy-makers in ASEAN countries. It is part of the effort towards productivity in the public service.
This is further enhanced by the Public Service Capability Development Framework (PSCDF) that was just implemented by the IPA to review the status and gaps existing in public service competencies as mentioned in my prologue before. If there are gaps or the target intervention level is not met according to learning modalities whether it is experiential, social, or formal learning, towards this, the role of IPA is to ensure that the courses based on the competencies contained in the PSCDF.
At the same time, IPA will continue to conduct training programs related to the use of technology in daily tasks as support to efforts in enhancing public servants' productivity level.
For your information, the Impact Study conducted by IPA on 117 Supervisors Participants who attended courses under the theme of Productivity and ICT organized by IPA last year, 92 percent stated there is an impact on improving their work quality and 91% stated there is an impact on the productivity level in the organization, that’s for the answer.
Meanwhile, last Thursday, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim had raised several questions regarding the review of Civil Service Framework and also about flexi hours.
To answer the first question, in support of the national effort on digital transformation through IPA, as much as 31% of programs or courses offered are in innovation and ICT. A total of 30 types of courses are provided for public servants to attend such as Basic IT Skills, Basic Programming, Designing for Presentation including data analysis using analysis tools such as SPSS, Starter, and Visualization using Power Business Intelligence.
The second question, kaola's opinion on upgrading competency, productivity, and effectiveness, is the same as kaola's answer to the question posed 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 just a while ago.
The third question by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim is about the suggestion to implement flexi hours for picking up their children following school integration.
In response, in line with current developments and to balance career needs with life balance (work-life balance), and taking into consideration the benchmark of working hours during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister's Office especially through the Public Service Department, is currently conducting a feasibility study with best practices including conducting detailed studies to address specific issues and challenges especially regarding working hours in the public service in general and work productivity in each ministry and department. For your information, flexible working hours are indeed currently practiced such as counter services.
However, the further initiative is the possibility of integrating the concept of flexi hours into the overall public service working hours. At this initial stage, a study on workday hours has been conducted at the working group level by identifying factual findings on human resource positions, job assignment functions, service delivery to stakeholders and client-centered functions, and related policies to analyze its feasibility.
The findings from the study or research will certainly lead to the formulation of related policies especially flexible working hours in the public service. However, there is a need for more comprehensive stakeholder engagement to ensure its implementation is inclusive without affecting work productivity, especially the impact on the public seeking services from the government.
It is hoped that ministries, to also accelerate and succeed in the digitalization program to meet the smart governance targets and realizing a more conducive and dynamic public service ecosystem.
Kaola also wants to address in detail the question raised 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 regarding the deficiency in 'pembarigaan' affairs concerning traditions and customs.
Kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat. Department of Adat Istiadat Negara will continue to intensify efforts in enhancing briefings on 'pembarigaan' in hopes to proliferate the knowledge of traditions and customs. The dissemination of the traditions and customs knowledge is the primary role of the Department of Adat Istiadat Negara in supporting its vision which is "Providing the Brunei Community with Knowledge and Understanding about Customs and Traditions".
Among the action efforts to further amplify the dissemination of knowledge on customs and traditions are as follows:-
Delivering briefings or lectures on customs and traditions to government officers and staff through departments and ministries as well as other government agencies according to planning, schedule, and request.
Delivering briefings or lectures on customs and traditions to students of various levels including pre-university, colleges, high schools, and primary schools in the country according to planning, schedule, and request.
Delivering briefings to village heads and community leaders in each district in preparation for a meet-and-greet and visitation session with citizens and residents in conjunction with the birthday celebration of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
The department also opens briefings and lectures to private agencies and public organizations (non-governmental organization) such as banking agencies, tourism agencies, associations, and so forth.
Regarding the statistics mentioned by Yang Berhormat, it is as the department's target (KPI).
However, the Department of Adat Istiadat Negara continues to intensify efforts not only to reach the targeted but also to exceed what was targeted as the estimated example for the Financial Year 2023/2024 is 76, but the department has given briefings 88 times.
The department is also making efforts to digitalize through mobile apps platform, which is currently in the initial stage, i.e., the JAIN.bn project. Through this method, the public will be able to access information related to the Department of State Adat Istiadat. اِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَاِنَّـآ اِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
The Department of State Adat Istiadat welcomes the suggestion of Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof to increase the number of reference books related to customs and traditions.
However, in the short term, the department has included information on customs and traditions in the Royal Wedding Ceremony program book for the past 3 years. In the long term, this effort will be enhanced with cooperation from the Brunei History Centre, Malay Islamic Monarchy Supreme Council, and the Language and Literature Bureau.
Thus, presented to the esteemed Yang Berhormat Pengerusi as a response to the question last Thursday.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you to the Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence for the explanation and clarification provided.
We will now continue with the discussion of Topic SA08A to Topic SA16A under the Prime Minister's Office and I will open these topics for debate.
However, before I open these topics for debate, I would like to remind Your Honourable Members, considering we are entering day 13 and we are facing a tight schedule to resolve the matters in front of us before the start of the Financial Year on April 1.
Therefore, I once again advise that the questions raised be concise and focused only on questions or suggestions. Any questions that cannot be raised or answered for topics under the Prime Minister's Office today, and perhaps also topics for other ministries thereafter, I will allow the concerned Yang Berhormat Minister to answer them in writing later.
I also want to remind that any questions that have already been to the Muzakarah session, I think it's unnecessary to bring them to this Hall again, those questions have been clearly answered and I do not need to waste time in this Hall to listen to the same questions and answers again.
Your Honourable Members, alongside me is a list of Your Honourable Members, who would like to discuss the topics available. I now invite Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ الحمدلله رب العالمين. والصلاة والسلام على أشرف الأنبياء والمرسلين، سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين.
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ and peace be upon you. First of all, kaola expresses gratitude to Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence for the extensive introduction given last Thursday and congratulations on the initiatives and efforts conducted as well as priorities given especially concerning security, peace, and welfare of the people in this country through programs such as enhancing the competency of public service officers.
The public service is an important engine of government machinery in advancing and developing the country, especially in achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035.
In kaola’s view, if this machinery's engine is good, its journey, such as a Formula 1 car engine, will always be smooth and fast, especially if it is driven by a professional and champion in Formula 1.
Certainly, success and victory will be achieved. The same goes for the public service, when having staff that are professional, competent, with the help of Allah, in the development and progress of the country will move forward, smoothly, and successfully.
Regarding the public service, kaola welcomes the effort to transform the public service including the review of General Orders (GO).
In this transformation, certainly all policies, regulations, and guidelines formed need to be fair, transparent, clear, democratic, and free from oppression, nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism.
With this transformation when completed and fully implemented, it is hoped that no more doubts, views, and negative perceptions of the public towards the public service will arise because they all consist of qualified, experienced, competent, integrity-filled, outstanding performance, dedicated, and highly committed individuals appropriate with the duties and positions held. They are an elite group of society ready to drive the country towards Wawasan Brunei 2035, with the help of Allah.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. The next issue kaola would like to discuss is the appointment of officers. Some of these officers have asked kaola to raise this matter in this Hall.
Currently, there are officers who are permanently appointed to vacant positions, and there are also those who are appointed on an acting basis for 1 month, 6 months, and some even for years without being permanently appointed in their respective positions, and there are also those who have retired without being permanently appointed. It seems there is no consistency here.
Regarding this matter, what are the problems in making and finalizing these officer appointments? I kindly request clarification from the Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم أحمدُهُ سبحانه وتعالى القادر المقتدر، والصلاة والسلام على أشرف الأنبياء والمرسلين، سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members اسْكَلَمُ 'عَلَيكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَتُهُ and peace be upon you. Kaola refers to the management of human resources in public service regarding the welfare of civil servants, especially women. Women play an important role in the development of society and the socio-economy of the country. Women also include a risk group that needs protection wherever they are.
Kaola refers to the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace involving women, which was raised in this noble Hall during the 2021 Session.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, in 2023, a total of 23 crime and harassment cases involving women at the workplace were reported compared to 13 cases in 2022 and 7 cases in 2021 when this issue was raised in this noble Hall. The data showing this increase is very worrying in recent years.
Kaola believes that the number of reported cases is too small compared to the number of over 82,000 women working in the government and private sectors in this country.
Kaola believes many cases go unreported, among others, due to societal stigma, feelings of shame, fear of its impact on personal and family safety, and fear of affecting their jobs, especially if the perpetrators are from the higher-ups or leaders, and some victims do not know their rights or what should be done and where to make a complaint if this crime happens to them.
Therefore, kaola notes that the Prime Minister's Department is currently working on reviewing the policy and regulations manual regarding harassment in the workplace in the public service. Therefore, kaola urges that this manual be urgently finalized and widely disseminated.
Kaola hopes that this policy will clearly and detailedly define the intended harassment at the workplace and measures to address the issue. The enforcement of this policy later will show that the protection and welfare as well as the rights of civil servants, especially women, are a priority and taken seriously by the government.
In this regard, kaola also suggests that a special hotline be provided to facilitate the public in seeking advice, obtaining information, and making early complaints about this crime. The handling of this hotline should also prioritize the confidentiality of the complainant to gain their trust.
Following that, this policy should also be widely shared and comprehensive awareness campaigns should be led by the Public Service Department, the Prime Minister's Office with the cooperation of relevant agencies on both the government and private sides.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, in 2021, the Women's Graduates Association conducted a survey on this matter which only covered 150 working women with findings that 55% of the respondents had experienced sexual harassment at the workplace or knew a colleague or co-worker who had experienced it.
Kaola appreciates this effort which, despite the small scope of respondents, is quite important in raising awareness among the entire community about the existence of this crime among public officers in this country.
Therefore, kaola believes it is important for the Prime Minister's Office to lead a similar survey at the national level involving all public officers in both the government and private sectors as a follow-up to this survey that has been conducted.
Its aim is to thoroughly ascertain the current status of these harassment cases occurring in the workplaces in this country. Kaola also believes this information will help the Prime Minister's Office plan initiatives and programs to tackle and eradicate this crime.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi,
Peace be upon you,
Yang Berhormat and Your Honourable Members. First of all, kaola would like to express the highest appreciation and thanks for the introduction given by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, which was full of information towards the realization of national progress as desired last Thursday.
Kaola is pleased to touch on regarding the broadcast of the National Assembly Meetings on Radio Television Brunei (RTB). As we are aware, the report of the National Assembly Meetings broadcast on TV is held every night during the Session of the National Assembly, and the replay can be viewed the following day.
Kaola suggests that the Session of the National Assembly could be broadcasted live on RTB channels to allow the public to follow and be informed about the atmosphere of debate throughout the session.
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, Thank you to the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office for the efforts and planning towards the administration of the budget for 2024/2025.
What kaola hopes is that it can be implemented in accordance with the desires and objectives of the ministry.
Kaola wishes to touch upon the fact that advanced technology should be used positively in the progress of globalization era in services. We cannot escape from the rapid advance of technology including in work culture and services provided.
Therefore, advancements in current technology among public service citizens are essential towards Vision Brunei 2035, whether in administrative matters including international relations, technological transition in education including information technology market, and others.
Hence, any public service citizen who still lacks technological skills somewhat slows any change made.
In connection with this, what efforts are made to balance this without sidelining every public service citizen who is less skilled in mastering new technology?
What are the plans towards the full transformation of digital technology use in government departments?
That's all Yang Berhormat Pengerusi can convey.
Thank you,
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. Now 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 Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. And peace and blessings be upon our prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
Next, perhaps kaola will continue with what will be conveyed regarding SA11A. As we are aware, jobs or employment in the private sector are considered the second option.
This may be due to several factors, among them the amenities provided in the government sector are more attractive compared to the private sector. However, the role of the private sector is also important towards driving the country's economy.
In connection with this, what is the government's plan towards encouraging local youth to choose employment in the private sector? At the same time, kaola also suggests that suitable allowances be given to private sector staff to be equivalent to government staff, like special grants and others.
With these initiatives, it will indirectly encourage local youth to serve in the private sector. Requesting clarification from Yang Berhormat on this.
Thank you,
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I think, Yang Berhormat, that issue has already been raised throughout the year and we have also answered throughout the year such questions. So, I think, it's not 'hard for us' to prolong the discussion on that matter again.
However, I now turn to the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Defence II whether ready to answer these questions now or shall we continue with hearing questions from four other Your Honourable Members who would like to ask or provide questions or suggestions on the relevant titles.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. 'Maybe it's also possible' kaola answer one of the two questions earlier, while waiting for a suitable response to be prepared for a more accurate answer.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola thank for the questions that have been posed by Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin which are three sequential questions:
Regarding the transformation of public service where Yang Berhormat also made an analogy of the Prime Minister's Office as an engine and also public officers as Formula 1 drivers;
Regarding the issue of rank promotions and beyond;
The issue of acting officers and staff.
In response to the first question. Through the efforts of transforming public service, specifically in further enhancing the quality and quality of service delivery to the public, it encompasses the role of several agencies under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). In this regard, various initiatives are planned and implemented to continuously improve the quality of public service, which includes the following:
Implementing monitoring on the level of organizational efficiency of ministries and their departments. Among them, through the Public Sector Performance Grading Program (3PSA), Customer Focus Survey (KSTP), and monitoring of the Public Care Commitment achievement (TPOR).
These programs assess and measure the performance of government agencies in providing services to the public, especially government agencies that deal a lot with the public. Findings and suggestions for improvement from evaluation results are shared with the relevant government agencies for further action.
Implementing the Work System Transformation program that involves scrutinizing the work process towards one government service and subsequently implementing improvements through Business Process Re-Engineering.
Currently, the focus is on government agencies that provide critical services to strengthen the socio-economic aspects of the target group being assisted.
Implementing the Prime Innovation Award (AIP) program, which is an initiative to recognize government agencies that have successfully carried out improvement and renewal (innovation) efforts in public service.
It also aims as a catalyst to further encourage government agencies in implementing rebuild and improvement programs especially to the public in dealing with government agencies.
The Customer Care E-System Project (EPP) implemented in collaboration with the National E-Government Centre (EGVC) is a method for collecting data related to the performance of government agencies’ services digitally, quickly, and in real time. With the availability of current information and data and the system's ability to conduct Monitoring and Evaluation (ME), it will facilitate data analytics, forecasting and planning, and trend analysis of service delivery.
The updating of regulations for government officers under the Public Service Commission Act Sections 1A and B will be further enhanced with the establishment of controlling policies and regulations for public service human resources, which are in the final stages of completion. This update will produce reports that are more relevant to current needs and in line with effective government circulars. One of the desired impacts is to enhance productivity in the public service by improving certain regulations.
The implementation of the Public Service Capability Development Framework (PSCDF). This framework is a renewal in the public service capability development ecosystem through the assessment of workforce capabilities and abilities in implementing ministry and department strategies, initiatives, and programs. It will clearly identify competency gaps allowing for targeted training and thereby contribute to improving organizational performance.
These are among the responses to the first question, which might have been repeatedly mentioned in the introduction and during the discussion sessions.
Regarding the second question, about promotions through position appointments. The Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), through the Public Service Department (JPA), has introduced stop gap measures to address the issue of filling vacant positions, especially in Category I starting October 2020, which allows for the consideration of the total duration of service from A to Z or the overall service duration from salary scale B2.EB3 or B2 to the current salary scale of the held position.
Since October 2020, 48% of the positions in Category I have been filled using stop gap measures, allowing 68 officers to be promoted and appointed to their positions.
Out of the 68 senior officers, 37 officers have been promoted through stop gap measures from salary scale B3, and 31 officers have been promoted through stop gap measures from salary scales of Groups 2 and 3.
Using the stop gap measures method for promotions from Category II to Category I has qualified an individual to be appointed to the position they hold, which is an additional 48% of the total number of officers promoted to Category I, with updates on the rapid promotion conditions, including:
The concerned officer should not have held the position to be filled for more than a year;
The officer will be officially appointed subject to the support of the Permanent Secretary and also significant contributions and KPI achievements implemented during the acting period.
Significant contributions and KPI achievements include introducing and implementing improvements (renewals), innovations that have a positive impact on the country, ministries, and departments, and showing concrete evidence-based achievement.
And in response to the third question. For internal acting support in ministries and departments, Circular Letter of the Prime Minister's Department Number 4/2008 regarding Acting Appointment Regulations is referred, which states that regardless of the situation, the department head must ensure only the most suitable and qualified officers are supported and allowed to act.
Among other things, this means the transparency of the acting appointment process in any ministry or department is under the responsibility of the respective department heads. The heads of departments must ensure that the administrative management assessing the suitability, competence, and qualifications of the officers or senior officers supported to act is transparent and fair, guided by the acting regulations as in Circular Letter of the Prime Minister's Department Number 4/2008.
Meanwhile, substantive acting support for the purpose of position appointments, the support of an officer will be presented by the Department Head through the respective Ministry's Permanent Secretary to the Public Service Department for the examination of support, which among the things to be considered include:-
The promotion support report emphasizes the assessment of evidence base (Key Performance Indicators),
The support assessment is based on aspects of leadership and strategic management demonstrated by the supported officer as well as the performance and achievements of the officer in assisting in improving the organization's productivity, whether at the ministry, department, or elite level.
This includes the impact in considering the improvement of the quality level of service delivery to the public.
Then, an examination of the list of peers comparable to the officer supported for appointment in the held position.
With the existence of this check and balance method, by the will of Allah, favoritism will not arise since it has gone through several transparent processes at various levels. Any support for promotion or appointment in the held position will be presented and discussed, then an independent committee composed of several government agencies.
That is the response to the questions posed by Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin.
Kaola also wishes to answer the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan regarding the suggestion for the State Legislative Council sessions to be broadcast live on RTB to allow the public to follow and know about the atmosphere of the debates throughout the session.
Thank you to Yang Berhormat for the suggestion about broadcasting the National Council deliberation. It is informed beforehand that the Brunei Radio and Television Department broadcasts the National Council Meeting reports daily through television and radio broadcasts and also through the RTB GO app.
Efforts to extensively spread the atmosphere of the conference and Legislative Council sessions are not only focused on TV and radio broadcasts but are also carried out through the official government newspaper, Pelita Brunei, supported by local print media and also electronic news agencies working at the Media Center, in the National Council Building.
With the involvement of the media sector, both government and private, and the use of various delivery methods as kaola mentioned earlier, then the coverage of the Council debates at present, in my personal view, is sufficient to highlight important issues discussed in this honorable hall especially those of significant interest and impact to the public.
The approach of current TV coverage also gives the public the opportunity to follow debates in this honorable hall at their leisure and also includes rebroadcasts.
At the same time, the public can also obtain the National Council Meeting Reports published daily on the website of the National Council Meetings Department.
Kaola also wishes to respond to the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, which is about the plans towards the full use of digital technology in government departments?
In answering that, in supporting the national effort related to digital transformation through the Public Service Institute, 31% of the offered programs or courses are in the form of innovation and ICT, with 30 types of courses provided for civil servants such as Basic IT Skills, Basic Programming, Designing for Presentation including data analysis using analysis tools like SPSS, Stata, and Visualisation using Business Intelligence.
That is what kaola can respond to thus far, and the rest will kaola strive to convey in this honorable hall or if not in writing.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan to make an intervention especially regarding the issue raised by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam. Please, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola would like to briefly add to the issue raised by Yang Berhormat earlier regarding sexual harassment, where almost all victims are women.
Actually, the government takes this matter seriously, regardless of whether it occurs in the public service sector or even in the private sector. A special hotline is indeed provided, Welfare Line 141, an official platform provided by the government to facilitate public complaints, inquiries, and assistance on welfare and social issues. There are two important things:
The information of the complainant and the information provided is protected in terms of confidentiality;
The responders of this line are those who are trained and qualified to handle issues like these. This issue is certainly always addressed but there may be those who are still not aware of it.
From another perspective, there is also the possibility that victims of such disturbances think that when they report, they will not be believed. For this matter, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports will intensify awareness to increase understanding of the existing laws, where victims like these are protected under the law.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola concludes.
Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
For the addition, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, indeed the Prime Minister's Department welcomes the suggestion from Yang Berhormat for this study to be held again at the national level and to further qualify the statistics that seem to be increasing, insha'Allah.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
We now move to the next topic, and I now invite Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, the wise. Kaola just want to make sure, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, is this still within the Title SA08A to SA01A? Thank you.
Kaola wants to raise about housing and flats under the Public Service Department (JPA) specifically for the housing facilities for officers and government staff as long as they serve the government.
As we understand, officers and staff given this facility only pay the minimal rent, and this is what kaola considers a privilege.
Kaola's question, from the total number of houses or flats developed by the government from the past until now, how many units are currently unoccupied and not rented?
For those that are unoccupied or not rented, what are the actions of the Public Service Department to maximize their use or does the JPA have other plans regarding them?
Kaola's next question, also related to housing under JPA. As we know, after government officers and staff retire or quit their service with the government, they will leave the respective houses.
However, what is disappointing, some of the houses or flats left by them are in a damaged state or do not return to the original condition of the house when they first occupied it.
This causes the government to spend allocations to repair the damages. Kaola's question, isn't there a thought or actions for the government to update the existing regulations to address this issue?
Kaola raises this matter because kaola believes this has been happening for a long time and much government expenditure has gone into supporting the repair works.
The third issue is regarding the Information Department. This department is a platform for 'disseminating' information about government affairs through national units, public relations, and international affairs for the knowledge of the youth and all layers of society in this country.
Kaola's question, what is the strategy of this department in further empowering its duties and functions to improve the country's image internationally and at the same time, help the country support the economic activities of the country especially in attracting foreign investors to this country?
The fourth question or suggestion. Suggesting that government officers and staff who process applications from the private sector be placed and exposed to companies.
Throughout kaola's 16 years in the business field, kaola has gone through challenges to develop the business to always continue and be capable.
Before that, kaola worked with the public sector and at that time did not think about the ins and outs of business until kaola experienced it oneself.
For some of kaola's friends, Your Honourable Members who have retired and also friends out there who retired and entered the private sector or started their own business, they also feel what kaola felt more than 10 years ago and until now. What it's like, having retired and entered the private sector or started business 'then' they know the challenges faced.
One of the challenges kaola means is when private parties deal or make applications with government officers or staff who have never experienced the challenges of doing business and working in the private sector.
From this experience, kaola wants to propose a suggestion to the Public Service Commission (SPA) and the Public Service Department (JPA) to organize a training and exposure program to the private sector specifically for officers or staff who receive and process applications from the private sector.
This program aims to expose them to the working world in the private sector or collaborate with local traders and help them make applications to the government and experience business operations.
Thank you, وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, praise to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and the best outcome is for the righteous, and there is no aggression except against the oppressors, and prayers and peace on our master Muhammad and on his family and companions.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Greetings of peace and a blessed Ramadan to all. Kaola continues my questions, there are 2. Title SA08A to SA16A – Prime Minister's Department.
Title SA10A - Public Service Department, code 001-00. Firstly, kaola apologizes if kaola is mistaken about some issues that kaola is going to raise here because kaola has never worked in the Public Service.
So, kaola is less certain about the duties and roles of most of the departments and agencies of the government even more so the departments that kaola had no opportunity to approach while working before.
If it is understood from the description of JPA is that the Human Resource Management Division has the main function of enhancing and strengthening human resource management, placing them in government agencies to generate performance productivity and meet the wants of stakeholders. For kaola, the stakeholders are the common citizens of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Given approximately 60,000 civil servants and 80% of the total annual expenditure, if we calculate this year's annual budget at $6.1 billion minus $1.03 billion for specific expenditure and the remainder of $5 billion, and 80% of $5 billion annual expenditure is approximately $4 billion, which is the salary of public workers.
Therefore, the effectiveness and sincerity of public officials in their service and dealings during daily transactions with the public should be monitored.
Kaola's earlier question, asking about the public workers' activity indicator so far, perhaps will be answered when the IPA conducts an Effectiveness Review in Civil Service this November. So, kaola will wait for what the productivity indicators of public workers to date compared with public workers in other ASEAN Government agencies.
So, kaola continues to kaola's second question that is asking for enlightenment if there are efforts and action plans to help government agencies in performing their duties by providing an objective assessment tool that departments can use to assess productivity and also balance the work load in each department, unit or individual.
Considering there are complaints often heard, some civil servants are overloaded with additional work until their routine tasks are affected because they are too busy to the point that they cannot take their annual leave until their annual leave expires, lost.
But, there are also a number of civil servants in the same department who are relaxed to the extent that they have time for personal matters like picking up children, sending children to school during working hours. Kaola takes note of IPA's initiatives and will wait for the results in November with whatever tool that can be broadened or used to underpin productivity in government department agencies.
Kaola's second question, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. SA14A - Office of the Public Service Commission code 002/001 whose main function is to ensure the public service has competent, effective staff and careful consideration.
Kaola refers to the department's KPI showing a target of 1,000 workers' appointments a year whereas kaola understands there are about 4,000 vacancies and about 1,000 to 2,000 workers retire every year. The first issue is the low target for filling vacancies. If only targeting to fill 1,000 vacancies a year, it means many job vacancies will not be filled and will increase year by year.
I seek clarification if it is indeed a strategy to always have vacancies in jobs, and if not, what are the plans to be more aggressive in filling these vacancies?
Related to this, kaola also seek clarification regarding the actual achievements in the year 2022 - 2023 where it only achieved a target of 6% that year. Perhaps there are already assessors who know the reasons why the target was not met and what improvement plans have been implemented to more aggressively achieve future targets?
Issues that may have been answered regarding jobs in government agencies held or filled by acting positions extended beyond 6 months. How many jobs are still held by as acting status exceeding 6 months?
Kaola's suggestion is to suggest that SPA, apart from reviewing the target estimate of new appointments from 1,000 a year to a more reasonable figure, taking into account many new graduates with high qualifications who are still waiting for opportunities to work with government agencies. Also, to conduct evaluations for adding new KPIs, namely the percentage of vacancies and vacant positions filled within 6 months.
Since SPA also has personal data of every civil servant in employment, SPA could know which officers will retire within the next 5 years and should already be able to make early evaluations and inform the ministries to consider efforts to fill those positions and trigger succession planning within the ministries and not wait last minute to look for vacancies.
Before closing, kaola voice the complaints of some of the civil servants. Requesting Yang Berhormat Menteri to give words of advice or motivation or explanation to civil servants who often complain like this, "Anitah is all we can do. Even if we do more, it’s not appreciated.
It’s always someone else who gets promoted. We keep enduring but our salary doesn’t increase." It might be a small portion speaking thus, but their voice is very loud and popular. Please, Yang Berhormat Menteri, what message do we want to convey to the general public servants?
Thank you, السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Initially, kaola would like to extend a warm welcome and express gratitude to the Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II for an excellent and informative preamble on the government's direction towards managing the financial budget for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
Kaola is pleased to highlight regarding civil servants. The existing travel allowance is only provided based on the distance from home to the place of duty, that is one-way travel and not round trip. Kaola requests this matter to be examined and considered for an appropriate allowance amount. Meanwhile, the housing allowance for some civil servants in Division V only amounts to $30 a month.
Kaola joyfully suggests that this housing allowance scheme be re-evaluated with a housing allowance provided for those living in their own house as an initiative to encourage civil servants or government staff to reside in their own homes instead of government-leased houses or barracks as an effort to reduce government expenditure in management, maintenance, etc. At the same time, the allowance could slightly cover the expenses for those with low income.
Regarding retirement leave among civil servants, the annual leave balance of the public service workforce, including uniformed bodies, approaching retirement during their service. As usual, the remaining annual leave entitlement will expire or be forfeited even if it is due to assignment arrangements preventing the opportunity to take such leaves.
Therefore, kaola suggests that the relevant parties examine this matter by considering providing an appropriate incentive to replace the forfeited leaves as motivation to public service workers while performing duties without the chance or opportunity to utilize their annual leave.
Seeking clarification from Yang Berhormat Menteri on this matter.
Thank you,
وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمدلله رب العالمين، والصلاة والسلام على أشرف الأنبياء والمرسلين، سيدنا محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم وأوله الله تعالى بشهر شعبان المعظم وقلنا نحن أمة محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم أمة مغفورة إن شاء الله.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Firstly, kaola wish to convey the highest appreciation and congratulations for the clear introduction by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II on the actions, planning, and direction of the Prime Minister's Department last Thursday.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Kaola would like to address the topic SA08A - Radio Television Brunei. There are radio and television broadcasters who no longer serve with Radio Television Brunei but are still interested in contributing their efforts such as producing TV programs, dramas, documentaries, Rampai Pagi, wishing to become TV presenters, commentators for national events, sports, and much more.
Not to be left out, the youth nowadays have many ideas which they produce on social media platforms. How wonderful it would be if these ideas could be collaborated with the veterans to enrich various programs for RTB.
Additionally, they could learn about broadcasting ethics, production techniques, scriptwriting, directing, filming techniques, audio connectivity, and more by offering them opportunities to attend courses and workshops that could be utilized at the RTB development center.
Kaola suggests that they be given opportunities by RTB regardless of age so that they can contribute local creative materials that can be showcased to enrich various programs for RTB. In this way, it also offers opportunities for local artists to work in the field of acting, vocal arts, and others.
Thank you very much, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
والله الموفق والمعين والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتهُ.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Regarding several questions raised by some Yang Berhormat earlier. This time, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola understand that the question from Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir does not need to be answered earlier with Yang Berhormat Pengerusi's statement.
While the question asked by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin also involves many issues of housing and also facilities provided to officers with this housing. Perhaps this issue is regularly handled by my colleague Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II to give his response.
While for the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, kaola request to postpone answering the question at this time to obtain clearer information and data. Likewise, for the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin, kaola will answer later after Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II responds to the question asked by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa regarding the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Firstly, regarding the vacant apartments or flats yet to be rented.
At this time, kaola do not yet actually have the number of vacant apartments or flats at this time. إِنَّ شَاءَ اللهُ Once we have the numbers, kaola will respond in writing.
Next, I take this opportunity to answer questions from other Yang Berhormat-Yang Berhormat, especially regarding the salary budget question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
'Kitani' have provided emoluments for the coming year or as in previous years do not reach 4 billion as stated earlier by Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
If we look at the year 2024/2025 as was presented in koala's document a few days ago, the total emolument amounts to 2.29 billion. That is all that needs to be clarified.
One concerning the recruitment of workers in the public sector. So, if we look at the history of the past few years, the recruitment every year is approximately a thousand or more.
Considering the vacancies exceed a thousand, it indeed will take time to fill all those vacancies. Currently, there is a new method, starting April 1, where the recruitment of Grade 2 officers and above can be administered by each ministry individually, without going through the SPA process and so on.
This might expedite the recruitment process of Grade 2 officers and above. Thus, the SPA can focus on full-time lower-ranking positions.
Hopefully, with this method beginning April 1, the recruitment of government employees or staff will be expedited. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola attempts to respond to the question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, first regarding the provision of travel allowances from home to office and housing allowances and also the situation of leave approaching retirement for public servants.
First of all, kaola thanks Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman for the questions posed. Regarding the travel allowance from home to office controlled by Circular Letter JPM number 18/1998, the travel allowance from home to office is paid according to certain rates where the distance from home to office is considered as one way only.
The Prime Minister's Office welcomes suggestions from the Member of Honour to re-examine from the aspect of long distances and also the relevant allowance rates. For the information of Your Honourable Members, a task force has been established through the Public Service Department responsible for examining all Public Service Circular Letters relating to service regulation (British Residence Office, BRO), Government Secretary (SUK), Establishment and Treasury issued before January 1, 1984, and to assess whether such regulations still need to be upheld or otherwise. If necessary, to propose new Circular Letters regarding it. Concerning the housing issue raised, peramba/kaola/I believe it needs to be addressed with a whole of nation approach to ensure long-term and comprehensive effectiveness covering every individual and not just among public servants.
Regarding the housing allowance for some public servants in division V, it should first be clarified that public servants are not given any housing allowance. What Yang Berhormat might mean is the housing rent rate deducted each month if choosing to live in government rental houses or government flats.
Currently, the eligibility condition to occupy government rental housing is for officers and staff in divisions I to IV only. However, some departments, especially enforcement agencies, also provide institutional quarters housing facilities to their staff in division V.
Currently, the Prime Minister's Department through the Public Service Department is negotiating with various stakeholders towards preparing a comprehensive paper on the proposal for a review of the government rental housing policy, which the outcomes of such review will certainly be discussed more in-depth at the respective committee meeting before it is enforced.
What is important and should be considered is whether any proposals for updating and improving the government housing facility policy must be sustainable and able to achieve the real objective, especially in encouraging public service citizens to possess their own housing facilities from the start of their service as a long-term measure.
Given that the housing issue is one of the main concerns for all parties in this country, peramba/kaola/I take the opportunity in this noble House to request constructive views and ideas from Your Honourable Members that can be referenced by government agencies to formulate an effective policy to address this issue together.
The third concerning the forfeiture or expiry of the remaining annual leave balance, it is a pleasure to refer to the Prime Minister's Department Circular Letter number 5/2010 regarding Annual Leave (Amendment), where public servants are given the benefits of full-paid annual leave according to division and age.
During the period of entitlement, the salary of officers and staff is paid in full.
The same circular letter also outlines the maximum balance of accumulated leave at any time for all officers in divisions I to V is 108 days.
Therefore, any leave balance exceeding 108 days that is not taken will be forfeited. Consistent with this leave balance policy, officers, and staff, especially those retiring, are advised to plan their leave early to ensure all remaining leave entitlements are taken before the retirement date.
Department heads play a very important role in ensuring public servants are given the opportunity to take annual leave. This is also in line with the current annual leave policy, where officers in divisions I, II, and III are mandated to take Mandatory Leave for 14 days for every 12 calendar months that can be taken at any time continuously throughout the 12 months eligibility period.
Having the Mandatory Leave method can aid in the planning and utilization of the remaining leave entitlement of officers and staff more orderly.
At the same time, there is also a facility where government officers in Division I who have not managed to spend their leave before retiring and are required to re-serve with the Government, the unutilized leave balance will be compensated with monetary payment.
Regarding the suggestion of Your Honourable Member to provide suitable incentives to replace the forsaken leaves, this matter will be reviewed for its suitability considering there are several aspects that need to be considered such as its impact on government allocations and also sustainable replacement control so it does not result in any potential for abuse.
That is all the explanation for the questions posed, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, kaola just came across information concerning the vacancy of government houses/flats.
Currently, there are 282 units for government flats, of which 282, 151 are being repaired by the Public Works Department (JKR).
Furthermore, perhaps kaola miscommunicated earlier, starting April 1, 2024, Division II and below can be handled by their respective ministries. So, those above will still go through the SPA process. Hopefully, with methods like the one kaola mentioned earlier will expedite the recruitment for low-ranking positions as well. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, I thank the Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri & Menteri Pertahanan II and the Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri & Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II for the detailed answers provided in connection with the questions that had been posed concerning the topics from Topic SA08A to Topic SA16A which have been thoroughly answered.
We will now move on to discuss topics also under the Prime Minister's Department which are Topic SA18A - Topic SA27A which I will now open for discussion. I have here a list of Your Honourable Members who wish to discuss or inquire about the topics concerned.
I will start by inviting Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed.
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.
Kaola takes note of the planning and implementation explained by Yang Berhormat Menteri regarding the emergency plan prepared to address electric supply interruptions to ensure this energy source is always secured and unaffected in any situation.
Kaola simply wishes to add about the importance of conveying information to the public which is extremely critical in situations like this. Just like many government bodies during the pandemic in the past years successfully conveyed clear, effective, and up-to-date information to the community.
This is a good example, especially for our small country and a community that tends to feel anxious. Simply providing a time estimate is not enough to calm the public's worries.
We need to ensure that information is delivered accurately, at the right time, and clearly explained to all parties. For instance, providing the percentage of accomplishment of repairs at every hour until the restoration is complete. This can prevent public speculation about what is happening and further strengthen the public's trust that the government is doing its utmost to carry out repairs at that time. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Next, kaola is pleased to touch on the matter of electric prepaid meters.
As we know, the use of electric prepaid meters began in Negara Brunei Darussalam in 2001, known as the prepayment electric meter system. Among the purposes of this reform was to establish the revenue collection administration of the Electrical Services Department.
Indeed, this change has received various responses from users, but since then, this meter system has undergone improvement processes and several meter replacement, the latest being Unified Smart Metering System (USMS) which started in May 2023.
Even so, there are still complaints from the public regarding the noticeable increase in expense comparison with the previous billing system. Although it has been a long time, it still remains a topic of discussion to this day. This is related to the increasing household expenditure over time.
In relation to this, kaola is pleased to suggest that the relevant parties conduct research based on the complaints and grievances of consumers, and the results of this survey can be detailed to consumers to avoid ongoing doubts.
Honestly, kaola wants to know how many companies have been appointed to supply and install the said meters? Are there efforts and initiatives by the relevant parties to provide subsidized meters in terms of tariff, meter reading price for low-income and underprivileged groups. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. First of all, congratulations on the introduction delivered by Yang Berhormat Menteri regarding all developments and initiatives of the Prime Minister's Department in jointly achieving the development and goals of Negara Brunei Darussalam towards excellence and preserving the constitution and laws of the country.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, kaola would like to raise several questions about cyber security.
Kaola appreciates the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) Authority of InfoCommunication Technology Industry (AiTi) and other related agencies for drafting the Personal Data Protection Order and timely enactment of Cyber Security Order in recognising the importance of privacy data as protection against cyber threats.
Given the increase in global scam issues as reported by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Scam Adviser, from USD$55.3 billion in 2021 to an estimate of USD$1.02 trillion between August 2022 and August 2023, the need for immediate action to review and propose a robust cybercrime strategy is significant and should be taken seriously.
This is reinforced by the TFA Geeks report which revealed a loss of USD260 million in Southeast Asia due to digital fraud in 2019, consisting of identity theft contributing to 71%, phishing activities at 66%, and account fraud at 63%.
In Negara Brunei Darussalam, in 2023 alone, 1,137 cases were recorded, and 75% of them were online fraud, which might be higher than the figures shown due to underreporting of cases.
To tackle the increasing issue of online fraud in Southeast Asia, kaola proposes the establishment of National Anti-Scam Center in collaboration with Scam Task Force and Brunei Cyber Security to enhance and coordinate the bureaucratic process more efficiently and overcome legal obstacles thus improving the coordination between agencies. A coordinated communication center will reduce victims' confusion and centralize awareness campaigns, thus enhancing their effectiveness and monitoring.
However, kaola's question, given the stigma that prevents scam victims from filing reports, leading to individuals withdrawing from continuing cases and reports due to their lack of confidence in the authorities, how does the ministry encourage them to come forward to report and ensure efficient evidence collection and understanding of these complex cases.
The last question, last month kaola is aware that the local media, including the official government weekly, has revealed details and information on missing persons detection, including identification numbers, which is very risky to the individuals' identity.
The question is, how does the ministry balance public guidance and locating missing persons with controlling the privacy and identity security? In addition to that, what are the plans and initiatives to protect the privacy of individuals already identified considering the potential long-term effects of widely shared personal information.
Considering the vulnerabilities in the digital economy, kaola would like to propose that the ministry issue missing persons report guidelines and code of ethics for media use such as journalism in Negara Brunei Darussalam, emphasizing the careful handling of confidential and personal information to all related parties. Identification such as photos, videos, clothing, or last known location and physical characteristics are important to track a missing person.
However, any unrelated personal information should not be disclosed. This step is crucial to protect personal information and safety of individuals and to prevent misuse of victims' data. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. I invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Next, kaola refers to the services at the Attorney General's Office that set several objectives, including ensuring that the legislation is drafted with quality and that the review of laws in Negara Brunei Darussalam is always up-to-date.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members.
The rapid technological developments have exposed children around the world, including Negara Brunei Darussalam, to online sexual exploitation crimes.
Among these criminal activities include acts of blackmail and coercion through online, through social media platforms, so that children involve themselves in immoral activities such as sharing immoral images to criminals or vice versa.
Over the past 3 years, data shows that 60 cases of child sexual exploitation through major social media platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Tiktok, and Facebook have been reported in this country.
Although this number seems small at 'kitani's' view, only 0.07% of the total more than 90 thousand children aged 14 and below according to the Department of Planning and Economy's statistics for 2021, yet for this small, peaceful, and prosperous country, this number should be a concern to all parties as the trend of this crime shows a rapid increase.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Taking lessons from the efforts made in neighbouring countries in the fight against online crimes involving children, kaola was informed that in 2023 alone, several amendments to the existing child protection laws in the said country were passed.
Among them, broadening the definition and interpretation of related crimes to take into account the increasingly sophisticated crime trends, in line with the rapid technological advancements, and providing heavier penalties for offenders of these crimes. Therefore, in efforts to provide more comprehensive protection to children and thus eradicate this crime among the involved groups, kaola is pleased to suggest that the Attorney General's Department together with relevant agencies review the existing legal provisions related to child sexual crime and draft amendments in line with the trend of online crimes.
Specifically, cases related to the increasing prevalence of child sextortion. This crime should be considered as a distinct crime with corresponding punitive provisions. Amending these acts will be one of the robust steps of the government in the effort to eradicate any form of crime involving children in this country.
The second proposal is for education and public knowledge programs through television and radio programs as well as electronic and print media, and social media should also be strengthened to raise awareness among the community including children themselves, parents, and guardians about the dangers of this increasingly rampant crime.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Kaola appreciates the efforts of the authorities in tackling this crime. Therefore, kaola hopes that the capacity of human resources including professional skills and provision of high-tech systems and applications is enhanced according to current needs and trends.
To conclude, kaola takes this opportunity to call on the public, especially children and their parents and guardians, to report any cases related to this sexual crime. Together, let's protect the children in our country by increasing public awareness and eradicating this concerning crime.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. May Allah grant us success and guidance. Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
And 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. Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Kaola would like to discuss CSPS - Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies, which is the country's premier think tank established for social research and advising on national development. Kaola is intrigued by the research outcomes on the country's economy and others as required by ministries or organizations needing the centre's expertise.
Kaola's question is, is it in the government's consideration to reorganize and further strengthen the direction and function of this center? Could it be envisioned as a center that continually guides and closely collaborates with ministries or government departments in the process of policy formulation or any changes, especially for those ministries or departments lacking research experts in policy-making?
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members of wisdom. Allow kaola to raise several legal issues that directly impact the business climate in our 'kitani' nation. There's no denying the judiciary is the most crucial institution in this country.
People, including the public, rely on this institution as the foundation and pinnacle of justice, integrity, fairness, and credibility, which must be maintained flawlessly.
A few years ago, the country was shocked by a case of internal embezzlement within the National Judiciary Institute. As someone who has been involved in law-making, kaola believes one reason for such dark events or weaknesses is the absence of a channel for making complaints or allegations against judges.
Channels for presenting complaints to other government officials are less appropriate as this would seemingly empower the executive branch to investigate the judiciary. Judges are not immune to making mistakes, intentionally or unintentionally.
With the existing weaknesses, kaola believes there are still unwanted issues occurring within the judiciary system, not only involving individuals but potentially private companies that are not law firms, which have practiced as Syarie lawyers.
Kaola suggests introducing a system for making complaints or criticisms outside the judiciary institution. Received complaints need to be handled swiftly. An independent investigation should be conducted.
The next issue is Civil Courts or Shariah Courts. With the introduction of the Sharia Penal Code Order 2013, options are provided where some crimes can be heard in Shariah Courts under this order or in Civil Courts under chapter 22 of the penal code. The punishments in Shariah and Civil Courts are significantly different.
For example, theft under Section 379 of the penal code carries a maximum of 3 years imprisonment and a fine. Meanwhile, the same crime, if charged under Section 55 of the Sharia Penal Code Order 2013, will result in amputation of the right wrist for the first offense if the hudud requirement is met or 10 years and a $40,000 fine if proven by evidence other than hudud.
Most crimes under the Sharia Penal Code Order 2013 may be applied regardless of whether the accused is a Muslim, a citizen, a permanent resident of Brunei Darussalam, or a foreign national in Brunei.
Kaola does not question the difference in punishments, but what kaola wishes to highlight is a lack of transparency in determining in which court an individual will be charged, who decides, and what criteria are used to determine whether a person is brought to Civil or Sharia Court for the same act. The determination process and procedures are not specified in any law or regulation made under law. This has caused and will continue to cause dissatisfaction, questioning why one is subjected to a different court carrying different punishments while another accused of similar crime is tried differently.
Therefore, kaola seeks clarification on the existing system and suggests that this system be refined to be more transparent with clear criteria for determining the court an individual will be charged in.
Thirdly, the appointment of Visiting Judges by the Judicial Commissioner of the High Courts. The Civil Courts currently utilize Visiting Judges from abroad, appointed as Judicial Commissioners, each year. Each serves in the country for several months annually.
These Visiting Judges consist of judges from abroad, either retired or still serving in their countries, and are paid very generous salaries, more than local judges.
We have long appointed Visiting Judges from retired foreign judges as Judicial Commissioners of the High Court to handle the backlog of cases.
Kaola does not doubt the credibility of these Visiting Judges. However, kaola questions whether it's time to reduce the Civil Courts' reliance on Visiting Judges.
Brunei Darussalam has reached 40 years since its independence declaration, and there are retired local judges and highly experienced legal practitioners from both the government and private sectors.
This would enhance the country's capability in handling judiciary matters without fully depending on foreign judges and also allow local judges to gain broader experience.
Wise Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. The fourth issue is the High Court Judges. Kaola requests an explanation from Yang Berhormat Minister in the Prime Minister's Office regarding the selection and appointment process of judges for the High Courts of Brunei Darussalam.
Is there a plan or scope for broadening the selection of High Court judges to include private sector and academic legal practitioners, as done in regional and global countries?
Expanding this selection scope will improve the quality and dignity of the judges in Brunei Darussalam beyond what currently exists.
It should also be explained in this honorable chamber that most local legal practitioners in the private sector have Dual Practice qualifications in both Civil and Shariah. Those qualified in Dual Practice could be appointed as either civil or shariah judges, being very knowledgeable about procedures, trial processes, and court systems.
Appointing judges from the private sector, as done in other countries, would give the public a healthy impression that the country's Judiciary is an independent and highly respectable institution.
This would, in turn, boost the confidence of the business sector and investors in this vital institution. It might not be wrong to select appointments from qualified 'kitani' legal practitioners in the private sector and academia, whether still active or retired.
They will certainly bring a new dimension to our Civil and Sharia Judges assembly because of their long experience in practicing law and their authority as diligent Bruneians who have strived in their fields outside the government and have shown exemplary conduct as Bruneians.
The fifth issue, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, is legal assistance. The government has a legal aid scheme for those accused of crimes punishable by the death penalty. The Sharia Penal Code Order 2013 introduces several crimes tried in the Sharia Court that can also be punished with the death penalty.
Brunei has two judicial systems to establish equitable justice for both systems. Kaola would like to suggest that legal assistance be also provided for those accused in the Sharia Court with charges carrying the death penalty.
Finally, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, the issue is local lawyers. The issue of producing local lawyers in Negara Brunei Darussalam with the country's growth and progress in the academic field. The output of our own ‘kitani’ law graduates from both within and outside the country has also increased significantly. Most of them are qualified to practice law, but unfortunately, the growth in terms of job opportunities in this field, like other fields, is not proportionate to the growth of job opportunities in this sector.
Could the Prime Minister's Department provide explanations regarding efforts that have been and will be made to address this issue? Kaola understands there is. Under the laws of Negara Brunei Darussalam, namely the Legal Practitioners Act in Chapter 12, it is provisioned that if the chief justice believes that the number of legal practitioners in Negara Brunei Darussalam is sufficient for the community, the chief justice may make such a declaration, and this will create an ecosystem where no one other than citizens of Negara Brunei Darussalam is allowed to practice law in this country.
For kaola, this adequacy of Bruneians has long been achieved, and legal provisions need to be allowed for the benefit of our ‘kitani’. If legal provisions are not enacted at the appropriate time, when will it be? Kaola is not addressing the ad hoc provision of foreign lawyers as needed; furthermore, this declaration can be reviewed at any given time.
Thank you, وبالله التوفيق والهداية. والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركته and my apologies to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for this lengthy discourse.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, before I invite the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Defence to reply to the questions raised, I think we have heard several questions, and some issues raised by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin also mentioned several matters related to the appointment of judges and the like.
There are several provisions in our Standing Order regarding matters like this. So, in the upcoming reply from the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Defence, it is advisable to refer the matter first to the Attorney General before making any actual response.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola takes note of Yang Berhormat Pengerusi's suggestion and إن شاء الله it will be implemented by the department and regarding answering the questions that have been posed, kaola will try to answer the question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, which is related to the electricity supply.
As for the next question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan regarding the prepayment electricity meter system, إن شاء الله, it will be answered by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy.
As for the question posed by Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee regarding institutes related to ICT, scams, and cybersecurity, إن شاء الله these questions will be answered by my colleague, the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications.
As advised by Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, the comprehensive question from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin إن شاء الله will be referred to the Attorney General's Chambers and will be answered in writing إن شاء الله that's 'probably'.
To answer Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed's question regarding the issue of electricity supply disruptions, which has been mostly addressed through previous questions and also in the introduction, however, kaola will address the second part of his question regarding public information dissemination during power supply disruptions.
Disseminating information to the public is certainly critical in such situations. Therefore, during the incident, the Department of Electrical Services has already disseminated the latest official information regarding the cause and current status of the power supply disruption incidents to the public continuously through various means including social media and through existing WhatsApp channels between the Department of Electrical Services with all the penghulus and village heads in all four districts.
As per the response to the previous questions posed to me by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin. Similarly, the public is also advised to contact Darussalam Line 123 if they experience a power outage.
As a next step following the incident, one aspect emphasized is to formulate a more integrated Business Continuity Plan involving not only government agencies but also other stakeholders.
This includes strengthening the communication plan for such incidents. The goal of this effort is to establish an Integrated Business Continuity Plan that can be effectively activated by considering a Whole of Nation approach to minimize the risk of disruption and impact of power supply interruptions on every critical service and further enhance resilience in case of any incidents that may occur.
Nevertheless, peramba/kaola/I welcome Yang Berhormat's suggestion for more effective communication to ease the concerns of the community affected by the power supply disruptions. On this occasion, Your Honourable Members are also highly encouraged to ensure that such issues can be jointly addressed at the grassroots level in responding to the command of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam during the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the 20th Session this year.
'Probably' kaola feels called also to respond, even though it's 'beyond' the topic, regarding what was desired by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin about what advice and motivational messages kaola should convey to soothe or calm the complaints of public servants.
Kaola appreciates the suggestion and the opportunity to take it up. To respond, kaola would like to state here to all respected and beloved public servants that the dedication and hard work of a public servant are the backbone to preserving the welfare of the community and the driving pulse for progress and development across various priority fields in this country, even though recognition is limited.
It must be remembered together that the impact of the efforts of public servants goes beyond mere recognition but contributes to community development efforts that indirectly affect the daily lives of the citizens and residents of this country towards a better direction.
Thus, peramba/kaola/I encourage public servants to continue to persevere by maintaining a strong identity, trust in Allah because your dedication and commitment are very meaningful and fundamental to ensuring the effectiveness and continuity of government services for the benefit of religion, king, nation, and country. إن شاء الله every effort based on sincerity, full of trust in Allah will always lead to blessings as well as deserved recognition and reward.
That is all the reply from kaola, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola wishes to answer two questions from Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan and Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
Firstly, regarding complaints about the use of the Unified Smart Metering System (USMS). In responding to the question, kaola wishes to explain that DSTN, a GLC under Darussalam Assets, and also the government are indeed actively addressing the issues raised regarding the USMS system. Based on the investigations conducted, most complaints related to increases in electricity and water bills can be explained as follows:
Complaints regarding the increase in electricity bills have been raised by users who were previously found to have modified meters illegally or had old meters damaged, which previously allowed the user to continue using electricity without payment. The installation of smart meters ensures that these users pay their electricity bills based on the actual amount of electricity they are using.
There have also been several cases of increased electricity bills due to users forgetting to purchase credit for their smart water meters. If the credit for the smart water meter runs out and is not refilled within 48 hours, credit transfer from the smart electricity meter will occur automatically without disruption to the water supply service.
Increased water usage can also be caused by water leaks from the user's water tank. Smart water meters installed have a water leak indicator. Moreover, some utility users have outstanding electricity or water bills that are automatically deducted every month from the credit purchase at a pre-agreed rate after an agreement is reached between the user and the utility provider.
The factors mentioned have misled some users into believing that their credits are being used unfairly. The DSTN and the government always provide assistance and explanations to complaints filed through the DSTN Hotline or Darussalam 123. The government wishes to emphasize once again that no changes in the electricity and water tariffs have been introduced by DES or DWS. However, in December 2023, the USMS system experienced technical problems that caused inconvenience among the actual utility users and the meter reading accounts.
The concerned parties have already carefully checked all accounts during the affected period to ensure the accuracy of charges and usage. The investigation confirmed that most meters only experienced delayed backdated charging, but the amount charged was still in line with electricity usage. However, there were 16 meters that were overcharged totaling $97.63, which equates to $4.65 prorated for each affected account. DSTN has already refunded all affected accounts.
As for the question about how many companies have been appointed to install the meters in question. To answer, there are five companies that have been appointed.
Regarding subsidized meters, at present, users do not need to pay anything for replacing meters. So, for new meters, as usual, payment will be made.
As for the question from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin regarding CSPS. Indeed, a good question, indeed CSPS is currently under the Ministry of Finance and Economy for the past two years. Since it was moved to the Ministry of Finance and Economy, a strategic plan has been set to further develop CSPS as a strategic think tank.
Currently, several research papers have been released such as Women Development in Brunei Darussalam which has been shared with KKBS and also Housing Policy shared with the Ministry of Development, others include Brunei Economic Outlook, Brunei Barometer Survey involving Social Cultural Economy and Institution. That is an example of further development so that what is produced from CSPS will be shared with all ministries so that together 'kitani' can find ways to improve government policies.
That is all that kaola can answer to those questions. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Now I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِينَ وَالصَّلاَةُ وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَىٰ اٰلِهٖ وَصَحْبِهٖ اَجْمَعِيْنَ.
Thank you to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola is delighted to intervene in the matter raised by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, this matter will kaola refer to the Department of Islamic Legislation at the Ministry of Religious Affairs to be more in line with what has been mentioned or raised by Yang Berhormat earlier.
However, for here, kaola is pleased to intervene in the matter concerning the legal position of 'kitani' in Brunei is understood that we run two systems, the civil system and the Shariah system.
If in civil, if it’s Shariah law, civil is the penal code. So both of these run side by side. And clearly through the decree during the consent to enforce Shariah law in this country is with a statement decree that the existing law, namely civil law, will continue to run as Ta'zeer.
Ta'zeer means in legal terms that are carried out in Shariah is laws that are outside of Shariah. Meaning that it can be enacted by any governmental authority, not based on Shariah but solely on policies of interest and problems considered by the concerned party only.
So while Shariah is the law based on the rules set by Allah and determined by the ijtihad of scholars, so that’s what it becomes. So in such situations, there emerges what is called overlapping cases, including cases of theft, theft in Shariah and its penal code. Only when cases like this occur, there’s already a mechanism between the Department of Islamic Legal, Royal Brunei Police Force, and Shariah Prosecutor.
To look at the case to what extent it has merit, the merit to which. If it meets the requirements required by Shariah that are required by Shariah to be brought to judgment then it will be judged in Shariah Court. Based on the Syariah Penal Code Order, but if the case is insufficient, meaning not enough includes cases like murder, there is no confession and there is no very strict evidence, meaning there is no convincing evidence of the occurrence then the Penal Code punishment will run as usual.
Similarly, with theft, it has certain limits to the amount that qualifies for as if the first offense certain part, if the second offense to 'putut' hand and so on.
So all this makes a system that actually does not confuse 'kitani’s judiciary. It runs well, is well arranged and so far what runs for instance cases about battery.
Battery cases are also in the Penal Code but battery cases can be tried by Shariah Court and there has already been one case, and its punishment has already been carried out a few years ago, and those concerned are still serving prison sentences while also being imposed a compensation punishment 'diah' name compensation.
As long as it does not compensate, then it cannot be released, that's it. Then compensate will negotiate with the parties of the heirs if there’s, for instance, but now it is both that we must be confident both of ‘kitani's law run well and it does not really cause confusion.
إِنْ شَاءَ اللّٰه with more of 'kitani's children being trained in practicing law, Civil Law and Shariah Law. إِنْ شَاءَ اللّٰه the development of 'kitani’s law and Brunei Darussalam legal judiciary forward إِنْ شَاءَ اللّٰه will ‘d urang’ organize ‘inda’ the fear of ‘kitani’s misuse of law and so on.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and kaola will refer to the hansard for a while to get those questions and what appropriate answers, if possible here, if ‘inda’ possible, will be written as Yang Berhormat Pengerusi allows, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, and now I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi to make his intervention.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Kaola wishes to take this opportunity to answer the question by Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee regarding the proposal to establish a National Anti-Scam Center and also about efforts to encourage victims to come forward to make a report.
On this occasion, kaola also wishes to inform that Cyber Security Brunei has been operational since 2020 and it has 3 main roles, through 3 branches namely:
Monitoring through the Cyberwatch Centre;
Response through BruCERT; and
National Digital Forensics Laboratory.
As presented on March 9, 2024, considering online scams are a different crime from traditional crimes and require different actions, and importantly, addressing scam issues is an action that needs to be taken quickly to eradicate them from continuing or spreading. In this connection, victims must report it to either BruCERT or the Royal Brunei Police, and among these two entities, they will share the report.
However, to further streamline this process, a task force for handling scam crime has been established under the Law Enforcement Working Committee under the National Security Committee.
On this occasion, kaola also wants to clarify a bit about its membership. Its chairman is the Director of Criminal Investigation of the Royal Brunei Police Force, and its Deputy Chairman consists of the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank. Meanwhile, the other members are as kaola shared that day.
In addition, to raise awareness about this scam issue, several awareness activities and talks have been held by the CSB itself, through their awareness campaigns through webinars and Anti-Scammed Talks which also involved the Royal Brunei Police, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Attorney General's Office, Brunei Darussalam Central Bank, representatives from banks and also parties from ITPSS Sdn. Bhd. Information Technology Protective Security Services and also BruCERT, the Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team. Other agencies such as AITI and Telsco or Celco also conduct their awareness campaigns about scam issues, including also financial institutions in Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Hence, through these efforts, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ, the public will not be confused about the process of reporting scam issues which importantly requires a police report for legal actions to be taken by conducting investigations. In this case, the Digital National Forensics Laboratory regarding scam issues, leaving Digital Footprint whence such tools if handed over to the Digital National Forensics Laboratory could reveal perhaps where the weaknesses that led to the scam occurred. That is all shared for now, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi, would you like to proceed with the question posed by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam?
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi
Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee also corrects about the task force's membership.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, any questions that may not or have not been answered, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Defence will answer in writing later and to continue with these topics, I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for this opportunity.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ وَالصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ عُمَدَةِ الْأُمَمِ وَقُدْوَةِ الْهَدِيْ وَالْأُمَمِ مُحَمَّدِ وَعَلَىٰ آلِهِ وَأَصْحَابِهِ اَجْمَعِيْنَ Firstly, kaola wish to thank the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Defence for sharing the budget presentation for the Financial Year 2024/2025 for the Prime Minister's Office and its departments.
Kaola wishes to discuss the topic SA24A - Department of Electrical Services. Kaola wants to address the issue of street lights, which can help maintain and enhance road safety, especially for road users such as pedestrians, and also reduce unhealthy activities.
Kaola's question is, why does it take so long, sometimes years, for street lights damaged due to road accidents to be repaired, with some not repaired at all?
The second issue is regarding electrical poles in Kampung Air, some of which are damaged and leaning, posing a danger to the residents. Kaola seeks clarification on whether the Department of Electrical Services has plans to repair these electrical poles?
I seek clarification, Yang Berhormat Menteri. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
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
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ وَالصَّلٰوةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ اَشْرَفِ الْاَنْبِيَآءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِيْنَ شَيْخِيْنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلٰى اٰلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ اَجْمَعِيْنَ
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Once again, kaola respectfully thank Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for giving kaola another opportunity to debate the budget allocation for the Prime Minister's Office for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
Here, kaola wants to raise one issue only, which is related to bankruptcy. Normally, if a debtor cannot pay their debt at the time of hearing (petition), the court will issue a receiving order where a receiver is appointed to determine whether the debtor has a payment proposal acceptable to the creditors.
The time for the receiver to analyze the debtor's capabilities is quite long. Sometimes it takes up to 2 or 3 years before sentencing order is judged upon where the debtor is considered fully bankrupt. Until the sentencing order is dispensed, the unfortunate debtor is not prohibited from leaving the country.
Therefore, debtors do not take it seriously and are not fully responsible for paying their debts because they are still not prohibited from leaving the country. For example, at the stage before the sentencing order is dispensed, the debtor had proposed making monthly payments of $50 to the receiver, but unfortunately, this debtor has the capability to vacation abroad.
Clearly, this requires expenses for paying tickets, hotels, and alike. This proves that the debtors are not serious at all about paying debts because there are no restrictions preventing them from traveling abroad.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. As understood, like neighboring countries, Malaysia, or Singapore do not allow these debtors to leave the country at all under bankruptcy laws.
In those countries, with such a prohibition, it has made a significant impact, especially the debtors are more committed to settling their debts.
Kaola opines that the procedure used therein can protect and help local traders. If these local traders collaborate with overseas traders, if there are debts, if they are allowed to leave the country, understandably, the traders who collaborate with the local ones will leave and abandon this country.
Unfortunately, local traders will face risks and worst, increase liabilities and also burden these debt obligations to the local traders.
In the issue that kaola raise, while taking examples from abroad like Malaysia and Singapore and also to ensure creditors are more accountable and responsible. Kaola personally suggests that the concerned laws should be reviewed and updated by the authorities in strengthening our laws in this country. However, kaola's proposal is subject to the concerned parties to consider.
That concludes kaola's sharing, وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and once again, kaola thanks Yang Berhormat Pemngerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, thank you. Kaola might be able to respond to the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat regarding the electrical poles. Kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat for the raised questions.
Firstly, about the issue of damaged street light poles. Actually, the street light installation project is an important initiative for the Department of Electrical Services in ensuring a safe environment for the district and village inhabitants in order to guarantee the well-being of all community layers.
The period for replacing broken lampposts is subject to a transition process that takes time. If there are lights that have not yet been replaced and can affect safety, I suggest that the concerned parties can immediately submit an application to the Electrical Services Department, and these repairs will be prioritized.
The allocation under the annual budget also includes for the continuous maintenance program to repair non-functional streetlights including those damaged due to road accidents. This will be addressed through a public lighting maintenance contract to handle received complaints and by continuously monitoring to ensure that the appointed company carries out repair work completely and timely.
In addition, in supporting the government's efforts in reducing government sector expenditure and promoting energy savings, the government has taken steps to install energy-efficient lights and also to turn on streetlights alternately without affecting the safety of road users.
The Electrical Services Department seriously regards the aspect of safety in ensuring that strategic areas are not affected like major junctions, sharp curves, mosque junctions, school junctions, flyovers, roundabouts, and anywhere that may affect the safety of road users. This effort involved shutting down as many as 13,288 light units across the country since 2015 and saving an average of $3.6 million.
Secondly, regarding the damaged electric lamp poles in Kampung Air, the Electrical Services Department also allocates replacement work for electric poles in Kampung Air under the Projek Pengukuhan Sistem Rangkaian Seluruh Kampung Air Secara Berfasa under RKN-12.
This project is targeted to be completed in 2027. However, for any fallen or damaged pole that can affect the safety of the system and also to the public, the Electrical Services Department will prioritize for developmental action.
In addition, preventive maintenance work will be enhanced for any lamppost in the Kampung Air area that can jeopardize safety. God willing.
The Electrical Services Department continues to monitor the maintenance work and handling of related projects with close cooperation with the concerned parties in improving the quality of service in terms of safety and effectiveness of the country's electric power system supply.
On this occasion, the Electrical Services Department would also like to express thousands of thanks to the Penghulus and village heads in all four districts who continuously share any feedback through the WhatsApp group with the Electrical Services Department, thus facilitating the department to address electrical-related issues and continue to welcome cooperation to be continued at the grassroots level to inform any gaps and improvements that need to be made.
That is what I can convey, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, for the rest, I promise to answer in writing with more accurate data and answers, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri in the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Defense II.
Your Honourable Members, I think it is enough for us to debate the titles under the Prime Minister's Office.
So I believe it would be best for us to vote on Titles SA01A to SA27A. Your Honourable Members who agree, please raise your hand.
(All Members raise their hands in agreement)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. It appears that all Members agree. Therefore, Titles SA01A to SA27A are approved, and we move on to the next topic.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Titles SA01A to SA27A for the Prime Minister's Office are made part of the Schedule. Titles SK01A to SK08A for the Ministry of Development.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. Now we move on to the Titles under the Ministry of Development. Before I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan to give his introductory remarks, I would like to ask for a break for 15 minutes.
(Committee Meeting adjourned)
(Committee Meeting resumes)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, before we took a short break earlier, the Committee Meeting had already moved on to the Titles under the Ministry of Development.
Before I open for debate on the titles under this ministry, I would like to give the opportunity to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan to present his introductory remarks regarding the planning and direction of his ministry as well as explanations and statements regarding the Budget allocation for the Ministry of Development for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings. All praise to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings upon the most honorable of the Prophets and messengers, our Master Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, I respectfully and with great reverence am pleased to convey the highest appreciation to His Majesty Majlis Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam for allocating the Ministry of Development’s Budget Expenditure for the Financial Year 2024/2025 totaling $345,953,286 as follows:
- $119,666,190 for staff salaries;
- $102,466,740 for Recurrent Expenditure; and
- $123,820,356 for projects under the 12th National Development Plan for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
The focus of the Ministry of Development for 2024/2025, as I shared during last year’s Committee Meeting regarding the ministry's priorities.
Similarly, this year with a new approach to emphasise on good governance and compliance in asset and project management as well as in providing services to the public. These efforts will continue to be given priority in line with the Budget Theme for the Financial Year 2024/2025, which is "United in Building a More Prosperous Future".
Briefly, I would like to share the achievements of the Ministry of Development under Administration and Finance Management for the Financial Year 2023/2024 until December 2023 as follows:
The Ministry of Development was able to increase revenue collection for the third quarter of the Financial Year 2023/2024 by $54,199,357.59. This is an increase compared to the revenue collection in the third quarter of the previous year, which amounted to $54,077,394.06, an increase of over $121 thousand;
Through the Debt Recovery Unit under the Department of Housing established in July 2022 and a special committee to address the problems of arrears and revenue collection under the Department of Lands established in October 2023. Among the actions taken are:
Providing online payment through the One Common Billing System (OCBS) for the Department of Housing and e-Payment Gateway for the Department of Lands. The Ministry of Development and Department of Lands are currently in the process of implementing the 1MOD-Integrated MOD Platform and Land System project aimed at consolidating all services of the Ministry of Development under one system to facilitate management and payment of revenue collection;
Allowing payment receipts through the National Retirement Scheme (SPK) withdrawals as well as payments through banking institutions via personal loans;
Enabling payment of land taxes and housing fees at all counters of the Department of Lands and Department of Housing in every district regardless of the location or address of the house or land ownership.
Moreover, a working committee has been formed aimed at monitoring and reducing arrears according to the law. Among the achievements obtained from the Financial Year 2021/2022 to the first quarter of the Financial Year 2023/2024 is the settlement of royalty arrears amounting to $53,877.97 in the Department of Lands from mining companies that mine sand and gravel and the settlement of water arrears amounting to $16,757,718.85 in the Department of Water Services from government departments until the end of 2023.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, permit me to share some of the key commitments of the Ministry of Development that are being and will be implemented;
Affordable housing in the nation. As of now, the home ownership statistics in Negara Brunei Darussalam are at 67.1%. In efforts to continuously provide homes under the National Housing Scheme by the Department of Housing Development, new projects for infrastructure provision are being worked on in the 2024/2025 Financial Year. In addition to the efforts of providing 2,674 Temporary Occupation License (TOL) lands, these have been awarded to eligible TOL landowners. Through the 11th National Development Plan, 2 projects are currently underway, namely the National Housing Project Kampung Lugu Phase 2, with the construction of 1000 terrace house units expected to be completed by the end of this March.
- National Housing Project Kampung Tanah Jambu Phase 7, which is the construction of 950 terrace house units that began in January 2023 and is expected to be completed by January 2025.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. For planning under the 12th National Development Plan, the Department of Housing Development is planning housing development projects with an allocation of $41,555,200 for the 2024/2025 Financial Year. This is from the total 12th RKN Plan amounting to $276,950,443. Among the initial works to be conducted with this allocation are:
Site investigation works in Kampung Salambigar, Kampung Tanah Jambu, Kampung Katok, Kampung Lumut, and Kampung Rataie.;
Earthworks in Kampung Katok and Kampung Rataie; and
Construction of houses in areas of National Housing Projects Kampung Lugu Phase 2(B), National Housing Project Kampung Lumut Phase 7, National Housing Project Kampung Rimba Phase 6 and National Housing Project Kampung Salambigar. These projects are expected to provide over 1,600 new houses, God willing.
The second matter regarding water services with the 2023/2024 Financial Year allocation, the Ministry of Development through the Department of Water Services has implemented several projects for the continuous improvement of water supply systems meeting the water quality standards. Among the works completed include repairs at water treatment plants in Bukit Barun, Layong, and Seria. Replacement of water pumps and old leaking pipes and periodic cleaning of approximately 40 water tanks. Excellent, these works have been able to reduce the frequency of water supply interruptions. These improvement works will continue to be pursued.
In providing water supply services, the residents in rural areas are also prioritized in the 2023/2024 Financial Year. The Department of Public Works has been able to provide a piped water supply system to the inland areas of Ulu Belait, namely Kampung Sukang and Kampung Melilas. With the completion of the water pipe installation project from Labi Road to Kampung Sukang.
For the information of Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members. Previously, the village residents obtained clean water from rainwater and the river, which was purified using a slow sand filtration system. Confirmed by, this January 2024, the longhouse in Kampung Melilas has begun to receive water through a pipe system to the respective longhouse.
To increase the water supply management capacity and the specific objective to enhance water security, a total of $43,133,263 is allocated for the 2024/2025 Financial Year expenditures, which includes works to improve the water distribution system plan, maintenance of water tanks, and upgrading of water treatment plants in all districts. Among them are:
Increasing the clean water production capacity for Brunei-Muara District through the Construction of Treatment Plant Phase 8 at Bukit Barun, Tutong, which is currently under construction. This plant is designed to produce approximately 120 million liters of clean water per day and, by the grace of God, when this project is completed, it will be able to meet water supply needs until 2035.;
For the Belait District, the project to increase water production capacity from the Agis-Agis Treatment Plant in Sungai Liang will add a capacity of approximately 36 million liters of water per day upon completion in 2026.;
For the Temburong District, the expansion project for the Batang Duri Water Treatment Plant is planned to increase the capacity by 20 million liters of clean water per day, a 100% increase from the current capacity.; and
Currently under the 11th RKN, there are 2 projects being implemented, namely the Construction of Lakiun Tank and the Construction of Batang Duri Tank. Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of this year and, by the grace of God, these are among the plans and efforts to mitigate the issue of water supply shortage currently experienced in the district.
The third matter concerning flood mitigation efforts. Several drainage projects have been undertaken during the 11th RKN period in efforts to address flooding issues. As a result, the size of flood-prone areas was reduced from 332 square kilometers to 288 square kilometers, a reduction of 44 square kilometers. Meanwhile, along 57 kilometers of the 130-kilometer coastline has been addressed from sea erosion.
Among the completed flood control projects in the 2023/2024 Financial Year include:
Construction of flood retention ponds and water reservoirs in Sungai Tutong.;
Dredging works of Sungai Tutong from Kampung Penapar.;
Flood Prevention Projects in the upper and lower parts of Sungai Tutong.;
Upgrading the drainage system in Kampung Sungai Akar.;
Dredging and widening works of Sungai Brunei, Sungai Kedayan, and Sungai Damuan.;
Constructing a new 3 meters wide drain in Kampung Tanah Jambu.;
Upgrading the drainage system in Kampung Kiarong.; and
Upgrading Integrated Services Infrastructure Works at Kuala Belait – Seria Municipal Area.
Last year, several areas in the Belait District, including Kuala Belait Town, experienced floods multiple times. The Public Works Department has identified the causes of these floods and, God willing, will implement several projects to reduce the frequency of flood occurrences under the 12th RKN, including:
Drainage Improvement at Belait Phase 1, aimed at upgrading the drainage system, reducing flood occurrences with the construction of concrete drains and pump stations. Among them are in Kuala Belait Town, Kampung Pandan, Mukim Seria, Kampung Lumut Tersusun, Kampung Lalit, and Sungai Liang.;
Constructing a pump station at F-17 Seria for areas frequently experiencing floods in Jalan Tengah, Pekan Seria, and the housing areas of Shell Company, especially including areas in Lorong 7, Lorong 8, and Tuker Lines.;
Constructing a pump station at outfalls in areas often affected by floods in Jalan Maulana, Kuala Belait.; and
Constructing a main drain leading to Kampung Sungai Bera drainage station to reduce flood occurrences in Pekan Seria.
The fourth matter, regarding road infrastructure in the 2023/2024 Financial Year, the Public Works Department has implemented several improvement projects to further enhance the quality of road and highway infrastructure in the country as follows:
Implementing integrated maintenance contracts for highways such as Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Highway, Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah Highway, Muara-Belait Highway, Tungku-Rimba Highway, and Tungku-Jerudong Highway.;
Road Maintenance Works including in the area of Kuala Balai Road, Mukim Liang, Mukim Bukit Sawat, Mukim Sukang, Rasau Road, Sungai Teraban, along Kuala Tutong Road, Kampung Panchong, and Kuala Ungar.; and
Tutong Road Repair Project from Jerudong to Kampung Penanjong Phase 2.
By the grace of Allah, improvement works will continue in the 12th RKN to upgrade roads that have yet to be implemented. Several projects following from the 11th RKN as targeted this year, the 2024/2025 Financial Year, include:
Provision of flyovers at main intersections under the Tanah Jambu Connecting Road Construction Program at the main intersection of Mentiri National Housing Perumahan Negara Mengkubau and at the Muara Road intersection expected to be fully completed by the end of 2024.
Construction of flyovers at the intersection of the Muara-Tutong Highway, Tanjung Kajar, and Tanah Jambu Main Road expected to be completed by the end of 2024 as well.
Installation of the traffic light system at the Sungai Akar roundabout currently being implemented, expected to start operating in April 2024.
In addition, as conveyed by Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, the Public Works Department along with the District Departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs have managed projects to raise the level of roads in areas frequently affected by floods in the Tutong, Belait, and Temburong Districts, which have been completed in the Belait and Temburong Districts and some follow-up works are needed in the Tutong District.
Currently, along 12.4 kilometers of the 22.3 kilometers of the overall planned roads have been successfully implemented.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, the fifth matter regarding the environment. The daily waste generated in this country is between 500 to 600 tons per day, and recorded data shows that the waste generated per person is 1.2 kilograms per day. For many years, this waste has been disposed of in landfills, which is currently located in Sungai Paku, Tutong District.
This landfill area spans 104 hectares and is targeted to only accommodate waste disposal until 2030. Therefore, an area spanning another 100 hectares needs to be prepared to provide a new landfill market. As an alternative effort, the Ministry of Development is resolved to cease the use of this landfill and is endeavoring to construct an incinerator system waste-to-energy market for waste disposal. For this purpose, an expression of interest was issued in 2021 for the construction of a waste incinerator plant.
The Department of Environment, Parks, and Recreation (JASTRE) has appointed a consultant to draft a request for proposal document which will be issued to interested and qualified investors to participate. God willing, the preparation of the request for proposal document to design, build, own, operate and transfer the waste-to-energy technology plant is expected to be completed and opened in the last quarter of this year.
If there are successful investors, this waste-to-energy plant is targeted to be able to start operations in 2029. The cost for developing waste-to-energy is expected to be very high.
Therefore, the Ministry of Development, in collaboration with other government agencies especially from the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Prime Minister's Office's Energy Department, is drafting a suitable business model method that aligns with cost-effective objectives and meets the country's needs.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, for the financial year 2023/2024, among the environmental management, parks, and recreation actions are as follows:
Implementation of the Brunei River Cleaning Project which commenced on April 16, 2023, for three years with the provision of equipment such as 4 Workboats, 4 Scavenger boats, 1 Small Trash Skimmer, 2 Large Trash Skimmers, and 1 Waste Barge with Conveyor Belt. Until December 2023, the total waste collected from the Brunei River is 22,849.45 metric tons.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, on this occasion and before concluding this preamble, kaola would like to refer to the question posed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri on Saturday, March 2, 2024, regarding the readiness of the master plan for land use in the Temburong District.
In response to this question, regarding the Temburong District Development Planning 2005 – 2025, this plan has been prepared as a preparation to encourage any development and promote economic activities in line to follow the progress in the Temburong District with the construction of the Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Bridge from the Brunei Muara District to the Temburong District.
The Temburong District Development Plan 2005 – 2025 as prepared through the Department of Town and Country Planning contains strategic land use planning policies and development strategies towards progress in the Temburong District for the mentioned period.
The main vision is to make the Temburong District a district that can open up opportunities for progress through the treasures of the Temburong District itself and its natural treasures (A district of Natural Opportunities). In supporting this vision, the main land use planning strategy is to promise balanced development that can open up employment opportunities and widespread economic development from the identified economies.
Additionally, this plan aims to increase the level of physical and economic integration comparable to other districts, while at the same time maintaining the district's identity values as 'The Green Jewel of Brunei'.
Towards this, a total of 33 major projects have been planned for the Temburong District, encompassing sectors such as housing, industry, agriculture, fisheries, recreation, tourism, transportation, infrastructure and utilities, community facilities, and so on.
Out of these 33 projects, 7 projects have been completed including the construction of the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge, the construction of Bangar Waterfront, National Housing at Kampung Rataie, Water Recreation Facility in Ulu Temburong, Fishery Site at Kampung Rataie, expanding the forest protection area under the Department of Forestry like Bukit Patoi, and the construction of a Bridge at Kampung Ujong Jalan area.
7 projects are in progress including upgrading the highway to Batang Duri, renewable energy sources, Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University, Religious Activities Centre at Kampung Senukoh, lodging and facilities at Batang Duri, construction of Batang Duri Jetty, and Planning Camp for the Ministry of Defense.
Meanwhile, 19 other projects are still in planning to be implemented across various fields pointing towards the aspirations of the Temburong District Development Plan. The Ministry of Development will continue to collaborate with other agencies and the residents of the Temburong District in general in together ensuring that the progress in the Temburong District can be synchronized and implemented more strategically and orderly in fulfilling the country's planning aspirations to develop the Temburong District in line with other districts.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and Your Honourable Members, that is all kaola can share in this esteemed Council. The Ministry of Development hopes for strong support from Your Honourable Members not only in voicing the issues faced by the public but importantly in bringing together every stratum of society to align in understanding and aspirations to solve problems, especially those involving utility services provided by the Ministry of Development and in particular also in supporting the realization of the Nation's Vision.
Before concluding, kaola would like to take this opportunity along with colleagues to record the highest appreciation to Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Judin bin Haji Asar for his service and contributions during his tenure as Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Di-Raja, Secretary Majlis Mesyuarat Menteri-Menteri Kabinet, and Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
At the same time, kaola also wishes to congratulate Yang Mulia Dr. Dayang Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah on her appointment as Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Di-Raja, Secretary Majlis Mesyuarat Menteri-Menteri Kabinet, and Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, thank you.
May Allah bless you, peace be upon you, the mercy of Allah, and His blessings.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan for the clear explanation regarding the direction and priorities in the provision of the Ministry of Development's Budget for the Financial Year 2024/2025. I believe it’s enough for our deliberations this morning, and I suggest that we adjourn this Committee Meeting and reconvene in the Council Meeting of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
(Committee Meeting is adjourned)
(Council Meeting resumes)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, we now resume in the Council Meeting of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. I believe it’s enough for our session today.
I would like to adjourn the Council Meeting of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara and we will resume, God willing, on Monday, March 18, 2024, starting from 10:00 AM.
That's all.
May Allah grant success and guidance, peace be upon you, the mercy of Allah, and His blessings.
(Council Meeting is adjourned)
HADIR
YANG DI-PERTUA
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, P.S.N.B., S.L.J., P.H.B.S., P.J.K., P.K.L., Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
AHLI RASMI KERANA JAWATAN (PERDANA MENTERI DAN MENTERI-MENTERI)
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, Perdana Menteri, Menteri Pertahanan, Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri, 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, D.K.M.B., D.P.K.T., King Abdul Aziz Ribbon, First Class (Saudi Arabia), The Order of the Renaissance (First Degree) (Jordan), Grand Cross of Crown Order- G.K.K., (Netherlands), Medal of Honour (Lao), DSO (Singapore), Order of Lakandula With The Rank of Grand Cross (Philippines), The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Second Class (Ukraine), Darjah Kerabat Johor Yang Amat Dihormati Pangkat Pertama (Johor), DSO (Military) (Singapore), P.H.B.S., Menteri Kanan di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, 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, D.K., S.P.M.B., D.S.N.B., P.H.B.S., P.B.L.I., P.J.K., P.K.L., Penasihat Khas Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam dan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Not present due to official duties)
Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, P.S.S.U.B., D.P.M.B., P.H.B.S., P.B.L.I., P.J.K., P.K.L., Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yusssof, D.P.K.T., S.M.B., P.H.B.S., Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohamad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., Menteri Kesihatan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof, P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., P.J.K., P.I.K.B., Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Not present due to official duties)
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., P.S.B., P.I.K.B., Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abd. Manaf bin Haji Metussin P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., S.N.B., S.M.B., P.S.B., P.K.L., Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abd. Rashid P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.I.K.B., Menteri Pembangunan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr. Dayang Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md. Salleh P.S.N.B., S.P.M.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Menteri Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha P.S.N.B., P.S.B., Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad P.S.N.B., S.M.B., P.I.K.B., Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, 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 P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.H.B.S., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.H.B.S., P.J.K., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman, P.S.N.B., D.P.M.B., P.J.K., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG TELAH MENCAPAI KECEMERLANGAN
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam, S.U.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck, P.S.B.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee, P.I.K.B.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin, S.M.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, S.N.B., S.M.B., P.I.K.B.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, S.M.B., P.S.B.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, P.I.K.B.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK MEWAKILI DAERAH-DAERAH
Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin, P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Penghulu Mukim Lumapas -Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Lawi bin Haji Lamat, P.K.L., Ketua Kampung Subok - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, Ketua Kampung Putat - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohamad Ali bin Tanjong, P.K.L., Ketua Kampung Lumapas 'B' – Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan, P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Ketua Kampung Belimbing – Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, P.I.K.B., Penghulu Mukim Bukit Sawat – Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Ketua Kampung Bukit Sawat – Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub, P.I.K.B., Penghulu Mukim Ukong – Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan, Ketua Kampung Sengkarai – Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir, P.S.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L.P., Ketua Kampung Labu Estet dan Piasau-Piasau – Daerah Temburong.
HADIR BERSAMA
Yang Mulia Dr. Dayang Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah, P.S.B., P.I.K.B., P.K.L., Yang Mulia Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Mulia Pengiran Hajah Zaidah binti Pengiran Haji Petra, Deputy Yang Mulia Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
(The meeting commenced at 10.00 am)
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