DAY 7 MORNING
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8TH MARCH 2025 MORNING
(Meeting commenced at 9:30 a.m.)
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The First Meeting of the 21st Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara convenes on the seventh day, today, Saturday, 7th Ramadan 1446 corresponding to 8th March 2025, preceded with the Doa Selamat.
DOA SELAMAT
(The Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah. All praise is due to Allah, we are thankful to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala for His grace and mercy so that we can gather today for the seventh day of the First Meeting of the 21st Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
Blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, his family, companions, and faithful followers until the end of time.
Your Honourable Members. We will begin today's session with the order of the Meeting.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
The question time for oral replies.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. Before starting this question time, I want to inform Your Honourable Members that I will allow two supplementary questions, specifically for the member who initially asked the question, and if they do not wish to ask further, then other honourable members may do so.
The Honourable Minister has also requested to respond or provide further written explanations to the supplementary questions.
I will begin with the first question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam directed to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Defence. Please, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah. Good morning and greetings on the seventh day of Ramadan. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. (Doa is read).
Together we are grateful to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala for His mercy and allowing us to convene in this honorable chamber and to continue fasting on the seventh day of Ramadan today. Let us pray that we are continually facilitated until the end of Ramadan and blessed with mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. Amen.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, first of all, kaola is pleased to thank Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam for the question regarding the decline in the Government Effectiveness Index and the Public Sector Performance Grading Program, 3PSA, as well as the strategies to enhance good governance and public service excellence.
On this occasion, kaola would also like to refer to and thank Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman for the question regarding the role of the Management Services Department, MSD, in improving service quality and public satisfaction, as well as the actions being taken considering reforms and updates in the service to remain relevant.
Allow kaola to provide a comprehensive explanation in response to both questions, particularly about the role of the Prime Minister's Office, specifically the Management Services Department, MSD, in strengthening public service governance and enhancing the excellence of service delivery to the public.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, addressing the country's position in the Government Effectiveness Index, GEI. GEI does not solely measure the perception of public service delivery quality, but it encompasses various fields and scopes such as education, health infrastructure, and energy.
Referring to the statement of Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam concerning the GEI report on the country's decline to 22nd position in 2023 compared to 20th position in 2022. The Prime Minister's Office takes this report seriously; however, besides the assessment scope extending beyond the Public Sector, the investigation found that the data sources used are incomplete, resulting in non-inclusive assessments.
Regarding the decline in the achievement of 3PSA, which only shows 17 percent of agencies reaching a satisfactory level, kaola wishes to share that based on 3PSA statistics from the Management Services Department, as of the Financial Year 2023/2024, 48 agencies were evaluated, and the achievements are as follows:
Firstly, 2 agencies, totaling 4 percent, received a 4-star rating, indicating a very good level. Six agencies, totaling 13 percent, received a 3-star rating, indicating a good level. Fourteen agencies or 29 percent, received a 2-star rating, indicating satisfaction. And 26 agencies, 54 percent, received a 1-star rating, indicating the need for improvement.
In summary, several factors contribute to the achievements of the evaluated agencies, which require improvement, among others, the strategic planning direction not aligned with policy objectives, ineffective management and utilization of human resources, and ineffective data gathering and usage as the basis for evidence and results-based assessment. In this regard, MSD will continue to hold follow-up meetings with evaluated agencies to ensure the implementation of identified improvement proposals by MSD through the 3PSA approach.
Touching on the Ministry's strategy for enhancing good governance and public service excellence, kaola would like to summarize the planned and ongoing efforts into three main aspects.
The first aspect is related to human resource development. Strengthening human resources is a priority in developing quality public services. The Civil Service Capability Development Framework, CDF, was introduced as a tool to measure and enhance the capabilities of officers and staff.
This allows ministries and departments to plan their workforce more systematically and strategically. The Public Service Institute, IPA, continues to play an important role in human capital development, through various training programs, including ICT, Artificial Intelligence, AI, innovation, strategic management, human resources, leadership work ethics, and communication fields. Moreover, the Civil Service Leadership Pipeline, CSLP, conducted in strategic collaboration with leading overseas training and skill institutions, aims to train the future workforce with exposure to global and new technology. The capacity development of Public Service personnel is also further strengthened through training placements and exchanges with friendly countries such as the Republic of Singapore, Malaysia, and recently the United Arab Emirates.
The second aspect is organizational excellence. Efforts to enhance the effectiveness of government organizations continue to be strengthened through several key initiatives. As is well known, the Management Services Department implements the Public Sector Performance Grading Program, 3PSA, through the application of stars, which serves as a mechanism to strengthen governance of government agencies by evaluating aspects such as strategic planning renewal, human management improvement, and customer focus.
The 3PSA assessment emphasizes an evidence-based and achievement-based approach. This includes the implementation of 3PSA Self-Assessment at the agency level before the official MSD assessment to assist agencies in identifying and improving their management. A total of 10 government agencies are assessed each year. To ensure more responsive and effective service, the implementation of TPOR continues to be monitored by MSD, particularly for agencies dealing with the public. This includes emphasis on data collection, performance analysis, and improvement reporting to MSD at set intervals. MSD also continues to implement the Transformation Work System, TSK, as an approach to streamline and simplify work processes, accelerate TPOR, and improve customer satisfaction.
At present, this initiative focuses on high-impact public services. Concurrently, the public engagement approach, introduced since 2018, encourages public participation and the formulation of government policies and programs aligned with their needs. Insya Allah, future planning includes providing a specific portal to receive real-time feedback from the public on any policy or program reforms that government agencies will introduce.
In efforts to further increase customer satisfaction, MSD has prepared a guideline for public complaints handling systems, serving as the primary reference for government agencies to systematically address public complaints, ensuring follow-up actions are appropriately taken and accountability is increased on each party's side.
Regarding customer focus, Customer Focus Survey, KSTP data shows that satisfaction levels with Public Services for agencies frequently dealing with the public indicate an increasing trend, although targets have not been fully achieved.
Customer satisfaction levels with Public Service delivery have shown improvement from 74.7 percent in Fiscal Year 2020/2021 to 81.5 percent in Fiscal Year 2023/2024. Additionally, MSD will continue playing its crucial role in providing consultancy services to government agencies in governance and service delivery, considering current reforms in public service governance.
Lastly, regarding the aspect of digitalization and innovation in Public Service delivery. Among the main initiatives is the implementation of the Human Resource System, SSM, by the Public Service Department. It aims to ensure more systematic and efficient workforce management through digital technology for human resource optimization.
Meanwhile, MSD will also introduce E-Customer Care, EPP, for real-time data collection and analysis as a basis for assessing service delivery effectiveness across government sectors heavily engaged with the public. Simultaneously, MSD is also preparing the Public Service Innovation Framework, RKPA, as a guideline to foster innovation and develop an innovation ecosystem in the Public Service.
Regarding efforts to ensure public servants are more customer-friendly and the potential of AI to improve government services. The Prime Minister's Office recognizes its priority as one of the main reasons for digitalizing core services related to public dealings.
Like other ministries, the Prime Minister's Office and its departments are guided by efforts led under the Digital Economy Master Plan 2025, in which each ministry is required to establish its digital transformation plan.
In this regard, the Prime Minister's Office through MSD also plays a role in encouraging any core service involving public dealings to be brought online in line with 3PSA assessments related to the reform and improvement of systems implemented by agencies, including operational and service delivery technology systems.
Moving forward, as per the approval of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam for the establishment of the Public Service Transformation Committee, JTPA will play a role in leading the public service direction, focusing on examining issues and challenges faced in the public sector and its significance in achieving priority areas under the Brunei Vision 2035 goals.
That concludes the statement, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members, and Yang Berhormat Pehin, kaola would like to ask. Are the criteria evaluated in the grading program aligned with the criteria evaluated in the Government Effectiveness Index issued by The World Bank to ensure comparable quality in national assessments?
Additionally, kaola takes this opportunity to suggest to Yang Berhormat Pehin that the KPIs of ministries and departments in the National Revenue and Expenditure Estimate Book be re-examined because over the past three years, kaola has been examining the book and found some KPIs are not accurate and do not measure the objectives of the respective ministry and departmental programs. Some KPIs will be pointed out during this Committee debate as examples, insya Allah. This is important to ensure the efficiency and productivity of the related ministries and departments. That's all, Yang Berhormat Pehin. Thank you. Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, and thank you to Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah. Regarding the alignment of the GEI with The World Bank, kaola seeks to verify this and there might be certain specifics required.
Regarding the updating of the KPIs, indeed, it is recognized that some KPIs across ministries have not been updated, as well as in meetings and further explained during forums, the KPIs of JPM itself require several updates. Therefore, there are instances where some KPIs may be overlooked by the ministries, and it is the responsibility and effort of JPM to update them, particularly those linked to strategic plans of the ministries. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The third question is from Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin directed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi. Please, Yang Berhormat Pengiran.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, kaola seek permission to address two questions together, namely, questions PL24 and PL26 as listed in the Order of the Day, considering they are related to issues of driving school operators, followed by PL25 to answer a question regarding Class 6 License.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
So Yang Berhormat Pengiran will answer questions three, four, and five?
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi
Yes, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi
Thank you. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, greetings of peace and good morning.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Thank you to Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin for the question regarding matters related to driving school operators and Class 6 Licenses.
Regarding driving school operators, kaola will start by sharing statistics on driving schools and driving instructors in Negara Brunei Darussalam. For the information of Yang Berhormat, as of 5 March 2025, there are 24 driving schools across the districts with 109 driving instructors, of which 52 are male instructors and 57 are female instructors.
According to the current policy, the operator or owner of a driving school must have qualifications as a driving instructor. The permit granted to the operator or owner of the driving school is only valid for the firm or company in their name and cannot be transferred in accordance with the Road Traffic Act (Chapter 68), Road Traffic Regulations (Driving Instructors and Driving Schools), 1987.
Among the conditions for someone to become a driving instructor, and if aspiring to be an owner or operator of a driving school, apart from passing the eligibility test, they must have a clean traffic record, hold a Class 3 Driving License, have driving experience of no less than 5 years, and be fluent in Malay and English.
In addition, it is an advantage to hold other class driving licenses, including a related defensive or safer driving course. Therefore, in answering Yang Berhormat's question, kaola will be guided by the existing requirements.
Firstly, concerning the continued operation of a driving school if the operator has passed away. Generally, the driving school is allowed to operate temporarily for a period of 6 months until existing students complete their driving tests, subject to having driving instructor personnel.
Further, if there are applications wishing to take over the driving school as an operator, those applications must meet existing requirements, namely undergoing and passing the eligibility test process as a driving school operator. So far, 3 driving schools have been taken over by driving instructors who are family members of the driving school operator or owner. Those instructors have undergone and passed eligibility test processes to become driving school operators.
Secondly, enabling driving instructors to work in other driving schools. In this regard, consideration will be given to any driving instructor wishing to work or transfer to another driving school by meeting the existing requirements.
Lastly, regarding driving instructors wishing to open a driving school. In this regard, as shared, there is no prohibition as long as the shared requirements can be met, particularly that the driving instructor must undergo and pass the eligibility test process to become a driving school operator.
Turning to Yang Berhormat's proposal related to the addition of a category under Class 6 Driving License. In answering this matter for Yang Berhormat's information, the existing Class 6 Driving License has 2 categories, namely Class 6 for buses with a capacity of more than 16 passenger seats, meaning that buses with a 22 passenger seat capacity are included under this category. Meanwhile, Class 6A is specifically for minibuses with a capacity not exceeding 16 passenger seats.
One of the preconditions for acquiring a Class 6 and 6A Driving License currently is the requirement to participate in training and practical driving tests using a bus with 45 passenger seat capacity.
The objective of using a bus with 45 seat capacity is to evaluate the driver's proficiency, not only in driving smaller buses but also larger ones. However, as noted by Yang Berhormat, this might make it difficult for students.
In this regard, Yang Berhormat's suggestion is a good observation, and the Land Transport Department plans to update the training and practical tests for Class 6 Driving Licenses.
Consideration for this matter will be evaluated based on the capacity of the bus applied for training and practical tests. For example, if the applicant is presented for training and practical tests using a bus with 22 passenger seats, then the applicant is only allowed to drive buses with a capacity of 22 and below.
Aside from the issue of bus capacity, passenger safety is a priority that requires special attention. In this matter, the Land Transport Department is also considering extending the requirement for the Defensive Driving Course to public and tour bus drivers. Currently, the Defensive Driving Course is only required for bus drivers making cross-border trips, i.e., going out of the country. That's all kaola can share, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
We now turn to the sixth question, which is a question from Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah directed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, I invite the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports to respond.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan
Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, kaola would like to request permission to answer Question PL91 in conjunction with Question PL113 and PL114, considering the issues raised are all related. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan will answer Question seven from Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan and also Question eight, from, also from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan, please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan
Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members. Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and greetings of peace.
Alhamdulillah, thank you for the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann and Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan in relation to efforts in empowering the language, culture, and traditional knowledge of the indigenous communities to encourage their active involvement in national development.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports remains committed to empowering the language culture and traditional knowledge of the indigenous communities of Negara Brunei Darussalam in line with the national cultural policy and Sustainable Development Goal, SDG. This effort aims to ensure the culture of each community in Negara Brunei Darussalam remains relevant in empowering the national identity and contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.
Accordingly, my ministry, kaola, has implemented various strategic initiatives to preserve cultural heritage, including organizing 1,547 cultural activities throughout the 2023-2024 period, which has attracted participation from more than 67,908 participants.
Among the main programs organized is the 7 Tribes Cultural Festival showcasing the uniqueness of the customs and cultures of Brunei indigenous tribes. In addition, programs such as Cultural Journey in the four districts, Canang Citra Budaya Competition, and Naindung Mekar involving traditional song performances have attracted participation from more than six thousand participants. Besides that, the Traditional Heritage Workshop focusing on traditional games and cultural arts and the ‘Muziumnya Warisanku’ exhibition displaying clothing of seven tribes and cultural artifacts were also held.
Furthermore, this ministry ensures that cultural empowerment efforts are inclusive by providing a platform to People with Disabilities, OKU, to promote cultural art including handicrafts and heritage performances such as the art exhibition for all, held in 2024 in conjunction with International Day of People with Disabilities. In the international context, this ministry has also brought Brunei's cultural heritage to regional and global levels through participation in the ASEAN Festival and various other events including introducing traditional games such as pasang, congkak, saluk-salukan, and buah lapas-lapas.
In line with technological advancements, my ministry, kaola, has also harnessed digital technology by digitizing 42,233 heritage materials to ensure the continuity of Brunei's history and culture. Besides that, the BudayaBN application, which contains the e-Dictionary of Brunei Malay Language, has been utilized by more than 100,000 users to preserve and expand the use of the Brunei Malay Language.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies have also been applied in heritage exhibitions to attract the younger generation's interest. As a result, the cultural exhibitions implemented have attracted over 231,000 visitors to galleries, libraries, and historical sites in Brunei, and increased the number of visitors to 8,655 in 2024.
This signifies a 70% increase compared to the previous year. The future goal of my ministry, kaola, is to continue strengthening collaboration with educational institutions, cultural organizations, and local communities to plan more dynamic cultural programs. In addition, this ministry will continue to encourage the involvement of Brunei indigenous communities through various programs like cultural arts courses and training for youth and the community in areas such as weaving, performing arts, and customs.
Consequently, the success of the recognition of kebaya, the kebaya apparel, as an intangible UNESCO heritage is evidence of effective regional collaboration in elevating Brunei's culture. This ministry also continues to support cultural product entrepreneurs such as handicrafts, heritage foods, and traditional textiles through grant assistance to ensure that local products continue to grow and become an economic source.
Overall, the efforts undertaken by this ministry are not only aimed to ensure that Brunei's cultural heritage continues to thrive but also aim to strengthen the cultural tourism sector, the country's economic development, and the fostering of awareness and interest among the younger generation in this field.
This aligns with the aspirations of the Brunei Vision 2035, which emphasizes youth development and heritage preservation as the cornerstone of national progress.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, this ministry always welcomes suggestions and initiatives from the grassroots level to ensure customs, culture, and traditions are continuously preserved.
In this regard, kaola would like to urge all penghulu mukim institutions and village heads as community leaders to proactively empower cultural awareness among the younger generation. Close collaboration with community leaders is crucial to ensure every village member does not forget their cultural heritage and identity.
Through programs like cultural workshops, traditional arts competitions, and oral history awareness campaigns, this ministry endeavors to transfer cultural knowledge to future generations and strengthen pride in national identity. This effort is in line with the aspirations of the nation to ensure cultural heritage continues to grow and remain relevant in the modern era. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
If I could participate in this, I feel it is very important for us to collectively consider that we have specific laws regarding who is truly referred to as a Brunei citizen.
Therefore, we should not be complacent with our tribal sentiments. If we become complacent with it, then we will be negligent, and the governance system of divide and rule will resurface. So, we are Brunei citizens, our identity is Bruneian, and one could say, our philosophy of life is MIB.
Hence, we are Malays, we are an Islamic nation, and we have a monarch. We should not forget, what is it called, the central or focal point over our nation-building, that we are Brunei people. Thus, perhaps it's good, what is it called, for us to still acknowledge, but we should not, as some say, state what is your ethnicity? Dusun ethnicity, Brunei citizen. It should not be like that, we are Brunei people, Brunei citizens, and so forth.
So, we should not forget the genuine reality that we are Brunei people, and any culture will one day emerge in our nation-building, reflecting our own country's culture. Our unity is our Bruneian identity. That's all. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Yang Berhormat Pehin.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yes, Yang Berhormat Pehin. Please.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman
Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Kaola seeks permission from Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua to ask an additional question to Yang Berhormat Minister at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. That is regarding the promotion of Brunei culture overseas. Whether there are provisions under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to attract tourists, for example, to Negara Brunei Darussalam through cooperation with Brunei's embassies and high commissions abroad because sometimes embassy activities and Brunei's high commissions abroad seem to lack support from the ministry here.
That's my question, kaola. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan
Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and also thank you to Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman for the earlier question.
Actually, in terms of allocation and resources, we do not really consider where it is placed within each ministry, but generally in a whole government approach, such allocations do promote culture and indeed are present. Even if not directly under that particular ministry, there will be room provided under appropriate titles in the Ministry of Finance and Economy, so this issue does not arise.
When an initiative is promoted, it is not solely conducted or executed by any one specific ministry but opens opportunities to collaborate with other ministries such as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports cooperating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Tourism and indeed for allocation, if insufficient, requests can be made to the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
Based on the suitability of one program or initiative, the government will, Insha Allah, provide the necessary resources according to priority and the practical capability of implementation. That is probably all I have to answer, kaola. Thank you Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Now we move on to the ninth question. A question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann directed to the Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and peace be upon you.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members, kaola would also like to express gratitude to Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann regarding the question on the grievances of local small to medium-scale farmers concerning fertilizer subsidies from the Department of Agriculture which often do not reach them.
The report concerning the fertilizers, agricultural input materials, incentive schemes channeled to successful and large-scale operators or companies is inaccurate because the eligibility criteria for the incentive scheme for farmers working within the vegetable community among various crops, floriculture and rice community are for areas not exceeding 5 hectares and for the fruit community not exceeding 7 hectares.
The appropriateness of incentive fertilizer supply depends on several factors, which include the approved allocation, the operators' needs based on farm size, the capacity of the fertilizer supplier companies to supply fertilizers according to specified criteria, and the capacity of the Department of Agriculture's storage facilities. The Department also avoids over-purchasing fertilizers to prevent them from being stored excessively long, which could degrade the fertilizer quality and cause government loss. To overcome the shortage of fertilizers, the Department of Agriculture encourages farmers to use more cost-effective physical blend fertilizers or single fertilizers compared to compound fertilizers and encourages buying in groups to get wholesale prices or discounts from private companies or importing from overseas.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The tenth question is posed by Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin directed to the Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Thank you once more, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Kaola would like to thank Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin regarding the question on addressing the decline of the Brunei fisheries industry. As stated during the discussions between the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and Your Honourable Members of the National Assembly in 2025, which took place on 4 February 2025, the data on fisheries output for 2024 presented during the briefing remains provisional and is still under calculation.
For your information, the actual fisheries industry output, fishery catches for 2024 increased by $3.63 million, a 2.8% increase compared to the 2023 output, rising from $128.3 million in 2023 to $131.93 million in 2024. This industry is the primary contributor, accounting for 82% of the total fisheries sector output in 2024. This increase was driven by a rise in commercial fishermen catches by $2.67 million, representing a 21.9% increase, from $12.16 million in 2023 to $14.8 million in 2024.
For your information, illegal foreign fishing intrusions increased by 11% in 2024, with 238 incidents compared to 212 in 2023. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, through the Department of Fisheries, continuously enforces measures to address foreign fishing intrusions in this country by conducting regular patrols and surveillance. Additionally, a National Action Plan is being implemented to strengthen cooperation between relevant enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive control and supervision can be carried out.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Alhamdulillah. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Koala is very pleased with the news of increased fisheries output. Alhamdulillah.
One query regarding fisheries. Climate change is real, we are here seeing climate change every day, as we have stated. A question, is there any allocation within the ministry for research and development on the impact of climate change on the fisheries industry? That's all Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Thank you for the additional question, Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, regarding the impact of climate change on the fisheries industry.
In fact, two studies are being conducted by the Department of Fisheries. The first study involves cooperation with SEAFDEC, an international association, to regularly assess stock levels in the waters of Negara Brunei Darussalam. With this stock assessment, Insha Allah, the impact of climate change on the fish supply in the waters of Negara Brunei Darussalam can be studied.
Additionally, another study is being implemented to assess suitable areas for aquaculture farming in the country, which will allow comparison between past and current statuses to determine whether there are impacts on the studied areas from factors such as climate change or pollution as revealed through the study findings. These are the two studies currently being conducted and planned by the Department of Fisheries.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Now we proceed to the eleventh question. This question is posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed to the Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama. Please, Yang Berhormat Pehin.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Kaola express gratitude to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity to respond to the question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, which contains two parts.
Firstly, it suggests that the Ministry of Religious Affairs should outline strategic steps to ensure a spiritual approach to mental health management is more effective and not just limited to routine activities.
Secondly, is there a plan to introduce a training module for workplace leaders and to expand spiritually-based counseling integration into the private sector for a holistic approach.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The initial question, as interpreted by kaola, pertains to strategic steps that must be in place to effectively integrate spiritual approaches in mental health handling, distinct from usual activities, as mentioned by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed.
The second question inquires about any plans to rollout a particular training module for workplace leaders and expand what was captured by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, which refers to the integration of counseling in the private sector for ensuring a comprehensive holistic approach.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola apologize if there is any misinterpretation of the true intent behind the question posed by Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed, in which kaola is confident that his intentions are well-meaning for our current discourse on effectively handling mental health issues aligned to our nation's approach.
Our method is not to create spiritual treatment as an alternate entity where such patients totally neglect conventional or scientific treatments and prioritize solely spiritual (religious) treatment under the pretense that religious healing methods taught by Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam and passed on by ulama, or those known for good character, worship, and spiritual knowledge, with even greater known blessings, are preferred while hospital treatment is deemed earthly. Astaghfirullah, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
For this reason, kaola wishes to state that for implementation in the way desired, the Ministry approaches with great caution. This caution requires not just preparing those proficient in certain readings from Al-Quran and structured Rukyah treatment readings, but ensuring that potential spiritual healers must also be equipped with mental health knowledge and training, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
To achieve this, it is a pleasure to mention that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has already collaborated with the Ministry of Health to organize mental health leadership training courses for community leaders. The goal is to produce individuals capable of effective guidance and counseling services both inside and outside the workplace in an organized and systematic manner.
In relation to this initiative, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, the Ministry is equipping trusted spiritual healers. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will also conduct special training programs aimed at producing skilled spiritual healers capable of handling mental health issues with an integrated treatment approach.
Hence, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, with the background provided by this explanation, the initiative that has and will be implemented involves collaboration not only from the Ministry of Religious Affairs alone but in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the State Mufti Department, currently in process. Kaola believe that in answering both queries from Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed simultaneously, we maintain prudence in our steps, and secondly, that prospective spiritual healers should possess some level of understanding or experience in mental health and psychology, for example.
To ensure a reliable group with skills in this area, efforts are underway, collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Department of Mufti. Insha Allah, whenever these are executed, the outcomes are not instant like "instant mee" or ready-to-eat food; it takes time. Through such processes, slowly we will broaden its scope as desired, with not only routine plans but also strategic ones being effectively carried out. Insha Allah, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The twelfth question is from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, also directed to the Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Thank you once again, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. My response may be rather lengthy compared to the previous reply, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, regarding the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin asked if the Ministry has plans to introduce a new category for applications that have not been certified and the status of Halal Certificates for premises to be published online or physically, along with stringent enforcement efforts since several food premises, including those not owned by Muslims, operate while waiting for Halal Certificates or renewals. Does the Ministry have plans to introduce an additional category? That's the understanding.
So, the essence of the question, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, is the issue of delay in issuing new certificates and renewing Halal Certificates. This is a fact. The idea might be whether an additional category can be introduced besides the Halal Certificate. What would it be called? This is actually looked at in the context of existing laws. The laws that have been in place since 2014 do not provide for such a provision unless the law is amended. But even then, we have to consider whether such a modification is practical to overcome the issue of delays. Since we are considering these matters in light of the delays, the ministry, and Alhamdulillah, with input from Your Honourable Members and Pehin all this time, has recognized the benefit of improving the management of the renewal process or issuing the halal certificates.
For example, currently, the timeframe (TPOR) is 45 days, so it should be reduced to a more practical period that meets the needs of the public and business operators or companies. Currently, if a special temporary recognition is given to operators, it’s there, but not from the Ministry of Religious Affairs or the Halal Food Control Division. It is given to operators waiting for halal certificate approval, halal permits, or halal renewals, within six months, but as I, kaola, mentioned earlier since 2005, the law does not provide for such things.
The issue is that the Halal Food Control Division may not be aware of the six-month period because when they go there, no reports are available unless discovered through patrols. That’s one thing. How to address these matters? It means that any authorization, from the Municipality, District, or otherwise, must inform the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Halal Food Control Division, and from there, they will take steps. Otherwise, even after six months more, it will not be known, so overcoming this shouldn’t rely solely on reports, but perhaps it's mainly through intensified patrols or external visits, and this is being intensified.
Secondly, applicants for halal certificates are required to include a sort of declaration for inspectors, eh, no, for supervisors. It's necessary for operators, companies, or restaurants to have a supervisor who is a Muslim and this supervisor must be certified for their qualifications, religious knowledge, and ethical behavior to ensure they are trustworthy. Only then is permission given for them to become supervisors. Currently, applicant forms must include this certification. It currently takes 7 days from holding a qualification test. Applicants are tested for eligibility then informed of results. That’s what takes 7 days. However, this has recently changed to online testing with decisions also online. Results are given on the spot for eligibility. Thus, the previous 7-day process can now take 1 to 3 days. Introducing a new category has not arisen at this moment. We focus on improving time management and work processes, and insha'Allah, this will be ongoing.
The concern from Yang Berhormat and the public is that some operators or premises operate without clear halal status, whether renewing or newly opened. Therefore, these issues can be addressed by improving management processes, not by introducing a legally unsupported new category. Regarding facilitating public understanding, the list of halal-certified restaurants has been available on the Ministry of Religious Affairs website, though intermittently due to technical issues. With recent updates, this website now functions well, and it will be fully accessible as of March 4th.
Thus, the public can see concerns and learn, based on neighboring countries enforcing halal certification. Temporary measures have been named, such as ‘Muslim-Owned’ designation, but trust hinges on Islamic declarations. Without audit, the implications of claims remain scrutinized, integrity doubts linger without internal desk audits or onsite audits. These are not easily adoptable without Government or Ministry of Religious Affairs introduction.
Regarding speeding up with outsource or privatization of halal certification, many companies use consultants to manage applications to the halal certification section. These manage forms but are not outsourced for direct audit powers. It’s limited to management.
Returning to industry concerns, Pehin, nearly 3 minutes, apologies, kaola. There are currently no plans from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to introduce a new category to tackle delays and difficulties for the public on halal knowledge. Listings exist; unlisted restaurants are not halal certified. It’s up to the public to choose or not. Thank you, Pehin, apologies, kaola Pehin, and thank you, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, we have exceeded the time allocated for questions, but it was beneficial to hear the arguments presented by those concerned. We will now move on to the next item on the meeting’s agenda.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
Statement by the Minister.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members, I have given permission for Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan to make a Ministerial Statement, and I now invite the Minister of Education.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Bismillahir rahmanir rahim. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings.
Firstly, kaola would like to express the highest appreciation and gratitude to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity to share six educational issues, namely student and teacher well-being, special education, curriculum, professional development, student achievement and alternative pathways, and scholarships.
The explanation of these issues will simultaneously address ten questions raised by Yang Berhormat Members because these are related issues, namely PL41, PL54, PL60, PL61, PL72, PL80, PL100, PL108, PL135, and PL141. Thank you to Yang Berhormat for those questions.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
The first issue, student and teacher well-being. Alhamdulillah, the integration of religious subjects into the general education system started on 1 November 2023. This integration is seen as an educational transformation that opens up more holistic and comprehensive learning opportunities while prioritizing religious education.
In ensuring the effectiveness of implementing changes in this general education system, it is undeniable that the Ministry of Education has faced several challenges that require this organization to draft careful and reasonable planning processes. All of this began with observations and feedback, accompanied by a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education from 31 July to 6 August 2024 on 8,566 respondents including 4,502 parents and guardians, 1,855 teachers, 167 school leaders, and 2,042 Year 5 students.
The results from this study found that 79% of parents said their children were happy to spend more time at school, and 85% of parents provided food or daily allowance for their children. This finding indicates that there are still students whose parents do not provide food or money for them.
Therefore, to ensure all students' well-being is guaranteed, the Ministry of Education has implemented two initiatives:
First, the Rancangan Permakanan Persekolahan, RPS which is given to all government primary school students totaling 23,472 students, and hostel students totaling 263 students; and
Second, the Program Harapan and Program Anak Harapan involving 8,928 students for schools with more than 50% recipients of the Bantuan Keperluan Persekolahan Tahunan, BKPT as an addition to the RPS program. The provision of nutritious food follows guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health.
This is to support physical fitness and mental acuity of students so they can focus fully on learning, thereby encouraging them to attend school consistently. Besides nutrition, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah also extends assistance to students in need who have been identified to meet the criteria of Skim Kebajikan Negara, SKN. These students receive annual school necessities assistance. The Ri'ayah Wa Mahabbah Program that addresses student absenteeism continues to be implemented.
The second issue, special education. To ensure that students with special needs are not left behind in this integration implementation, various efforts are actively being made, including ensuring the provision of special teachers to accommodate the increasing number of students with special needs.
Starting in 2023, the Ministry of Education has implemented the recruitment of Special Education Teachers at the G1 level to aid existing special education teaching staff. Recently, several graduates have also been recruited through the Civil Service Apprenticeship Scheme.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members. Besides students, the well-being and welfare of teaching staff remain a priority. Alhamdulillah, starting 1 January 2025, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has approved relief leave during school term holidays according to the guidelines and conditions set.
The Ministry of Education through the Counseling Division is also actively implementing the Reach Out Program for Educators or R.O.P.E.S. This program aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and well-being issues among school leaders and teaching staff. So far, 70 schools have participated.
In 2024, a Motivation Workshop was held and attended by all teaching staff totaling 6,341, by experts in the relevant fields. Such workshops will be annual activities of the Ministry of Education. Insya Allah, the Ministry of Education will continue efforts to improve the well-being and welfare of teaching staff to ensure they can perform their duties and responsibilities more effectively.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertuan and Your Honourable Members.
The third issue, curriculum. In ensuring the curriculum of Higher Educational Institutions remains relevant and meets market needs, several initiatives have been conducted by Public and Private Higher Educational Institutions (IPT) as follows:
First, appointing Curriculum Committees whose membership includes not only academic and administrative staff but also industry practitioners and professionals from public agencies;
Second, offering programs accredited by professional bodies such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA);
Third, students will be exposed to the working environment to practice learned skills through internship programs or work attachments;
Fourth, hiring part-time lecturers, adjunct and locum tenens staff from related industries; and
Fifth, establishing Task Force Committees which ensure the programs offered at Public and Private Higher Educational Institutions are relevant to industry demands. This committee includes related agencies such as the Manpower Planning and Employment Office (PPTM), Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (JPES), Industry and Business Ecosystem Division (IBE), and Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB).
The Ministry of Education will also continue conducting the Employer Satisfaction Survey, which gathers feedback from employers on graduates' work quality, performance, and job competencies. Information from this survey is used to review study programs to ensure they are suitable and truly meet the continually changing industry needs.
In supporting the economy of Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Education will continue offering programs in hospitality and tourism, including: At the higher education level, Laksamana College of Business offers a bachelor's degree program in International Tourism Management, alongside diploma and certificate programs in related fields. Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Brunei through Tri-CEd offers short courses in hospitality and tourism to enhance professional skills in this industry.
Second, at the technical and vocational education level, public and private technical and vocational institutions offer programs such as Diploma Apprenticeship in Hospitality Management and Operations, HNTec in Hospitality Operation, NTec in Hotel and Business Tourism, and Diploma in Food Preparation and Culinary Arts. At the secondary level, BTEC Hospitality Level I and II is also offered to Special Applied Program students in Years 9, 10, and 11.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education will continue collaborating with stakeholders to formulate courses in hospitality and tourism fields such as through the Manpower Industry Steering Committee Working Group, Hospitality, and Tourism chaired by the Human Resource Planning and Employment Council.
Thus far, two programs, namely Basic Local Host Tourist Guide and Language Course for Tourist Guide have been implemented together with support from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and the Lifelong Learning Centre (L3C) of the Ministry of Education.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. The fourth issue, professional development. Quality education is not limited to providing relevant curricula alone. The curriculum must be well-translated by teachers. Therefore, continuous professional development for teachers is very important. Throughout 2024, 116 programs were conducted by the Teacher's Unit, involving 8,313 teachers from primary, secondary, and sixth form levels, including participation from the private sector, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and higher education.
Alhamdulillah, based on participant feedback, 99 percent agreed that they gained new skills and knowledge they could apply in their respective schools. The courses offered not only involved curriculum content, theory, and teaching approaches but also covered detailed content in the Brunei Teacher Standards and Teacher Performance Assessment or BTS-TPA framework that outlines teacher expectations and competencies.
According to data shared by Yang Berhormat Members of the National Assembly, a survey conducted in July 2024 involving 586 educators, 92% from the Ministry of Education and 124 from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, showed that for the question regarding their understanding of the Brunei Teacher Standards, BTS or the Teacher Performance Assessment, TPA, 19.7% were very understanding, 55.3% understanding, while 21.8% did not understand, and 3.3% were very not understand. Insya Allah, the Ministry of Education will intensify efforts so that the percentage of teachers who understand expectations in BTS and TPA will increase.
Education is influenced by a constantly changing environment, so to achieve learning objectives, all parties involved in education need to adapt to new approaches and knowledge. In keeping with industry developments, the Ministry of Education continues to prioritize professional development to enhance teachers' skills and knowledge.
For example, the Teacher’s Day Conference and School Leaders Convention serve as platforms for sharing best practices and exploring the use of technology in teaching and learning, including Artificial Intelligence.
In Technical and Vocational Education and Higher Education, in the past five years, 248 IBTE teaching staff have undergone industry placement training.
Industrial practitioners and professional personnel are also brought in as adjunct faculty to provide practical and up-to-date perspectives. This is not only to produce industry-ready students but also to ensure knowledge transfer to teaching staff in these institutions.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. The fifth issue, student achievement, and alternative pathways. Brunei Darussalam will once again participate in the PISA Study or Programme for International Student Assessment in April 2025. The results of the PISA 2025 study will serve as a reference for the Ministry of Education in assessing the effectiveness of the country's education system. Besides PISA, student academic achievements in national or major examinations also provide feedback on the effectiveness of educational initiatives.
Alhamdulillah, although there were recorded declines due to learning disruptions or learning loss following the COVID-19 pandemic, student achievements in PSR, 'O' Level, IGCSE, and 'A' Level examinations overall remain on an increasing trajectory over the past 10 years.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Referring to the O Level examination, student achievement in obtaining 5 credits is still used as a pathway metric to various levels of study. The minimum requirement for further study to post-secondary, namely Pre-University A Level, Diploma programs, and Foundation programs, is obtaining at least 5 O Levels.
This practice is used by both local and overseas institutions such as in Malaysia, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The trend of students achieving 3 A Levels has been increasing from 2027 onwards. The percentage of students achieving 3 A Levels in 2024 was 72.35%, an increase of 7.03% from the previous year.
Insya Allah, with the increasing number of students at the A level, entry into higher education will be more competitive. This will spur learning to become more qualitative.
In efforts to enhance student achievement at the 'O' Level, the Ministry of Education has implemented various initiatives, some of which I shared during the Minister's Remarks on Wednesday, 5 March 2025.
If anyone asks why these initiatives are mainly conducted at the primary level, it is because the Student Learning Survey, initiated in 2023, aims to assess the competency of Year 2 to Year 10 students in literacy, numeracy, and science. Starting with the involvement of 23,000 students in 2023 and 47,000 students in 2024, this assessment has been joined by 197 out of 204 schools nationwide, including private schools and schools under the Department of Islamic Studies, Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Findings from this assessment indicate there are competency achievement gaps at all levels, starting from the primary level. From these findings, the Ministry of Education has introduced several intervention programs at all levels with a special focus on students at the primary level. In 2025, the SLS assessment was conducted from 16 January to 15 February, involving over 50,000 students, and data from this assessment is still in the process of being analyzed.
The Ministry of Education is aware of the importance of alternative qualifications for students more inclined toward practical skills. In this regard, the Ministry of Education offers an alternative pathway where students are offered Pearson BTEC or Business and Technology Education Council courses. Pearson BTEC is a career-based qualification designed to recognize specific skills required to pursue higher education or employment in certain fields.
Presently, BTEC programs offer 5 specializations, namely Art and Design, Hospitality, Business, Creative Media Production, and Information Technology. Alhamdulillah, starting with the 2024 intake, students who have completed the BTEC Level 2 Certificate and BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate can apply to continue their education at IBTE, Institute Brunei Technical Education, if interested. Insya Allah, the Ministry of Education is currently in the planning stages of offering BTEC Level 3, providing opportunities for students to pursue courses in the same field at higher education levels.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members. The sixth issue, scholarships. Stemming from 'A' level student achievements, the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has provided scholarship schemes for further studies. This scholarship scheme, established 50 years ago, is a meritocracy education policy founded by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar `Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the 28th Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. It provides opportunities for citizens who meet specified conditions to pursue education domestically and overseas.
So far, the types of Overseas Scholarships offered include, one, the Government Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Bachelor's, Master's, and Professional Levels. Second, the University Brunei Darussalam Twin Programs with Partner Medical Schools and Partner Dental Schools overseas in the fields of Medicine and Dentistry. Third, the Brunei Darussalam and Republic of Singapore Youth Education Scholarship Scheme for Years 7 to 13. Fourth, the Special Scholarship Scheme for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, AME in collaboration with His Majesty Sultan’s Flight and Royal Brunei for Bachelor's Degree and Professional Level. Fifth, the Special Sports Scholarship Scheme in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports. Sixth, the Special Scholarship Scheme for Air Traffic Controllers with the cooperation of the Department of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications for professional levels, and seventh, the Education Loan Assistance Scheme, SBPP for bachelor's degree levels.
Meanwhile, the types of Domestic Scholarships offered are as follows:
One, the Secondary and Pre-University Scholarship Scheme at international schools;
Second, the Special Sports Scholarship Scheme at international schools at the Pre-University level;
Third, the Domestic Government Scholarship Scheme to Public Higher Educational Institutions (IPTA) at Diploma Level 5, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, and Doctor of Philosophy; and
Fourth, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Education and Training Scheme in collaboration with the Human Resource Planning Office, Prime Minister's Department.
Moreover, to safeguard the well-being of less fortunate students, the Ministry of Education also offers the Technical and Vocational Education Scholarship Scheme, BPTV to pursue higher education studies at Private Higher Educational Institutions at levels 1 to 4 within the Brunei Darussalam Qualifications Framework (BDQF). This reflects the Ministry of Education's commitment to providing inclusive education for all students.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members. The Ministry of Education bears the very significant responsibility of producing skilled, educated, and career-resilient citizens to ensure sustainable national development. This effort requires collective cooperation from the government sector, private sector, and society.
Therefore, on this occasion, kaola/I humbly express many thanks to all parties who have greatly helped and supported the Ministry of Education in undertaking this challenging responsibility. Heartiest congratulations are also directed to all members of the Ministry of Education, especially the teaching staff, for all their efforts and sacrifices in providing the best education to our children. Kaola/I cannot repay the services and sacrifices of all of you other than being able to pray that Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala rewards them with abundant blessings and mercy as well as great rewards. Amin Amin Ya Rabbal `alamin.
Before kaola/I end this sharing, kaola/I would like to add a little clarification on the question raised by Yang Berhormat Awang Salleh bin Haji Othman on Thursday regarding bullying case data. According to the data, 447 students were reported to have committed bullying offenses in 2024. Male students had the highest number of bullying offenses with 292 compared to 155 female students. While at the higher education level for the 2022-2024 period, there were 7 bullying cases reported involving 5 male students and 2 female students.
That's all that kaola/I can share so far. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah, Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat. Your Honourable Members. I think it is suitable now for us to take a break for 15 minutes and we will resume this meeting later.
(The meeting takes a short break)
(The meeting resumes)
Now the Legislative Council is in session again and we will move on to the next item on the meeting's agenda.
Yang Mulia Jurutulis
The Bill and Resolution Motion for the Development Fund. Basic Stage Debate.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. The Legislative Council session is still discussing the 2025 Bill, 2025/2026 Supply, and the Resolution Motion for the Development Fund in the basic stage debate.
Now, we will move on to the minister's comments. I would now like to invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral (Bersara) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II to give his comments. Yang Berhormat Pehin.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Salam sejahtera. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
(Prayer recited)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members blessed by Allah and whom I, peramba/kaola, respect. Firstly, allow kaola to express the highest gratitude to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity to deliver remarks on the budget focus of the Prime Minister's Department for the Financial Year 2025/2026 in this esteemed assembly.
At the beginning of this opportunity, peramba/kaola, on behalf of the Prime Minister's Department and its subsidiary departments, with utmost respect, am pleased to convey the highest gratitude to Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, for granting approval for an allocation of $552,343,750.00, which includes $324,296,400.00 for staff salaries and $228,047,350.00 for Recurring Expenditures.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. It is pleasing to inform that the estimated expenditure for the Prime Minister's Department and its subsidiary departments is structured with emphasis on the goals and priorities of expenditure that support the theme of the National Budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026: 'United in Building a More Prosperous Future' as well as the strategic plan of the Prime Minister's Department and its subsidiary departments.
As a main driver in government administration, the Prime Minister's Department fully upholds the command of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam to enhance the level of excellent service delivery, which is a pillar for sustainable national economic development, while ensuring the interests, security, and well-being of the citizens and residents of this country are safeguarded. This is also in line with the vision of the Strategic Plan of the Prime Minister's Department, namely Excellent Leadership and Governance and the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035. Accordingly, the Prime Minister's Department and its subsidiary departments have outlined the implementation of its budget based on the three main national budget priorities that have been set.
The first priority, which is to enhance public welfare and productivity. Alhamdulillah, the Prime Minister's Department and its agencies have developed various strategies to maintain political stability and defend national sovereignty. The Whole of Government and Whole of Nation approach is emphasized, where national security agencies closely collaborate with the public in jointly safeguarding the security and peace of this country.
In terms of public security, a new initiative spearheaded through the National Fiscal Strengthening Program, fiscal consolidation will be implemented, which is the project for leasing vehicles and motorcycles for enforcement agencies. This project involves the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Narcotics Control Bureau, and the Department of Internal Security, which will further enhance the response time in handling any incident while increasing their visibility among the community and building public confidence in the presence of enforcement agencies. Accordingly, a Steering Committee for the Procurement of Vehicles for Security and Enforcement Agencies under the Prime Minister's Department has been established to oversee the procurement processes of these vehicles.
Simultaneously, the office of the Public Service Commission is also carrying out the transformation of the staff recruitment system through the Smart Screening and Process Validation initiative for applicants, aimed at simplifying and accelerating the recruitment process in ministries. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence or AI is the latest driving force encouraging efficiency, innovation, and decision-making to support the current public service sector.
One of the initiatives by the Prime Minister's Department in integrating AI into the public service is through a collaboration between the Public Service Department and the Commonwealth. For this purpose, the Public Service Department is in the process of testing the efficiency and the toolkit named StrategusAI toolkit provided by the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium, CAIC. The toolkit is intended to be used by ministries specifically for policy and regulatory formulation using artificial intelligence. In preserving national harmony, official government media agencies through the Department of Radio Television Brunei and the Department of Information will continue to serve as the main channel for precise and effective government information dissemination through various media platforms. Close collaboration among government media is very important in building public understanding of government policies and initiatives. Furthermore, grassroots approaches will always be strengthened as a two-way communication bridge between the government and the people to ensure that each feedback can be appropriately addressed.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Moving on to the second priority, which is fostering sustainable economic diversification as a leader. The Prime Minister's Department is committed to ensuring the formulation and implementation of effective policies.
Toward this end, the Prime Minister's Department adopts a more structured approach, particularly through the Permanent Secretaries Meeting that promotes focused discussions on the coordination of government policies and strong cooperation synergy toward achieving consensus via informed decision-making.
In the context of the Economic Blueprint of Wawasan Brunei 2035, besides leading the efforts to sustain the upstream sector, the Department of Energy also focuses on energy infrastructure development to support the agenda of diversifying and expanding the economy. This includes transitioning to new sectors such as green technology, manufacturing, and digital innovation. Alongside this effort, the nation will continue to advance the downstream oil and gas sector positively impacting the economy. Although this sector is vigorously developed, there is still potential to explore further, particularly in increasing the added value of downstream products.
With the planned second phase of the Hengyi refinery facility, the nation will strengthen its position as a producer of high-value chemical and petrochemical products. This not only increases the country's competitiveness in the region but also opens opportunities for our country to become a major player in the global petrochemical industry, supporting a more diversified and competitive economy. However, the supply of raw materials, especially crude oil, is crucial for downstream industry development. Domestically produced crude oil is prioritized for domestic needs, while the surplus is exported at market rates to maximize its value for the country's interest.
The crude oil demand for the downstream industry is imported and processed for export at a higher value. With the petrochemical facility at Pulau Muara Besar, the country has the capacity to import crude oil at 175 thousand barrels per day, a quantity expected to increase with the second phase. With the existing infrastructure, it strengthens the nation's capability to supply sufficient crude oil for domestic and downstream industry needs. For gas-based downstream industries, close collaboration with the relevant operating companies continues to ensure that the production of this resource is maximized.
These efforts are hoped to support the economic growth of the downstream industry, guarantee the need and security of domestic fuel supply while generating national economic growth including creating new job and enterprise opportunities for locals. Addressing employment opportunities for locals in the progressively expanding downstream sector, the Energy Department within the Prime Minister's Department continues to strengthen the readiness of the local workforce, especially in management positions including those of a technical nature. This includes the enforcement of directives on upstream and downstream companies to ensure the availability of expertise comparable to future needs through monitoring, replacement planning, and competency usage. In developing early-stage expertise, new industry initiatives are encouraging. Hengyi Industries has offered specialized scholarships to more than 900 graduates to advance their studies in specific fields required for Phase One and also for Phase Two in the future. Meanwhile, Brunei Fertilizer Industries and Brunei Methanol Company also have their development programs and a Competency Framework through their Placement and Training Exchange Program. These approaches, Insha Allah, will further enhance their skills, expertise, and leadership in the downstream industry.
In terms of regulation, the National Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam and the Authority for Safety, Health, and Environment SHENA have a solid and competitive service scheme prioritizing qualifications, expertise, and technical experience to address the complex issues of this sector. Alongside these developments, the country remains committed to the Paris Agreement with a target to reduce Greenhouse Gas, GHG emissions by 20 percent in 2030, and accordingly, the update of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy, BNCCP is underway with new strategies and targets set for 2035.
In this context, it is crucial to balance the utilization of national resources. Among the climate actions, particularly in terms of adaptation and economic growth to ensure sustainable and robust development. This initiative study relies on adequate financial support, continuous capacity development, and innovative technological advancement to ensure effective and sustainable implementation.
As the host of the ASEAN Center for Climate Change, ACCC Brunei Darussalam also plays a crucial role in strengthening regional cooperation, accelerating capacity development, and advancing innovative climate solutions regionally. Simultaneously, efforts to further strengthen energy security by diversifying sources, including alternative energy, and optimizing energy use toward lower carbon goals through energy procurement measures are emphasized. This includes increasing the development of renewable energy and more efficient use in terms of practices and the application of technology.
To ensure collaboration, thorough monitoring is conducted based on the Outcome-Based KPI targeting the Long-term KPI like increasing the installation capacity of electricity generation from renewable sources beyond 30 percent of total generation and improving the electricity generation efficiency rate to more than 50 percent by 2035.
Progress is also reported to the Energy Efficiency and Safety Steering Committee every month to monitor the integrated achievement of these targets, including tackling challenges that may impact the desired progress.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, kaola further shares briefly on the third priority which is the Development of a Dynamic and Visionary Human Capital. The Prime Minister's Department and its subsidiary departments will continue to implement capacity development programs to enhance skills among civil servants in this country.
One of the main efforts is the Job Placement Program, especially the Public Service Development Program to the Republic of Singapore. Alhamdulillah, this program continues to bring great benefits for our outstanding officers. It not only opens opportunities, exchanges ideas, and experiences but also strengthens bilateral relations between Negara Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore. It is also pleasing to share, that the second cohort of this program involving 5 individuals began in October 2024 for a duration of 1 year.
The Prime Minister's Department through the Public Service Institution also implements development programs under the Civil Service Leadership Pipeline, CSLP to prepare officers for future leadership positions. This includes collaborations with international strategic partners to enrich training modules in line with efforts to obtain international accreditations to achieve its goal of becoming a Center of Excellence.
In the effort to strengthen Public Service Competency, the Public Service Institute will continue to offer courses planned through training needs analysis. This program aligns with the implementation of the Strategic Workforce Audit and Planning, SWAP initiative by the Prime Minister's Department aimed at assessing and optimizing workforce needs in every government agency. Both efforts, Insha Allah, will increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the public sector in the long run. Simultaneously, the Human Resource Planning and Employment Council, MPTMP has also introduced new programs to develop local talent such as the Clinical Supervisory Program for Allied Health Professionals graduates and the Public Service Apprenticeship Scheme, SkiPPA, offering In-Service Training for 12 months.
It is also pleasing, kaola informs that as with previous years, the Fiscal Strengthening Program will continue to be the main focus in government financial management. The Prime Minister's Department will ensure that every expenditure provides optimal value and is implemented with full prudence focusing on high-priority areas. Through solid internal controls in each department, we can ensure that every dollar and cent spent achieves the targeted objectives.
Insha Allah with the permission from Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala and the blessings of the wise leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister's Department, and its subsidiary departments will always be guided by the priorities under each Wawasan Brunei 2035 goal by continually emphasizing the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approaches in strategizing and leading the implementation. This concludes my brief explanation regarding the budget proposal for the Prime Minister's Department and its subsidiary departments for the Financial Year 2025/2026, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Before concluding, kaola would like to inform that five departments under the Prime Minister's Department are closed departments, namely the Narcotics Control Bureau, Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Department of Internal Security, the Royal Brunei Police Force, and the Brunei Research Department since these departments are directly related to the strategic national security affairs and issues that will be discussed might be sensitive and unsuitable for public discussion. Therefore, kaola seeks the consideration of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the budget of these departments not to be discussed. That's all, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Now, I invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
Bismillahir rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. (Prayer is read).
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Kaola would first like to express my highest appreciation and thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for allowing kaola to participate in the General Debate Session regarding the 2025 Bill, the 2025/2026 Supply, and the Development Fund Proposal that has been read, which was proposed by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, Alhamdulillah, indeed kaola is pleased to express confidence that this chamber welcomes the presentation made by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II. Generally, Your Honourable Appointed Members who have spoken agree that it is a comprehensive and informative presentation, with clear details based on and aiming to affirm that the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, is a government that consistently implements the responsibility to develop and advance the country for the well-being and welfare of loyal citizens, upholding a just, sovereign monarchical leadership that guides the nation and keeps the people prosperous.
As part of the government machinery, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will continually strive hard in fulfilling its responsibilities and providing the best possible services in the field of religion. For this purpose, the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Baginda Sultan, in allocating this allowance, kaola expresses profound gratitude for the allocation to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a substantial part of the Annual Budget for its operations, and another portion for the Development or Advancement Budget. Both are encompassed in the Budget Bill presented to be supported and subsequently approved.
As stated in the presentation, kaola requests permission to quote from the presentation by Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II. Kaola quotes that this Budget is not merely an annual plan, it is a continuous strategic step towards achieving the Brunei Vision 2035 and a joint commitment to ensure the continuous prosperity and resilience of the nation. In this context too, the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year Budget allocated to the Ministry of Religious Affairs is for ordinary expenditure amounting to $278,601,600.00 and development expenditure amounting to $10,836,153.00, with the RKN–12 plan price totaling $191,369,155.00. Thanks be to Allah. With this supported allocation, the Ministry of Religious Affairs can continue implementing its mandate, which is to provide religious services for strengthening religious appreciation among the community in this country, with the Vision of Empowering Quality and Innovative Religious Services and the Mission of Enhancing Effective and Innovative Governance of Religious Services for National Development and Well-being. This, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, is executed through five strategic pillars supporting Brunei Vision 2035.
The first is strengthening quality religion as a co-leader with the Ministry of Education. The second is efficient and innovative service delivery, and the third is inclusive da’wah and social welfare. Fourth is the sustainable human capital strength and fifth is exploring dynamic economic development opportunities. With the field of education, the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam is consistently committed to empowering the religious education system in this country, where a large part of the annual budget is for religious education covering primary and secondary religious schooling, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Al-Quran Tahfiz Institute, and Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPUSB), which includes expenditure for students awarded full scholarships, studying at 'A' level in selected secondary schools within the country, in higher education institutions in Egypt, Jordan, Malaysia, and the UK.
Regarding the integration of religious learning components into the general education system for students aged 5 to 10 years, the Ministry of Religious Affairs fully supports its implementation and plays a direct role through its High-Level Committee co-chaired by both the Minister of Education and the Minister of Religious Affairs. This committee focuses on 4 main sections: the Curriculum and Assessment Syllabus Division, the Planning, Implementation, and Monitoring Division, the Professional Development and Training Program Division, the Infrastructure and Facilities Division, and the Communication and Liaison Division.
With the execution of this integration, religious schooling still exists and, Insya Allah, will be maintained as per the decree of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during an unscheduled visit to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on November 4, 2023. Baginda stated, "In this regard, concerning integration, I must emphasize that there is no intention to abolish religious schools. Religious schools are a network of MIB and one of the national identities we pride ourselves on." Thus, a decree which is the nation's resolve to maintain the religious education system through religious and Arabic schools.
For this purpose, the Arabic religious schooling system is being reviewed for updating. In this regard, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, the study is being carefully examined with updating connected to the current Arabic schools to remain aligned and implemented in accordance with the original purpose of their establishment as envisioned by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the 28th Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam when baginda laid the foundation stone for the construction of Hassanal Bolkiah Male Arabic School in April 1964. Al-Marhum decreed, "Thus, the Government is aware that it is time, indeed, it is time to establish an Arabic Religious School with an education policy suitable to progress with the times, not only in the teaching of religious knowledge and Arabic language but also of national and worldly knowledge to qualify students graduating from these secondary schools to pursue higher education abroad." Such was the decree of Al-Marhum at that time.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Next, kaola refers to the statement of Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II regarding the main success in achieving Brunei Vision 2035 under the first goal, related to increasing national achievement in the field of education in UBD, UNISSA, and UTB higher education institutions in the international higher education ranking and the commendable achievement of primary education at the PISA level, the Program International Student Assessment which is in three subject domains, Literacy, Science, and Mathematics in the year 2022 compared to 2018.
Alhamdulillah, kaola mentioned one matter regarding the commendable achievement as a benchmark for the quality of education and schooling in the international arena, including the participation of several Arabic religious schools and Tahfiz institutes along with a number of selected government and private schools for evaluation in those three domains.
Such is the achievement, Yang Berhormat Di-Pertua, in the field of education and schooling currently becoming a measure of the importance of concerted efforts to enhance and advance the quality of education and schooling to produce highly educated citizens under Brunei Vision 2035.
The role of the Ministry of Religious Affairs towards this is through Arabic religious schooling and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Al-Quran Tahfiz Institute as well as the Seri Begawan University College of Religious Teachers.
As far as measured by the achievements of students from these schools in public examinations, it continues to show an upward trend in public examinations for Arabic and religious schools.
Alhamdulillah, this matter is deeply thanked for and can be seen through the achievement of Arabic schools at the primary level through PSR examinations which still maintain excellence with an achievement rate of 97.19% obtaining grades A to C.
Similarly, at the secondary level which has also seen an increase, particularly for students from Arabic schools and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Al-Quran Tahfiz Institute, where 50.78% of its students succeeded in achieving 5 ‘O’ Levels and above, compared to the national achievement rate of 44.17%.
The rising trend in public examination achievements for lower level Arabic religious education certificates SSRU, SPUB, and SPTUB all show the wise and visionary leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, who is determined to maintain religious schooling as part of the National Education System, which will undoubtedly continue to contribute to strengthening religious life in society, government, and the nation in the present and future within the era of Brunei Vision 2035 achievements and subsequent eras.
Kaola is pleased to state that whatever national achievements in this era of vision and beyond, whatever the achievements, whether we succeed with a good percentage or we only moderate or do not achieve it in 2035, and with our efforts, the country has actually documented its objectives in its Long Term Development Book published in 1997, that in pursuit of this vision, we unite in 3 matters:
First, we unite in loyalty to the sultan and the country;
Second, faith in Islamic values; and
Third, social harmony and goodwill tradition practices.
Certainly, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Islamic Religious Council, as the Highest Advisory Board in religious affairs according to the constitution which also lies within the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Islamic Religious Council, are very committed to ensuring that the spirit and resolve of this unity is firmly maintained through Islamic education and religious schooling at all levels up to the stage of higher education accompanied by efforts in other fields especially da’wah, mosque, alms and waqf, law and legal matters especially sharia law, and no less important is the role of halal food control and other religious services for which budget allocations have been provided.
Hence, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is committed to enhancing religious appreciation in this country through several major initiatives:
First, strengthening Al-Quran education through enhancing reading skills at all school levels including in terms of tadabbur, memorization, and melodious recitation. Moreover, printed publication formats are also available as application formats equipped with audio readings by local huffaz which are complete 30 juz, thus becoming a benchmark for the skill and achievement of the country in memorization and recitation at the regional and international level.
The 30 juz audio readings have been well utilized and to further extend its reach by broadcasting on the Al-Quran frequency, 89.1 FM and 99.7 FM, in collaboration with KRISTALfm aired continuously 24 hours. This application has been downloaded by 42,500 users as of March 4, 2025, a few days ago;
Second is enhancing human resource capacity through professional training and skill development for teaching staff and non-teaching staff;
Third, strengthening and updating religious education curricula guided by the provisions of the country's constitution in religious matters;
Fourth, increasing aspects of well-being, health, and safety in terms of infrastructure for Arabic schools, religious schools, and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Al-Quran Tahfiz Institute to ensure a conducive, safe, and comfortable learning environment; and
Fifth, enhancing the use of digital technology in religious education, da’wah, and management through exposure and culture among the workforce, including at the school level.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola is also pleased to mention Hajj and Umrah Services, where the Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the Department of Hajj Affairs, alhamdulillah, as mentioned by Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance Economy II in his presentation touching slightly on this matter, namely the Department of Hajj Affairs, alhamdulillah, has launched the online hajj registration system, named BruHaj, on January 20, 2025.
The use of the BruHaj system has assisted the ministry in enhancing the effectiveness of the governance of Hajj services, especially in the registration and management process of prospective Hajj pilgrims in a more systematic and orderly way.
This new initiative has provided convenience to the public to register from home, anywhere, even for our citizens who are abroad to register and at the same time registration through this system also provides an opportunity for parents to register their children or grandchildren under the age of 10 or those who are still very young, can be registered as future preparation.
Thus, when they are registered, say this year, with a waiting period of 25 years, if they are 10 years old now, by the age of 35, they will get their chance to perform Hajj subject to their financial preparation and so on, and that is why if done now, financial planning can be done early. That is the intent carried out by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, simultaneously encouraging saving among families.
Then at the same time, we find many of our community members inclined to perform Umrah with the rules now relaxed by the Saudi Arabian Government.
The number of our people performing Umrah counted over 6 years from 2018 until 2024, 2025 excluding 2021 due to the prohibition of Umrah at that time, amounts to 21,933 people.
If combined with the numbers now within the last three months, it has reached approximately 22,000, prompting an increase in the establishment of agencies handling or organizing Umrah, increasing to 32 travel agencies authorized to manage Umrah packages using tourist visas, a rise to 32 as is currently.
Meanwhile, in zakat affairs, kaola is pleased to mention that the Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the Department of Zakat and Wakaf Affairs, is presently caring for 1,620 families, with a total number of dependents of 2,926 people.
These are the zakat recipients comprising the poor and needy. They are the number approved in 2024, receiving zakat disbursement for either 1 or 2 years, receiving their disbursement funds through bank accounts.
Additionally, ensuring the well-being of people in the zakat category who are in urgent need of housing, they have been given zakat disbursement assistance by building permanent houses in addition to rental disbursement for those in need subject to necessary qualifications.
Kaola is also pleased to state that since 2009, a total of 125 permanent houses have been constructed for the poor, needy, and converts, and in 2025 there are 13 more under construction, with an additional 328 under consideration and review.
All these initiatives are included towards the well-being of people to fulfill the direction of Brunei Vision 2035, where the Ministry of Religious Affairs is actively involved as necessary.
Truly, regarding the well-being of the people we expect to achieve in Vision 2035, 10 years from now, we surely aspire to marshal efforts in view of the achievements now, meaning the need for housing is still high, many still waiting, the unemployment rate is still met, hence we will marshal efforts not only within the Government but also all circles outside the Government, with some working together in the economic field and surely we will also encompass all and embrace all potential elements to join us towards achieving this ambition.
Because as per kaola's observation as an elderly person, the elderly, observing the current situation with a measure of the 10 years remaining, the gap between the affluent and those not affluent, those with the opportunity to move forward and develop with those without, this gap already exists now, and this gap in the future, if this trend continues to evolve as it is now.
Thus, the gap will become bigger and wider, and if we bow down, figuratively speaking, it creates an uneasy feeling, a sense of dread, because of that, let us not feel it will make us feel fearful and so on, but we must be ready to face it with initiatives.
Those efforts include our current economic team, our professional team in many economic fields and other fields to work together to strive for what is best for Brunei in the future. Insya Allah, we believe that Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala will not waste any benevolent endeavor.
Kaola concludes this speech by thanking Pehin abundantly and wishing continued fasting during this Ramadan, fasting with Imanan wahtisaban Lillahi Ta'ala, which is with full faith in Allah, complying with whatever is prohibited in fasting while hoping for forgiveness and Allah's approval.
(Prayer is read). Blessed fasting. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I now invite Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. First, kaola would like to express gratitude to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity given to kaola to provide comments on several issues raised by Your Honourable Members previously.
Regarding the Economic Development Plan, kaola wishes to present some comments from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof and Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, concerning variation orders and RKN projects.
Firstly, concerning steps to avoid variation orders which lead to cost increases unless absolutely necessary.
For information of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, in government projects, variation orders are usually scrutinized thoroughly for necessity and there are control mechanisms in place for approval processes guided by the Government Procurement Guidelines, 2022. Change orders or variation orders can be considered if they are due to reasons such as:
Firstly, changes in specifications, models, types, and designs after considering value for money and value engineering, which are caused by technical changes, technological innovations, and changes in construction methodology;
Secondly, additional work that cannot be separated from the original work and if it is conducted separately would impact project completion;
Thirdly, changes or additions required by unforeseen circumstances needed for project completion; and
Fourthly, matters involving changes in law or government regulations required by health, safety, and environmental needs or Health, Safety and Environment.
Regarding the Health Center project in Kampung Pandan, this matter had previously been discussed to be implemented as a public-private partnership under the Special Committee for Corporatization and Public-Private Cooperation, where the Ministry of Finance and Economy through PCube Sdn Bhd, now known as the Commercial Advisory Unit at BEDB, has assisted the Ministry of Health in conducting a preliminary feasibility assessment of its implementation as a PPP.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Finance and Economy has noted that the Ministry of Health has received approval to proceed with the process of issuing Pre-Qualification Questionnaires and Requests for Proposal for project development commercially through the PPP method. Currently, the project is still in the discussion process with BEDB for the issuance of Pre-Qualification Questionnaires.
Meanwhile, concerning the reduction in RKN allocations, as kaola explained in the previous Budget presentation session, although the RKN 12 allocation for the Financial Year 2025/2026 slightly decreased, it is expected to be sufficient to cover the progress of RKN project implementation, considering previous spending trends and the capacity of each ministry to execute its projects.
At the same time, if there is no need for additional spending because the required facilities are readily available, then there is no necessity to increase spending merely for spending's sake. Besides that, RKN allocations are not related to recurring expenses, as both are provided based on their respective needs.
Furthermore, kaola would like to deliver comments from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam; and Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman on employment opportunities in this country.
For Your Honourable Members' information, based on data from the Labour Force Survey, which measures labour force trends based on the International Labour Organization's definition without distinguishing between permanent, temporary, and self-employed workers. The total number of workers in Brunei increased by 8.1% from 2017 to 2023.
This increase was also accompanied by a pro-rata rise in monthly income from $1,331 in 2017 to $1,755 in 2023.
Even though income has risen, the cost of living pressures remain a challenge.
In this regard, various government subsidy initiatives play an important role in reducing household expenditure burdens and helping to stabilize basic spending while also improving the overall quality of life for the population.
Furthermore, kaola wishes to share about the employment situation in the private sector, as of January 31, 2025, there are more than 4,000 vacant positions being advertised through JobCentre Brunei's portal across various sectors such as oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing.
Additionally, based on workforce requirement projections collected by the Human Resource Planning Office, it is estimated that 10,500 new job opportunities will be created in the oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, food, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality sectors from 2024 to 2028.
These projections were obtained from government agencies as well as private sector companies, GLCs, FDIs, and PMKS. However, from those figures, only a few require Bachelor's degrees and above.
Therefore, to enhance job opportunities aligned with graduates' qualifications, concerted effort and commitment from all parties are necessary to attract and facilitate foreign direct investment, while also promoting comprehensive private sector growth.
Hence, it is crucial to produce graduates who not only possess skills relevant to industry needs but are also entrepreneurial, innovative, and adaptable to job market changes.
With these characteristics, they can not only create opportunities for themselves but also become agents of change as future job creators.
Alhamdulillah, the latest Labour Force Survey Report indicates an increase in entrepreneurship activities and a shift towards a gig economy. This demonstrates local youth's interest and capability in exploring more flexible and dynamic job opportunities which will undoubtedly propel economic growth.
Regarding localisation strategies, the Brunei Employment Centre together with the Labour Department is carrying out assessments for Clearance Letter applications.
The aim is to prioritise the hiring of local candidates for job opportunities deemed suitable for locals before hiring foreign workers in the coming years.
Additionally, several efforts have been undertaken under the Manpower Industry Steering Committee, which has identified 60 types of critical occupations that can be filled by locals. Based on the analysis of these critical occupations, it will open up more than 5,000 job opportunities in the energy, ICT, hospitality and tourism, transportation and logistics, and construction sectors by considering a 50% replacement rate for foreign workers.
Though we aim to maximize employment opportunities for locals, realistically, foreign workers are still required. They can be considered to add value given that their skills and expertise complement or are complementary to our local talents.
Touching on the proposal by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin about the Return Talent Program to turn brain drain into brain gain and the suggestion for a competent workforce at the executive level, the government welcomes these proposals. However, graduates are encouraged to gain work experience abroad if possible.
With this opportunity, graduates can acquire work experience and knowledge, including exposure to current technologies, best work practices, and international professional networks that will enhance their abilities and expertise to contribute to national development.
Additionally, regarding the direction of participants in the Public Service Apprenticeship Program, SkiPPA, the i-Ready Apprenticeship Program, kaola seeks permission to share the main objectives of these apprenticeship programs, which aim to provide work experience, build skills and expertise across various public and private sector fields for apprentices to enhance their employability and marketability.
For Your Honourable Members' information, SkiPPA apprenticeship intake in the government is subject to apprentices' performance over 12 months. Apprentices can also be employed within the apprenticeship period of less than 12 months if they consistently demonstrate excellent performance, and at the same time, there is a specific need in a government agency, particularly for new functions and subject to vacant position allocations or through the creation of new positions.
Thus, the recruitment process to a permanent position can be carried out by the required ministry or department using the Public Service Apprenticeship Recruitment Guidelines that are enforced from time to time.
At the same time, it enables them to assess whether the job suits them. Upon completion of SkiPPA, ministries can evaluate participants' performance before deciding whether to offer employment or not. Job seekers also have the option of either accepting the offer or seeking other job opportunities based on the experience gained.
Simultaneously, the government will implement a project involving manpower audits for all ministries to align human resource needs with each ministry's main functions.
Meanwhile, regarding the i-Ready program in the private sector, I am pleased to share that 71% of i-Ready apprentices who have completed their apprenticeships have secured jobs, with 23% working in the public sector and 77% in the private sector.
However, the responsibility to ensure workforce welfare should not be entirely focused on the government. Employers and operators in the private sector also have a social responsibility to help the government achieve this objective, for instance by offering more attractive salary packages, improving conducive work environments, providing appropriate facilities, and so on.
Furthermore, kaola would like to convey comments from Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim regarding the Stock Exchange Project. This project is progressing well, and if properly implemented, it can create more quality new jobs such as primary dealers, secondary dealers, research analysts, investment analysts, and others.
At the same time, the Stock Exchange Organization offers opportunities for investors to participate in economic growth and promotes a culture of saving and investing. Additionally, a well-regulated stock exchange will enhance market transparency and accountability, which can further attract domestic and international investors and foster a resilient and diversified economy.
The successful implementation of this project requires comprehensive market readiness. This includes the development of stock exchange regulations and infrastructure, as well as the development of a supportive ecosystem including the provision of additional services such as depository services, custodian services, corporate financial advisory, underwriting, auditing, and competent legal firms. In this regard, the Stock Exchange Project has undertaken efforts to address challenges and opportunities for the project's success. One challenge is the implementation of a direct business model, i.e., one that does not involve brokers and real-time settlement.
Additionally, the Stock Exchange Project has also conducted a feasibility study and, alhamdulillah, this study concerning the establishment of a securities exchange, clearinghouse, and central securities depository has been completed, and the implementation phase will, insya Allah, begin this month. These studies include:
Firstly, the development of a strategy containing a strategic roadmap to build a market model ecosystem, regulatory reforms that also include Shariah governance initiatives, industry development, market infrastructure enhancement, capacity building programs, stock exchange analysis, cost-benefit, and revenue projections;
Secondly, market outreach as a strategically planned plan to engage stakeholders such as regulators, market participants, potential issuers, and investors; and
Thirdly, preparation to execute the implementation action plan such as a more suitable organizational structure for the stock exchange, Shariah governance, and Sukuk listing.
The technological requirements for the platform of the three stock exchange entities, namely security exchange, clearinghouse, and central security depository, procedures or application processes for licenses to operate within the stock exchange.
In terms of legal and regulatory provisions, the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank, BDCB, in collaboration with the Attorney General's Office, has prepared amendments to the Securities Market Orders 2013 legislation. This includes establishing and facilitating the establishment of a listing authority and the setting up of official listings and providing regulations for sponsor companies when they wish to list on the stock exchange.
These amendments aim to promote market development, protect market integrity, and ensure investor protection.
Furthermore, BDCB is responsible for drafting listing rules. The matter has undergone several discussions with stakeholders to ensure its practicality and usability within the local context and the market development stage in the country. Currently, the work on the legislation and listing regulation amendments is in its final phase.
Insya Allah, the Ministry of Finance and Economy will continue to strive its utmost in implementing the stock exchange, this stock exchange project, and seeks cooperation from other stakeholders to jointly expedite the completion of this project.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Related to the target of Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck and Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee regarding the proposal to establish a more comprehensive National Framework and Strategy for Food Security including examining potential lands, improving irrigation systems, enhancing cooperation with the private sector and research institutes to boost innovation in the agriculture and food processing sector to increase the competitiveness of local production and reduce expenditure in the long-term. Kaola acknowledges these proposals and plans to examine their feasibility. The government will also explore this matter with the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership approach.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. To assist PMKS and startups in expanding their market in the region, the government through BEDB has provided a Business Development Fund such as the Co-Matching Scheme to support local PMKS. As of January 2025, a total of 91 applications have been approved with an overall funding amount of approximately BND$1.4 million for various projects and business sectors including agriculture, fisheries, and technology.
Facilitating access to Angel Investment has so far attracted investments exceeding BND$4.4 million to support local business development and promote the participation of disadvantaged groups through the Micro Bootcamp Program. BEDB is also collaborating with the Community Development Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in providing entrepreneurship training through the program.
Regarding youth involvement for Honourable Members' information, the Ministry of Finance and Economy continuously collaborates with the Prime Minister's Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and relevant agencies through the Youth Entrepreneurship Steering Committee to encourage more youth involvement in entrepreneurship through various training and entrepreneurship development programs run by various agencies under the Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. Ultimately, overall, insya Allah, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, along with other government agencies through a whole-of-government approach and cooperation with the private sector through a whole-of-nation approach, will continue to enhance its efforts towards achieving Vision 2035.
This is all for Your Honourable Members' information and thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Now I invite Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohamad Jaafar...eh..Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. (Dua is recited).
Yang Berhormat Pehin Yang Di-Pertua of the Council, Your Honourable Members. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and warm greetings.
Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala for, by His grace and permission, we are able to gather today in the Twenty-First Session of the State Legislative Council for the year 2025 CE, corresponding to 1446 Hijri. Blessings and peace be upon our great Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, his family, companions, and faithful followers until the end of time.
We are also grateful to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala because, with the blessed leadership, wisdom, authority, and concern of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Negara Brunei Darussalam remains peaceful and blessed by Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members. As stated by Yang Berhormat Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II during the presentation of the 2025 Supply Bill Proposal for 2025/2026 a few days ago, it has reminded us that the year 2035, when the National Vision must be achieved, is only ten years away.
Even though the achievement indicators have been encouraging so far, the country must not become complacent or negligent. We will not be exempt from future challenges in line with the times, which will certainly test the country's capabilities in global as well as domestic competition. Allahu Akbar, Allah is the Greatest. To Him do we submit and seek guidance and assistance so that what we plan and execute is given direction and guidance.
May the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam and the entire nation unite with a whole-of-nation approach to achieve the country's aspiration as a developed nation in all aspects while remaining as a nation with the principles of Melayu Islam Beraja.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members. Kaola would like to comment on the statement by Yang Berhormat Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II regarding the country's achievements in the Second Goal of the Brunei Vision 2035, which is a High Quality of Life, wherein the achievements stated by Yang Berhormat truly illustrate that the people and residents in Negara Brunei Darussalam have a very commendable lifestyle that we must be grateful for.
The citizens and residents in this country can enjoy free education, free healthcare services, highways that we travel on are also free, free recreational centers, and other basic and tertiary services are also provided free of charge. Even medical treatments for which this country does not have expertise are provided free of charge to citizens and permanent residents who do not have nationality or are stateless, by sending them abroad for treatment. For instance, procedures such as bone marrow transplantation and treatment for the concerned patients.
The Government spends millions for each patient because every life is valuable and it is crucial for the Government to save lives.
Certainly, the efforts carried out by the Ministry of Finance and Economy in steering the country's economy must be supported collectively with a whole-of-government approach and as a joint effort of the Government and the private sector within a whole-of-nation approach. As the saying goes, "light tasks are carried together, heavy burdens are borne together."
The synergy between the government and the private sector in driving national advancement towards achieving the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035 needs to be constructed together. The government will remain dynamic within the development of the private sector.
In fact, in the Ministry of Health, Alhamdulillah, the cooperation between the Government and suppliers as well as providers of clinical and health services is consistently active. Continuous dialogue between the two parties is conducted to share the government's aspirations, in addition to obtaining feedback from the industry regarding the direction of health sector development.
Services that can be more efficiently handled by the private sector will be evaluated and awarded to qualified companies through an open outsourcing process. This should be executed by the Government as once decreed during the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Session of the 9th Legislative Council on March 7, 2013 CE, which reminds us in this respected chamber to focus more on strategic issues without personal interests or trivial matters.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members. The Ministry of Health consistently emphasizes the provision of quality and accessible health services while ensuring efficient resource management to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the national health system.
This step aligns with the country's aspiration to sustain an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient health system, particularly in facing future healthcare challenges like rising health costs, aging population, climate change, dynamic public health demands, and preparedness for global health crises.
To ensure this aspiration is achieved, the Ministry of Health will continuously give priority to the following matters;
First, enhancing the quality of primary health care and services is vital in ensuring effective and sustainable public health. Primary healthcare acts as the gatekeeper in the Health System where the public is provided with comprehensive primary health services at the initial level, whether through government or private clinics. Meanwhile, tertiary or hospital-level treatment requires specialist care.
Increasing access to quality healthcare services is a significant focus at this Ministry with several ongoing and continuous initiatives as follows;
Continuously improving and upgrading health infrastructure and assets, including all hospitals, health centers, clinics, ambulances, clinical equipment, laboratories, and information technology.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health also enhances the training and capacity building of health professionals with up-to-date skills, including knowledge about advanced current technology in medicine using Artificial Intelligence. Provision of specific training domestically and abroad to enhance quality service delivery certainly remains one of the Ministry of Health's priorities from time to time.
Currently, the Ministry of Health is allocated over $1 million Brunei dollars to finance domestic and international training expenses for doctors, nurses, Allied Health Professionals, scientists, and several other fields, including finance, internal audit, and hospital management.
Training planning is made in detail considering available mechanisms such as in-service training, workshops, and seminars domestically and abroad, as well as online training. This Ministry also manages the Executive Development Programme with Singapore Health or SingHealth to drive hospital services considering the latest developments and best practices to train new leaders.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health also increases the workforce to ensure a balanced ratio for patient safety while reducing high workloads, thus avoiding excessive fatigue or burnout that can lead to errors in providing care that may threaten lives.
Furthermore, ensuring adequate, safe, and effective medicine supply is prioritized along with leveraging innovative digital technology and expanding its usage for easier and faster access to services.
The second priority is ensuring prudent and cost-effective expenditure to establish a resilient future health system. However, the increase in costs is still unavoidable, considering the rise in prices for sophisticated medicines and medical equipment, as well as the increasing number of patients with chronic diseases.
In addressing and ensuring long-term cost increases can be controlled, the Ministry of Health has increased efforts by organizing prevention and health awareness campaigns for the public.
Through health promotion programs, vaccination programs, and enhancing early screening programs for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The increase in these diseases is largely attributed to lifestyle changes among the community, especially in the consumption of unbalanced and excessive food, smoking and vaping, lack of outdoor activities, and the increase in mental health issues.
The implementation of the National Health Screening Program continues to progress. In efforts to early detect cervical cancer, HPV self-sampling tests have been introduced in this country and are well received by women, compared to examinations using the PAP smear.
Alhamdulillah, the self-sampling program conducted at the national level is among the earliest countries to manage it on a large scale. Since 2023, nearly 5,000 women have undergone cervical cancer screening. With a rate of 0.5 peritus, abnormal cases are detected for further and thorough examination. Early findings, Insya Allah, will allow preventive treatment to be made.
Over the span of 4 years until 2024, the Ministry of Health has conducted breast cancer screenings. Over 10,000 women underwent screening, of which 1% were found to have abnormal results. Therefore, the Ministry of Health established a Breast Imaging Center to manage breast cancer screenings and increase the number of screenings that can be conducted. This early detection has allowed for immediate treatment to take place, thereby increasing the patient's chances of recovery. This will certainly reduce the impact of high medical expenditures in the future as well.
Screening for other chronic diseases is also increased alongside administering regular check-ups to ministries through the WAH Program, namely Workplace and Health, for heart or cardiovascular attacks and diabetes.
The Ministry of Health has also launched BruHealth 5.0, which helps individuals monitor their health risks, such as blood pressure monitoring, weight, sleep rate, mental health, diet, and physical activity.
By leveraging Artificial Intelligence and deep learning, the application will be able to inform individuals of the health risks they will face and subsequently advise and make health screening appointments if necessary.
In the near future, BruHealth will also be able to make exercise prescriptions for participants in line with individual capabilities linked to age, weight, and diseases participants face.
The Ministry is also pioneering the use of technology and Artificial Intelligence, with the detection of eye diseases caused by diabetes. The SELENA+ program was launched last year for the screening and detection of diabetic retinopathy. Soon, the SELENA+ system will not only be used to detect vision loss risks but, in the future, also to detect other health issues, including cardiovascular and dementia.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Your Honourable Members. Alhamdulillah, in the Financial Year 2025/2026, the Ministry of Health chose the Theme of a Sustainable Healthcare System.
Although it shows an increase of 13.87% from the 2024/2025 Financial Year Budget, it is the actual expenditure of the Ministry of Health considering the additional provisions approved to cover actual expenditures, mainly due to increased costs for building maintenance, medication, and a surge in purchase and leasing or leasing of medical assets that have reached their age or become obsolete.
As Kaola explained, the focus is on prevention and early detection through education and health screenings. In the long term, continuous health education at all levels is vital for us to collectively choose a healthy lifestyle. Among the actively conducted initiatives are TV and radio advertisements, cinemas, billboards, and social media.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health has issued the Code of Marketing Food and Drinks Wisely to Children in Negara Brunei Darussalam, 2021, which limits the display of food images and children's images in fast food advertisements. This is in line with WHO's recommendation to curb obesity among children.
In building a sustainable health system, the development of private medical services also needs to be expanded to allow patients to have choices while encouraging healthy competition among service providers to offer the best according to their respective market targets.
However, this does not mean the Ministry of Health will not invest in service improvement, but it will enhance collaboration with the private sector. This will certainly elevate job opportunities for local citizens in the private sector and expand the country's economy, especially in the health sector.
Among the upcoming efforts include foreign worker inspections fully managed by private clinics. This is expected to provide efficient and rapid services at competitive prices compared to government operations. Simultaneously, the portal to be provided will also directly integrate with appointed clinics in the place of origin to ensure the authenticity of inspection results from the country of origin.
Offers have also been opened for the operation...
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. I apologize. Due to the situation, I would like to suggest that we take a recess or break for 10 minutes and we will resume the comments being made by Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat.
(The meeting is adjourned)
(The meeting resumes)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Your Honourable Members. We resume our meeting.
Earlier, we heard the commentary made by Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan and I apologize to the Minister of Health because, how to say, interrupting his speech or commentary midway. But nonetheless, I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan to continue with his commentary. Please.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pehin Yang Di-Pertua.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has made an offer for the operation of a Private Dialysis Center for the Sungai Liang area and Mukim Berakas 'B'. This outsourcing operation will certainly provide competition for the best services to patients.
The Ministry of Home Affairs also introduces foreign worker protection by increasing medical coverage to $100,000. This will certainly benefit foreign workers by making it easier for them to access medical treatment in government or private hospitals. Moreover, it saves employers from the burden of their workers' medical claims.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health is also providing job opportunities for more than 300 job seekers in the roles of Patient Care Assistant and Clinical Care Assistant in all hospitals and medical clinics, including the National Dialysis Center. At the same time, the Ministry of Health and Brunei Technical Education Institute, IBTE, will conduct a Caregiver Program aligned with the needs of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to provide employment opportunities for those interested in patient care.
The Ministry of Health also encourages the development of more private clinics, private laboratories, and private allied health professional services, especially in fields such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, laboratories, and so on. In the past 12 months up to February 2025, 8 new private clinics have opened, making a total of 55 private clinics operating in the country.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua Dewan. That is all kaola can convey, and kaola concludes with the words of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 172, the meaning of which is: "...O you who believe, eat of the good things that We have provided for you and be thankful to Allah if it is indeed Him that you worship..." the words are truly truthful.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan. Alhamdulillah, we have completed listening to the General Debate. Next, this Bill and Motion will be presented at the Committee Stage for further discussion.
However, I consider it appropriate before that for us to allow Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, as the proponent of the Bill, to make his final remarks. Please proceed.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. (Prayer is read). Blessings and peace upon our great leader, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, and upon his family members and his faithful followers until the end of time. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Praise be to Allah, let us express our gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala with His permission we are able to gather for the General Policy Winding-up Session of the Supply Bill and Resolution of the Development Fund for the Year 2025/2026.
Firstly, kaola would like to express the highest appreciation and thanks to Your Honourable Members for the constructive debate, insightful suggestions, and strong support given to the Supply Bill and the Resolution of the Development Fund for the Financial Year 2025/2026, which kaola presented on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. Your Honourable Members raised several questions while also providing recommendations or opinions on the National Budget policy.
This reflects our joint commitment and aspiration to strengthen fiscal stability, advance the national economy, increase employment opportunities for the people, and ensure the well-being of all segments of society. Kaola believes the government will consider every good recommendation or opinion and will study it more thoroughly.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, the matters raised to Your Honourable Members touched on various ways most of which have been explained in detail by kaola's colleagues previously.
However, there are 3 important matters that have been frequently raised by Your Honourable Members that kaola would like to summarize, namely:
First: Regarding the efforts to address the government's fiscal deficit that needs to be addressed and proposed... efforts to balance the deficit. This includes the provision and use of allocations under the National Development Plan to ensure the well-being of the people.
Second, regarding the government's efforts in driving economic growth and further strengthening the strategic plan outlined in the Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint.
Third, regarding efforts to enhance a more conducive and customer-friendly business ecosystem. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, allow kaola to elaborate by explaining these three matters one by one.
First, the government is very concerned about the fiscal deficit experienced in recent years. In this regard, efforts to reduce the fiscal deficit are as follows. One of the government's initiatives in addressing the fiscal deficit sustainably is through the fiscal consolidation programme. This programme does not involve reducing expenses but rather the optimal provision of allocations to produce more significant productivity and impact on the government's fiscal position.
The Fiscal Consolidation Programme involves a re-examination of expenditures by ministries and their respective departments, with the aim of reducing waste and non-productive spending. Through this programme, departments and ministries are encouraged to explore new modern and innovative processes and procedures in delivering more efficient and effective public services. The impact of this change will contribute to providing a more optimal budget. Additionally, ministries and departments are also reviewing the potential for new revenue sources to expand the national revenue base and reviewing the current rates of charges, fees, and rents to ensure they are appropriate and reasonable with the level of services provided. With this initiative, sources of income from the non-oil and gas sector will be further expanded.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy will continue to support the efforts of ministries and departments to increase government revenues from other sources. In this regard, any new scheme introduced must have fair and equitable policies and administration without burdening lower-income groups.
The introduction of new schemes also needs to consider the current economic situation.
In addition, each ministry also needs to review the efficiency of revenue collection procedures, whether through policy changes or processes, including increasing efforts to collect outstanding revenues. The Fiscal Consolidation Programme also includes identifying services or facilities or projects that can be implemented through public-private partnerships or PPPs, as well as the privatization and corporatization of several government agencies to increase efficiency in service provision while generating economic spin-offs by creating business and employment opportunities for local children. Sharing and re-iterating information on the Fiscal Consolidation Programme has been undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and Economy at the Permanent Secretaries Forum session on October 10th, 2024.
Currently, the Budget Division at the Ministry of Finance and Economy is conducting an assessment of the effectiveness of the initiatives and reforms that have been completed under the Fiscal Consolidation Programme from Financial Year 2020/2021 until Financial Year 2024/2025 and its impact on the government's overall fiscal situation. This information sharing will be continued to ministries and departments in the first quarter of Financial Year 2025/2026.
To ensure budgets are allocated efficiently, the government uses the program and performance budgeting method where allocations are provided based on programs that focus on the core business of each ministry and department. In this regard, every controlling officer should practice discipline and accountability in financial management, ensuring every allocation is spent according to real needs and prudently. However, the success of the Fiscal Consolidation Programme requires the cooperation of all parties, especially the ministries and departments which need to take more proactive steps in evaluating work processes that can be renewed or updated to ensure optimal spending and more efficient and effective services, including fully utilizing ICT.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, further in answering Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam's question regarding marginalized groups such as Persons with Disabilities or OKU and the status of the poverty level in this country. To answer this, the allocation for the OKU group is indeed not overlooked in the national budget and has been extended since the reign of Al-Marhum Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien.
In 2021, the list of aid recipients was expanded with the addition of those eligible to receive allowances for the blind, mental disorder allowances, rehabilitation allowances for those suffering from leprosy, and disability allowances in line with the announcement of amendments to the Old Age and Disability Pension Act and related regulations.
Among the important changes implemented is the updating of eligibility conditions to obtain these allowances, which are now more open and inclusive. This provides more room for individuals with disabilities to continue to receive assistance without restrictions on their ability to work. Additionally, an additional allowance of $250.00 per month like the care provider allowance introduced in 2021 provides financial support to those who are carers for recipients of blind, mental disorder, leprosy, and disability allowances to ease their burden.
Therefore, the government remains committed to ensuring that the National Budget is inclusive. Where every segment of society including the OKU group receives appropriate attention. With these more inclusive measures, the government not only ensures that the OKU group benefits in terms of allowances but also provides support to their care providers who are an important element in ensuring the well-being of the disabled group. With these changes, we hope to continue to improve the quality of life for the OKU group and ensure they receive their due rights and are protected under national policies based on social justice.
Regarding the status of poverty in the country, to measure the poverty level in Negara Brunei Darussalam, the Minimum Basic Needs Cost, KMKA method is used. The KMKA calculation includes the minimum cost to meet daily basic needs including food, transportation, housing, and other basic needs. Based on the results from the Family Expenditure Survey, KPK 2015, KMKA is $283.00 per person per month and 3.2% of the total population of the country is below the KMKA line. The KMKA report will be updated based on the Family Expenditure Survey 2024 which has just been completed.
From the aspect of government procurement processes, emphasis is placed on bids that offer added value to the government. The use of facilities through shared use and meeting the real needs and specifications of functionality and not purely based on the lowest offer. Insha Allah, the Ministry of Finance and Economy will also conduct a comprehensive review of the annual expenditure amount made by ministries and departments, especially baseline expenditure to ensure more credible and accurate allocations for financing high-priority sectors to achieve large impacts and provide positive returns in the long term.
Although the government is currently experiencing a fiscal deficit, kaola would like to reiterate that the government continues to take care of the welfare of the people by continuing to provide facilities such as healthcare, education, welfare assistance, and others.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Over the past 5 years, pro-rata, the government has borne subsidy costs exceeding $500 million annually for electricity supply subsidies, fuel subsidies, and rice supply subsidies.
Over the past 5 years also, the government has spent approximately $70 million on water infrastructure and maintenance and operational costs such as supply of chemicals and staff salaries.
However, in terms of revenue from water supply to residential homes, commercial buildings, and government, the Public Works Department through the Water Services Department in the past 5 years has only been able to collect $20 million annually pro-rata.
In this regard, the government needs to evaluate sustainable subsidy measures and ensure that the benefits provided are more felt by those who truly need them. Reducing the fiscal deficit is not a burden that needs to be solely borne by the Ministry of Finance and Economy but must be addressed in an integrated manner by every public service member, ministry, and department through a Whole of Government approach and other relevant stakeholders such as the private sector through a Whole of Nation approach.
We need to make more meaningful and high-impact changes or shifts to the strategic action plans of each ministry to reduce the country's fiscal deficit. With continuous efforts and support from all parties, insha Allah we will be able to achieve a more sustainable fiscal position and a high quality of life as well as national prosperity.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. The fiscal position of the government depends on the revenue received, which includes tax revenue and service charges and expenses incurred. If the revenue received exceeds expenses, then the fiscal position is at a surplus level, but if the opposite occurs, it will be in a deficit level.
If compared to other countries when their GDP increases, the country will also receive more revenue. This is because these countries have wider fiscal tools that allow them to generate revenue through economic growth, which includes imposing various types of taxes.
Meanwhile, as we know, national revenue only depends on a few types of taxes that include corporate tax, withholding tax, excise tax, as well as fees, and rentals. Therefore, even though the country records high economic growth, national revenue does not necessarily increase.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. The second matter, concerning economic development to answer Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee's question, kaola is pleased to share again that the country's GDP in 2024 has recorded a growth of 4.2% year-on-year.
This is due to an increase in the oil and gas sector by 5.5% driven by increased crude oil and natural gas production and an increase in the non-oil and gas sector by 3.1% supported by increases in sub-sectors such as the manufacture of petroleum and chemical products by 12% and services by 6%, followed by wholesale and retail trade by 4.3%.
To answer Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee's question regarding the growth rate of 2.4% to 3.4% for 2025 which is projected to be lower compared to 2024. Kaola is pleased to share that this takes into account the high growth we achieved in 2024. This means the growth projection for 2025 will use the 2024 GDP as a higher base compared to the previous year in calculating the GDP rate.
This projection also takes into account uncontrollable factors that have the potential to affect production, such as uncertainty in global demand. However, the growth rate is at a preliminary projection that will be updated from time to time.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, kaola has spoken a lot about government efforts in attracting more FDI to the country during the presentation of the Bill the other day, and kaola will not repeat them here.
However, it may be appropriate kaola shares that as can be seen globally at present, many countries are now focusing efforts to create more investments into their own countries, including advanced countries, and the strategy to attract more FDI is becoming more intensive. This certainly means that our efforts to attract FDI to Negara Brunei Darussalam will be more challenging.
Therefore, efficient action is needed to turn challenges into opportunities by strengthening cooperation and policy alignment. Additionally, the involvement and cooperation with local traders and government-linked companies should be enhanced to ensure effective and timely implementation. It is undeniable that we need to continue strengthening efforts including exploring opportunities in new overseas markets by taking advantage of trade agreements such as ASEAN FTA, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP, and Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, CPTPP optimally.
Furthermore, we also need to be more active in increasing local production through industrial development and obtaining alternative suppliers in the supply chain. Priority is also given to the development of a conducive industrial ecosystem through business facilitation, training programs, and infrastructure. These steps aim to ensure the local business sector is more competitive and can contribute to sustainable national economic growth.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Touching on the development of the Halal industry, the Ministry of Finance and Economy has worked to register the certification trademark, Halal logo at the international level. To date, registration has been successfully registered in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and the Philippines.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. The third matter in developing a conducive business ecosystem to support efforts to attract FDI and empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, PMKS, the government has taken several measures as kaola mentioned this morning.
These measures are aimed at creating a more investor-friendly business environment and supporting the growth of the PMKS sector holistically such as the Business Development Fund implemented by BEDB, which is a Co-Matching Scheme, facilitating access to Angel Investment, Micro Bootcamp Program, and several entrepreneurship training programs.
Here, kaola would like to share another scheme under BEDB to help boost the development of startups with great potential to move forward and compete at the international level. BEDB through Darussalam Enterprise has explored the potential to attract regional and international venture capital firms to invest in this country through the establishment of a Startup Catalyst Fund. This initiative aims to tackle challenges and close the funding gap faced by local startups in the scaling-up phase.
Through this fund, BEDB cooperates with Venture Capital firms for co-investment in startup businesses at a rate of 1 to 1. This investment will support the development of the startup business to expand their market targets overseas. In addition to making investments, the Venture Capital firms will also provide strategic support such as mentoring, access to the Global Venture Capital network, driving innovation and research and development, strengthening corporate governance and oversight, and more.
With the provision of the startup catalyst fund, BEDB is in the final process of finalizing the establishment of entities for the fund and subsequently entering into collaboration agreements with several regional Venture Capital firms, including from Malaysia and Singapore, to facilitate the first investment in local startup businesses this year.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, regarding efforts to improve ease of doing business and the need for policy alignment including a main supervisor. Indeed there are regulators or supervisors for each activity, for example, land issues including land misuse under the Lands Department, building issues under ABCi and TCP, Fire Safety Order under the Fire and Rescue Department for business premises.
Meanwhile, business activities in Negara Brunei Darussalam used to be regulated under the Miscellaneous Licences Act through the issuance of business licenses known as Miscellaneous Licences under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
However, the act was abolished in 2016, considering the need to obtain these licenses had a negative impact on the position of Negara Brunei Darussalam in Ease of Doing Business. Following the repeal of the Miscellaneous Licences Act, several agencies have taken initiatives to regulate certain types of business activities such as Beauty and Health Establishments by the Ministry of Home Affairs and food business activities by the Brunei Food Authority.
Although these measures have been taken, the Industry and Business Ecosystem Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy has found that there are certain business activities that are not yet regulated by any agency.
Therefore, the Ministry of Finance and Economy has reviewed the suitability of the 2001 Industrial Coordination Order, which has never been enforced before, and plans to amend and expand the scope of ICO 2001. The intent of this amendment is to establish more comprehensive regulation over various industrial activities, including retail business manufacturing activities, as well as other industrial activities.
With this amendment, ICO 2001 will be made a more comprehensive regulatory framework that is organized and capable of addressing business activities that are not yet regulated in this country. This step is expected to contribute to more orderly economic development. This matter will also be further strengthened by the updating of the ICO 2001 Act which is currently under review by the relevant government agency.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, finally but most importantly. The success of implementation depends on the alignment of overall government policies. The Ministry of Finance and Economy through the Ease of Doing Business Secretariat collaborates with government agencies and stakeholders to ensure the industry road map can effectively address the challenges of the private sector in line with the whole of nation approach.
The Ease of Doing Business Steering Committee will continue to monitor reform and support improvements in the business ecosystem through key measures such as close collaboration with the private sector in policy-making, procedural alignment to expedite government processes, improving online systems to enhance service efficiency, and expanding two-way communication with stakeholders.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, in facing an increasingly challenging world, we cannot be complacent, rather, we need to double efforts to strengthen and further enhance the economy towards achieving national prosperity and preserving the well-being of the people and residents in this country. The government is always committed to continuing pragmatic, responsible, and future-oriented policies to ensure the country remains competitive and growth-friendly.
However, this success cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires support from all parties including the private sector, industry, academia, and the general public. We must work together in building a dynamic and resilient economy. Ensuring every policy implemented benefits every segment of society and ensuring no one is left behind in the development current. With prudent fiscal management, inclusive growth, and strong commitment, we will surely be able to achieve fiscal balance and stability and more resilient economic capability.
Thank you, Wabillahitaufiq Walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II.
Alhamdulillah, we have completed the general debate on the Bill and Motion that have been presented, and Insya Allah, we will submit this Bill and Motion to the Committee for further discussion.
However, I believe today's session is sufficient, and I propose that we adjourn this meeting. Insya Allah, we will reconvene the session on Monday, 10th March 2025, as usual starting at 9:30 am.
With that, Wabillahi taufik Walhidayah. Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta’ala wabarakatuh.
(The meeting is adjourned)
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