DAY 1 MORNING

Reading Summary

📖 Reading time: 73 minutes
📊 Word count: 14,437 words

3RD AUG 2026 MORNING

(The meeting commenced at 9.30 a.m.)

Yang Mulia Jurutulis

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. The Second Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara convenes on its first day today, Monday, 19 Safar 1448 Hijrah corresponding to 3 August 2026, preceded by the Doa Selamat.

DOA SELAMAT

(The Doa Selamat was recited by Yang Mulia Begawan Mudim Awang Haji Amran bin Haji Md. Salleh)

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi ta'ala wabarakatuh. Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to Allah Subhanahu wata'ala because by His permission and mercy, we are able to be present this morning for the first day of the Second Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.

Blessings and peace be upon our great Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam, his family, companions and his followers who are obedient and faithful until the end of time.

Your Honourable Members. I am pleased to welcome the presence of all Your Honourable Members in our sitting today for the Second Meeting of the 22nd Session.

Before proceeding with the business of the sitting, allow me first on behalf of this noble Council to respectfully convey the highest congratulations and prayers for the wellbeing of Kehadapan Majlis Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the 80th Birthday Celebration of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam which we have just celebrated most joyously and with full gratitude together with all the people and residents of this country.

Let us all together offer prayers to Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala that Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam will always be bestowed with good health, a long life and continuously granted His guidance and blessings in leading this beloved country towards lasting peace and prosperity.

On this valuable occasion, I would like to welcome the presence of the newly appointed Yang Berhormat Cabinet Ministers, who are the cabinet line-up appointed on 17 Zulhijjah 1447 corresponding to 4 June 2026, into this Council. The appointment of all Yang Berhormat is a great trust, and I am confident that with the experience and dedication of Yang Berhormat, you will be able to contribute effectively for the progress of the country and the wellbeing of the people.

Allow me also to record my highest appreciation and thanks to the former Yang Berhormat Cabinet Members for their contributions and service throughout their term, especially to this Council and the country. The services and efforts of all Yang Berhormat for the progress of the country and the wellbeing of the people are greatly appreciated and will always be remembered. May Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala reward all the good deeds of Yang Berhormat with the best of rewards.

Your Honourable Members. We are sitting today in a global atmosphere that is facing various challenges and uncertainties, whether in terms of geopolitical tensions, global economic turmoil, climate change, or the rapid pace of digital and technological transformation affecting every level of society.

In facing this current of change, our country must continue to remain vigilant and wise in formulating policies capable of protecting the interests of the people while ensuring that the stability and prosperity of the nation continue to be safeguarded. Therefore, the responsibility borne by all Your Honourable Members at this time is indeed great, and it demands wisdom and close cooperation from all parties.

It is in this context that I have approved two main Motions for discussion in this meeting.

First, the Motion concerns alignment towards the implementation of Wawasan Brunei 2035. This matter is important because the future vision of the country is not merely a policy document, but the national direction that requires integrated efforts from the whole people and the country. This means that every policy and initiative must always be aligned with the goals of the vision, namely to produce a highly educated and skilled people, achieve a quality of life among the best in the world, and build a dynamic and resilient economy.

Therefore, I call upon all Your Honourable Members to debate this Motion in the spirit of strengthening the alignment of Wawasan Brunei 2035 so that its aspirations may be realised for the present and future generations.

Second, it relates to the Motion for the Drafting of a Code of Ethics and Conduct for Members of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. This Motion is in upholding the Titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the 21st Session last year regarding the need for the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara to have a code of ethics to ensure that Your Honourable Members carry out their duties more effectively and with high integrity.

This is a step towards strengthening integrity, accountability and professionalism in carrying out each respective duty and responsibility. This code is expected to outline the standards of conduct that must be observed by every member in order to ensure that the image and credibility of this esteemed institution are preserved and maintain high trust. I hope all Yang Berhormat will give full support and constructive input during the discussion and drafting stage of this code.

Finally, I would like to emphasise the importance of ensuring that the enforcement of the rules of meeting for the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara is always complied with consistently by all Members in order to guarantee the smoothness, orderliness and authority of every sitting held. These rules are not merely formal procedures but are the foundation that ensures that every Member participates in debates fairly and orderly.

In addition, I call upon all that the spirit of the meeting continue to be the core of every discussion in this Council, namely the spirit of consensus, listening to one another, and prioritising the interests of the country and the people above personal interests. By firmly adhering to the rules of meeting and appreciating this spirit of the meeting, I am confident that every discussion in this noble Chamber will be more mature, equitable and bring blessings to all our people and country.

I hope Members will be able to continue the spirit of goodwill cooperation and high responsibility in line with our common goal of ensuring that our country continues to progress under the wise leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Your Honourable Members. We shall now move to the next business of the meeting.

Yang Mulia Jurutulis

The Oath-Taking Ceremony for four Members of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Your Honourable Members and distinguished उपस्थित guests.

The Oath-Taking Ceremony today is in accordance with the provisions of Article 49 of the Constitution of Negara Brunei Darussalam and the rules of meeting, as well as pursuant to Form IV in the First Schedule of the Constitution of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

With respect, I seek leave to invite the following Yang Berhormat Members to take the oath before Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. May Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Sekuriti dan Undang-Undang), please come forward.

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Sekuriti dan Undang-Undang)

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (prayer recited). I, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu, having been appointed as a Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, do swear in the name of Allah the Almighty that I will to the best of my ability and judgment serve as a loyal and faithful Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. Dated 19 Safar 1448 corresponding to 3 August 2026.

(Document signed)

Yang Mulia Jurutulis

May Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Tenaga, Huluan dan Hiliran, please come forward.

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Tenaga, Huluan dan Hiliran)

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (prayer recited). I, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, having been appointed as a Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, do swear in the name of Allah the Almighty that I will to the best of my ability and judgment serve as a loyal and faithful Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. Dated 19 Safar 1448 corresponding to 3 August 2026.

(Document signed)

Yang Mulia Jurutulis

May Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohammad Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, please come forward.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (prayer recited). I, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohammad Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, having been appointed as a Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, do swear in the name of Allah the Almighty that I will to the best of my ability and judgment serve as a loyal and faithful Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. Dated 19 Safar 1448 corresponding to 3 August 2026.

(Document signed)

Yang Mulia Jurutulis

May Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohammed Yunos, Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi, please come forward.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (prayer recited). I, Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohammed Yunos having been appointed as a Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, do swear in the name of Allah the Almighty that I will to the best of my ability and judgment serve as a loyal and faithful Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. Dated 19 Safar 1448 corresponding to 3 August 2026.

(Document signed)

Yang Mulia Jurutulis

Address by Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara welcoming the appointment of Members of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members and distinguished guests. Alhamdulillah, we have concluded witnessing the Oath-Taking Ceremony for four new Members of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. The appointment of Yang Berhormat is based on the Constitution of Negara Brunei Darussalam which states that the Official Government Members, Official Members by Virtue of Office of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara consist of the Prime Minister and all ministers appointed under Article 4(3) of the Constitution.

Therefore, the appointment of Your Honourable Members follows from the appointment as Cabinet Ministers on Thursday, 17 Zulhijjah 1447 corresponding to 4 June 2026 based on Articles 24(1) and 1(a)(i) of the Constitution of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

On behalf of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, I am very pleased to record my highest congratulations and am confident and believe that this appointment is a recognition and trust to develop and advance our country.

I wish you success in carrying out the trust that has been entrusted and in your service. Your Honourable Members, before us there are still matters that we need to resolve.

Therefore, it would be best for us to move to the next business of the meeting.

Yang Mulia Jurutulis

Question time for oral answers.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members.

I now open the floor for question time for one hour. As a reminder to all, Yang Berhormat Menteri has ten minutes to answer; any question that cannot be answered in time must be answered in writing and subsequently published in the official document within these 24 hours.

Before us now is the list of questions submitted. I begin with the first question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan and it is addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Urustadbir Perkhidmatan Awam, please proceed.

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Urustadbir Perkhidmatan Awam)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings, (prayer recited). Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. First of all, I would like to record my thanks to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan for the question regarding the status of government housing applications, the waiting period, the distribution mechanism as well as the proposal to provide an online system for checking application status.

For information, apart from the Public Service Department or JPA, there are several other ministries and government departments as well as Public Higher Education Institutions such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Universiti Brunei Darussalam, whereby these ministries and agencies also manage government housing under their respective control as well as monitor applications and waiting lists according to the needs of their respective agencies, and this is implemented separately from the Public Service Department.

As of 9 July 2026, more than one thousand civil servants, or to be exact 1,092 civil servants, are still on the waiting list for government housing under the control of the Public Service Department. This consists of: Division I – 4 persons; Division II – 157 persons; Division III – 247 persons; and Division IV – 684 persons.

On average, the waiting period is between one and four years. This depends on several factors: First, the limited supply of government housing compared to the number of applications received.

Second, the high demand for certain housing categories, for example detached houses, semi-detached houses, terrace houses or apartments with modern facilities. At the same time, there are also applicants who choose to remain on the waiting list until they are offered or allocated a house according to the category of house that matches or fulfils their preference.

Third, some existing government-owned flats still require repair works before they can be safely occupied and offered and allocated to applicants.

To ensure that the process of distributing government housing is carried out fairly, transparently and orderly, the Public Service Department is guided by the established policy rules and governance mechanisms, among them:

First, compliance with Public Service Department Notification Letter number 14/2014, namely regarding the rules for occupying government housing under the control of the relevant ministry or department, which is applied by all ministries, government departments and also Public Higher Education Institutions.

Second, the use of the JPA Housing Handbook as an implementation guide to ensure that the management and allocation of government housing are carried out consistently, transparently and fairly;

Third, the establishment of an ad hoc housing rental coordination committee comprising several representatives of government agencies as a review and balance mechanism or what we understand as check and balance in the management of government housing. This is certainly one of the efforts to ensure fair, transparent and equitable distribution. And.

Fourth, a committee to consider occupying government housing which plays the role of examining and considering applications or appeals, technical issues as well as matters related to implementation and enforcement, policy as well as government housing regulations.

In regard to the proposal by Yang Berhormat, that an online system be created to allow applicants to check the status of their applications and their queue position, the Prime Minister’s Office greatly welcomes the proposal. It is a good proposal in line with efforts to digitalise the public service. This proposal will be examined in terms of feasibility, including the suitability of a data coordination system among agencies managing government housing as well as aspects of security and information integrity.

If this can be implemented, such a system will not only increase transparency, but will also make it easier for applicants to obtain the latest information on the status of their applications more quickly and efficiently.

That is all. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

The next question is from Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, which is also addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Urustadbir Perkhidmatan Awam.

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Urustadbir Perkhidmatan Awam)

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. First of all, I would like to express my appreciation to Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin for the question regarding action against government staff and officers who carry out small business activities, as well as the question of whether an investigation will be conducted if such activities are carried out during working hours to the detriment of service delivery to the public.

For the information of Yang Berhormat, under P10, Outside Employment, from the Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations, Public Service Commission Act (Chapter 83), a government officer who wishes to engage in outside employment or part-time business must first obtain permission from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Therefore, any government officers and staff who have been given permission to undertake outside employment or small businesses will be subject to the conditions that have been set. Among them, the business cannot be carried out during office hours or while the officer is required to perform official duties, including leaving the workplace to manage business matters.

This is actually clear, because the primary responsibility of an individual, officer or government staff member is his responsibility and role as an officer or government staff member, and his business activity is certainly clearly carried out or permitted to be carried out outside his responsibilities, outside the scope of his work and outside office hours.

At present, the applications considered for carrying out outside employment or part-time business consist of Division III and below. Furthermore, every officer and staff member who is given permission must also always comply with the regulations in force, uphold the values of integrity as civil servants and ensure that the interests and responsibilities towards their official work are always given priority.

In this regard, the head of department and their respective supervisors are responsible for monitoring the attendance and presence of those officers and staff during working hours, including their performance level from time to time. Permission to carry out outside employment or part-time business may be withdrawn at any time if it clearly affects the daily work performance of the officer and staff concerned.

In relation to the question raised by Yang Berhormat as to whether an investigation will be conducted, as stated earlier, that responsibility indeed lies with the respective heads of department.

If there are complaints or valid and substantiated information that an officer or staff member has left the workplace without permission for business matters or conducted business during working hours such that it clearly affects the delivery of the organisation’s services, then the head of department must examine the matter and give a reprimand and advice as necessary to the officer and staff concerned.

If an investigation is required and breaches of regulations are found, then action must be taken against the officer concerned according to the regulations in force.

That is all that can be conveyed. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

The next question is from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. First of all, I would like to thank Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin for the question raised, namely regarding what strategic approach the ministry takes to ensure that urban and rural development is guided by data as well as assessment and risk mapping.

The Ministry of Development essentially adopts a data-driven planning approach and technical assessment to ensure that urban and rural development is carried out sustainably, resiliently and meets current as well as future needs.

For the preparation of development planning plans at the land use master plan and district plan levels, the ministry has carried out about 19 sectoral studies covering economic, demographic, housing, land use, transportation, water resources, drainage, sewerage, utilities, telecommunications and environmental aspects. These studies form the basis for more integrated land use planning by taking into account the capacity of existing utility infrastructure, development potential as well as identified risks in line with the preparation of new plans for the next 20 years.

All these studies are being and will continue to be updated with a more comprehensive emphasis on climate uncertainty, risk assessments and the resilience of existing infrastructure.

At the development control level, every development proposal is assessed in an integrated manner together with technical agencies and takes into account land use suitability, road capacity, existing utilities and infrastructure, drainage systems, green areas as well as environmental risks. This approach ensures that approved development not only meets technical requirements but is also in line with the direction of national planning and does not exceed the capacity of existing infrastructure.

As part of climate change adaptation measures, the ministry has also upgraded the design of drainage systems in strategic areas from a one in 50-year storm return period to a one in 100-year storm return period. This is to increase infrastructure resilience against the anticipated rainfall intensity, which is expected to continue to increase, in order to reduce the risk of flooding in the future.

In addition, the ministry also keeps abreast of developments in best practices at the regional and international levels through participation in various technical cooperation platforms and meetings as platforms for sharing best practices, including knowledge of the latest innovations, technology in urban planning, risk management as well as climate change adaptation that can be applied as appropriate. That is all kaola can present in answer to the question. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

The next question is 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 addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. First of all, kaola would like to express many thanks to Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof for the question raised.

Regarding the lease period for shophouses as asked in this question, the new regulation has set the maximum lease period for shophouses at 30 years. This updated period was implemented through the Land Code (Amendment) Order 2025, which came into force on 1 August 2025.

Among other reforms in this land code amendment, consideration has been given to applications to lease private land under Section 23 of the Land Code Chapter 40, namely residential houses with a maximum lease of 60 years, mixed development with a maximum lease of 60 years, and for industry 30 years and shophouses 30 years. One of the underlying purposes of this change is, first, as a way to address several challenges faced in relation to a number of commercial centres in this country, to encourage building owners to continue maintaining and caring for their properties on an ongoing basis.

The analysis also took into account that when a building reaches the age of 60 years, it is found that most of these buildings are in a dilapidated condition, requiring high and significant maintenance costs. In general, assets and buildings experience deterioration in terms of structure, function and performance due to age, continuous use and exposure to weather.

One of the challenges faced by this ministry is also, first, concerning complaints received from the public, and these complaints have also been raised in this honourable Legislative Council by Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat concerning the condition of parking, the condition of roads in commercial centre areas which require repairs. Among these, the complaints involve parking areas and roads that are cracked and damaged and need to be repaired, whereas most of these parking areas and roads involve private land, whether belonging to the shophouse property owners or to the developers who originally developed the shophouses in these commercial centre areas.

One of the considerations made is that it is the responsibility of either the landowner or the leaseholder of the land to repair the facilities mentioned earlier or have them repaired, so that they remain in good and safe condition for use by customers and the public.

In addressing this challenge as well, the Ministry of Development through the Town and Country Planning Department and also through ABCI has consulted with the landowners and also the leaseholders of the land at those shophouses to carry out the necessary repairs, and this has become a major challenge for the ministry where some landowners say that the shophouses have been leased to leaseholders and that it is the responsibility of the leaseholders to carry out this maintenance, and conversely when these leaseholders are asked to take charge, the leaseholders say that they obtained the lease from the landowners, while the land area belongs to the landowners. So this is a situation that makes it difficult for us to resolve this matter.

So, as kaola mentioned earlier, as a long-term measure, one of them is to shorten this lease period so that each lease period, upon reaching the end of these 30 years, the landowner will carry out the appropriate maintenance before this lease is renewed again to the next lease applicant or the next tenant.

That is among the rationale made to address this problem. As an example also, in several efforts made by the ministry through the Authority on Building Control and Construction Industry office, ABCI, after approaching these landowners and also the leaseholders of these shophouses to take charge. For example, in the Menglait commercial area where there is one site containing 61 shophouses.

After meeting them, none agreed voluntarily to repair the access road to the commercial area, which was badly damaged. Only later were three owners from that area obtained who agreed to allocate funds to repair those roads.

So, among these efforts, this shows one of the challenges and difficulties faced, and this is among the efforts made apart from improving the existing laws and also further improving the policy currently under review. Among them, as has previously been proposed, is to establish a management corporation. This too has received several views and objections from the shophouse owners.

So that is why, as an explanation to the issue raised earlier by the Honourable Member regarding this matter, the rationale made at present is that this matter is still being addressed, and on this occasion also kaola would like to express thanks to several shophouse owners who have been approached to take charge of several damaged roads, and they willingly did so voluntarily even though they did not receive support from the other shophouse owners. That is what kaola can convey in answering the question earlier. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

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

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

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan for the explanation.

Here kaola would like to raise what we need to think about, namely investment and in the future. It is investment we spent millions and perhaps hundreds of millions and the owners or traders may provide returns within those 30 years, which is not sufficient.

What is of concern, if it can be considered rationally, is for us to jointly develop progress not only in enterprise, but what is meant here is also industry. Let it not instead hinder matters and perhaps the developers will not think that within this short period, the returns are worthwhile.

And kaola would also like to ask here, does this also include foreign investors who will invest millions of ringgit — will they be subject to a lease of 30 years or 60 years? In relation to this maintenance, kaola is of the view that this matter is administrative. If the owner or developer does not, what is this, carry out repairs and the like, we have laws. We have laws if they do not comply or if the condition is unsatisfactory, just as with piles of rubbish there, the authorities take legal action whether by closing the business premises until it is properly maintained.

Kaola thinks this should be considered positively at length for us together to develop this country in the economy and industry. That is all that kaola wishes to raise. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan would like to add any further comments or answers to the matter raised by the Yang Berhormat who asked earlier.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and thank you also for the additional remarks 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 earlier.

Regarding this issue just now. First, there are several matters that we need to look at in terms of the policy made here. First, as kaola mentioned earlier, this 30-year policy in this matter involves shophouses only, namely shophouse. And in other matters, as Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md. Yusof stated earlier, what about if investors invest in the millions — that is a matter requiring other consideration, subject to what investment is to be made.

And there are also several policies, first, underlying the existing legal regulations under the Land Code and also the policy implemented by the Brunei Economic Board as whatever consideration for investment applications, subject to the value of the investment made and also what exactly is the investment industry proposed.

So the question that kaola answered earlier was specifically regarding the lease period for these shophouses that has been set at 30 years, to resolve the challenges, among them resolving the challenges as mentioned earlier. That is kaola's answer regarding this additional question. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

The next question is from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Keselamatan Negara, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II

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. First of all, I would like to express my thanks to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya'akub for the question regarding the extent to which the whole of government approach has succeeded in increasing the effectiveness of coordination between ministries in achieving the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035, including the main challenges as well as the government's continuous measures to strengthen implementation.

The whole of government approach is among the main approaches of the government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in ensuring that every policy, strategy and implementation of national development moves in an integrated manner guided by national priorities for the well-being of the people and residents in line with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

This approach has strengthened the effectiveness of cooperation between ministries through the alignment of policies and national priorities, the implementation of cross-ministerial initiatives, as well as closer examination of the nation's strategic issues. In addition to strengthening the sharing of information and data and optimising the use of government resources, this approach also supports a more evidence-based decision-making process towards government action that is more responsive, integrated and effective in addressing issues involving various ministries and agencies.

To support this approach, the government has established governance and coordination mechanisms that strengthen cooperation as well as cross-ministerial coordination in examining, considering and making decisions collectively on strategic issues at various levels.

This includes through:

First, the Majlis Tertinggi Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Second, coordination at the ministers' level such as the Wawasan Brunei 2035 Working Committees for Manpower, Social and Economic Blueprints; the National Security Coordination Meeting as well as the National Committee for Addressing the Impact of the Middle East Conflict and Current Developments, the National Council on Social Issues to Address Social Issues, the Steering Committee on Energy Security and Efficiency and the Steering Committee on Downstream Sector Development for the Energy Sector. And.

Third, coordination at the level of Permanent Secretaries such as the Meeting of Permanent Secretaries and the Jawatankuasa Kebangsaan Anti-Pemerdagangan Orang (JKAPO), which ensures that efforts to combat the crime of Trafficking in Persons, TIP are carried out comprehensively and in an integrated manner across agencies.

This approach has contributed to international recognition when Negara Brunei Darussalam was upgraded from Tier 3 to Tier 2 watchlist in the United States Trafficking in Persons Report 2025. God willing, through the continued efforts of all parties, Negara Brunei Darussalam's position in the 2026 report will continue to be improved. This mechanism ensures that every ministry and agency carries out its respective role and moves in an integrated manner towards achieving the national goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035 through coordination of policy implementation as well as strategic government action.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The main challenge in implementing the whole of government approach is ensuring that the government's response is always in step with increasingly complex and uncertain global developments. For example, current issues occurring in the Middle East have affected the global economic supply chain, particularly the oil and gas sector. In addition, the experience we went through during the COVID-19 pandemic several years ago also affected various priority areas of national development simultaneously, whether at the planning or implementation level. Therefore, the whole of government approach is becoming increasingly important given that the national development landscape at present is influenced by various global developments that are often interconnected and have an impact on the country.

As was also mentioned in the speech of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua at the opening of this meeting earlier, geopolitical uncertainty, the global economy, climate change, technological advancement, cybersecurity, demographic change as well as other new challenges not only have implications for one sector but also require a comprehensive response across various ministries and agencies, each with different mandates, priorities, work processes and resources. At the same time, national priorities such as human capital development, economic diversification, social well-being and resilience are also often interrelated and require integrated action.

The whole of government approach will continue to strengthen the coordination of government policy, strategy and action so that every development effort complements one another, is responsive, integrated and forward-looking towards current challenges and emerging trends. In the context of achieving the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035, this approach will be strengthened and monitored through the Wawasan Brunei 2035 framework across all three goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035, which are supported through the Manpower, Social and Economic Blueprints.

The appointment of Coordinating Ministers also creates opportunities to strengthen governance and cross-ministerial coordination to accelerate implementation by identifying cross-ministerial issues earlier, discussing them comprehensively and addressing them jointly so that every decision and action taken truly has a positive impact on national development as well as the well-being of the people and residents.

Through close and integrated cooperation among ministries, agencies and stakeholders, the government will continue to ensure that every policy, strategy and implementation complements one another in supporting national development priorities, strengthening national resilience and ensuring that the benefits of development continue to be enjoyed by the people and residents of today and future generations.

That is all that kaola can explain in answering the question from Yang Berhormat. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

The next question is from Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin, which is also addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Sekuriti dan Undang-Undang)

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

Kaola would first like to express appreciation to Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin for the question regarding the government's efforts to curb drug abuse among youth as well as strengthen prevention, rehabilitation and public awareness.

The issue of drug abuse cannot be handled in a silo because apart from law enforcement it requires early prevention that begins at home. The family is the foundation that shapes an individual's character, while educational institutions, workplaces, social interactions and the community play an important role in shaping the values, behaviour and resilience of youth from becoming involved in drug abuse.

The development of the drug threat at present is also becoming increasingly complex with ever-changing modus operandi as well as the influence of social media that facilitates the spread of information and the normalisation of drug abuse, especially among youth. Therefore, the prevention approach must also change from merely placing emphasis on delivering information about the dangers of drugs to an approach that is more evidence-based and takes into account the risk factors that drive a young person to become involved in drug abuse.

In ensuring that drug abuse prevention remains relevant and effective, the government is always guided by evidence-based practice or evidence-based practice in line with the International Standard On Drugs Use Prevention developed by the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC and the World Health Organization, WHO.

This standard emphasises that effective prevention cannot depend on awareness campaigns alone, but must instead be implemented comprehensively, continuously and with the involvement of various stakeholders. Among the approaches being explored is introducing earlier intervention by placing emphasis on strengthening the family institution while also strengthening social and emotional skills, social and emotional learning, among students in order to increase their resilience in facing pressure, peer influence and life challenges.

In addition, the involvement of youth as strategic partners in delivering prevention messages to their peers is also an effective method. This approach is strengthened through the use of digital platforms and social media that are closer to the younger generation.

In formulating prevention programmes that are effective and have a positive impact on youth, the use of research and data analysis will be enhanced to ensure that the programmes are relevant, targeted and have a positive impact on social development and national security.

At the same time, prevention efforts will continue to be strengthened through close cooperation between government agencies, educational institutions, families, the private sector and community organisations, especially grassroots leaders including penghulu mukim and village heads, to create an environment capable of protecting youth from the threat of drugs. Through this whole of nation approach, it will not only reduce the rate of drug abuse among youth, but also curb the symptoms of other social issues which can later develop into more serious issues.

From the aspect of rehabilitation, the same approach is also needed, namely the involvement of multi-stakeholders. Although treatment and rehabilitation in treatment and rehabilitation institutions form an important basis in helping individuals break free from drug abuse, the reality is that the true success of rehabilitation does not end when a person leaves the institution. The success of rehabilitation must be measured through the ability of former addicts to maintain recovery or sustain recovery, rebuild their lives, and successfully reintegrate into society.

Therefore, the rehabilitation approach in the future will place greater emphasis on support for continued care or after care, strengthening family and community support systems, as well as the reintegration process in order to reduce the risk of drug abuse.

That is all that kaola can convey. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

The next question is from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam, addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola would like to express thanks for the question from Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd. Salam regarding housing planning that can influence the well-being of family and social institutions.

From the aspect of family motivation and well-being, house designs under the Skim Perumahan Negara are provided by taking into account the need to fulfil the basic needs of a family or a nuclear family. Fundamentally, each house contains at least three bedrooms. One master bedroom for the parents, and two separate bedrooms for sons and daughters. This layout is in line with and supports the needs of privacy, comfort, as well as values of quality living, in accordance with our culture here in Negara Brunei Darussalam.

To meet the needs of growing families, house designs have now been improved with the provision of four bedrooms, including one bedroom on the ground floor. This improvement takes into account the well-being of senior citizens and those with health problems or parents living with the family, while also providing more flexible housing to meet current household needs.

In addition to providing houses that meet family needs, every Skim Perumahan Negara development is also equipped with public facilities and community spaces such as mosque areas, mosque sites and schools that have been provided, commercial spaces that have been provided, children's playgrounds, sports courts, open areas as well as other facilities that support local social and community needs. For example, in the Skim Perumahan Kampung Rimba and Kampung Lambak areas and also in the newer housing scheme areas such as the housing area in Kampung Lugu, where sites for the construction of public facilities and community needs have been provided.

At present in the Kampung Lugu housing area, the construction of a mosque is actively underway on the land site that has been provided for the construction of the mosque and also several sites that have been provided for other needs including for a commercial centre building.

In addition, the Housing Development Department also allows the use of government land in housing areas for the organisation of activities by Majlis Perundingan Kampung such as sales stalls in conjunction with the month of Ramadan and suitable community programmes.

The provision of these facilities and community spaces aims to create a conducive residential environment for the development of children and youth as well as to support the mental well-being of residents, encourage social interaction and neighbourliness, and indirectly strengthen the stability of family and community institutions in the formation of a more prosperous and resilient community.

That is all the answer that kaola can give in response to the question from the Ahli Yang Berhormat earlier. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

The next question is from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman, also addressed to Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola would like to express thanks for the question from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman regarding the steps and strategies for the provision of affordable housing.

In the ministry's efforts to expedite the provision of housing and reduce expenditure in terms of housing construction costs, the planning that has been made is through the cooperation that has been established with Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Sosial dan Tenaga Manusia and Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, who are currently reviewing several policy aspects and eligibility requirements under the existing Housing Schemes. This matter has been carried out in cooperation with Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Sosial dan Tenaga Manusia and Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri in this regard, and this matter is still a work in progress which began since last July.

Among the matters currently under discussion are the assessment of home ownership affordability based on the applicant's income level as well as the suitability of the type and price of the house according to the applicant's affordability category.

In addition, the Ministry of Development is also examining cooperation between the public and private sectors, including the involvement of financial institutions, investors and local developers, in efforts to expand the production of affordable housing as well as expedite the provision of houses to the people.

This approach is still at the discussion and review stage to ensure that any proposal implemented is practical, sustainable and beneficial to the people and to the government. God willing, the outcome of this review will later form the basis for improving the mechanisms, delivery and provision of national housing so that it is more responsive to current and future needs in line with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

That is the answer that kaola can give in response to the question. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members, I think it is enough for now that we have heard the questions and answers from the relevant Yang Berhormat Ministers regarding the questions that have been raised orally by the Appointed Your Honourable Members. Therefore, we now move on to the next order of business of the meeting.

Yang Mulia Jurutulis

Motion Number 4/2026. A motion supporting alignment towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 to be proposed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, Menteri Penyelaras bagi Keselamatan Negara, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Keselamatan Negara, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II

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

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members blessed by Allah and whom I respect all. First of all, allow me to record my highest appreciation and thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity given to me to propose a Motion in relation to coordination to achieve Wawasan Brunei 2035 for discussion in the Legislative Council, namely the Second Meeting of this 22nd Session.

With full respect and reverence, I also uphold the wisdom 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 in restructuring the cabinet line-up on 4 June 2026 at a time when the country is in the implementation phase towards Wawasan Brunei 2035, which is an important milestone within less than a decade.

Indeed, His Majesty’s gracious command to establish three positions of Menteri Penyelaras bagi Keselamatan Negara, Dasar-Dasar Ekonomi and Dasar-Dasar Sosial dan Tenaga Manusia to strengthen policy coordination across government is a far-sighted step, timely and a manifestation of His Majesty’s authority as well as wise and sovereign leadership in steering the Cabinet Ministers’ Council towards achieving the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

I am pleased to recall and express my deepest gratitude for the gracious titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the 92nd Cabinet Ministers’ Council Meeting on 15 June 2026, namely the First Meeting of the newly appointed Cabinet Ministers through the cabinet reshuffle of 4 June, where Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, through His Majesty’s titah, stressed that the position of Menteri Penyelaras is not merely a title but is a trust, as His Majesty stressed, “The position of Menteri Penyelaras is not merely a title but is an important trust to ensure that the ministries under the sectors of national security, economy, social and manpower move in step with the intended goals,” thus titah His Majesty.

I also express my gratitude for the gracious consent of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam as in His Majesty’s titah which gave a mandate to the Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras to issue appropriate directives to coordinate the actions of the relevant ministries when facing issues of national importance that are cross-cutting. Thus titah His Majesty.

With less than a decade remaining, namely 10 years, to realise His Majesty’s noble aspiration of achieving the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035, the need for coordination across ministries is becoming increasingly urgent. As bestowed in His Majesty’s titah, each ministry can no longer move in isolation, namely solo, and that the Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras must become the main link in uniting the government’s efforts, priorities and actions towards the same goal for the well-being of the people and the progress of the nation.

Certainly, this step is a strategic action that takes into account the need for more integrated national coordination for Wawasan Brunei 2035, where closer and more integrated cooperation between ministries and government agencies will continue to be enhanced to ensure that the implementation of policies and national development programmes can be carried out more efficiently, effectively and with high impact.

In this regard, His Majesty also titah that the Menteri Penyelaras function as the main lead in coordinating issues across ministries or cross cutting issues and be responsible for ensuring that implementation gaps between ministries are not allowed to widen. For this purpose, the Menteri Penyelaras are given the mandate to issue appropriate coordination directives.

However, any decision involving the formulation of new policies, policy changes with strategic implications, significant resource allocation as well as coordination that has major effects on national interests still first requires His Majesty’s consent.

The Menteri Penyelaras are also responsible for monitoring implementation progress, key performance indicators, KPIs, identifying challenges or weaknesses that arise and ensuring that corrective actions are taken immediately. In carrying out the titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, I together with Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Ekonomi dan Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri and Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Sosial dan Tenaga Manusia dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri have held several discussion sessions regarding priority areas and the arrangement of ministries under our respective clusters.

Insya Allah, I will continue to work together with the Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras and Meeting Members, the other Cabinet Ministers, not as ministries or clusters working separately but as one united and mutually supportive team to realise His Majesty’s aspiration in uniting and coordinating efforts towards the achievement of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Allow me as Menteri Penyelaras bagi Keselamatan Negara to provide an explanation on the priority areas for the national security cluster. Insya Allah, the priority areas of economy, social and manpower will be explained 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.

Based on my observation, review and also my experience throughout eight years chairing the National Security Committee since 2018, the Prime Minister’s Office has identified seven priority areas that will be the main focus for the national security cluster, namely:

First, crime and public order. Second, border security and integrity. Third, cyber security. Fourth, economic security; fifth, food security. Sixth, energy security and assurance. And seventh, social security, reflecting a comprehensive whole of government and whole of nation approach.

The results of discussions with 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 examined national security issues more deeply such as first, from the aspect of economic security. The discussion touched on the need to balance foreign investment with security considerations through security baiting while ensuring tangible benefits and job opportunities for locals. In addition, salary payments and the flow of money, namely remittance, abroad as well as the dominance of foreign workers in certain sectors such as retail, agriculture and school canteens also require protection of business opportunities for locals.

From the aspect of cyber security and public order, the discussions emphasised the increasing cyber threats, fraud centres, scam centres and the risks of technology misuse such as the implications of artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence, on the future of jobs.

Meanwhile, from the aspect of social security, the discussions touched on employment issues which need to be viewed more deeply and not merely based on the number of vacancies, employability and the readiness of locals. The issue of housing as an important social issue as well as strengthening the grassroots economy with the role of penghulu, mukim and village heads at the grassroots leadership level in monitoring from the social, security, welfare and enforcement aspects.

I am pleased to emphasise that these priority areas will continue to be refined jointly by the coordinating ministers as one strong team because the success of coordination across these clusters can only be achieved through a spirit of complementary cooperation and shared commitment towards one goal, namely the success of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

To support the implementation of this coordination, several governance mechanisms have also been proposed and are being implemented, namely the establishment of national security cluster coordination meetings, the updating of the structure and membership of the National Security Committee as well as the coordination of the list of existing national councils and committees to avoid overlapping roles. This structure will be reassessed for effectiveness after an implementation period of one year to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to current needs.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, the shared responsibility towards Wawasan Brunei 2035 becomes increasingly meaningful as the nation approaches a glorious and historic moment, namely the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam ascending the throne.

Praise be to Allah, under the shelter of the wise, far-sighted and sovereign leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, for six decades the nation has undergone development transformation that guarantees the security and well-being of the people.

In this regard, Wawasan Brunei 2035 is not solely the responsibility of the government. I am of the view that all titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam on the whole of government and whole of nation approach must continue to be strengthened and expanded to involve all levels of society, including the private sector, non-governmental organisations, grassroots leadership institutions namely penghulu mukim and village heads, the youth and every citizen and resident so that all may join hands towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035.

It is this spirit of togetherness that also forms the basis for driving the coordination agenda towards realising Wawasan Brunei 2035 including through continuous policy improvements so that the country remains responsive, resilient and competitive in facing changes in the economic landscape and increasingly complex future challenges.

Every policy improvement requires careful scrutiny and comprehensive consideration to ensure optimum benefits to the nation and the people. Therefore, engagement at the grassroots level must also continue to be strengthened so that society plays a role in ensuring policy implementation or improvement in an inclusive and effective manner.

In this connection, the civil service plays an important role as the driving machinery in supporting coordination efforts to ensure that every government policy, strategy and priority is implemented in an aligned, integrated and effective manner while always putting national interests and the well-being of the people first.

The success of this effort also depends on the ability of the civil service to continue adapting to change, carrying out responsibilities with full integrity and being capable of acting quickly and effectively in facing present changes and challenges.

With strong capability and the spirit of shared responsibility, the civil service will continue to drive the achievement of high-quality, responsive and meaningful services as well as high impact for the people and the nation. The success of coordination efforts cannot be measured through planning alone but through results that can be felt by the people and impact that can be seen in national development as titah during the 80th Birthday Celebration of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

In this regard, the Wawasan Brunei 2035 Supreme Council, Prime Minister’s Office through the Wawasan Brunei Office will continue to play its role as the main agency in ensuring integrated coordination between the national security, economic policies and social and manpower policy clusters towards achieving the same goals, including the main initiatives under the Manpower Blueprint for the first goal, Social Blueprint for the second goal and Economic Blueprint for the third goal.

I am also pleased to recall the opening titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the 92nd Cabinet Ministers’ Council Meeting where His Majesty titah, “The reaction received has also voiced hopes for the new cabinet ministers to carry out the trust entrusted to them as best as possible and to show better performance compared to the previous term. Meanwhile, any constructive criticism should be taken as an encouragement to constantly reflect on oneself and as fuel to improve the weaknesses that exist.”

In this regard, I remind myself and also call upon all Members of the Legislative Council including the Appointed Members as the link and voice of the people and those outside there to continue to play a proactive, constructive and supportive role in the national development agenda.

I and also the other Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras humbly welcome any views and constructive criticism from Your Honourable Members because such input or feedback not only strengthens government accountability but also becomes a catalyst for the government to identify opportunities for improvement, address implementation challenges and accelerate the achievement of the targets of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Let us together, the government and Members of the Legislative Council, work hand in hand with the full spirit of togetherness and responsibility in order to realise Wawasan Brunei 2035 for the well-being of the people and the progress of this nation that we all love, enduringly hereafter.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, insya Allah, with the permission as well as guidance and blessing from Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala and under the wise, far-sighted and sovereign leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam as a sovereign monarch beloved by the people, I together with the other Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri Penyelaras will continue to carry out this trust with full responsibility and the spirit of teamwork for the well-being of the people and the progress of the nation in line with the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

In this regard, at the end of this opportunity, I sincerely present a pledge of unwavering loyalty before the Council of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam while offering prayers to Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala that Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam may always be bestowed with health, strength as well as guidance and blessing in leading this new cabinet in particular and the nation in general towards the success of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

With this, I propose a Motion in relation to coordination to achieve Wawasan Brunei 2035 for discussion in the Legislative Council at the Second Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council in 2026 and seek the support of Your Honourable Members for this Motion.

That is all Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. And with Allah come guidance and success, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings, thank you.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members, I invite a Member to second this Motion. Yes, Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Ekonomi dan Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Ekonomi dan Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings, and greetings of peace. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. I fully support the Motion proposed. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members. The Motion to Support Coordination Towards Achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 has been tabled and seconded.

Now, I will open the floor for debate on this Motion. The time limit for each Ahli Yang Berhormat is 15 minutes. Therefore, I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Ekonomi dan Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri. Please proceed.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Ekonomi dan Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful (prayer recited). Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.

Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings, and greetings of peace.

First of all, I would like to humbly convey my highest gratitude before Majlis Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam for the titah of appointment of three Coordinating Ministers, namely for National Security, Economic Policies, and Social Policies and Human Resources during the Special Titah in conjunction with the Reshuffle and Appointment of Cabinet Ministers on 4 June 2026, which reflects the wisdom and concern of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam in ensuring that all government efforts and actions will be more focused and better organised.

This far-sighted vision of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam is highly appropriate and strategic, especially at a time when the world is currently facing the challenges of geopolitical uncertainty and conflict that may disrupt global supply chains, which can have a negative impact not only at the regional level but also on our country.

Therefore, strong coordination among the ministries and between the Coordinating Ministers will help this country face unforeseen challenges efficiently and in an orderly manner.

Furthermore, as titah by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during the 92nd Cabinet Ministers’ Meeting on 15 June 2026, this coordination mechanism will continue to strengthen the whole of government approach in the effort to achieve the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.

With less than a decade remaining, every ministry can no longer operate in isolation, in silos. The Coordinating Ministers must become the main link and unify all government efforts, priorities and actions towards achieving the same goals for the well-being of the people and the progress of the country.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Recognising the fact that this coordination task is cross-cutting across economic, social and human resource policies and is also directly related to aspects of national security, it is important for the Coordinating Ministers together with the relevant ministries to cooperate and work hand in hand as one team for the well-being and safeguarding the interests of the people and residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam, particularly in coordinating efforts on security and social harmony as well as economic diversification together with the ministries responsible for leading the priority sectors.

Furthermore, in order to uphold the titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, that this appointment is a trust that must be fulfilled with full loyalty and a sense of responsibility. Although it is a great and weighty responsibility, the trust entrusted in leading economic development and growth, God willing, will be carried out to the best of our ability, particularly in developing the priority sectors, strengthening efforts to diversify the economy in order to generate sustained and sustainable economic growth, towards achieving the Third Goal of Wawasan Brunei 2035, a Dynamic and Resilient Economy.

Touching on the country’s economic development during the period from 2015 to 2025, the national economy recorded average GDP growth of 0.7 per cent per year, with the non-oil and gas sector contributing growth of 2.7 per cent per year. This growth is still considered insufficient and inadequate.

Referring to the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035, with only about nine years left to achieve them, various initiatives and efforts have so far been implemented by the relevant ministries and agencies towards diversifying the country’s economy, especially through the priority sectors, namely the Oil and Gas Sector, the Food Sector, the Tourism Sector, the Information and Infocommunications Technology Sector and the Services Sector, Services.

To accelerate and drive economic growth through these priority sectors, efforts need to be further intensified by all parties through a whole of government and whole of nation approach. The task of the Coordinating Minister is not to take over the responsibility of developing those priority sectors. However, as titah by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, the real task is to ensure that existing policies are aligned and able to support the advancement of the priority sectors.

This coordination is hoped to enable the progress of the key sectors to be implemented more efficiently and effectively. Towards this, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will always cooperate and continue to monitor the progress of the coordination of economic policies through the relevant sectors with the responsible ministries.

Praise be to Allah, under the Economic Blueprint there are several industry roadmaps and sectoral blueprints that have already been prepared and are also being formulated by the relevant ministries.

Under the Downstream Oil and Gas Sector, the Downstream Oil and Gas Roadmap; under the Food Sector, the Food Industry Roadmap; under the Tourism Sector, the Tourism Industry Roadmap; under the ICT Sector there are the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 and the Info-Communication Technology Roadmap; under the services sector, the Maritime Trade Logistics Services Roadmap and the Aviation Services Roadmap; and under the Financial Services Industry there is the Financial Sector Blueprint. All those sectoral blueprints and industry roadmaps form the basis for policy coordination that can help achieve more effective and sustainable national development.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. To ensure that initiatives and efforts proceed as planned, several coordinating groups under the existing roadmaps and frameworks have already been established. It is important for the role of these coordinating groups to be further strengthened and subsequently formalised and elevated to the ministerial level, subject to suitability, to ensure that any cross-sectoral issues can be addressed more effectively.

This step is important, especially in addressing cross-cutting or cross-ministerial issues which usually involve the jurisdiction, policies and responsibilities of several relevant ministries and agencies simultaneously. Such issues cannot be resolved effectively if handled separately or in a silo. Therefore, more structured coordination is needed to ensure swift action, clear decisions and shared accountability.

In addition, among the focuses in the task of coordinating economic policies is to drive and monitor the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises so that they can contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth. This takes into account that the majority of MSME business owners are local citizens, including youths and women, striving to intensify economic activities including from home, home-based, on a small scale and at the same time this sector also generates jobs for local children to address the issue of unemployment. With this policy coordination, it is hoped that the ecosystem supporting the development of local MSMEs can be further improved.

Policy coordination and implementation require comprehensive support encompassing the drafting and updating of acts and regulations as well as the provision of legal instruments such as contracts and agreements within a reasonable period.

Secondly is the use of appropriate economic and fiscal instruments, including financial allocations as well as relevant fiscal measures.

Thirdly is the provision of efficient and responsive public services through the implementation of human resource capacity empowerment in line with current needs. This is to ensure that policies can be implemented in an orderly and effective manner in support of the nation’s development aspirations.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. The success of this effort does not depend solely on government action, but requires shared commitment and responsibility from the private sector, non-governmental organisations, society and stakeholders. Each party must play its respective role clearly and proactively, complement one another and move in an integrated manner in addressing the identified challenges.

Let us together uphold the Titah of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam by translating all policies, plans and commitments into real and directed action that brings meaningful results to the people and the country.

May all these noble efforts that are planned and implemented always receive guidance, direction and blessings from Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala and become a meaningful contribution towards realising the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035. I conclude this speech with a prayer that Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam and Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri as well as the entire Royal Family will always remain in good health, well-being and happiness.

That is all, and with Allah comes guidance and success. Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Thank you.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Ekonomi dan Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri. Now I invite Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Sosial dan Tenaga Manusia dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri. Please proceed.

Yang Berhormat Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Sosial dan Tenaga Manusia dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings, and greetings of peace.

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

On this occasion, kaola humbly expresses gratitude before the Council to Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam for His Majesty's gracious titah on appointing kaola as Menteri Penyelaras bagi Dasar-Dasar Sosial dan Tenaga Manusia dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri and God willing, kaola will carry this trust with full responsibility, sincerity and commitment to ensure that every policy and effort implemented truly benefits the people and the nation.

Kaola also conveys my deepest thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for giving kaola the opportunity to also participate in debating the Motion supporting coordination towards the achievement of Wawasan Brunei 2035 which was presented by Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral Bersara Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, Menteri Penyelaras bagi Keselamatan Negara, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II.

Kaola fully supports this Motion because in kaola's service, coordination is no longer an option but a strategic necessity to ensure that every government policy, plan and action moves in tandem towards realising Wawasan Brunei 2035.

This vision is the compass of national development that reflects the aspiration to produce a highly educated and highly skilled people, enjoying a high quality of life, while supporting a dynamic and resilient economy.

Therefore, coordination must become a work culture and governance principle that cuts across ministries, agencies, the private sector and society. The success of a policy is no longer assessed based on the achievements of each organisation separately but through the ability of all parties to work hand in hand to produce a real impact on the people. The true measure of success is the extent to which the policy improves the well-being of the people, strengthens the effectiveness of service delivery and resolves national issues in an integrated, efficient and sustainable manner.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The world today is changing very rapidly. Developments in digital technology and artificial intelligence, changes in the job market, global economic uncertainty, demographic changes, rising cost of living and increasingly complex social challenges demand a more integrated, transparent and responsive administrative approach. These challenges are no longer confined to one ministry or agency.

Employment issues, for example, are closely linked to education, skills training, health, transport, mental well-being, family conditions and economic opportunities. Likewise, poverty involves aspects of education, health, housing, social protection and community development. In this regard, the whole of government and whole of nation approaches must serve as the foundation for policy planning, implementation and evaluation. This approach must be guided by data, outcome based, and strengthened through strategic cooperation across ministries, agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society organisations and communities. This approach is in line with the national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja which reflects the spirit of shared responsibility, consensus and trust in safeguarding the interests of religion, nation and monarch.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The trust entrusted to kaola will be carried out based on the principles of coordination and mutually complementary strategic cooperation. This role is not to take over the functions of ministries or agencies but to strengthen policy coherence, coordinate shared priorities, identify implementation gaps, expedite the resolution of cross-agency issues and ensure that every policy truly benefits the people.

In this regard, there are five main directions that will be the focus, where all five directions complement one another in building a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous society. The first direction is to strengthen human capital development. The strength of a nation is no longer measured solely by population size or economic output but by the quality of its human capital. Therefore, human capital development must be viewed as a strategic investment that determines the country's ability to continue growing, innovating and remaining resilient. Our goal is to produce a skilled, productive, competitive population capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.

The approach to human capital development must also change from merely providing jobs to building quality careers, enhancing human capability and preparing the people for the future economy. Rapid changes in Artificial Intelligence, automation, digitalisation, the green economy, the care economy and the platform economy are transforming the global employment landscape. Therefore, the national workforce must always be ready to improve skills through upskilling, acquire new skills through reskilling and practise lifelong learning.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Every economic development effort must be translated into more meaningful opportunities for local children. Success cannot be measured only by the number of jobs created but by the quality of jobs, career prospects, increased productivity, skills development and incomes that are able to support family well-being.

In this regard, placement efforts must continue to be strengthened not merely to meet numerical targets, but to ensure that local children are given opportunities to learn, be guided, be entrusted to lead and eventually be able to take over positions requiring expertise. This requires close cooperation between the government, private sector, educational institutions and industry.

The challenge of unemployment must also be addressed more comprehensively. Based on JobCentre Brunei data as of June 2026, there were 14,976 active jobseekers, of whom 79 per cent or 11,876 people were aged between 21 and 35 years. Meanwhile, 32 per cent or 4,740 people were Bachelor's degree holders and above, 31 per cent or 4,572 people had secondary education and below, and 21 per cent or 3,217 people had technical and vocational qualifications.

This data shows that unemployment cuts across various backgrounds and is influenced by various factors such as skills mismatch, lack of experience, readiness to work, access to transport, family circumstances, health, salary expectations and changing industry requirements. Therefore, resolving this issue requires closer coordination among government agencies, educational institutions, industry sectors, social agencies and society.

The use of data and labour market analysis must also continue to be strengthened so that human capital policies are formulated based on evidence. Information on industry demand, new skills, job retention rates, career development and workforce productivity must always be analysed to ensure that government interventions truly meet current and future needs.

Human capital development is not merely an economic agenda but a strategic national agenda. When people obtain quality jobs, family well-being will improve, society will become more stable and the country will become more prosperous and resilient. Therefore, all human capital policies must always be anchored on the goal of ensuring that every capable citizen has the opportunity to build a better future through quality employment, relevant skills and continuous career development.

The second direction is to strengthen the social safety net. This second direction is to strengthen the national social safety net so that it is more targeted, integrated, responsive and empowerment-oriented. The social safety net is not merely a mechanism for providing assistance but an investment in building an inclusive, caring and resilient society.

Its main aim is to help individuals and families transition from dependency to self-reliance by providing support that enables them to recover, become independent and contribute to society according to their respective abilities. Increasingly uncertain geopolitical developments have a direct impact on social well-being, particularly when disruptions to global supply chains cause rises in the prices of goods and the cost of living. This situation places greater pressure on low-income groups and vulnerable households, which usually have limited ability to absorb economic shocks.

Accordingly, we need to continue strengthening national resilience through a more targeted and data-based social protection system. Assistance must be channelled according to the level of need and vulnerability of each household so that those who truly need it receive appropriate support.

At the same time, this approach ensures that government resources are utilised more efficiently and effectively while preserving the country's fiscal sustainability to meet the needs of future generations.

Ultimately, a strong social safety net not only serves to reduce the impact of global economic shocks on people's lives but also strengthens community resilience, increases public confidence in the government's ability and ensures that national development continues in an inclusive, sustainable and resilient manner. Based on assistance recipient data for the period 1 January 2023 to 24 July 2026, a total of 22,274 people received assistance, comprising 17,428 recipients under the Department of Zakat, Wakaf and Baitulmal Affairs, namely JUZWAB, and 4,846 recipients through the Community Development Department, JAPEM.

Of that total, 58 per cent were those aged 18 to 59 years, 28 per cent were aged below 18 years and 14 per cent were aged 60 years and above. In terms of education, 58.2 per cent or 12,955 people had secondary school qualifications, 27.5 per cent or 6,125 people had no formal qualifications and 9.4 per cent or 2,104 people had primary school qualifications. In terms of employment, 11,649 people or 52.3 per cent had no employment, 6,918 people or 31.1 per cent were students and 2,121 people or 9.5 per cent were employed.

This data shows that welfare issues are not only related to income but are also influenced by education level, employability, employment status and access to economic opportunities. Therefore, the welfare approach implemented must be more targeted and tailored to the circumstances and capabilities of each individual and family.

In line with that approach, the social safety net must be developed based on three main components, namely protection, recovery and empowerment. Protection ensures that those in need continue to receive assistance and access to basic services to guarantee the continuity of their lives. Recovery focuses on efforts to help individuals and families overcome challenges that affect their well-being, while restoring their ability to function productively in society.

Empowerment, meanwhile, focuses on capacity building through education, skills training, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and community support so that they are able to improve their standard of living independently and reduce dependence on continuous government assistance when circumstances permit.

Kaola seeks leave to continue, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

(Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua signalled agreement by nodding)

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In facing the rising cost of living and increasingly challenging socioeconomic changes, this approach is important to ensure that the government's response does not only focus on providing financial assistance or subsidies alone, but also strengthens the people's ability to generate income, increase productivity, strengthen household resilience and reduce dependence on assistance in the long term.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. A family requiring financial assistance may also face problems relating to employment, children's education, health, housing, transport and the care of family members. Therefore, a more integrated case management approach needs to be strengthened so that each family is assessed comprehensively and intervention plans can be planned, coordinated and monitored collectively among ministries, agencies and stakeholders. This approach not only improves the effectiveness of assistance but also avoids overlapping programmes and ensures that government resources are utilised optimally.

The success of social policy cannot be measured based solely on the number of aid recipients, but by the extent to which they succeed in improving their standard of living, obtaining employment, strengthening family income and ultimately becoming self-reliant. This is the paradigm shift we wish to bring, namely from managing assistance to managing outcomes.

The third direction is to develop future talent. The third direction is to develop a national talent pipeline capable of meeting the needs of the future economy. In a world driven by technology, innovation and Artificial Intelligence, a country's advantage depends on the ability of its people to think, innovate and create value. Accordingly, lifelong learning must be cultivated among society so that the knowledge and skills acquired remain relevant, adaptive and competitive in line with changing economic needs.

At the same time, the relationship between the education system, technical and vocational training institutions, higher education institutions and industry must continue to be strengthened to ensure that talent development truly meets national needs and labour market demands. Training curricula and human capital development programmes must also always be responsive to the development of the digital economy, Artificial Intelligence, cyber security, the green economy, the care economy, the creative industry and new fields that will become drivers of the country's economic growth.

The fourth direction is to strengthen the role of the community. This fourth direction strengthens the role of the community and grassroots mentors as strategic partners of the government in the implementation of social policy and human capital development. The success of a policy depends not only on government efforts alone but also on the extent to which society participates and shares responsibility.

In this context, penghulu mukim and ketua kampung play a very important role as the link between the government and the people. With a deep understanding of the conditions and needs of the local community, they are able to identify families requiring assistance, youths requiring guidance, senior citizens requiring attention as well as economic potential that can be developed at community level. Accordingly, they continue to be empowered through training, access to relevant information and data, clear referral mechanisms as well as more effective communication and coordination channels with ministries and government agencies. This approach will strengthen policy delivery at the grassroots level, improve the effectiveness of interventions and ensure that assistance and development opportunities can be channelled more accurately, responsively and inclusively.

The fifth direction is to strengthen policy governance. The fifth direction emphasises the need to strengthen policy governance through the use of strategic data, outcome measurement, continuous monitoring and clear accountability. In the digital era, data is an important national asset that enables more accurate, responsive and forward-looking decision-making. Therefore, every policy must be formulated based on evidence, supported by comprehensive analysis and objective evaluation.

The need for strong governance becomes increasingly urgent when the country faces geopolitical shocks, economic pressures and environmental challenges including increasingly complex supply chain disruptions. Accordingly, the administrative approach must shift from being reactive to being more proactive through scenario planning, periodic risk assessments, monitoring of early warning indicators and continuous policy improvement based on data and performance evaluation.

This approach will increase institutional resilience, strengthen the government's ability to make faster and more accurate decisions and ensure that policies always remain relevant and effective in facing a more dynamic changing environment.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The five directions that kaola has outlined are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Human capital development requires relevant education that is accessible to all, and quality education opens up better employment opportunities. Quality employment strengthens the well-being of individuals and families. In kaola's view, the success of Wawasan Brunei 2035 will not only be measured through statistics or economic growth alone, but it will truly be achieved when more local children obtain quality employment. More youths will have confidence in the future, more families will enjoy stable and prosperous lives, senior citizens will continue to be appreciated and cared for, and every level of society will feel the benefits of national development fairly and inclusively.

With the permission of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala and under the blessing of the wise leadership of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, kaola am fully confident that through stronger coordination, more effective governance, closer cooperation and continuous commitment from the entire government machinery, private sector, community organisations and the people, God willing, we will be able to realise the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035 for the well-being of present and future generations.

Finally, kaola once again expresses full support for the Motion supporting coordination towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 and calls for all efforts to strengthen this coordination to continue to be enhanced as a national agenda in order to strengthen national resilience, improve the well-being of the people and guarantee the future of Negara Brunei Darussalam as peaceful, prosperous and blessed, based on the philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja.

That is all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. With Allah's guidance and blessings, peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings. Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.

Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua

Your Honourable Members. We have begun discussing the Motion that has already been presented by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri iaitu Menteri Penyelaras bagi Keselamatan Negara, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Pertahanan II.

The motion supporting coordination towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 has also been seconded and subsequently began to be debated by two Coordinating Ministers.

Therefore, before we continue further with the discussion on the Motion that has been presented, I think it is sufficient for us to sit for this morning and we shall adjourn this meeting first. Insya Allah, we will reconvene this afternoon as usual starting from 2.30 in the afternoon, where we will continue with the next discussion.

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

(The Legislative Council was adjourned)