Response to Written Question PT42

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YANG BERHORMAT PEHIN ORANG KAYA JOHAN PAHLAWAN DATO SERI SETIA AWANG HAJI ADANAN BIN BEGAWAN PEHIN SIRAJA KHATIB DATO SERI SETIA HAJI MD. YUSOF

QUESTION:

YANG BERHORMAT PEHIN ORANG KAYA JOHAN PAHLAWAN DATO SERI SETIA AWANG HAJI ADANAN BIN BEGAWAN PEHIN SIRAJA KHATIB DATO SERI SETIA HAJI MD. YUSOF asks the MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS to state the progress and achievements in fulfilling the roles and functions of the Mukim and Kampong Consultative Councils, not only in strengthening the effectiveness of the Penghulu Mukim and Ketua Kampong institutions as grassroots leadership cores, but more importantly in empowering and upgrading the socio-economic aspects towards the well-being and welfare of the people and residents of Mukim and Kampong while jointly supporting the realization of the Nation's Vision 2035.

YANG BERHORMAT MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS

ANSWER:

1. The Mukim and Kampong Consultative Councils (MPMK) are leadership institutions at the mukim and village level, established to strengthen the role of Penghulu Mukim and Ketua Kampung as core leadership at the grassroots level, aimed at providing an avenue for the people to be involved in development at the mukim and village level through a spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance among council members, while Penghulu Mukim and Ketua Kampung are appointed as Chairpersons of their respective MPMK areas.

2. Among the key steps to empower MPMK are:

   2.1. Training and Capacity Development: Comprehensive training programs need to be implemented to build leadership, management, and administrative skills for Penghulu Mukim, Ketua Kampung, and MPMK members. At the same time, collaboration with government and private agencies is also essential for conducting relevant briefings and training.

   Among the training and capacity development activities conducted by the Mukim and Kampong Consultative Councils in 2024, such as First Aid Training; Marital, Divorce, Annulment, and Return Briefing for Muslims; Lifesaver 995 Training Course, Fire Marshall Course, and Go Digital Program Workshop. Throughout 2024, a total of 5 training activities and 57 study visits were carried out by MPMK in all four districts as part of efforts to develop the capacity of MPMK members.

   2.2. Funding Allocation for MPMK Activities: Funds need to be allocated to MPMK to assist them in executing development projects, such as community, religious, and educational activities.

   In 2024, MPMK conducted 1,370 activities, with Brunei and Muara District dominating with 914 activities, 56 activities by MPMK Belait District, 167 activities by MPMK Tutong District, and 233 activities by MPMK Temburong District.

   2.3. Socioeconomic Empowerment: MPMK also plays a role in uplifting the socioeconomic status of communities through various economic initiatives.

   In 2023, 52 economic activities were held, and the total sales reached over $820,000.00, increasing to $1,109,192.46 in 2024 with 105 entrepreneurs of 1 Kampung 1 Product (1K1P) involved nationwide.

   2.4. Inclusivity Culture: Encouraging the active participation of MPMK members in planning, implementing, and monitoring local initiatives is crucial to strengthening MPMK’s role in grassroots leadership. More inclusive participation will enhance MPMK effectiveness, including the involvement of youth and women in MPMK membership and activities, ensuring participation is not limited to men or adults only. Since 2018, MPMK member appointments, particularly Head of Bureau positions, now involve youth aged 18 to 45. As of March 2025, 288 youths have participated in MPMK, with the highest number in Tutong District with 130 people, Brunei and Muara District, and Belait District each with 41 members, and Temburong District with 76 youths. However, efforts are being intensified to attract more youths and women to participate in planning and executing activities. A Women's Bureau has been established to ensure women also participate in community development. So far, 280 women have participated in MPMK across all four districts, with the highest female participation in Tutong District.

   2.5. Technology and ICT Usage: Integrating technology and digital platforms in administrative processes will increase transparency and access to information for village residents, facilitating communication and management. Utilizing social media (like Instagram) to disseminate necessary information to mukim and village residents and conveying MPMK activity updates to mukim and village residents are initiatives encouraged by the Ministry. Moreover, the Go Digital Program briefing was also conducted by MPMK in 2024 to raise awareness among residents about using information and communication technology.

   2.6. Collaboration with Various Parties: MPMK needs to facilitate resource-sharing with government, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. This will empower community development efforts and build the capacity of MPMK members through various training and activities, such as courses conducted in collaboration with government agencies, as mentioned in paragraph 2.1 above.

   2.7. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism: To ensure effectiveness and accountability, monitoring and evaluation need to be conducted. Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for Penghulu Mukim and Ketua Kampung (PMKK) have been implemented since April 2024 to monitor the progress of PMKK and MPMK membership. For example, KPI 4, "Percentage of Mukim/Village Population Cared for, Listened to, and Addressed" ensures the welfare of village members, especially those in need, is well taken care of.

   One of the duties and responsibilities of PMKK as outlined in the Penghulu Mukim and Ketua Kampung Service Scheme under Clause 3 Item 3 is as the Eyes, Ears, and Voice of the Government and the village residents to safeguard and oversee the interests, welfare, and security of the village.

   Furthermore, PMKK performance is also enhanced through the Implementation of the Penghulu Mukim and Ketua Kampung Human Resource Competency Framework (HRCF PMKK) believed to assist in PMKK recruitment processes where interviews will be competency-based, development of training and capacity-building programs, and performance management for empowering and ensuring quality grassroots leaders.

   Results from the Self-Assessment by PMKK conducted between July 24, 2024, to September 2, 2024, through an online survey to assess the current competency level of PMKK based on the Human Resource Competency Framework, concluded that 165 individuals, including acting positions, out of 217 Penghulu Mukim and Ketua Kampung positions completed the assessment form. From this number, 36 people (22%) evaluated their competency level as nearly ready; 96 people (58%) at potential level; and 33 people (20%) at exceeding expectations level; while none evaluated their competency level as not yet ready.

   2.8. Role of MPMK Advisors: To strengthen leadership, MPMK needs to appoint advisors committed to providing perspectives and advice on planning and issues discussed, consistent with the advisory roles and responsibilities outlined in the MPMK Governing Board, which includes advising on matters related to the mukim, villages, and residents and to consult with fellow MPMK advisors from time to time on matters decided by the Consultative Council Meeting. MPMK advisors can offer advice related to their advisory field using existing experience, such as utilizing experiences from government or private sector roles.

   2.9. Understanding of MPMK: A lack of understanding among the community regarding the purpose of MPMK's establishment is a challenge. Thus, a convention or gathering of MPMK can be held to provide clarification and increase member involvement. In 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs held four dialogue sessions with MPMK members in all four districts to gather suggestions or issues faced by MPK members and help increase understanding of their role as MPMK members. Such dialogues will continue this year. At the MPMK level, 206 dialogue sessions with village residents were conducted across the four districts in 2024.