DAY 1 AFTERNOON

Reading Summary

📖 Reading time: 57 minutes
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3RD AUG 2026 AFTERNOON

(The Legislative Council resumed at 2.30 in the afternoon)

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Your Honourable Members, the Legislative Council sitting is still debating Motion No. 4/2026, and now I resume this Meeting by inviting Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed to begin the debate. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat.

Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings and greetings of peace.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The establishment of Coordinating Ministers is a significant step in strengthening the capability of government institutions to lead the national development agenda, especially as Wawasan Brunei 2035 is currently entering an increasingly decisive phase of implementation. Stronger coordination is important to ensure that the nation's aspirations continue to be carried out in an orderly, consistent and effective manner.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola sees that the foundations of development have largely been formed. The priority now is not only on the preparation of policies and action plans, but on how all these efforts can move in a mutually reinforcing manner, so as to produce a more comprehensive impact. From Kaola's observation, coordination is often understood in the context of relations between ministries. However, when examining the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035, Kaola sees that the scope of coordination is actually far broader than that.

Wawasan Brunei 2035 is not merely a government agenda. It is also a national development agenda that requires the participation of various parties, each with their respective roles and influence. The private sector determines the economy's capacity to grow, educational institutions provide the human capital needed by the country, professional bodies contribute expertise, research institutions produce new knowledge, and Majlis Perundingan Kampung understand the realities of society at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, community organisations often become important partners in implementing various social initiatives. All these form the national development ecosystem.

In this regard, Kaola is of the view that the coordination mechanism also opens up space to strengthen strategic relations between the government and the whole ecosystem through more continuous engagement so that views, experience and expertise from various parties can be utilised earlier in shaping national development priorities. Such an approach will further strengthen the sense of shared ownership of Wawasan Brunei 2035 because its achievement depends on the extent to which the whole country moves with the same understanding and goals.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, in administration, we often give attention to how an issue is resolved. However, in kaola's view, equally important is how an issue can be identified before it develops into a bigger challenge. Today's development landscape is changing very rapidly. The development of AI technology, changes in population structure, global economic pressures, as well as increasing public expectations of public services, are occurring simultaneously and affecting various sectors.

In this regard, kaola sees that the coordination mechanism has the potential to become a space where various analyses and strategic views from ministries as well as stakeholders can be brought together to identify the direction of ongoing changes and their implications for the country. This capability enables strategic considerations to be made earlier and helps the government prepare a more structured and forward-looking response.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, in the long-term development agenda, policy clarity and consistency are the foundation of confidence that enables the private sector to make investment decisions, educational institutions to plan talent development and society to adapt to ongoing changes. In kaola's view, strong coordination also contributes to building that confidence.

When national priorities are translated consistently across various ministries, parties outside the government will more easily understand the direction of national development and plan their respective actions in line with those priorities. In other words, coordination not only strengthens relations within government administration, but also strengthens the confidence of the entire development ecosystem in the country's direction.

As an Appointed Member, kaola sees that this approach provides a new perspective on the role of the Legislative Council. The views brought to this chamber arise from the experiences of the community, districts and the various sectors represented. Therefore, Members are able to contribute cross-sector perspectives that can enrich the coordination process and implementation of national policy.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, kaola am confident that the establishment of Coordinating Ministers is a correct and far-sighted step under the wise leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam as well as the commitment of the entire Cabinet. Kaola am confident that this mechanism will become another important catalyst in strengthening the country's journey towards realising the nation's aspirations.

That is all, and with Allah's guidance and blessings, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah the Exalted and His blessings.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. (prayer recited). Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings, and greetings.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members of the Legislative Council. First of all, allow kaola to express the highest appreciation and many thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for giving way to kaola to state support for the Motion to Support Coordination Towards Achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 as presented by Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II, in such great detail. Thanks are also extended for the sharing of information conveyed by Yang Berhormat Pehin, especially those relating to the direction and focus of coordination being prioritised.

Likewise, thanks are also expressed for the explanations given by Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Ekonomi dan Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri and Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Sosial dan Tenaga Manusia dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri on the measures that will be implemented in strengthening this coordination.

In kaola’s observation, the gracious Titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam regarding the appointments and duties of these Coordinating Ministers shows how important the issue of coordination is in the country’s effort to achieve the targets in Wawasan Brunei 2035. It must be upheld fully by us, particularly to ensure that implementation gaps between ministries are not allowed to widen given their impact on the lives and well-being of the people.

The mandate graciously bestowed by His Majesty upon the Coordinating Ministers when dealing with issues of national importance that are cross-cutting in nature is a great trust and responsibility that must be borne and carried out by all parties with steadfastness, commitment and integrity for the benefit and well-being of the people and the progress, stability and prosperity of the country.

His Majesty’s Titah on the importance of stakeholders implementing action plans to achieve the targets stipulated in Wawasan Brunei 2035 complete with KPIs and targets invites us all to be more focused and to examine implementation strategies that are more effective and have greater impact. Likewise, His Majesty’s advisory Titah that stakeholders should constantly review and study all strategies and plans that have been outlined reflects His Majesty’s far-sighted view of the challenges and clear effects brought about by the currents of global geopolitical and socioeconomic change.

In addition, His Majesty’s concern regarding issues of unemployment, the role of GLCs in generating new job opportunities and the country’s need to intensify efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment invites us all to examine the best and workable options and strategies towards generating a more dynamic, inclusive and sustainable economy for the interests and well-being of the people at all levels. Taking into account His Majesty’s Titah which is so clear and comprehensive and covers all aspects, it is sufficient for kaola to touch only on several key issues in supporting and upholding this coordination initiative towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035, especially those related to His Majesty’s concern over current issues.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, the first matter that kaola will touch on is the coordination of the system delivery and the monitoring system. We realise that the best planning will only be able to produce the expected results if it is translated through implementation and monitoring systems that are not only efficient and effective but also transparent and integrated, the benefits of which can be felt by the people. Kaola sees that this is not only specific to issues across ministries and sectors, but also needs to involve coordination of actions implemented within each ministry and the departments under the ministry itself, from the top level right down to the implementation level so that process procedures will be clearer, aligned and consistent.

Towards strengthening this coordination, kaola is of the opinion that there is a need for every ministry leading this coordination mandate to establish or strengthen its own strategic progress and coordination unit. This unit will not only function as a think tank but will also be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of each ministry’s coordination programmes while also coordinating with other ministries to strengthen alignment and coordination. What is important is that such coordination must be aligned and consistent with the objectives, goals, targets and KPIs set by the Wawasan Brunei 2035 Supreme Council. Kaola believes that with delivery, monitoring and coordination system procedures that are aligned and up to date, the whole government machinery, God willing, will be able to move in tandem and the significant impact will be felt by the people and residents through consistent, swift and result-oriented decision-making and implementation processes.

Second, we all know that the issue of economic performance is one of the important contributors, namely a co-element, towards enhancing the well-being of the people, especially the low-income group. Intelligence in achievement and dynamic and inclusive economic growth, God willing, will be able to reduce the unemployment rate, enlarge the economic pie and at the same time increase the people’s purchasing power. Towards that end, in kaola’s view, focus needs to be given to improving performance achievements, improving the determining factors in stimulating economic activity and in addressing the issue of unemployment holistically. This, among others, includes strengthening coordination to improve the business ecosystem so that it becomes more conducive and pro-business, aligning immigration visa policies so that they are attractive to investors without affecting issues of national security.

The provision of support services, including an efficient, effective and comprehensive digitalisation system, strengthening integrated industrial policies so that they are more transparent with easily accessible industrial sites, enhancing the Local Business Development Policy to assist and facilitate the involvement of local MSMEs, strengthening banking policies and regulations that support and drive sectoral progress, modernising the public service so that it is more responsive, people-oriented and business-friendly, strengthening education policies to produce a workforce that is dynamic, creative, industry and future-ready, and many others.

Alhamdulillah, some of these issues have already been stated by the Yang Berhormat Coordinating Ministers, and kaola believes they will be implemented in an orderly and focused manner, God willing. However, all these prerequisites need to be coordinated in an integrated and coordinated manner with the objective of increasing business economic activity and opening more new and quality job opportunities as well as increasing revenue for the country.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, in the context of the national economy, we realise that the creation of new quality job opportunities can only be further enhanced by attracting more new FDI while increasing domestic economic activities, especially those led by MSMEs.

This is appropriate and in line with the Titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam that focus be given to strengthening the financial sector and efforts to continuously attract foreign investment. Kaola is of the opinion that this will require a review of the existing FDI attraction strategy, taking into account the rapidly changing global economic landscape so that it becomes more effective and competitive.

Kaola is of the view that this review, among others, must cover policies, regulations, mechanisms, support services, the effectiveness of the driving machinery and the country’s industrial infrastructure so that they move in tandem as intended. This step is to produce ready strategies that are aligned, transparent and investors ready in supporting and upholding these initiatives comprehensively.

Towards that end, one option that can be explored is to further strengthen and review the scope of duties of the existing FDI committee so that it becomes more responsive, investor-friendly and result oriented. This includes restructuring the organisation of the agency entrusted with attracting FDI in order to strengthen its functions, scope of duties and empowerment so that it becomes more innovative and forward-looking, creative and competitive. In addition, information on new FDI should be publicised transparently and continuously to the public, especially the business community, so that local companies, particularly MSMEs, will obtain the expected benefits from involvement and collaboration with these foreign investors while also gaining spin-offs from the activities of these main FDI companies.

The third matter relates to institutional development and capacity building. This issue is very important for planning and implementation to be coordinated in an integrated manner. This is because institutional development and local talent development play an important role in driving economic growth and innovation in line with the use of modern technology and efficient digital systems.

For this purpose, it is recommended that continuous improvements be implemented to produce a general knowledge framework that is more dynamic, innovative, customer-friendly and business-friendly and to strengthen accountability, integrity, governance and a high level of commitment in carrying out responsibilities, actions and decisions made.

This is because the efficiency, transparency and quality of public services greatly influence the decisions of investors, whether local or foreign, to invest in this country. A creative and innovative public service will be able to produce more outstanding and credible officers who will act as catalysts towards the achievement of Wawasan 2035, God willing. Towards that end, kaola recommends that programmes for identifying and empowering local talent be given equal focus not only involving officers in the public sector and GLCs, but also the private sector as a nationwide step to identify the best and most outstanding local talents.

Lastly is regarding the coordination of comprehensive and continuous information on government initiatives. Credible media will play a strategic role in building a positive image of the country, attracting greater participation from the people and residents, investors and tourists, especially since next year is the celebration year of the Diamond Jubilee of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam ascending the throne, which also coincides with Visit Brunei Year. This is because accurate, prompt and authentic information will give a positive signal to investors and tourists, especially regarding the direction and targets as well as the efforts of the government, private sector and the people in addressing socioeconomic policies and efforts to diversify the economy for the prosperity of the country.

That is all from kaola’s brief views as input in support of the Motion on Coordination Towards Achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035. What is most important is the seriousness of connectivity, strong coordination and the spirit of consensus, unity and cooperation of all the people and residents towards achieving the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035 so that it will continue to be a Baldatun Tayyibatun Warabbun Ghafur country under the wise leadership, kaola continue Pehin finish, under the wise, visionary and caring leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

May Allah always bestow the best upon this country that we love, always grant blessings, and continuously bestow prosperity, peace, stability and security under the protection of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Protecting.

That is all. And with Allah comes guidance and success, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Thank you Yang Berhormat Pehin.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

I now invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee.

Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity for kaola to debate this Motion.

Kaola with the utmost respect humbly extends highest appreciation before the Council to Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam for His Majesty’s leadership, in particular His Majesty’s titah of consent for the appointment of Coordinating Ministers as a strategic step to strengthen the whole of nation approach in advancing national priorities as well as preserving the well-being of the people. Coordination determines whether plans can be translated into results, projects can proceed and matters involving multiple agencies can be resolved in a timely manner. This is very important because Negara Brunei Darussalam now has less than 9 years to realise Wawasan Brunei 2035.

We already have various plans, strategies, studies and committees as presented this morning, the main challenge is the gap between planning and delivery which is often the result of weak coordination.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In examining this Motion, kaola would like to touch on two matters, namely the proposal to establish Stock Exchange Brunei and the transformation of the public transport system. Both differ in nature but show the same need, namely clear leadership, continuity and coordinated follow-up action. The proposal to establish Stock Exchange Brunei has been considered for more than a decade. Its preparation had already begun in 2015, with 2017 at that time identified as the possible year of its launch.

Several important foundations were subsequently developed including the Central Securities Depository System in May 2017. In March 2026, this Council was informed that the exchange was expected to be launched at the end of the third quarter of 2027. This requires the legal, regulatory and technological aspects together with financial institutions, companies with potential to be listed and investors to move in step. Likewise with the transformation of public bus services. A comprehensive plan was presented in 2015, followed by a proposed route network in 2016 with implementation targeted to begin in mid-2017.

Since then, the project has undergone further study, redesign and procurement processes. In March 2026, negotiations continued with two shortlisted companies under the request for proposal process. This Council was also informed that the more flexible and demand-based Demand Responsive Transit service would be launched this year. Kaola very much welcomes this development and hopes its implementation will be realised as planned so that the public can enjoy a public transport system that is easier, more flexible and more reliable. This becomes important in the context of our preparations for Visit Brunei Year 2027.

Its success requires the tourism, transport, immigration, customs, municipal services, public works sectors, private operators and local communities to provide services as one integrated system. For tourists, their experience in Brunei is not divided according to ministry or agency boundaries. They experience it as one journey.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola’s concern is not merely because these initiatives are taking time, we understand that major projects require careful planning, comprehensive consultation and thorough technical preparation. What needs attention is how the period from announcement to completion can be managed with greater discipline and efficiency.

When important initiatives are prolonged without clear resolution, public confidence can be affected. The solution is not merely to call for action to be expedited. Every major cross-agency initiative must have clear leadership, realistic timelines, division of responsibilities, specific benchmarks, mechanisms to escalate unresolved issues as well as periodic monitoring.

Kaola agrees with the view that has been expressed that if a target can no longer be achieved, the cause should be identified early. Corrective measures should be taken and a new direction clearly communicated. The progress of Wawasan Brunei 2035 should also be displayed through a public platform that is easily accessible and updated periodically. The platform should display targets, timelines, stages of progress, responsible parties as well as corrective measures when implementation falls behind.

It should also explain how the government, business sector and society can contribute. Clear roles will encourage more focused action. The publication of KPIs and key timelines helps delays to be identified early. Transparency is not about finding fault but about strengthening accountability, maintaining momentum and building public confidence.

Kaola was recently introduced to the Pentahelix Approach by Universiti Brunei Darussalam. This approach brings together the government, academia, industry, society and the media. The government provides direction, academia contributes evidence, industry brings implementation expertise, society shares real experiences and the media increases awareness and accountability. Its strength lies in ensuring that all parties remain involved from understanding the problem until achieving results. Therefore, kaola encourages ministries to consider this approach for initiatives that require cross-sector collaboration.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The appointment of Ahli Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras is indeed most timely. Their role can ensure that every cross-ministry initiative has clear leadership. Issues are escalated when overlap or delays occur and all agencies move in the same direction. The matters that kaola have raised should be seen as a constructive reminder.

Negara Brunei Darussalam has strong plans and capable institutions. Our next priority is to close the gap between aspiration and achievement. Complexity can be understood but prolonged uncertainty should not become the norm. The clearer the planning, the stronger the coordination. The stronger the coordination, the faster the implementation.

When the people can see projects successfully completed, their confidence in the delivery system will also increase. With that, kaola with all due respect fully supports this Motion. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah the Almighty and His blessings. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, for giving me the opportunity to also take part in debating the Motion on coordination towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 today.

First of all, kaola records highest appreciation for the authority and wisdom in the appointment of Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras with the direction that has been clearly outlined through the titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during the opening and closing of the 92nd Cabinet Ministers Council Meeting.

Kaola is also pleased to welcome and support the appointment of Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras as a strategic step to realise the whole of government approach in order to strengthen coordination among ministries. To resolve cross-ministerial issues and eliminate cross-ministerial and cross-portfolio barriers and to ensure that national priorities are translated into more organised action and faster and more effective achievements.

Kaola would also like to convey that some of the people whom kaola had the opportunity to meet also welcomed this reform. They pray for the success of Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras and earnestly hope that the changes to be implemented can be publicised as soon as possible so that they too can contribute and play a role in making this trust a success together for the sake of the whole of nation approach.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. I have got 12 minutes, oh yes 12 minutes to go. In kaola's view, our country (small laughter) is not lacking in plans, policies, blueprints or KPIs. Praise be to Allah, many matters have already been studied, planned, worked on and documented. The reality is that within the remaining nine years towards Wawasan Brunei 2035, the phase we are facing is no longer the planning phase but the implementation phase which needs to show clear progress that can be seen and felt by the people.

Praise be to Allah, the authority and wisdom of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in appointing Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras is appropriate and timely to give integrated focus to implementation in a parallel coordinated approach that is faster, with speed in decision making, high impact and effective with measurable tangible outcomes that can be assessed in the short term, near term, medium term and long term. With its implementation broken down into phases, namely clear building blocks or deliverables to facilitate periodic monitoring, progress assessment and early corrective action when needed. Coordination itself is not the ultimate goal.

Kaola agrees that coordination is one of the mechanisms to produce faster decisions as to which activities or reprioritization are needed, with responsibility and accountability distributed more clearly, and more orderly use of resources to achieve National Outcomes that can truly be seen and felt by the country and the people. From the various National Outcomes that are national priorities, kaola would like to make several monitoring observations by touching on three aspects of the National Outcomes, namely Economic Growth, Employment Opportunities and Food Security. Therefore, to assist the implementation of this Coordinating Ministers structure, kaola would like to put forward several views for consideration as to their suitability.

I apologise in advance, kaola may not fully understand and have limited knowledge of the internal management and procedures of government agencies, and perhaps what kaola wishes to propose is already standard procedure. Kaola only wishes to share views from kaola's experience in the corporate sector, namely in the form of a strategy action monitoring method, a strategic monitoring tool to take corrective action when an outcome depends on the actions of several departments, agencies and stakeholders who have their own priority, schedule and challenges.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola's first proposal is to translate priorities into Joint Coordination Action Activities. Every priorities national that cuts across several ministries needs to be translated into a clear set of joint coordination activities that can be implemented.

Therefore, from the many KPIs already available in each ministry, the Coordinating Minister in cooperation with the ministers who own those KPIs may identify the critical KPIs that need to be monitored which collectively truly contribute to a national outcome. Kaola is not proposing that new KPIs be created. Instead, the existing KPIs need to be mapped out, aligned, risk-assessed and prioritised based on impact. For example, for the national outcome of economic growth, facilitating business and attracting FDI are indeed important.

However, success is not only through the number of companies registered, achieving a high ranking in the indicator Ease of Doing Business or the large number of Memorandum of Understanding that have been signed or the amount of investment announced. We need to make way for and prioritise investments that may not necessarily give high economic impact alone but also contribute to other national outcomes. In other words, measuring how many of those investments truly begin operations, use local services, build a domestic supply chain, generate income within the country and provide quality employment opportunities to local people.

We need to plan so that graduates and suitably qualified local workers are given early exposure and skills including training at parent companies so that they not only enter work at the entry level but can take over supervisory and middle management positions within the set period. This is where the role of coordination becomes important, namely to give priority and ensure that KPIs on investment, business, suitable graduate approvals, on-the-job training, a work-ready workforce, all move towards the same national outcome, namely increasing economic growth, generating national revenue and quality jobs for locals.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Kaola would also like to suggest setting an accountable owner for each national outcome. When too many parties are involved, sometimes the final responsibility becomes less clear. An issue moves from one ministry to another without resolution. Therefore, kaola proposes that the Coordinating Minister appoint a single accountable person at the ministry or agency portfolio level as the implementation lead. Other ministries and agencies then contribute according to their respective roles with clear target responsibilities and implementation periods.

This is important to reduce a situation that may be regarded as institutional ping pong, where a problem continues to be referred between agencies without a clear decision. Here kaola would like to refer to the national outcome related to employment. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of foreign workers in the private sector increased from around 60,000 in 2021 to more than 82 thousand in 2025, indicating economic recovery and increased demand for labour.

But the national unemployment rate of 5.2 per cent is the highest in ASEAN in 2025. This does not include the number of graduates and youths who are underemployed and those who are no longer in the register national unemployed. In line with the titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam that employment opportunities for local citizens should continue to be intensified and dependence on foreign workers gradually reduced. This shows the need for a more comprehensive coordination effort so that economic growth can be translated into more quality employment opportunities for local people.

Who is to be held responsible for addressing this issue that cuts across agencies and ministries? This is where kaola also sees the need for coordination among those managing work permits, manpower forecasting, education and training for new industries, investment, immigration and employers, with an accountable owner designated to drive implementation and monitor achievement of national outcomes.

For example, work permits that will expire within two or three years can already be mapped out earlier and this information from the mapping should then be shared with the relevant agencies so that the data is aligned and consistent and the target is visible and clear to reduce foreign work permit holders to be replaced by qualified and trained local citizens. The outcome we want is not merely a reduction in the number of foreign workers, who are indeed needed to help with local labour shortages. The real outcome is to improve job quality, income growth, career advancement namely career path development and the ability of local people to take over suitable positions.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Kaola's third proposal is to operationalise an Integrated National Wawasan Dashboard. At present, there are various dashboards, committees and reporting systems at the ministry and sectoral levels. All of these have their own uses. Ministry KPIs also remain important. But we also need to know whether the overall achievement of those KPIs truly leads towards the National Outcome and subsequently to the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Kaola is of the view that the focus or function of the Coordinating Minister in this matter is to work together with the sectoral ministers to identify ministry KPIs that should be monitored at the national level, while at the same time ensuring collective delivery towards the achievement of the National Outcome. The Integrated Wawasan Dashboard that kaola suggests can carry the spirit of collective delivery. This dashboard can help us understand the effectiveness of collective delivery in achieving the National Outcome. For example, in terms of the National Outcome Food Security. There are those who hold the view that food security does not only mean how much food can be produced in the country.

It covers several components, namely in terms of affordability, the ability of the people to buy basic food, availability of supply namely availability, diversity of import sources namely security of supply, the presence of strategic stockpiles, storage capacity and supply chain resilience and distribution capability. These matters involve trade, agriculture, transport, ports, finance, warehouse security and the private sector.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola's final proposal is to obtain a performance review schedule. The frequency of the performance review must be adjusted according to the level of importance and the urgency of a matter. Each review must produce decisions: whether action is required, who owns it, what assistance is needed, the recovery mechanism, and what the escalation mechanism is if it still has not been resolved.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The success of coordination needs to be measured through expedited decisions and outcomes that can truly be seen and felt by the people. I request a little more time to finish, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you.

Kaola appreciates that the coordination structure is a work in progress. Kaola also hopes there will be an explanation of how resources such as budget, manpower, data and digital systems will be aligned to support shared priorities. Kaola's support is accompanied by the hope that coordination will be translated through kaola's proposals, namely:

First, national priorities are translated into joint coordination action activities. Second, the placement of an accountable owner for each national outcome. Third, operationalising an integrated national Wawasan dashboard. Fourth, implementing performance review. And fifth, measuring outcomes that can truly be seen and felt by the people.

Kaola, within whatever appropriate space and capability, is ready to help as a liaison, provide views and act as a strategic partner in the effort to realise Wawasan Brunei. God willing, through stronger coordination efforts, we will see faster decisions, clearer ownership, obstacles that can be resolved and outcomes that are not only reported but can truly be seen, felt and enjoyed by all the people or residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam, insya Allah.

And placing trust in Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, kaola supports the motion on coordination and also says amen to the prayers that our joint efforts towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 be blessed by Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala and be made easy. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds. Long live Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik.

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah the Almighty and His blessings. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members. I would like to thank Your Honourable Members who have taken part in the debate on this motion so far, and I still have several more members who will also take part. However, I think it is appropriate now for us to take a 15-minute break and the meeting will resume after that.

(The Legislative Council adjourned briefly)

(The Legislative Council resumed)

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Your Honourable Members. The Legislative Council meeting is still debating Motion number 4/2026. I would now like to invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof to give his views. Please proceed, Yang Berhormat.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful (prayer recited). Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Honourable Member.

With full respect and reverence, kaola records the highest appreciation and gratitude to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for giving the opportunity for kaola to fully support the motion supporting coordination to achieve Wawasan Brunei 2035 as proposed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral Bersara Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, Menteri Penyelaras bagi Keselamatan Negara, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Pertahanan II.

On the preface and explanation by Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Keselamatan Negara, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri and Menteri Pertahanan II in relation to the motion, kaola would like to express many thanks and the highest appreciation. On this occasion, kaola would also like to express thanks and appreciation and furthermore welcome Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Ekonomi and Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri as well as Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Sosial dan Tenaga Manusia and Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri for the preface and explanation which were so comprehensive, covering planning, strategies, action plans and initiatives to be implemented towards strengthening and enhancing coordination and alignment across various relevant agencies for the development and progress of the country as well as the welfare and wellbeing of the people in realising Wawasan Brunei 2035.

In this noble hall, kaola with full respect and reverence gladly offers the highest gratitude and fully supports the gracious titah 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 dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam regarding several major changes involving the establishment and appointment of three Coordinating Ministers for National Security Policy, Economic Policies and Social Policy and Manpower during the Titah Perutusan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the Reshuffle and Appointment of new Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers 2026 on Thursday, 17 Zulhijjah 1446 corresponding to 4 June 2026.

Kaola also once again, with full respect and reverence, and with full gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, gladly conveys the highest gratitude and unwavering support before the Council of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam for conferring His titah, namely His titah of very noble and high value with visionary wisdom, that the coordination mechanism will continue to strengthen the whole of government approach that has always been emphasised by His Majesty in the effort to achieve the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

With less than a decade remaining, every ministry can no longer move in silos. His Majesty further emphasised that the government must always be ready to adjust the necessary approaches and priorities so as to be more responsive, effective and able to deliver a real impact to the people. The contents titah by His Majesty were in conjunction with the opening and closing of the 92nd Cabinet Ministers’ Council Meeting, on 29 Zulhijjah 1446 corresponding to 15 June 2026.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. In kaola's observation, among the main essences implied in the Titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam which very much need to be deeply and seriously considered, followed by total commitment and continuous unity, are in carrying through, undertaking and fulfilling His Majesty’s noble aspirations and high expectations as meant in the Titah just now.

The challenge now is, what are the best and most effective action steps and formula of approach that can bring a very significant impact in all of us together with all relevant stakeholders and those entrusted, sorry, we Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, government agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations, and even across all levels of the people and residents in this country, to work hand in hand and work hard to fully carry His Majesty’s noble aspirations until they become reality, enjoyed and felt by the people.

This is further compounded by the time framework which draws closer day by day until it is scarcely felt that now there are only about seven years left towards Wawasan Brunei 2035. In that regard, kaola would like to recall once again the Closing Titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during the 92nd Cabinet Ministers’ Council Meeting, where His Majesty was very concerned and gave very serious attention to the coordinating drivers, hoping that the Coordinating Ministers should become the main link and unite all government priority efforts and actions towards achieving the same goal for the wellbeing of the people and the progress of the nation, and move in tandem with the intended goals, while at the same time functioning as the main leaders in coordinating issues across ministries or cross-cutting issues involving sectors under their respective jurisdictions.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Every ministry and government agency, as we function and operate according to the jurisdiction and duties entrusted, acts as the main pillar of the machinery driving progress and implementing government services towards the national development agenda. It cannot be denied that there are strategic plans and action plan frameworks for each ministry and government agency.

From kaola's observations, there are still shortcomings in aligning and coordinating important policies that need to be prioritised, especially those driving the nation’s socio-economic landscape as well as the welfare and wellbeing of the people and residents of this country, for example Ease of Doing Business and conducive business environment, including attracting more foreign investors. From the feedback received, there are among the authorities impacts that are less encouraging, which create difficulties when they should instead serve as efficient and effective facilitating agents in delivering services.

First, one of the challenges that also needs attention, in kaola's view, is to further develop ways to encourage, facilitate and increase the number of local, micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, not only in start-up business, but also in expanding their businesses or enterprises. What kaola means is that there still exist factors that become obstacles, especially those that do not fully support the success and effectiveness of a policy, for example the features of Ease of Doing Business and conducive business environment in this country still have not reached a competitive level nor provide the incentives to attract more foreign investors. If we compare with the standard practices adopted not only among ASEAN countries but also at the international level, these very much require updating and moreover improvement;

Second, limited infrastructure and utility support facilities. Third, lack of facilities and incentives for micro, small and medium enterprises, for example lack of capital to start and expand businesses, financial financing with high premium, cottage industry type products are not allowed in private homes, lack of full-time professional guidance including monitoring business development and marketing as well as improving skills. Fourth, application processing still practises a system that is overregulated, overlapping, full of red tape and rigid, and implemented in a fragmented manner besides taking time to obtain approvals, along with a shortage of skilled and professional manpower.

Therefore, it would be good for a comprehensive study and review by way of reflection across all relevant agencies, including the issues raised earlier, so that together we may improve, update and further enhance the procedures for harmonising and streamlining the coordination of policies or enforced regulations towards the same direction. This is aimed at improving implementation efficiency and reducing bureaucracy in making a process faster, easier and more resource-saving while ensuring coordination and implementation can be carried out more efficiently, effectively, transparent and towards advancing a more progressive, dynamic and sustainable nation.

At this point, kaola would also like to draw the attention of this council, as kaola is of the view that we should listen and respond to whatever complaints and views there may be and should not ignore or sideline the role of the private sector as the engine of growth, as well as the voices and feedback from non-governmental organisations and society in this country. Such an approach can unravel and subsequently overcome the problems they face, while obtaining constructive and productive views.

The involvement of these three sectors can act as value added in helping to further strengthen the effectiveness of coordination through the whole of government approach, extending across the wider whole of nation approach. With the existence of a holistic and effective coordination and uniformity approach, God willing, by His grace, it will be able to multiply significant impacts, not only the spin-off and multiplier economic impact but also the value chain of various economic and business activities. This will certainly further boost gross domestic product, increase economic growth, generate more job opportunities, enhance skilled and professional manpower, strengthen investor confidence, create various high tech value-added products and the like. Subsequently, with the achievement of stable socio-economic progress, God willing, it will be able to address social problems such as unemployment and poverty while improving the quality of wellbeing and welfare of the people and residents.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. What kaola wishes to raise, which has become a great concern and unease among the public, relates to unemployment which is linked to the coordination of social and manpower policies, with reference to the Labour Force Survey 2025 report issued by the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics showing an increase in the number of unemployed from 10,900 in 2024 to 11,600 in 2025.

Kaola very much welcomes and also strongly supports that various relevant agencies, not only on the government side but also involving industry and the private sector in an integrated manner, have taken more comprehensive steps and strengthened strategies further towards addressing the issue of unemployment. Among them are the Manpower Planning and Employment Council and also studies carried out by the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies, Prime Minister’s Office. Likewise, the Ministry of Education has implemented various initiatives and strategies to address the issue of unemployment.

Kaola is of the view, may kaola continue Pehin, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola is of the view that in addressing the issue of unemployment which is closely related to employment, the manpower industry and education across various relevant industries, especially the government, industry, the private sector and other relevant agencies, in order to avoid duplication or overlapping tasks so as to be more focused and to ensure effectiveness in addressing unemployment, it would be good for the functions and roles of relevant agencies as well as the various committees established to be reviewed and updated to be coordinated and aligned with education, training and manpower so as to ensure they are in line with manpower planning strategies towards the effective achievement of the Manpower Blueprint objectives in line with Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Among developed countries, Research and Development is one of the very important components in enabling a nation to drive success and excellence not only in terms of creativity, innovation, advancement technology, competitiveness and progressiveness, but also in continuously driving the dynamic socio-national development.

From that lesson and experience, in kaola's opinion, Research and Development should not only be given attention but expanded by aligning policies across and involving various relevant agencies so as to be more focused and effective in whatever analytical studies and findings are carried out by institutions or organisations with expertise in any field. For example, methods of coordinating digital transformation through interoperability across various agencies and relevant stakeholders in implementing the effectiveness of national projects and initiatives that produce significant impact on the country. Among others, Brunei Identity Digital, e-Gate, digital payment through TARUS QR, A.I-Capable DataCentre and others.

Such measures can accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies, avoid duplication of research and scope of work, while using multipurpose approaches and being more cost effective, as well as increasing productivity, efficiency and the production of higher quality, efficient, creative and innovative products and services. This will certainly further stimulate more resilient economic and business activities towards facing the Industrial Revolution 5.0 era while increasing confidence and strengthening credibility not only among businesspeople and communities in this country but also foreign nationals or investors who wish to start businesses in this country. This too must be based on strategic planning and, God willing, will achieve the direction of Digital Brunei 2030: The Digital Brunei Transformation Plan and also support Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. For the country, God willing, to receive blessings and mercy from Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, whatever is important must be given attention as to how the strategies and steps are to increase coordination in the implementation, application and internalisation of the principles of Maqasid Syariah not only among the government machinery but also educational institutions and society in this country. Indeed, God willing, as value added and Rahmatal Lil'alamin and with the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala, in the effort to enhance and empower the transformation of the country’s coordination of Security, Economic, Social and Manpower Policies.

Policy coordination based on Maqasid Syariah not only guarantees effective governance in order to achieve the welfare of the people and avoid harm, but also ensures that every policy implemented will, God willing, become a means to blessings for national development towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035, while at the same time strengthening efforts towards Negara Brunei Darussalam, this beloved country, as a Baldatun Thayyibatun Warabbun Ghafur. In closing, kaola would like to insert a quatrain;

Strong consensus becomes the foundation, Policies coordinated with full wisdom, Maqasid Syariah made the guide, The nation and the people showered with mercy and blessings.

Amin, Amin Ya Rabbal Alamin. That is all, and with Allah comes guidance and success, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah Ta'ala and His blessings.

Kaola seeks forgiveness and thanks are extended for giving the space, giving the time to deliver this in this quorum. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin.

Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (prayer recited).

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Kaola expresses full support for the Motion which touches on the importance of coordination in government administration as a strategic approach to ensure that the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035 can be realised more effectively.

This support is in line with the titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of new Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers on 4 June 2026.

In the titah, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam stressed that the country is now in an important phase of implementing the Wawasan Brunei 2035 blueprint and the success of that agenda depends on integrated shared responsibility as well as effective leadership among cabinet members.

In this regard, with the appointment of three Coordinating Ministers for Economic Policies and a Coordinating Minister for Social and Manpower Policies, this step is not merely a change in the administrative structure but also a strategic reform to strengthen policy coordination, accelerate the implementation of the government agenda and ensure that every ministry moves in an integrated manner towards the same national goals.

We are aware that Wawasan Brunei 2035 is not merely a policy document but is the nation’s commitment to building a country with educated, highly skilled and successful people, enjoying a high quality of life and possessing a dynamic and sustainable economy.

This major goal requires an administrative approach that is more integrated, efficient, and responsive to current challenges. At present, development issues can no longer be handled by one ministry alone. For example, efforts to increase employment opportunities involve education, workforce development, investment, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, technology as well as the private sector; likewise, the food security agenda involves the agricultural, trade, logistics, environmental and research sectors. All of these require effective coordination.

Therefore, the appointment of Coordinating Ministers is one of the strategic steps that enables the government to ensure that every ministry moves towards the same goals without overlapping functions or delays in implementation occurring.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Among the main reasons for the appointment of Coordinating Ministers is to strengthen coordination in government policy. A policy involving various ministries requires leadership capable of uniting planning, resolving overlapping jurisdictions and accelerating the decision-making process. Coordinating Ministers can play that role through continuous monitoring and by ensuring that each ministry carries out its respective responsibilities according to the targets that have been set.

This approach is very important in achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 because the success of that vision depends on comprehensive policy implementation rather than separate implementation according to individual ministries.

In addition, Coordinating Ministers can also improve the effectiveness of implementing the country’s strategic projects. The country is focusing on digital transformation, new economic development, increasing productivity, food security, green energy as well as human capital development.

All these areas are interrelated and require coordinated action. With the presence of Coordinating Ministers, any issues hindering project progress can be identified earlier and resolved more quickly. This not only speeds up project implementation but also increases the confidence of the people and investors in the government’s ability to implement the national development agenda.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The appointment of Coordinating Ministers is also in line with efforts to strengthen public sector governance in an increasingly challenging era, where the people expect government services that are faster, more efficient, transparent and responsive. Good coordination between ministries will reduce bureaucracy, speed up approval processes and improve the quality of service delivery. This is in line with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035 to create an efficient and high-performing government. Efficient administration not only benefits the people but also enhances the country’s competitiveness in attracting foreign investment and strengthening the economy. (Clears throat)

In addition, the appointment of Coordinating Ministers can also ensure that the use of government resources is carried out more effectively in the face of uncertain global economic conditions, where every government expenditure must provide optimum returns to the country and the people. Strong coordination will avoid overlapping programmes, reduce wastage and ensure that every project delivers maximum impact. This approach is very important in supporting economic diversification efforts and reducing dependence on oil and gas revenues in line with the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Nevertheless, the success of the appointment of Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras does not depend only on the existence of those positions; more importantly, there must be clarity of jurisdiction, mechanisms, accountability and clear performance measures. Every Coordinating Minister must have a clear mandate, measurable Key Performance Indicators as well as transparent reporting mechanisms. In this way, the people can assess the extent of the effectiveness of the coordination implemented and how it contributes to the achievement of national development targets.

In addition, kaola is also of the view that successful coordination requires a whole of government approach. Every ministry must see itself as part of one team with the same objective, namely to advance the country and improve the well-being of the people. Close cooperation between the public sector, private sector, educational institutions and society also needs to be strengthened so that every policy planned truly impacts national development.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Finally, kaola is of the view that the appointment of Coordinating Ministers is a correct step if it is utilised to strengthen coordination, accelerate policy implementation, improve administrative efficiency and ensure that the use of national resources is carried out optimally. If this implementation is supported by an effective monitoring system, transparent governance and the cooperation of all parties, I/kaola am confident that it will become an important catalyst in realising the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035. Let us together ensure that every policy, every project and every decision made is always centred on the interests of the country and the well-being of the people in order to make Negara Brunei Darussalam a country that continues to progress, remains competitive and prosperous by the year 2035.

That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. That is all. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta'ala wabarakatuh.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck.

Yang Berhormat Awang Lau How Teck

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola supports the Motion presented. In kaola’s view, when we speak about Wawasan Brunei 2035 today, our focus is no longer on what is to be achieved because the goals are already clear.

The greater challenge is to ensure that every effort currently being implemented can move in step and reinforce one another so that the results can truly be felt by the country and the people. From the perspective that kaola sees, stronger coordination is among the factors that will determine the extent to which good policies can be translated into tangible outcomes. Kaola would like to view this from the perspective of economic development. Today, there is no longer any one sector that can grow on its own. Food security, for example, does not focus only on agriculture but also on technological research, financing, development, logistics, processing, marketing and export opportunities. Likewise, when we talk about SME enterprises or efforts to attract investment.

Each of these is interrelated and requires support from various parties. Therefore, the strength of coordination not only makes implementation smoother but ensures that every effort made adds value to other efforts. When every sector moves with the same understanding of the country’s priorities, the impact will be greater than if each party moves separately. In the business world, confidence is also the foundation of every decision. Investors do not make decisions based only on one incentive or one policy. They look at whether the direction of the country’s development is clear, whether priorities are translated consistently and whether all parties are moving in the same direction.

This will make the private sector more confident in making long-term investments, introducing new technology, increasing production capacity and creating employment opportunities. This is one of the values that can be created through stronger coordination, not only improving implementation within the government but also giving confidence to the private sector to move together in making the national development agenda a success. Kaola also sees that good coordination not only helps coordinate issues currently being faced but also enables the country to identify new opportunities earlier.

For example, when we look at the agri-food sector, opportunities do not lie only in increasing production. Greater value can be generated through processing, halal certification, innovation as well as opening new markets. If all these matters are seen as one interrelated chain, the economic opportunities created will also become broader. This approach will help accelerate the country’s economic diversification efforts. Kaola is also of the view that stronger coordination will help the country increase productivity. Often when we discuss productivity, focus is given to workers or companies, but productivity is also influenced by the way institutions cooperate.

When an issue requires action from several parties, good coordination will reduce the time needed to make decisions, speed up implementation and enable resources to be used more effectively. In Kaola’s view, productivity improvements like this not only benefit the government but also affect the business world, investors and the people because decisions can be translated into quicker and more effective action.

Finally, Kaola believes that the success of Wawasan Brunei does not depend only on the number of initiatives implemented. More importantly, it depends on the extent to which each of those initiatives complements one another and produces greater value for the country. When coordination can strengthen confidence, speed up implementation, open up new economic opportunities and ensure that all parties move in the same direction, its benefits will not only be felt by the business sector, but by the people as a whole.

Kaola is confident that this approach will continue to strengthen the country’s efforts to build an economy that is more resilient, competitive and capable of creating more opportunities for future generations. That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

I invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin.

Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and greetings. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Praise be to Allah. Kaola records the highest appreciation to Yang Berhormat Pehin for the opportunity for kaola to also participate in debating the Motion that has been presented. Kaola expresses utmost gratitude for the titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam which emphasised that in the remaining period of less than a decade towards Wawasan Brunei 2035, each ministry can no longer move in isolation or in silos.

His Majesty also emphasised the role of the coordinating ministers as the main link in uniting the government’s priority efforts and actions towards the same goal. In this regard, kaola welcomes and supports the appointment of all three coordinating ministers. This appointment provides a clearer foundation for addressing cross-ministerial issues and narrowing the implementation gap among the relevant parties.

In support of the aspiration of that titah, kaola would like to put forward several suggestions which are hoped will further strengthen the coordination and implementation of Wawasan Brunei 2035, especially in connecting the actions of stakeholders, identifying obstacles and ensuring that implementation progress can be seen comprehensively. This does not change the responsibilities of the existing ministries and agencies; rather, it is hoped to support the role of the coordinating ministers in uniting related efforts so that they move towards the same national outcomes.

In this matter, we need to identify the main national outcomes to be achieved towards realising Wawasan Brunei 2035. Kaola is of the view that there are five critical national outcomes, namely economic growth, employment, poverty eradication, food security and energy security. The success of these five national outcomes depends on the following five processes:

First, establishing a national outcomes framework. Second, accelerating the approval and implementation of projects. Third, strengthening corporatisation and placement processes. Fourth, focusing on quality and resilience. And fifth, establishing a national Wawasan dashboard.

Here kaola will discuss three of those national outcomes. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

First, to strengthen the country’s economic growth, kaola is of the view that all economic policies, programmes and proposals that have ever been put forward, including those raised by appointed Yang Berhormat Members, need to be assessed based on impact and feasibility. These proposals need to be translated into a single clear outcomes framework covering increases in productivity, investment, exports, local enterprises, quality jobs and income. This framework will reduce duplication of plans among the responsible ministries and ensure that every ministry moves in alignment towards the same national outcomes.

In the context of Foreign Direct Investment or FDI, all processes related to licensing, land, planning, utilities and manpower must be reassessed, improved and coordinated through an integrated mechanism. To ensure efficient implementation, a project lead has been appointed for each strategic project with a clear timeline and problem-solving channel. The project lead needs to coordinate the actions of the relevant ministries and agencies until the project truly begins operating.

The success of FDI should be measured based on the value of investment that is genuinely assessed and analysed together with the number of projects that begin operations, not merely the total number of approval applications or announced investments. This approach will ensure not only an increase in the amount of investment but also contributions to productivity, exports, quality jobs and increased income.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, in strengthening employment, all programmes related to education, training, job placement and industrial development need to be coordinated under one national outcome. Success should not be assessed only based on the number of job opportunities or training participants, but based on jobs that are actually filled, suitability of skills, level of income and the length of time a person remains employed. Educational institutions, training providers, employment agencies and industry parties need to jointly identify growing sectors as well as the types of skills required. Training programmes must be based on actual demand and, where appropriate, accompanied by job placement commitments from industry.

In this way, we can reduce the mismatch between the qualifications of job seekers and the needs of employers. Job seekers need to be given skills assessment, career guidance and suitable placement pathways. At the same time, employers need to provide clear information regarding the skills, experience and salary levels required. KPIs should measure the number of quality jobs created, the rate of job placement, the suitability of jobs to skills, as well as the retention rate of workers after six months or one year.

However, the creation of jobs alone is not sufficient if those jobs do not offer reasonable income, career advancement pathways and stability. Therefore, employment and training incentives should encourage employers to provide on-the-job training, upskilling and career advancement pathways. KPIs need to include salary increases, worker productivity, promotions and employee retention rates, not only the number of individuals who begin work. All parties should use shared data and KPIs to plan the workforce and evaluate implementation outcomes. With coordination across the whole machinery of government and industry cooperation, employment policy can shift from measuring activity to producing quality, productive and sustainable jobs.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. To strengthen energy security, a framework that coordinates projections of energy demand with supply capacity, population growth, industrial development and future infrastructure needs must be established. Energy security is not only about adequacy of supply; it also covers reliability, affordability, resilience and sustainability of the energy system.

Therefore, energy planning needs to be integrated with economic planning and national development. Generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure need to be maintained and upgraded in a planned manner. The system also needs to have backup capacity, emergency plans and clear utility pathways in the event of damage, disaster or supply disruption. Priority should be given to critical facilities such as hospitals, water systems, communications and emergency services so that they can continue operating during disruptions.

Excessive dependence on a single source or technology can increase risk to the country. Therefore, the energy mix needs to be planned by taking into account existing resources, renewable energy, energy storage and suitable new technologies. This diversification needs to be implemented in stages based on cost, reliability and suitability to the country’s needs, not merely to meet technology targets. Energy security is not achieved only by increasing supply; energy use also needs to be managed more efficiently in the government, industrial, business and household sectors. Energy audits, energy-efficient equipment, better building design and the use of smart technology can reduce wastage and pressure on the system. The savings achieved can also be used to increase investment in energy infrastructure. Shared KPIs should include adequacy of capacity and reserve supply, frequency and duration of supply disruptions, and recovery time after disruptions.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Energy prudence requires a balance between sufficient supply, affordable prices, reliable infrastructure and a resilient system. With a whole-of-government approach, energy planning can support economic growth, public well-being and the continuity of the country’s essential services.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. In conclusion, kaola would like to stress that the main challenge now is no longer planning but implementing swiftly and in a coordinated manner, moving in step, without overlap and delivering direct impact to the people by 2035. Open communication with the public is also important, not merely to inform them of developments but to obtain feedback and assess whether development outcomes are truly reaching them.

Based on the matters that kaola has explained and taking into account the importance of coordination in strengthening the implementation of Wawasan Brunei 2035, kaola hereby expresses full support for the motion. That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members. I think that is enough for our sitting today. I propose that our meeting be adjourned.

God willing, we will reconvene on Wednesday, 5 August 2026 as usual starting from 9.30 in the morning.

That is all. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta'ala wabarakatuh.

(The Council meeting was adjourned)