DAY 7 MORNING
3RD MARCH 2022 - MORNING
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YANG DI-PERTUA
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, PSNB., SLJ., PHBS., PJK., PKL., Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
AHLI RASMI KERANA JAWATAN (PERDANA MENTERI DAN MENTERI-MENTERI)
Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, Perdana Menteri, Menteri Pertahanan, Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi dan Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, DKMB., DPKT., King Abdul Aziz Ribbon, First Class (Saudi Arabia), The Order of the Renaissance (First Degree) (Jordan), Grand Cross of Crown Order - G.K.K. (Netherlands), Medal of Honour (Lao), DSO (Singapore), Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Grand Cross (Philippines), The Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Second Class (Ukraine), DSO (Military) (Singapore), PHBS., Menteri Kanan di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, DK., SPMB., DSNB., PHBS., PBLI., PJK., PKL., Penasihat Khas Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam dan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, PSNB, DSLJ, SMB, PHBS., PIKB., PKL., Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, PSSUB., DPMB., PHBS., PBLI., PJK., PKL., Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, PSNB., DPMB., PJK., PIKB., PKL., Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, DPKT., SMB., PHBS., Menteri Pertahanan II, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, PSNB., DPMB., Menteri Kesihatan, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Attended virtually)
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, PSNB., SPMB., PJK., PKL., Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Attended virtually)
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, PSNB., SPMB., Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd. Yusof, PSNB., SPMB., PJK., PIKB., PKL., Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri II, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Absent on official business)
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Ir. Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, PSNB., SPMB., PIKB., PKL., Menteri Pembangunan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein, PSNB., DPMB., PJK., Menteri Tenaga, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, PSNB., DPMB., PJK., Menteri Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof, PSNB., SMB., PIKB., Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Attended virtually)
Yang Berhormat Mejar Jeneral (B) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, DPKT., SMB., Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Negara Brunei Darussalam. (Attended virtually)
AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG BERGELAR
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal, PSSUB., DSNB., PHBS., PBLI., PKL.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu, DPKT., DPMB., SNB., PBLI., PJK., PKLP. (Attended virtually)
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahim, DPMB., SNB., PJK., PKL.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK ORANG-ORANG YANG TELAH MENCAPAI KECEMERLANGAN
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Umarali bin Esung, PSB., PTKB., PKL.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabil bin Haji Arshad, SMB.
Yang Berhormat Awang Ong Tiong Oh.
Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Amiruddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, DPKT., SMB., Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
AHLI YANG DILANTIK MEWAKILI DAERAH-DAERAH
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon, PSB., PJK., PIKB., PKL., Penghulu Mukim Berakas 'B', Zon 1 - Daerah Brunei dan Muara. (Attended virtually)
Yang Berhormat Awang Naim bin Haji Kamis, PSB., PJK., PIKB., PKL., Penghulu Mukim Kota Batu, Zon 3 - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin, PTKB., PKL., Penghulu Mukim Gadong 'A', Zon 4 - Daerah Brunei dan Muara. (Attended virtually)
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari, Ketua Kampong Limau Manis, Zon 5 - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman, PSB, PIKB, PKL,, Ketua Kampung Masjid Lama, Pekan Muara, Sabun dan Pelumpong, Zon 2 - Daerah Brunei dan Muara.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin, PJK,, PKL,, Penghulu Mukim Liang, Zon 1 - Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Hanapi bin Mohd. Siput, PIKB,, Ketua Kampung Labi I, Zon 2 - Daerah Belait.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong, SUB,, PJK,, PIKB,, PKL,, Penghulu Mukim Tanjong Maya, Zon 1 - Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, PIKB,, PKL,, Penghulu Mukim Telisai, Zon 2 - Daerah Tutong.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu, SMB,, PSB,, PIKB,, PKL,, Penghulu Mukim Bokok, Kelima-lima Mukim Daerah Temburong.
HADIR BERSAMA
Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Judin Haji Asar, DPMB,, SLJ,, POAS,, PHBS,, PBLI,, PJK,, PKL,, Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Mulia Dayang Rose Aminah binti Haji Ismail, PSB,, PIKB,, Timbalan Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Negara Brunei Darussalam.
(Meeting started at 9.30 am)
Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. The first meeting of the eighteenth session of the Legislative Council convened today, preceded by a safety prayer.
SAFETY PRAYER
The safety prayer was recited by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustapa bin Haji Murat.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, may Allah magnify your reward. I am grateful to Almighty Allah for, through His grace and permission, we are once again present this morning to convene for the seventh day of the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Session.
Blessings and peace be upon our great leader Muhammad, peace be upon him, his family, companions, and followers who are faithful and obedient until the end of time.
The conference continues to discuss the Bill of Supply (2022), 2022/2023, proposed by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy.
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, at the Committee Meeting we held yesterday morning, all Your Honourable Members have finished reviewing and agreed that all ministry titles be included as part of the Schedule to the Bill of Supply (2022), 2022/2023.
Therefore, according to Rule Number 31, Legislative Council, (in approving the Bill of Supply (2022), 2022/2023) proposed by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy to be read for the third time, before the Bill can be approved and enacted into law.
I now invite the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and the Second Minister of Finance and Economy. Please, Your Honour.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful and all praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, the chief of the first and the last, and upon all his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Kaola would like to inform that the Bill titled: "An Act to Supply a Sum of Money from the Consolidated Fund for the Financial Year 2022/2023 and to allocate said money for specific purposes" has been considered and reviewed one by one in the Committee Session and has been agreed upon without any amendments.
Therefore, according to State Legislative Council Regulation Number 31, kaola requests permission from Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua to suggest that this Bill can be read for the third time and subsequently approved.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. Having heard from the Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II earlier who mentioned that the Bill Titled: "An Act to Supply a Sum of Money from the Consolidated Fund for the Financial Year 2022/2023, and to allocate that money for specific purposes", to be read for the third time. I invite Your Honourable Member who wishes to support this proposal.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, kaola fully support the proposal from the Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, wholeheartedly. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs. Your Honourable Members, the Supply Bill (2022), 2022/2023 proposed by the Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II has now been read for the third time and subsequently approved. This proposal has received full support from the Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs. I would now like to ask Your Honourable Members who agree to this proposal, please raise your hands.
(All Members raise their hands in agreement)
It appears that all Your Honourable Members agree. Thus, the Supply Bill (2022), 2022/2023 is approved.
Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis
"An Act to Supply a Sum of Money from the Consolidated Fund for the Financial Year 2022/2023, and to allocate that money for specific purposes".
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
The Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs has completed the approval of the Supply Bill (2022), 2022/2023 and it shall come into effect on the 1st of April 2022. Your Honourable Members, we will now move on to Item VII from the Agenda of the State Legislative Council Session.
Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis
Item VII. Resolution Number 1, that is, a Resolution under Clause 83(7) of the Brunei Darussalam Constitution, 1959, will be proposed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua allow kaola to briefly explain the Paper presented on the table. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, a total of 19 Orders have been listed, and these Orders have been granted consent by 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 for implementation.
For the information of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, some of these Orders have already been in operation last year, 2021, and some began this year, 2022. All Orders have been published in the Government Gazette according to the Regulations of the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam.
Your Honourable Members. These Orders have been thoroughly reviewed with the aim of ensuring they are well implemented. Since these Orders have already been granted consent by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, kaola believe it is unnecessary for us to debate and instead, it is more appropriate to approve them.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. A brief explanation of the Orders kaola mentioned is available and listed in State Legislative Council Paper No. 1 of 2022.
Therefore, allow kaola now to propose a Resolution that reads: "This Council makes a Resolution according to Clause (7) Article 83 of the Brunei Darussalam Constitution 1959, that each Order made under Clause (3) Article 83 of the Brunei Darussalam Constitution presented before this Council as Paper No. 1 of 2022 shall be effective from the date the Order is approved". Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Kaola fully support the proposal from the Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat. Your Honourable Members, The Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs has proposed a: "Resolution under Clause 83 (7) of the Brunei Darussalam Constitution 1959” and this matter has been supported by the Yang Berhormat Minister of Religious Affairs.
As also stated by the Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs earlier, most or all of the Laws listed in Paper Number 1 of 2022 have already been approved through Emergency Orders and a part of these Laws are currently in force.
Therefore, I am of the opinion that this matter no longer needs to be debated. It would be good for us to vote on the Resolution proposed by the Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs. Your Honourable Members who Agree please raise your hand.
(All Members raise their hands in agreement)
Thank you. It appears all Your Honourable Members agree and the Resolution is approved.
Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis
The second Resolution under Chapter 4 Section 2 of the Development Fund Act (Chapter 136) will be proposed by the Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings
and good health to all. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, koala seeks permission from you, in this honorable house, to propose that: "This Council hereby makes a Resolution as required by Chapter 4(2) of the Development Fund Act (Chapter 136) that an expenditure amounting to $350 million be authorized, appropriated, and sought from the Development Fund for the purposes outlined below and mentioned in the Development Budget Estimates 2022/2023 presented as Paper No. 2 of 2022".
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. The details of Development Expenditure for that year are stated in the Revenue and Expenditure Estimates for that year presented on the table as Paper No. 2 of 2022. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. The proposal for the allocation of the State Development Plan has been discussed in detail and at length in a committee session and has been approved without amendments. Hence, koala now wishes to express the intention of the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam to continue with these plans as planned.
Therefore, koala is pleased to propose that the Council establish that: "This Council hereby makes a Resolution as required by Chapter 4 (2) of the Development Fund Act (Chapter 136) that an expenditure amounting to $350 million be authorized, appropriated, and sought from the Development Fund for the purposes outlined below and mentioned in the Development Budget Estimates 2022/2023 presented as Paper No. 2 of 2022." Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. The Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II has just proposed a Resolution under Chapter 4 (2) of the Development Fund Act (Chapter 136). I would appreciate if a Your Honourable Member supports the proposed resolution.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and all distinguished colleagues and friends. Kaola fully support the proposal from the Yang Berhormat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama. Your Honourable Members. Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II has presented a "Resolution under Chapter 4 (2) of the Development Fund Act (Chapter 136) of Negara Brunei Darussalam" and this proposal statement has received support from Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama. As stated earlier, all the provisions of this Development Fund have been approved and enacted. Therefore, there is no need for us to deliberate this matter further. It would be best if we now vote on this Resolution. Your Honourable Members who agree to pass this Resolution, please raise your hands.
(All Members raise their hands in agreement)
Thank you. It appears that all Your Honourable Members agree, hence this Resolution is passed.
Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis
Adjournment Speeches.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. We shall now proceed to the Adjournment Speeches. The first Adjournment Speech I am giving the opportunity to Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri to make his speech. Please, Yang Berhormat.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and prayers and peace be upon the master of messengers and his family and companions,
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Praise be to Allah, we are grateful to Allah Almighty because, with His permission, we have managed to convene for 7 days in the First Meeting Of The Eighteenth Session of the Legislative Council of the State of Negara Brunei Darussalam in 2022. Praise be to Allah, we have managed to pass several important acts, especially the 2022/2023 Expenditure Act.
Before continuing my speech, on this occasion, on behalf of all Your Honourable Members, with great respect and delight, I would like to extend the highest congratulations to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the wisdom and authority of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua in leading the deliberation of our Legislative Council so smoothly and efficiently in discharging the responsibilities of this Legislative Council. With great respect and delight, I would like to express the highest appreciation to Your Honourable Members for scrutinizing, developing, and supporting the Government’s proposal of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam of preparing an Expenditure Budget for the Financial Year 2022/2023 amounting to $5.7 billion.
We are all grateful to Allah Almighty because, despite the global economic downturn and the country still experiencing a deficit while facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, our country with Allah Almighty’s permission, still able to record positive economic growth and implement several significant reforms to preserve the fame and well-being of the citizens and its residents.
I would also like to record appreciation and thanks for all the careful observations, insights, advice, and constructive and insightful thoughts focusing on suggestions for improvements or reforms that have been presented by Your Honourable Members of this Council. Indeed, we have convened within a shorter period compared to previous years, but it has not reduced the quality of our scrutiny and debate.
Together, we uphold His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam's wish for the conference's motto to use this opportunity to tidy up whatever is untidy and improve whatever needs to be improved. Towards this end, in my view, this year's consultation sessions of Your Honourable Members with ministries have produced a positive impact. It allows ministries to provide the latest information on the roles of programs and any efforts that are, being, and have been planned and implemented by each ministry. Thus, enabling us in this chamber to focus our attention on discussing important matters and policies being implemented.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members
Through discussions in this honorable chamber, Your Honourable Members have raised and presented viewpoints and suggestions that are very significant around the four Budget Focuses 2022/2023, namely: Preserving Public Welfare, Ensuring Food Security, Supporting and Assisting the Private Sector to be Resilient and Grow, and Enhancing Human Resource Competencies Towards Work and Future Ready.
Throughout our scrutiny and debate period, Your Honourable Members have presented and discussed matters involving the well-being of the public related to services such as water, electricity, transportation, information and communications technology, housing, and others. Taking serious attention to plans, empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, enhancing the performance of 1K1P, paying serious attention to all education and the role of higher education institutions in the development of the country.
Your Honourable Members have strongly voiced views and suggestions to enhance efforts in food security, empowering youth, providing opportunities for youth to increase their knowledge and skills, youth involvement in national development, joining various business sectors and enterprises not just as employees but as entrepreneurs.
The feedback and information highlighted by Your Honourable Members are very valuable and reflect the concern and care of Your Honourable Members for matters of national interest and the community as well as the roles and responsibilities of ministries. Views and suggestions presented will certainly be reviewed by the government and the ministries before being implemented.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world's landscape. Our country, Negara Brunei Darussalam, is no exception. Various experiences have been gone through and knowledge has been gained since the COVID-19 epidemic. Undoubtedly, it has had a significant impact on various aspects of a clear life. For nearly 2 years, we have lived in a new norm. The COVID-19 pandemic also directs the government in making changes in terms of initiatives, policies, and legislation. The changes implemented are to navigate the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and furthermore so that they are in line with the post-pandemic needs.
In this regard, we uphold the titah of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, during the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Session this year. Related to the Employees Trust Fund Scheme, the study has been completed by the Ministry of Finance and Economy in collaboration with the Employees Trust Fund (TAP) and full implementation will start in 2023. His Majesty also emphasized on food security, following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. To some extent, it has highlighted the destruction of food items and simultaneously made the prices of goods increase and the inflation rate high. From there, several efforts have been and are being implemented in enhancing production from the agricultural, fisheries, and livestock sectors. Work will continue to ensure that food supplies in this country are always guaranteed including the desire to prevent self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports solely.
We have seen an increase in the culture of information, communication, and technology in aspects of education, management, security, and enterprise. This is in line with the Digital Economy Master Plan 2025, whose main policy is to make Brunei Darussalam a Smart Nation and to encourage and enhance the country's socio-economic growth with digital transformation.
To date, we have witnessed positive growth in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, transport, finance, communication, and healthcare. These sectors have diversified the methods of service provision more innovatively and creatively. They cleverly use the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to make this opportunity actually a demand of this century.
In the current global economic recovery process from the COVID-19 pandemic, as it continues to work with high commitment, the government will persist and commit to enhancing the country's economic progress. The government will continue to attract foreign investors to invest in this country and provide a conducive ecosystem to make Negara Brunei Darussalam a conducive country for making Negara Brunei Darussalam an attractive FDI destination. We are pleased to observe that the development plans and absorption of FDI foreign investors have shown their results. It is undeniable that so far, the presence of these foreign companies has been able to assist in the development of the country by enhancing economic activities, providing services and infrastructure to the country and its people, and offering employment opportunities for local youths.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
In national life, we have had various challenges from different types of pandemics and been affected by financial crises such as the ASEAN Financial Crisis in 1997, the Global Financial Crisis in 2001, and the Global Financial Crisis in 2006. Although the pandemics and financial crises impacted the public, their effects were not as serious and severe as what was experienced from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also raised the awareness of citizens and residents, becoming a society ready to serve and contribute. We are especially grateful for the active involvement of youth in various fields of activities, social, religious, educational, entrepreneurial, and voluntary initiatives, as well as their involvement in NGOs. We must continuously encourage and support so that our youth will always be enthusiastic and become the best examples for future generations.
Once again, we are thankful, with the wisdom of the leadership under Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, we in this country have been able to navigate life, facing the threat and challenges of COVID-19 for 2 years in peace and prosperity.
We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Health, led by Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan along with its leadership and all frontline service volunteers, cooperation and support from all ministries, the private sector, and all citizens and residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam who are united, supporting and cooperating in implementing all government efforts and consistently practising comprehensive vaccination.
Indeed, our solidarity and unity in facing this COVID-19 pandemic clearly reflect the resilience of the citizens and residents of this country, which we should always maintain and defend as a defense for the existence of a nation-state.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
As the government machinery, we must be united to ensure the welfare of the citizens and residents of this country. Any improvements require support and endorsement from all parties including government and non-government agencies in line with the whole of nation approach.
God willing, we will together further enhance efforts to diversify economic activities and carry out national progress. Plans have been discussed in this honorable Council, demonstrating we have dreams and inspirations to realize the objectives of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
However, it should always be realistic and achievable by adhering to the delivery approach and implementing Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to ensure each plan and target is successfully implemented in the short, medium, and long term, taking into account priorities and cost effectiveness.
Let's move forward together and make Negara Brunei Darussalam a nation that is excellent with a growing economy and high-quality citizens. We must also always be wise with the existing resources while seizing other opportunities faced in the global, regional, and domestic arena.
Before kaola concludes this Adjournment Speech, kaola is pleased to express the highest appreciation and thanks to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Timbalan Jurutulis and all the staff of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara who have together made the Session of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara this year smoothly and orderly. Appreciation and thanks also go to Radio Televisyen Brunei, the Pelita Brunei newspaper, and all mass media for comprehensively and efficiently reporting the 2022 State Council Conference.
Placing our trust in God Almighty, I propose that the Main Session for the Eighteenth Legislative Term of Majlis Mesyurat Negara 2022/2023 be adjourned.
Thank you, May God grant us success and guidance, peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat. Now, I invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, for giving me the opportunity to speak for a bit longer. This is my first time delivering a speech in this honorable hall at this meeting. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. I will only quote the sacred verses of the Al-Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah verses 155, 156 and 157. The translation, "And certainly, we will test you with something of fear and hunger, and a loss of wealth, souls and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, those who when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him, we will return.'
These trials from Allah are a bit of fear, a bit of hunger, a bit of loss of wealth including money, a bit of loss of lives (death), a bit of loss of fruits that is, food.
The COVID-19 pandemic that afflicts human beings around the world fits the meanings of those verses of the Quran. Those who are patient in facing these trials, God will inaugurate His forgiveness and mercy for them, and they are the ones who get guidance from Allah the Almighty.
Your Honourable Members. The COVID-19 pandemic has, is, and will still befall humans around the world. Only God knows the wisdom of these trials brought upon all mankind globally, indeed so it is God's will, regardless of whether humans are disobedient to God or not at the time يومئذ يق بغعد بغ معد بما فعل ولم يق عمليه إلى يوم الدين. One of the trials during the companions' time was the Plague of Amwas (in Jordon) during the Caliphate of Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab, which claimed tens of thousands of lives, including a great companion, Abu Ubaydah ibnu al-Jarrah. Kaola has visited his tomb. People who migrated from Mecca to Medina and were afflicted with fever, the Prophet prayed to heal them from that fever. So, God who sends down illness and God also cures the illness. Besides, it is also required a lot of prayers, reciting the Quran, remembering God doing various forms of worship to Allah in addition to obligatory and voluntary almsgiving. These are the Islamic recommendations in facing disease outbreaks and also obtaining specific medications and treatments. Kaola thinks that expressions, words stating that we are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic are less appropriate because the pandemic comes from Allah, sending illness as a test for us. When we say so, it's as if fighting God who created the pandemic. Who are we to fight God? Even to create a fly we are powerless.
It's wonderful that we say we want to avoid the COVID-19 pandemic, but let us submit to God. Hopefully, God will have mercy on us. Kaola would like to offer my speech by expressing my utmost gratitude for the appointment to kaola as a member of the Legislative Council for 2 terms. Kaola pray that 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's life be extended, to remain stable ruling Negara Brunei Darussalam generation after generation, healthy and well along with his royal family أمين يا رب العالمين.
وبالله التوفيق والهداية، والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang
Abdul Hamid bin Bakal. Now, I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
والصلاة والسلام على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين,
سبحانك لا علم لنا إلا ما علمتنا إنك أنت العليم الخبير.
تبارك الله أحسن الخالقين وبالحمد والشكر نحيا.
والحمد لله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام
على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وأصحابه أجمعين.
Du'a al-fath ma' al-khatm and we will proceed with a presentation afterward.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua dan Your Honourable Members.
First and foremost, kaola would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for your leadership and wisdom in presiding over the 18th Legislative Council Meeting For the Year 2022.
أشكركم, this year's meeting was conducted in an organized and orderly manner, in an atmosphere of harmony, openness, and goodwill, alongside very productive discussions focusing on strategic matters for the benefit of national economic growth and development.
Further, kaola would also like to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to my colleagues and Your Honourable Members for all the advice, views, and support given to kaola during our time together in the First Session of the 18th Legislative Council Meeting. The views proposed by Your Honourable Members are undoubtedly very important and constructive for the foundation of development and thought, أَفْضَلُ الجِهَادِ كَلِمَةُ حَقٍ عِنْدَ سُلْطَانٍ جَائِرٍ any weaknesses will be addressed by us for the betterment of the nation.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua dan Your Honourable Members.
As mentioned by Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II during the presentation of the Budget Proposal 2022/2023 last Saturday, output from the agriculture and fisheries sector was a major contributor to the GDP growth in the Year 2021, especially in the non-oil and gas sector.
For your information, in 2021, the output of the agriculture sector increased by 24.6% from $471 million in 2020 to $587 million in 2021. Meanwhile, the output of the fisheries sector increased by 37.4%, from $139 million in 2020 to $191 million in 2021. Following this, the self-sufficiency level of the national food supply also increased and we nearly achieved up to 100% self-sufficiency for broiler chicken and chicken eggs, About 85% self-sufficiency for beef and buffalo meat, and for fish supply, about 66% for tropical aquaculture and about 8.7% self-sufficiency for local rice supply.
Kaola congratulate our entrepreneurs consisting of farmers, agriculturists, breeders, and fishermen for their perseverance in increasing output from their farms thereby contributing to efforts in boosting growth and diversifying the economy and in enhancing national food security assurance.
The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism in collaboration with the entrepreneurs will continue efforts to further increase domestic production, not only to achieve full self-sufficiency but also to meet the demands of the food processing sector and export demands. In addition, efforts to encourage the participation of Foreign Direct Investments and GLCs in contributing towards increasing output from the agriculture and fisheries sectors will be continued, besides continuously encouraging entrepreneurs and farmers concerned to adopt modern technology and techniques, targeting the export market in addition to meeting local demand and practising good governance.
We hope earnestly that our farmers will continue to be earnest and diligent in cultivating the lands that have been offered to them. This is in line with the Command of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, during the Knowledge Convention in conjunction with His Majesty’s 72nd Birthday Celebration on 27 November 2018 as follows:
"...it is evident that my government has and will continue to provide as many opportunities as possible in this agricultural field. I am thrilled because we have been able to produce farmers and agriculturists who have made this field their main source of livelihood. Especially in vegetable, fruit, and flower farming activities, as well as breeding and fishing activities. I believe this success is the result of their earnestness, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. I want such a spirit to continue to live among our farmers and agriculturists. I place high hopes that our farmers and agriculturists will never tire of cultivating their farms with full responsibility, dedication, and discipline for the survivability of the nation and country".
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
In line with His Majesty's command, koala hope that we all will together encourage our existing farmers and motivate our youth and successors, especially those who are still looking for employment, to be active in agricultural activities to realize our aspirations while helping to strengthen food security strategies and help reduce dependence on food imports. We also appeal to the public who have been given agricultural lands to seriously cultivate their lands as applied for and not to leave these lands abandoned or lease them to others.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
In a world plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic since early 2020, it is understood that indeed there are some needs of farmers that are affected and the most pressing issue is the problem of obtaining foreign labor or having existing foreign labors wishing to return home after being in this country for so long through a whole of nation, whole of government approach, we will try our best to assist the business owners in obtaining the necessary labors to ensure that the output of industries such as paddy and rice, vegetables, chicken and beef, fish and shrimp supplies and others are not disrupted.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
In the tourism sector, through strategies such as the development and strengthening of tourism products nationwide and through training activities to improve the quality of services and hospitality conducted since two years ago, it is hoped that service and tourism product providers in the country are prepared to welcome tourists from outside the country once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides and at any time, borders are opened for tourists to come to this country.
The main factors considered in the development of tourism products are safety, cleanliness, and the quality of hospitality offered to visitors. إن شاء الله, the Department of Tourism Development in collaboration with Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPUUSB) and the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) have also instilled Islamic values in hospitality training for restaurant attendants, hotels, tourism destinations and also government agencies including immigration counters, museums, and galleries. This aims to ensure that customers are satisfied with the hospitality provided and eager to visit our tourism destinations again.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
That is all kaola can convey as koala's Adjournment Speech in the First Session of the 18th Legislative Council Meeting Year 2022. Kaola once again wish to express thousands of thanks for the opportunity given with a prayer hope that Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua is always in mercy, healthy, prosperous and happy.
Highest congratulations are extended to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis, Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis for the excellence in managing and administering the 18th Legislative Council Meeting. To Your Honourable Members in this Council, kaola would like to take this opportunity to apologize if there were any "missteps" or less than sweet words during our time together in this meeting.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
In conclusion,
With the assurance of diverse weapons and all praise to Allah the Almighty
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members.
In regard to that, I have always emphasized in my demeanor. Previously, with humility and a clear heart, I expressed the highest gratitude and congratulations to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the wisdom and leadership in chairing the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Meeting this year from the beginning to the end.
Praise be to Allah, throughout the session of discourse and debate in this honorable Hall, it has proceeded smoothly and meaningfully, in an atmosphere of goodwill, openness, mutual respect, and in a harmonious spirit of collaboration. Several issues, viewpoints, suggestions, and recommendations have been touched upon as we collectively 'shoulder' the responsibilities entrusted to us with sincerity and honesty, God willing. It is hoped that it will provide the intended impact and effect.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. The presentation of proposals for the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 themed "Empowering Public Welfare Towards a More Resilient Socioeconomy" with emphasis on four main issues.
This year's National Budget theme signifies the government's precise intention to continue to make strides and push forward as we collectively achieve Brunei Vision 2035. It cannot be denied that our country's economy, like the global and regional economies, will continue to face various challenges this year from risks, and the effects and impacts of the public health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical risks. It certainly has a specific impact, especially on our national economy.
Therefore, we need to be ready and wise to plan and strategize in mitigating the effects of these challenges, especially by thinking more creatively and innovatively and armed with a spirit of consensus and unity in taking part with full commitment to ensure the welfare, security, prosperity of the country continues to be safeguarded and preserved.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Regarding consensus and unity, from the COVID-19 pandemic wave, we have seen the earnestness of the people and residents in this country to take their respective roles. Among the public service officers and the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and individuals have come forward to take on roles as volunteers in helping control this COVID-19 outbreak, both as front-line workers and those who are assigned roles. This is the true value of the Bruneian people which we should be proud of. The people and residents will always be cooperative and work hand in hand with a spirit of agreement and unity for the good, welfare, and prosperity of the country. May all their noble efforts receive blessings and mercy from Allah the Almighty.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
As the country navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed a surge in the use of digital technology, and in line with the country's aspiration to become a smart nation, as we 'shoulder' the development and challenges of digital transformation. Let us not forget the groups that might be left behind in this rapid technological advancement, such as the elderly and the People with Disabilities. It is hoped that the relevant parties will continue to assist these groups so that they can also enjoy the benefits of current technological developments.
Furthermore, we should always take steps in advancing the country including focusing on strengthening the economic foundation to make it stronger, expansive, resilient, and progressive. Let us not be complacent about the strengthening of laws, acts, and regulations of the country. They need to be enforced more strictly and transparently so that crimes or violations do not occur and the people and the country's security can continue to be protected. Equally important is the aspect of family institutions that need to be continuously strengthened and defended. The family institution is an important component in the formation of society and thereby the country. It plays a significant role in producing excellent human capital. Without a strong family institution, the prosperity of the country will not be assured.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
To conclude, kaola would like to express heartfelt thanks to the Department of Councils of State for the assistance and facilities provided to Your Honourable Members. To end, kaola would like to apologize if there were any mistakes in my words, harsh language, and less pleasant behavior while presenting arguments, views, suggestions, and inquiries throughout the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Meeting this year, accompanied by prayers that we all will always be healthy and reunited in the future
In conclusion,
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Pertahanan II.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pertahanan II
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful I praise You, O Allah, and thank You, O Allah, Blessed and Exalted are You, with all the good praises at all times and in all places O Allah, You are the All-Hearing, All-Knowing of our state, relieve us of our worries, heal our sick, ease our hardships, settle our debts, protect our countries, unite our hearts, guide us to the right affair, decree for us, and grant us good trials, the best of provision, and bless us in what You have provided us, and make us reach what pleases You, and may Allah's peace be upon our master Muhammad, his family, and companions.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members blessed by Allah the Almighty and whom peramba/kaola/I respect.
I thank you all for expressing our highest gratitude to Allah the Almighty because with His permission too, we have been able to meet together in the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Meeting that has been convened in this Hall in a new hybrid format to continue our contemplation, discussion, and debates on issues of national development progress and current issues, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact.
On this special occasion, first and foremost, kaola with full respect, am pleased to record the highest congratulations to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for once again being able to lead and guide the State Legislative Council Meeting in this Hall with full wisdom, perseverance, dedication, and making it proceed smoothly in a spirit of goodwill and enthusiasm despite our meeting format being somewhat changed this year, taking into account efforts to best adapt to the current situation and challenges.
Acknowledgments and thanks also kaola direct to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara and the officers and staff of the Department of Councils for the orderly and neat conduct of the meeting.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. As we have all listened and discussed throughout this session, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be our focus, where the emergence of this virus has presented challenges from various directions and has had an impact in various aspects. This is not only in terms of economy, health, and society but also to the security and defense of the country. It contains various lessons for us to continue to understand and observe.
This among other things outlines and strengthens the importance of continuing to foster high levels of readiness and alertness, especially within the context of an increasingly uncertain global and national climate, as well as its security landscape. Although the initial involvement of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces during the COVID-19 crisis focused more on non-traditional operations, the readiness to carry out traditional operations in defending the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be sidelined and will continue to be maintained as a priority. Generally, in today's contemporary era and environment, territorial and sovereignty incursions still occur worldwide, as we have learned from the crisis and turmoil in Europe while we are in session.
In line with its latest vision to create: "A Respected Royal Armed Forces and Strong Partners" towards ensuring the sovereignty of the king, nation, and religion remains preserved and secure. The Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces will continue taking steps to develop an advanced and excellent military force in defense, encompassing the aspects of readiness, alertness, and spiritual strength.
This is repeatedly supported by stating and sharing with the 3 main pillars of defense: Capability, Prevention and Response, Defence Diplomacy, and Holistic Defence.
In line with the decree of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting Of The Eighteenth Session of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara last week on the importance of "straightening each governance according to priority, necessity, devoid of ownership and conducted in an orderly manner".
The Ministry of Defence and Royal Brunei Armed Forces have taken the initiative to tidy up comprehensive defense planning frameworks best adapted to the current rapidly changing strategic environment and will uphold his majesty's decree at all times.
As kaola explained during the opening speech last Sunday, "Defence White Paper 2021" launched in conjunction with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces' Diamond Jubilee celebration last year and also the ongoing defense capability planning for Force 2035 and Force Structure Review [dengan berkat doa] with wise leadership and deep concern of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam will shape the Ministry of Defence and Royal Brunei Armed Forces with new leadership focus and service-level leadership lines to continue moving and developing more directionally in facing various contemporary and future challenges.
It is a fact that the development and progress of a country, including our beloved country Negara Brunei Darussalam, require peace and a stable environment. As a defense entity, the Ministry of Defence will continue to play its role in ensuring national security is uncompromised and will maintain a safe environment with the cooperation of government and non-government agencies and other stakeholders through a 'whole of nation and whole of government' approach to support the Brunei Vision 2035 agenda.
Recognizing the importance of stability and security as a main prerequisite for national development and the achievement of the National Vision 2035, the agenda of defending and securing the nation must always be given priority and cannot be compromised. Therefore, the importance of defense commitment must be continuously emphasized, i.e., everyone, including us in this honorable council, has a role in maintaining stability and protecting the security of the nation.
On this occasion, kaola once again records the highest appreciation to the Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan And Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam for the provision of a substantive Defense Budget, which will be used wisely according to needs and priorities towards achieving key result areas (IKWONDAMAI) for defense progress and in meeting, respecting, and fighting for the 2022/2023 budget theme of "Empowering Public Welfare Towards a More Resilient Socio-Economy/".
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
To conclude kaola's speech, kaola prays to الله سبحانه وتعالى that Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and we, Your Honourable Members, will always be under the protection of الله سبحانه وتعالى and blessed with His guidance, always in a state of health, prosperity, and happiness.
The role of defense and security institutions and the support of the entire population in strengthening the nation's defense is a heavy mandate, امانة ثقيلة. With spirit, consensus, faith, and efforts, by empowering an "integrated" and "united" approach and steadfastly adhering to the proverb "United we stand, divided we fall", with it, the nation's defense امانة ثقيلة will continue to be strong and effective". We believe الله سبحانه وتعالى The All-Knowing and Almighty will always bless and have mercy on our country in its defense, development, and progress for its good, especially in achieving Brunei Vision 2035, and also happiness, mercy in this world and the hereafter. We pray to Him that Negara Brunei Darussalam as a Zikir Country is يباقِيةٌ under the shadow of الله تعالى in peace and under shades.
That is all, وبالله التوفيق والهداية, السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri Pertahanan II. I now invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahim.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahim
اللهم صل على محمد وآل محمد
I praise You, my Lord, and thank You for Your apparent and hidden bounties, and I seek Your forgiveness for every sin and repent to You.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Gratitude to الله سبحانه وتعالى by whose permission, greatness, and mercy we are allowed to gather in this honorable council for the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Session of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
With the leadership of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and also patience and wise guidance of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, the Eighteenth Session has been conducted smoothly and perfectly, yielding positive decisions. It is hoped that all decisions taken and concluded in the session will be implemented according to the set plans with full commitment and wisely as intended by the decree of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam when his majesty delivered the decree during the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting Of The Eighteenth Session of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. Indeed, with the wise leadership of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, the session has been successfully conducted with harmony and excellence.
Kaola also would like to express appreciation and thanks to all staff of the Department of Councils of State led by Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and all staff of this department. Finally, kaola ends kaola's speech by offering a prayer to الله سبحانه وتعالى that Negara Brunei Darussalam and all its people under the wise leadership and love of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam may we all always be under the care and protection of الله as well.
Lastly, kaola invites everyone present in this council to raise their hands in prayer while cherishing the benediction upon رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم.
This benediction is the Selawat Tarfijiyah, meant to untangle all problems and difficulties in human life.
That is all, وبالله التوفيق والهداية؛ السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahim. I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; praises, peace, blessings, and honour to the Messenger of Allah.
Blessings and peace upon the Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, صلى الله عليه وسلم, the eternal exemplar. With thanks to the divine, by His grace, we gather again for the Adjournment Speech of the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council in this esteemed hall. With a sincere heart, I would like to extend my highest gratitude and appreciation for the wisdom and care of the leadership of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib who has chaired this meeting with brilliance and sagacity. Also, the highest appreciation is given to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Judin bin Haji Asar and Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis, Dayang Rose Aminah binti Haji Ismail as well as the officers and staff of the Council Department for their efficiency and cooperation throughout this session.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Being aware of the current economic and social growth challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, this year is not only a year of recovery but will also emphasize policy reforms towards various initiatives and prudent fiscal policies.
In efforts to develop economic activities across mukims and villages like the Majlis Perundingan Mukim (MPK) project, Satu Kampung Satu Produk (1K1P) is crucial in promoting the culture and products of rural villages to attract domestic and foreign tourists. This initiative must be followed and multiplied as it will help improve the socioeconomic status of mukims and villages.
It is equally important to ensure that this viable financial environment is the basis for competitiveness in providing services in the era of globalization.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members whom I respectfully address.
In terms of empowering a productive and prosperous community, particular attention is given to the underprivileged population. Their role is not only limited to forming a happy nation but also contributing to the socioeconomy. Policies that ensure the involvement of local citizens in management and decision-making at public and private sector levels also need emphasis.
For the youth, they are seen as the hope and vital asset of our country; their potential to be realized through education and training in skills, entrepreneurship sports, and volunteerism, as well as having a comprehensive ecosystem that enables youth to enhance their capabilities and advance in their entrepreneurial careers while enjoying recreational facilities and services.
Furthermore, initiatives for the local populace must not only be executed but are mandatory as a national agenda. The well-being of the people is paramount. What is progress without Wellness and Happiness in Life? Therefore, under the 12th National Development Plan, the health level of the people and the quality of healthcare is crucial to be continually improved. The overall service of the country's healthcare system is among the best in the region.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members whom I respectfully address.
Discussing the budget amounting to $5.7 billion, which aligns with the whole of nation approach concept, it is hoped that ministries are committed to ensuring economic growth can be achieved by the citizens.
Regarding the importance of ensuring our food security, we need more skilled investors or workers in the agriculture sector. Therefore, it's vital to produce more students educated in vocational skills and trained with the aim to increase their number proportionally with academic and professional graduates.
That is why by overcoming and addressing this need, education and technical and vocational training need to be strengthened, hoping through this program technical graduates will have the opportunity to get jobs with high Value Added in the Agricultural Management, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock Sector
Also, mechanisms to encourage these initiatives such as grants, subsidies, tax exemptions on machinery purchases, etc., need to be looked into, as they will be able to attract interest and consequently ignite their spirit.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Furthermore, through this planning, local entrepreneurship (LDE) development needs to be set as an agenda in developing new entrepreneurs that can provide employment opportunities. Progress also means the expansion of business development. Therefore, it is important to improve the process to enhance service delivery measures, granting permissions to ensure significant contributions to the country's GDP.
That's all from me, and if there have been any less pleasant "missteps" and if there are any mistakes and shortcomings, I humbly ask for forgiveness. All that is good comes from اللهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, and the imperfections are from myself. I also support the adjournment of the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Meeting.
From Belait to Temburong, A prosperous, peaceful country, The name of Negara Brunei Darussalam is highly esteemed, Continuously blessing the land of Brunei.
United in fighting against corona, Frontliners deserving of the nation's gratitude, Let us all pray, The COVID-19 epidemic ends soon.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I invite Yang Berhormat Fdr. Ar. Dayang Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman.
Yang Berhormat Fdr. Ar. Dayang Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ Thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to الله سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى for by His permission we have been able to convene for 7 days in the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Meeting of the Year 2022 with full authority. Firstly, let us together pray to الله سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى that our country, all its citizens and residents are granted healing and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic currently afflicting our country.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Before I continue with the Adjournment Speech in this esteemed hall, with a sincere heart, I am pleased to record my highest accolades and appreciation for the wisdom and leadership of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua throughout the session in this esteemed hall. Thank you also to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis as well as the officials and staff of the Council Department for their efficiency, cooperation, and support to me throughout this session.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Over the 5 years I have stood in this esteemed hall, I have witnessed significant changes in transparency, leadership, and the efficiency of the Your Honourable Ministers. They deserve to be awarded, recognized, and respected.
I thank Your Honourable Ministers for instilling a new spirit and hope and encouraging private sector engagement at work, socialization initiatives with industry parties, and especially in listening to the voices of the public.
I hope this will continue to be implemented as we all are aware and recognize that the whole of nation and whole of government approach is crucial in addressing issues that require coordination and involve close cooperation between one ministry and another. In this Adjournment Speech, I wish to highlight several matters that I think are important to take note and remember. As presented for the Financial Year 2022/2023, the State Expenditure that has been approved amounts to $5.7 billion.
Therefore, we must continue efforts to ensure that state expenditure does not always increase and continue efforts in project implementation through alternative financing and other PPP initiatives. I believe if more collaborative efforts of PPP are continuously discussed, it will produce very beneficial results for the government and guarantee state financing.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Considering we are already in the endemic phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time for us to rise again for our current and future generation. We must provide opportunities, attention, and high hopes to the nation's youth for them to continue believing in themselves in voicing their perspectives and having confidence in joining hands to achieve Wawasan Brunei 2035.
In line with the state budget theme for the Financial Year 2022/2023, "Empowering Public Welfare towards a More Resilient Socioeconomy". It's undeniable that initiatives led by the private sector enable productivity increases as economic growth agents, fostering innovation, generating employment, strengthening skills, and encouraging technological progress.
It's hoped that the government will always strive to foster an ecosystem that facilitates business sector development for the private sector and further increase efforts towards Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). If our policy or screening mechanisms become barriers for potential FDI to invest with our country, then it's important for us to reevaluate and make the necessary changes that will surely benefit and aid in the development of our country.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Every year, kaola never miss delivering a speech for International Women's Day, even though this year kaola wish to convey it earlier prior to the permitted day. Allow kaola to extend International Women's Day greetings to the women present in this Chamber and to all women in Negara Brunei Darussalam. The theme this year is: "Break The Bias". This is the time to celebrate the achievements of women who act as catalysts towards positive, inclusive, dynamic, and innovative change that can help realize the nation's development agenda. All women must remember that they have the greatness to achieve what they desire because what matters most is that women should believe they can lead themselves to make a change if there's a genuine intention towards what is desired. Ladies, this is for you “Happy International Women's Day”.
With this, kaola hopes the whole of nation and whole of government approach that kaola often proclaim in this honorable Chamber will truly be realized and will not burden any party in addressing it including with continuous involvement and cooperation of all ministries together with the private sector.
Our interest, not only in achieving the country's goals but Negara Brunei as part of ASEAN must also seize opportunities in the global and regional arena considering ASEAN is expected to become the fourth-largest economy in the world by 2030.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. Kaola would like to cite last year's ASEAN Business Advisory Council Brunei theme which is Recover, Stronger, Together, for the people, the nation, and the country.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. عَظُّمَ اللّٰهُ أُجُورَنَا وَأُجُورَكُمْ and peace be upon you.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Kaola is grateful for being given the opportunity to be with Your Honourable Members to deliver the Closing Speech.
Kaola would like to express thanks and appreciation for the patience of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua assisted also by the dedication of Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis and the efforts of all officers and staff of the Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat Departments. On this occasion, kaola also congratulates the commitment of Yang Berhormat Menteris in delivering about the progress of their respective ministries moving forward and sharing the challenges that are still faced.
It is hoped that the importance of information and implementation milestones on all allocations and proposals will always be shared, through quarterly multi-stakeholder outreach as an enhancement of the two-way platform between the government, private sector, and society.
Kaola also hopes that enabling inclusive opportunities and empowering the community will always be in all implementations in realizing Wawasan Brunei 2035.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
As a conclusion, kaola reads several reminders from the Syair Kenangan Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien:
Good deeds are also remembered, Gentle words soothe the heart, Graceful manners, signify victory, That is the way to happiness.
Difficult tasks become easy, If not complicating the steps, It shall not bring trouble, On condition of entrusting to الله.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank You.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I invite Yang Berhormat Dayang Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Khairunnisa binti Awang Haji Ash'ari
Thank you, Yang Berhormat
Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
مشكور مشكورة لله على الكثيرة
First and foremost, kaola would like to express my profound thanks for the trust in appointing kaola as a Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara and also for all the support and guidance from the Jabatan Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat, allowing kaola to carry out my duties and responsibilities.
Congratulations to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for your wisdom in leading throughout this session. Kaola would also like to express high appreciation to Yang Berhormat Menteris for their positive response to the questions and suggestions that kaola have raised, and for providing extensive guidance through various muzakarahs and both official and unofficial visits over the past five years.
Kaola takes to heart the initiatives and efforts to care for the interests of the community that were previously overlooked, including women, the differently-abled, and the elderly. This is an important step in building a sustainable and inclusive society. Economic development and the Fourth Industrial Revolution must take into account their impacts on society and the environment to ensure social skills, cultural values, and the Bruneian identity are not lost by introducing appropriate initiatives such as soft skills, awareness programs, etc.
Throughout kaola's appointment, several policies, commands, and blueprints have been introduced. Under the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy, the targets set are high and require public cooperation to ensure these targets can be achieved. For example, the overall capacity target of 200 megawatts from solar energy by 2025 requires careful planning to ensure this effort can make the country low carbon in the future.
Kaola welcomes the government's effort in setting targets to plant as many as 500,000 tree saplings and this will be achievable with solid and continuous effort from certain parties.
Under the National Youth Policy and 2020/2035 Strategy, various efforts need to be made to provide opportunities for youth from various backgrounds to participate in youth development programs, including ensuring efficient communication channels and strengthening local youth communities.
Kaola also takes well the initiative to develop the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 through building connections, internet infrastructure, and payment gateway. This is expected to enable youth to increase economic activities and create various kinds of job opportunities in the future.
In managing waste in the country, it is hoped that the enhancement of efficient recycling infrastructure in the country can be realized, in moving forward to ensure Negara Brunei Darussalam remains clean and green.
Kaola also hopes the public transportation system will be improved significantly because it is crucial in providing more access to all layers of society. Especially for those who have difficulty moving because they do not have consistent transportation. As the saying goes: "it's a sign of a developed country when the wealthy use public transport".
Furthermore, kaola hopes the relevant ministries will be able to conduct studies and evaluations for the suitability of changing to a five consecutive day work and school system to help balance mental health needs, including detailed studies on the suitability of flexible hours and remote working.
Lastly, kaola would like to record high appreciation for the leadership of the Government under His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam and those who have worked hard in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, and pray for those affected to recover quickly.
Kaola calls on the public to continue supporting those in need during these difficult times by practicing social and individual responsibilities, contributing to volunteering activities thus contributing to the country.
Before concluding kaola's Delivery Speech, kaola would like to note expressing the highest appreciation and thanks to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis, Timbalan Jurutulis, officers, and staff of the Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat Department. Kaola would also like to apologize if there were any rude actions and speech that offended feelings whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I invite, Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad.
Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Kaola first of all would like to congratulate and extend thousands of thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, who has led and chaired the First From Muslim Session of the Eighteenth Majlis Mesyuarat Negara this year, from the beginning to the end, with patience, fairness, and authority.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. As content in this Summation Speech, allow kaola to bring up only 2 matters:
Better Human Capital management for all sectors in the country, be it in government, private, GLCs or in the economic or self-employed sectors. We are grateful for the grace of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam's decree on enhancing the employees' trust fund system and the focus given by His Majesty's government on Life Long Learning for everyone as mentioned in Civil Service Leadership part time as well as upskilling and reskilling programs.
Issues of acting roles, review of civil servants' pay scales, mental health issues, stimulus and aids to sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, suitable and necessary leave issues, and workdays and hours that suit the country's needs, were discussed in this noble Chamber.
Also under consideration is the long-awaited implementation of the progressive minimum wage to empower our private sector. The public service machinery and workers in the private sector must be well governed, as human capital is our primary source, along with natural resources generously bestowed by الله سبحانه وتعالى on this Darussalam land;
Recognizing the rise in prices of goods and salary structure. According to the 2021 Policy Statement 2 given by the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive up the prices of goods such as meat, vegetables, cooking oil, and motor vehicles. In the first 9 months of 2021 alone, the consumer price index or CPI increased by 1.7% in just the first 9 months. Prices are expected to remain volatile in facing this COVID-19 outbreak.
We also need to consider how hard people work, because if they work harder, they should be paid more. If we have a public service machinery that works harder and produces more output, paying them more money does not necessarily mean bad inflation.
However, we cannot arbitrarily raise salaries or payments, in both the private and public sectors, we must look at the value.
Questions like what is the value of healthcare or what is the value of education are very subjective. We have KPIs as planned by each company or departments, but now we live in an unprecedented time with the COVID-19 outbreak bringing changes to productivity and efficiency.
Previously we spent time driving to the office looking for a parking space and repeating the same in the afternoon. Maybe 2 hours are lost for that. Now, those 2 hours are used by parents to teach their children at home because of work from home or flexible working hours.
Self-employment or working for oneself is also expected to increase due to technological changes. It should be seen as a significant contributor to the country's economy. Each of these changes certainly has its pros and cons and we as planners and policymakers must look at it very carefully.
Before closing, kaola take this opportunity to thank the Yang Berhormat Ministers who listened, accepted suggestions, and further provided explanations. What kaola still appreciate, also giving advice on proposals and questions posed. Not forgetting also the support from all agencies present in this Council Hall as well as the public who follow from outside.
Lastly, kaola never forget to express my sincere thanks to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and this thank you note is also addressed to Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis, all the officers and staff of the Councils' Department for the assistance and support that has been given. Even though the Omicron outbreak tests us, but we still stand firm in this Hall for the sake of finding ways to care for the people and residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
That is all, وبعد السلام عليکم ورحمة الله وبركاته Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I now invite, Yang Berhormat Awang Naim bin Haji Kamis.
Yang Berhormat Awang Naim bin Haji Kamis
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمدلله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على اشرف المرسلين
الحمدلله, let us be grateful to our إله, for it is He who still gives us breath, health, and time that allows us to be present together in the framework of the Closing Speech of the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Legislative Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara for the Year 2022.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
On this golden opportunity, kaola would like to extend my highest congratulations and appreciation to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for successfully leading and guiding the conference with wisdom and in an atmosphere of harmony, diligent and mutual respect. Likewise, to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara who have always provided solid cooperation including officers and staff of the Councils' Department.
Furthermore, kaola would also like to record my highest appreciation and thanks to the Yang Berhormat Ministers who tirelessly listened to opinions, suggestions, and questions posed by Your Honourable Members by presenting explanations to the programs of progress, development, and implementation of various ministry projects whether ongoing or to be implemented.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
The First Meeting of the Eighteenth Legislative Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara for the Year 2022, which began on February 24, 2022, will soon come to an end. Throughout the session, discussions and questions have been guided by and revisited the royal advice 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 from the Eighteenth Legislative Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara on February 24, 2022, up to this day. We have extensively touched on and debated especially in the fields of economy, employment opportunities, prosperity, and welfare of the people and residents of this beloved country, including the issue of unemployment.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Kaola also wish to join my fellow Your Honourable Members in supporting the government’s efforts to further develop and advance the country. Kaola also welcome the government's plans through the Ministry of Energy to further develop solar energy generation with the construction of a high-capacity Solar Energy Project site in Kampung Belimbing Subok, to ensure a sustainable energy source will be available for the people and residents of this country
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Regarding the provision of these development facilities, kaola would like to request and suggest that transportation facilities be made available to the villages on Pulau Berambang, Mukim Kota Batu, Daerah Brunei and Muara such as Kampung Menunggol, Kampung Riung, Kampung Pudak, and also Kampung Sungai Bunga and Tanjung Kindana which are separated by the Brunei River, so that transportation facilities can be provided by constructing bridges to the aforementioned islands for the convenience of the inhabitants in their daily lives such as going back and forth to work, school, and other matters like shopping for daily essentials and building materials which are difficult for transport purposes.
Therefore, land road transportation is very much needed by the villagers. Similarly, regarding the condition of the road along from Kampung Sungai Lampai to Sungai Belukut, the road condition is still small and unsatisfactory and needs to be freed and upgraded to ensure safety and comfort in travel.
In this connection, it is hoped that the government will be able to take appropriate action. Towards this also includes realizing the Brunei Vision 2035 in terms of improving transportation development.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members. اِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ We are also grateful for the developments in self-sufficiency in agriculture, agri-fisheries such as fishing and livestock which are increasingly advancing and active thus increasing production output. Congratulations are extended.
In connection with this, it is also hoped that group agricultural self-sufficiency will receive special attention with the provision of facilities and assistance such as being allowed to apply for Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL), subsidy facilities for fertilizers, among others. Including being given training and instruction on modern agricultural techniques and if necessary, being given appropriate financial capital to further develop their efforts.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
As grassroots leaders, kaola along with my fellow Your Honourable Members will always provide encouragement to the residents of mukims and villages to seize and take advantage of the golden opportunities towards the entry of Foreign Direct Investment into this country.
In this connection, it is hoped that the government will always provide and open as wide as possible opportunities and spaces to entrepreneurs especially local children in any investments and jobs especially to the younger generation whether they have the highest, middle or low qualifications. They are the nation's assets which will shape and voice the direction and development agenda of the country. It is important to give this due attention.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
On this occasion, kaola wish to convey the hopes of the people and residents of this country so that the government shall further strengthen the existing governance system so that there is no difficulty in carrying out the tasks and responsibilities entrusted, such as following the existing rules and policies to avoid favoritism or corruption.
Meanwhile, the citizens and residents also fully support the decree of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam that the government administration's front line or appointed officers will always carry out courteous and disciplined behaviors in managing the nation's finances and not misuse the power to spend arbitrarily.
Thankfully, the issues regarding the Employees Trust Fund (TAP) have been thoroughly studied by the Ministry of Finance and Economy in collaboration with the Employees Trust Fund. God willing, its implementation will begin in 2023.
This will undoubtedly provide high hopes and a warm welcome to those who are eligible. The TAP issue has also been frequently raised in this esteemed chamber and in the discussion sessions between ministries with Your Honourable Members held annually.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members,
Before ending this Adjournment Speech, once again, Kaola expresses the highest gratitude for the trust His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has placed in Kaola to be a part of this State Legislative Council since 2017 until today.
Finally, let us pray that God Almighty will grant us guidance and enlightenment to open our minds, unite our hearts, and lead us all towards a virtuous path and to face this challenge with fortitude, sincerity, and full gratification.
On this occasion, Kaola also seeks forgiveness if there have been any undesirable behaviors and manners or unpleasant words; Kaola seeks pardon and forgiveness as well.
That is all, With God's guidance and enlightenment, peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings,
Thank you. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari
Thank you. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings, Esteemed sir, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members,
All praises are due to God, we seek His aid and forgiveness.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members,
Esteemed assembly, at the conclusion of the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Session of the State Legislative Council Year 2022, God willing, with us always having good faith, reliance, and gratitude towards Allah Almighty. Let us all pray that with Allah's blessing, we will forever remain as a MIB (Malay Islamic Monarchy) nation as decreed in the Proclamation of Independence in 1984. In the opportunity of this esteemed chamber, Kaola all bring arguments and proposals as follows, that the grant of the Proclamation of Independence in 1984 be used as a reference policy in preserving the interests of the people of Brunei Darussalam for generations to support this proposal. Kaola reinforces it with a verse from Surah An-Nisa verse 59, which reads:
"O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result."
Let us migrate from negative thinking to positive thinking, confident in the capability and ability of our nation, especially the current youth. Our youth are given the best education, hence it is assumed that the outcome of the nation's education can be accepted and trusted in 'sowing' whatever their involvement in the arena of national development like socio-economic development. The issue we need to migrate, a bit of a question why our people are not active in business, part of the answer is because the financial capital facilities are too difficult. Why difficult, that is the question, we still think negatively too much suspicion, lacking confidence in our own nation's capability.
In this esteemed chamber, Kaola takes the opportunity to make a Proposal that the State of Brunei Darussalam produces Bruneian millionaires. It is requested to release statistics of citizen millionaires and the number of foreign millionaires created since 38 years ago. The issue that arises, our people's position in the current business retail, hardware, laundry, tailoring, contracting, supply of retail goods, and others like selling dried shrimps, pusu, and so on are usually our people's businesses but now are undertaken by foreigners by renting out to retail stores, even though they are considered laborers. These foreigners are said to be successful because they have an approach of helping each other among their people, the reality is foreigners are more forward in business in our country, actually, this should not happen, they can defeat us in our own country while we have authoritative ministries, we must all think positively with patriotic behavior, initiative, and creativity. God willing, our nation will be able to dominate the socio-economics.
The Proposal during upholding the decree a few days ago has been answered as per the response of Yang Berhormat Minister of Finance and Economy II, which reads: "Currently, there is a project being implemented by Darussalam Assets and 3 local banks to form a joint venture company to provide a payment gateway or digital payment hub, to facilitate payment transactions for digital payments in this country." With the availability of the above God willing, our management will be easier.
To conclude this Adjournment Speech, Kaola likes to sincerely and earnestly state that the resolutions in this esteemed chamber are carried out wisely and courteously. Seeking forgiveness for any spoken words, behavior, manners that were less appropriate in this esteemed chamber and also in daily interactions. God willing, we will meet again in any circumstance and will be gathered in Allah's highest heaven. Kaola concludes this argument with a holy verse from the Quran that reads:
"Say, He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge."
May we be among those who do good deeds loved by Allah Almighty.
That is all, and peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I invite Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan, All praises are due to God, Lord of the worlds, and prayers and peace be upon our master and prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions abundantly.
And peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings, and good health.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members,
We are grateful to Allah Almighty because, with His permission and His abundant grace, we have been able to convene for 7 days in an orderly, respectful manner in the new normal atmosphere, peacefully and calmly because our country is still going through the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like paddling, 'struggling' through this, we have reached the shore, unaware of how time has passed so quickly. With time, we reach 5 years as a member convened under a trust that we need to fulfill and prioritize above all.
After 5 years of sessions, many issues and ideas have been raised for discussion and consideration for the welfare of the people and residents in this country. As a grassroots leader representative, I often, in a meeting, requested that solutions be provided for each issue. The results of the debates in this honorable House are eagerly awaited to see whether those ideas are discussed and considered with a pure heart.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. As leaders in this honorable House, it is like 'a bundle' where there are lighters, steersmen, rowers, balancing, veering left and right searching for 'the middle nest' while sitting balancing if the boat veers to the left when the nest balances to the right. That is until 'the bundle' reaches 'the docking', pushing off, navigating, achieving dreams and destinations. That is us in this honorable House.
Colorful gemstones, Representative of Serasa never ending, Every day we are here, Fulfilling the people's mandate.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, throughout the State Legislative Council's session, various steps were taken to ensure that this conference runs smoothly. Even though we are facing the COVID-19 situation, we have risen together to voice, think, and find solutions for the people, nation, and country.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Council before His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, for my appointment over the past 5 years serving as Your Honourable Member of the Legislative Council.
Throughout the appointment, I gained many experiences while acquiring knowledge. The people's complaints were indeed taken into account and voiced. Day and night, always thinking about the needs of the people and residents, suggesting proposals and questions. The task and responsibility given for 5 years have been meaningful. Praise be to Allah, it has been possible to achieve the wishes of the people and residents in this country.
I also take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Health for their full commitment in ensuring that this Council Session is always in a state of trusting and safe from the outbreak of COVID-19.
I also do not forget to express thousands of thanks to all the officers and staff of the Legislative Council Department, the staff of RTB, media representatives, and all parties involved directly or indirectly in the handling of the State Legislative Council's affairs during this period.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, on this occasion, I record the highest appreciation, congratulations to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for being able to steer this session well and achieve its goals. To the Your Honourable Ministers, in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, congratulations Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourables have fulfilled the entrusted mandate.
To Your Honourable colleagues, we are one entity carrying out the people's mandate, having stimulated the people's minds for 5 years. Likewise, this congratulations is addressed to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis as well as officers and staff of the Legislative Council Department.
Before I take my leave from this honorable House, allow me to present four poems for entertainment and reflection in this Council session:
Anchovies on the drying rack, Cooked in a peculiar tamarind sauce, Members of the National Consultative Council, motivators of the people's minds. Five years under the dome,
Joy and sorrow unfelt, In the Council deliberating, fulfilling the nation's mandate.
Taking a lamp to replace the torch, Placing the wick soaked in oil, I arrange my ten fingers, Forgive me if my language errs.
Tanjung Pelumpung in Muara waters, From Muara upriver to the town, The National Consultative Council concludes, Please forgive any mistakes and offenses.
That is all, With God's guidance and Providence, peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
I praise Him, thank Him, depend on Him, and I ask Him for constancy in times of glory and humility, and for gratitude during joy and beautiful patience otherwise.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you for the opportunity given to me to deliver the Closing Speech of the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Year 2022. Your Honourable Ministers, Your Honourable Members, Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis, Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis, officers, and staff of the Legislative Council Department.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Through this golden opportunity, perhaps I take this chance to first and foremost express my highest gratitude before the Council of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and declare my undivided loyalty to the Council of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the grace of appointing me as Your Honourable Member of the Legislative Council since the beginning of the First Session of the Thirteenth Legislative Council in 2017 until the First Session of the Eighteenth Year 2022.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thankfully, Alhamdulillah, this session also proceeded smoothly and perfectly under the wise and capable leadership of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua in leading the State Legislative Council Session in this honorable Hall with great success, meticulous perfection, and firm cooperation from Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis. I sincerely express my highest congratulations and appreciation. I also do not forget to convey congratulations for the service of the Department of Legislative Council staff working in a calm and harmonious atmosphere in carrying out duties and responsibilities. Even though we are currently sharing the situation with COVID-19. May we all be under Allah's protection also amen, O Lord of the Worlds.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
In delivering this Suspension Speech, the most meaningful phrase to me is thankful, Alhamdulillah, with Allah's permission, thus the First Session of the Eighteenth Legislative Council Session concludes after 7 days of meetings.
In connection with that, I respectfully and joyfully extend my highest congratulations and appreciation to Your Honourable Ministers because this session agreed for the release of the Financial Year Budget 2022/2023.
Together with the residents of Zone 1, Belait District, I express our utmost thanks to the Government ministries of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for their concern in providing facilities and planning for the benefit of the people and the country by looking far ahead to achieve Brunei Vision 2035. Wishing success in carrying out responsibilities for the welfare of the public and the country.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Before taking leave, I sincerely apologize to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Jurutulis, Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis, and all my fellow members of this House.
I am happy to share two poems.
To Pekan Muara to buy Spanish mackerel, Giant prawns along netted, We conclude the National Consultative Meeting, Forgive any wrongs and mistakes.
The sparrowhawk flies downstream, Pausing briefly on a teak tree, We meet at this final moment, Feeling melancholy in the heart.
That is all, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you.
May Allah grant success, guidance, and peace, and peace be upon you, and God's mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I now invite Yang Berhormat Awang Hanapi bin Mohd. Siput.
Yang Berhormat Awang Hanapi bin Mohd. Siput
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and may Allah grant success, guidance, and peace, and peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings. Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, I respectfully thank you for the permission to speak in this Suspension Speech.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
As decreed by 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 during the official inauguration of the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara which took place on 23 Rejab 1443 corresponding to 24 February 2022, that this meeting is a strategic platform to discuss matters of welfare for the people and country including the discussion of the National Budget for the Financial Year 2022/2023.
InshaAllah, we have convened with spirit, mutual understanding, and comprehension, and we have completed the work according to schedules and its agenda.
Congratulations to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for leading the session with great wisdom and appreciation to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis along with all officers and staff of the Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat Department for their invaluable, sincere, and smooth assistance and management.
In this esteemed Hall, I have hopes that the Housing Development Department will further study efforts to create more housing areas in the Belait District. This is for the increasing demand for National Housing Scheme applications in Belait District and to balance the needs in all districts, hopefully included in the 12th RKN.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, His Majesty also spoke about the entry of Foreign Direct Investment into this country opening job opportunities for local companies by increasing revenue. The government must take steps in providing various needed facilities, especially in the aspect of basic development to attract investors to invest in our country. Not only that, but the government also needs to open investment opportunities with local companies for healthy competition. This effort aims for the country and the people of Negara Brunei Darussalam to enjoy the prosperity from Foreign Direct Investment. In short, foreign investment is a catalyst for national development.
Within this limited space, once again I extend congratulations to all ministries for their efforts in enhancing each ministry's planning. Especially the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism for realizing plans to empower the agricultural field by increasing agricultural and fisheries sector production. May all these efforts continue to advance in line with the Agriculture Department's mission and vision in diversifying agricultural resources and making agricultural products a national self-reliance and aspiration for food security.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
In the end, I seek forgiveness and pardon to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri, and Your Honourable Members, Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis, Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis Mesyuarat Negara, and all officers and staff who have worked throughout this meeting. The best comes from Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala and the faults from my own weaknesses.
To conclude, I leave this esteemed Hall with 2 verses of poetry:
Today we fish for prawns, Tomorrow we plant lemongrass, For seven days we've been meeting, Today we part.
Melodious is the sound of voices, Sometimes unwittingly a word slips, If ever too hastily speech breaks, With the deepest humility forgiveness and pardon is sought.
With this, I fully support the adjournment of this session.
Thank you, وَبِاللّٰهِ التَّوْفِيْقُ وَالْهِدَايَةُ، وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمُ الحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ، وَبَعْدُ It's an honor to express my deep gratitude to your esteemed self for this short opportunity to speak, which I hope will be beneficial and productive, and to be a guiding lamp for good and fruitful deeds in our world, InshaAllah, as He is the One who provides success and guidance to the right path.
May Allah grant us and you knowledge and insight in our religion and worldly life, happiness in both worlds, a good end, victory in Paradise, and protection from the Fire by the mercy of the Lord of the Worlds.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ and peace be upon you. In this Closing Speech, I and my colleagues and representatives from the Tutong District seize this opportunity to record our highest appreciation, thanks, and congratulations to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the wisdom and firmness in successfully managing this conference to run smoothly on time, even when facing limited time in a situation still adhering to the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) safety controls.
I and my colleagues also do not forget to thank Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri for providing answers and explanations to our questions or suggestions. Thanks also to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis, and officers and staff of the Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat Department for the support and cooperation provided to me throughout this Conference.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. I take this opportunity to raise the issue with the increased cost of the Hajj package exceeding $20,000. For potential Hajj pilgrims receiving the Hajj Fare Grant of $3,500 from the government, it necessitates a considerable top-up. At one time, there was a fare for government officers who have served for over 15 years with certain basic qualifications to apply for a fare called the United Kingdom fare. Accordingly, it is appropriate to reconsider and shift it to Hajj Fare.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Cancer is one of the chronic diseases causing death in this country if not detected early. Hence, early prevention measures are a very cost-effective approach in the long-term strategy to control cancer. It is suggested that early efforts like education, knowledge, and cancer screening should be intensified continuously. Through massive awareness campaigns by conducting examinations in clinics across the country and early development in schools.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Senior Citizen Centers in the districts are for the accommodation of the elderly to conduct daily activities, gather and exchange ideas with friends which is more beneficial than being alone at home. When someone gets older, it does not mean they lose the vitality and desire for enjoyment, what's important is that the elderly can continue to enjoy every day to improve health and prevent diseases.
However, it is clear that the elderly cannot perform the same physical activities as the young, their activities are adjusted accordingly. Therefore, it is suggested that an officer from the Social Welfare Department who is trained about senior activities be stationed at every senior citizen center in the country who has social skills, activates the mind, entertaining and fun abilities, enhances self-esteem and physical and mental abilities with various spiritual and physical games. Because an active physical and mind slow down aging.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Implementing the use of development infrastructure in the Tutong District is very important just like in other districts. Towards this, kaola and the representatives from the Tutong District propose the establishment of a Development Authority in the Tutong District to discuss the framework for beautifying potential areas such as expanding and extending the old jetty in front of the Tutong town shops with a new look that can accommodate food stalls and rest huts for enjoying the river's beauty especially at night.
Developing the area opposite the Tutong River, moving the Tutong District Fire Station to a more strategic location due to previous plans to relocate it, replacing it with beautiful landscapes, as well as upgrading the old market building nearby, widening the narrow road leading to the Tamu Pekan Tutong building, enhancing the 'white sand' area of Telisai to reveal its natural beauty. Upgrading walkways and the Tasek Meriumbun area are other desires and environments that can be discussed by the Tutong District Development Authority once established.
Yang Berhormat Di-Pertua. It is found that many former secondary level students cannot further their education or obtain diploma studies because they did not achieve 'O' Level or 'A' Level results, contributing to the increase in unemployment as it is difficult to find jobs due to the lack of skills that match companies and industries.
In this regard, it is suggested to review the requirements for skills departments appropriate for students in this country for professional technical skills courses, engineering at the NVC, NTC, and OND levels. It is also suggested that during their studies, they should be given entrepreneurship education, in addition to providing dormitories or sponsorship for those living far away. With these skills, they would be able to be employed or start their own businesses with financial aid agreed upon according to the size of the enterprise. We want this company to be owned by locals without depending on foreigners who choose the easy way and are satisfied just being investors or letting foreigners use their names, even though it actually harms their own good toward our nation's reputation.
For those who wish to work and have completed skills courses, they are suggested to be provided job opportunities in the Tutong District by increasing industries and businesses in this district. To prevent traveling far to other districts which is not worth the $500 a month salary, because daily expenses, vehicles, and food and drink alone almost reach $500, not to mention other household needs.
Now, the rise in food prices and essential services put pressure on the cost of living and pose a major problem to the less fortunate. This issue is not new, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, let alone now with the effects and impacts of COVID-19 felt by residents in this country. However, there is already assistance from the National Welfare Scheme (SKN), but the long process it takes is a challenge that must be faced by the less fortunate who do not have jobs, or if they do, only work as waiters, self-employed or work at small companies in shops and supermarkets which vary in size and do not have the privilege of a cost of living allowance like government staff.
Finally, kaola takes this opportunity to express the highest gratitude to His Majesty the Majlis Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam for the gracious consent to grant the 2022/2023 Budget Allocation which has also been approved in the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Legislative Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. May this allocation be utilised as best as possible.
Kaola and the representative of Tutong District, support the proposal of Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri to call the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Legislative Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
In conclusion, kaola apologizes to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Members, Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis, Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis, and the officers and staff if there are any mistakes or improper language, 'suruk langkah' throughout the session.
It is prayed that whatever results from this session will be blessed and merciful by الله سبحانه وتعالى as well.
That is all, والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
اعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم
بسمك اللهم وبحمدك وتبارك اسمك وتعالى جدك ولا اله غيرك.
I seek assistance in Allah the Great for gratitude and praise, سبحانه وتعالى.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Alhamdulillah, we express our gratitude to الله سبحانه وتعالى because with His Permission, we have been able to convene for 7 days in the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Legislative Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara 2022.
Before kaola continues with the Adjournment Speech, on this occasion, kaola respectfully congratulates Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong on their Adjournment Speech just now.
Furthermore, the highest congratulations and appreciation to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the wise leadership of Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Jurutulis and Timbalan Jurutulis who have led throughout this Meeting session with dignity, organized, and orderly manner reaching the purpose and objectives as outlined by His Majesty Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam:
"...which is to tidy up what has yet to be tidied and improve what still needs to be improved...". Based on this motto, we all have reviewed and considered several Bills especially the Supply Act 2022/2023 with careful and responsible.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
We have also together heard the initiatives presented by the ministries in developing all development, education, transportation, energy public facilities, public service welfare, people and population welfare, economy and industries, and others to ensure the welfare of the people and the population is maintained and guaranteed.
In this esteemed Council, we, as Your Honourable Members, have already presented the issues, views, and problems faced by the public which have been answered by the Yang Berhormat Menteri-Menteri thoroughly, clearly, and satisfactorily.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
The Temburong District is the 'Green Jewel' of the country, continues to enjoy development and progress in various fields. This is a blessing of the wise leadership and authority of His Majesty Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, especially since the opening of the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge continues to receive a very effective and rapid flow of development and progress. Several development projects are being carried out in this district managed by ministries and relevant agencies and through the Temburong District Development Authority and the Temburong District Office.
We can see from some projects planned through the Temburong District Development Plan prepared at once to generate economic activities increasing the safety and quality of life of the people and the population through a whole of nation approach has been realized. Some examples of this development, for instance, building Labu Square for business and recreation activities, a luxury resort in Kampung Perdayan, and constructing a restaurant in the Bukit Patoi recreation area, enhancing the facilities of Ulu Temburong National Park and Batang Duri.
While in Bangar town area, projects to upgrade the main Bumiputera building, People's Business Building Jati, waterfront, Tamu Aneka Selera, upgrading roads, supplying clean water, and not forgetting in the energy sector, cable connection to this district and making this district a role model for power generation using solar energy. Similarly, in the public transport sector that equally practices always using Temburong District as the said role model.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
Allow kaola to touch on the development of Islam, preaching, and education in this district, as known, the construction of Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University and the reconstruction of Sultan Hassan Secondary School in the implementation including the construction of Islamic Activity Centre, Senokoh Religious School, construction of new mosques is also given serious attention.
In maintaining the health and welfare of the people, Hospital Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam now has its flu clinic since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, special paramedic and 24-hour ambulance services, in addition to specialist medical services brought from Bandar Seri Begawan.
The welfare and well-being of the people are taken seriously not only by the authorities, but also through the institution of village and district heads, namely the Village and District Welfare Council and the District Office, public healthcare, and welfare can be witnessed in this district.
The Temburong District is known for "1K1P" which produces a variety of products based on food, handicrafts, tourism, and others, managed by the MPMK Committee consisting of the women's bureau, youth, single mothers, and the elderly who at the same time can help and provide additional income and improve the economy as well as support their livelihood.
On this occasion, kaola would like to express the highest appreciation and thanks to all parties especially to the ministries and the departments under them, private companies including community leaders, the Village and District Welfare Council for their initiatives and continuous efforts as well as contributions given to the Temburong District in supporting any initiatives and efforts of stakeholders for the progress and development of the Temburong District.
Kaola also hopes that the people and residents in this district in particular will welcome and take advantage of the opportunities and chances from projects implemented to join in the development and modernization wave of the 'Green Jewel' District.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
To conclude this Adjournment Speech, let us all pray to Allah SWT so that our king and his family, national leaders, community leaders, and all members of the public and residents in this nation will always be protected and preserved by Allah SWT safe from the epidemic, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, and safe in this world and especially in the hereafter, Insha'Allah.
Before concluding, kaola would like to leave a few Malay quatrains:
A princess went on a picnic, Returned in the early morning, We met and then we part, By the will of Allah, let's meet again.
A Minister fishing for Spanish mackerel, The Spanish mackerel sold in the market, We who leave ask for leave, Mistakes and errors, please forgive.
Cutting down the Salam tree, Its leaves fall completely touching, End of word and closing salam, We pray, Subhanaka Allahumma wabihamdika ash-hadu an la ilaha illa anta astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaik.
That’s all, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Your Honour. Now we return to Your Honourable Members who will make statements or adjourn virtually. We invite Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praises to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.
Praises as they should be for Your Majesty’s Glory and Your Great Sovereignty.
Thank you because by His permission alone the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara was successfully convened.
Kaola also give thanks to Allah SWT for the blessings that have allowed consensus to be reached in all matters, especially in discussing and approving the (2022) Expenditure Law, 2022/2023 for all ministries. May with the blessings and mercy of Allah SWT also enable the Government Under His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam to implement national development plans orderly and successfully to enhance economic and social progress as well as to advance the welfare of the people of Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. In this honorable session, kaola would like to express my utmost gratitude for the opportunity given to us all to contribute in this meaningful meeting. Although kaola cannot attend physically, kaola still followed the excitement online and still given the opportunity to also contribute thoughts in delivering views and suggestions despite barriers and disturbances.
This is the sophistication and convenience that exist today. The digital technology era has brought various changes. It's no wonder social media applications are increasingly popular among our youth to the point where adults and veterans are far behind.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola believes digital technology development will continue to advance especially at a time when the world is experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic phenomenon. The spread of the COVID-19 outbreak actually allows us to re-evaluate the policies that have been implemented. Towards this, kaola hopes the nation will answer the challenge to chart the future through a holistic and sustainable digitalization agenda. We cannot lag behind current changes especially in the post-pandemic which demands that the government accelerates the digital transformation process to build a resilient economy in addition to digital transformation of public service, social, business, and entrepreneurship systems.
Kaola believes the transformation of the Islamic financial system towards this will enable the handling of Shariah-based instruments more effectively and efficiently, ultimately capable of moving and strengthening the country's economy. As mentioned in the budget speech by Yang Berhormat Menteri at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, the country is still experiencing a deficit.
It is in accordance with the decree of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam for all listed projects to be handled prudently and disciplined with the principle of 'Doing More with Less'.
Kaola urges each department to take this opportunity to also optimize human resources, improve the process of efficient financial management without affecting performance, productivity, and quality of service delivery: "efficient spending, thrifty results, wisely manage, excellent outcomes".
Before closing kaola’s adjournment speech, kaola expresses the highest gratitude to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis, Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis, officers and involved parties.
That's all for now from kaola in this Adjournment Speech. Kaola would like to apologize for any mistakes and shortcomings throughout following this Council meeting.
That's it,
With success, guidance, and candor I conclude my words, and peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Thank you, Your Honour. May the BruHealth code of Pengiran quickly turn to green. We invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua, Your Honourable Ministers and Your Honourable Members.
Kaola am delighted to express thousands of thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for the opportunity kaola have been given to present this Adjournment Speech in this honorable Council.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Kaola fully support and welcome the Budget allocation that has been approved in this honorable Council. Through this given opportunity kaola would first like to convey my utmost loyalty to His Majesty the Council at the lap of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam for His Majesty's grace in appointing kaola as Your Honourable Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.
Throughout kaola’s appointment as Your Honourable Member of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, many advancements in terms of development in this country can already be seen. Kaola are very pleased to have been trusted to deliver thoughts in together helping develop Negara Brunei Darussalam in this honorable Council.
Regarding efforts to increase the production of existing local products in this country, kaola urges those involved to be able to increase the output of their respective village products and strive to improve the quality of products sold to buyers. This includes increasing support for the Village and District Consultative Council in the effort to expand '1K1P'. Currently, many exhibitions and promotions of products produced from each village have been held suitable for current developments to generate income and create job opportunities for local residents in line with Brunei Vision 2035.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Before kaola take my leave, kaola do not forget to express thousands of thanks to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for giving kaola the opportunity to speak and provide views for discussing the 2022/2023 Budget Allocation. I hope that all discussions are thoroughly reviewed and followed up accordingly. Also, I wish to record my utmost appreciation to both government and private agencies that have supported and helped enhance the country's development in all aspects to ensure the welfare of the people in this country in general.
With this, kaola also take the opportunity to express millions of thanks for the support and recovery from Your Honourable Members. The support and cooperation from Your Honourable Members so far have improved the quality of government services towards ensuring Brunei Darussalam continues to develop rapidly.
Before kaola take my leave, allow kaola to deliver a verse of pantun:
Words spoken gently in conversation, Pantun sung to stir the heart, For any mistakes in my oration, I humbly ask for forgiveness with all my heart.
Basil leaves, a child's amusement, Jasmine flowers, fragrant and charming, Blessed is love that doesn't part, Long life to meet again, is what we're yearning.
That's all, thank you Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Now, I invite the Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.
Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praises be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and prayers be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and all Your Honourable Members. We are grateful to Allah for by His permission and grace, our country remains peaceful and prosperous, and continues to develop with the blessings and sovereignty of the wise and visionary leadership 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.
From the bottom of my heart, kaola extend my highest congratulations to Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua for Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua’s leadership in conducting discussions, whether at the Council of State Meetings or Committee level, smoothly and satisfactorily in a harmonious atmosphere.
I also extend my thanks and congratulations to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis and Yang Mulia Timbalan Jurutulis, as well as the officers and staff involved who promptly arranged our council's meetings this year, both physically and virtually. This proves we can adapt the use of technology to ensure that this year’s conference can be held and carried out successfully, ﻛﻢًا ﻣﻜﻴنًّا.
Appreciation is also directed to fellow esteemed ministers and Your Honourable Members who sincerely highlighted issues of concern and importance to the people and residents in this country and suggestions, especially for the Prime Minister's Department and departments under it.
All these suggestions and proposals will be thoroughly and holistically reviewed according to priority, in line with the efforts of the Prime Minister's Department to achieve sustainable, resilient development for the future interest of the country towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
On this occasion, kaola wish to highlight several matters that kaola think are important to always be remembered and given attention once we adjourn from this esteemed chamber.
First, as kaola mentioned in my speech last year, Brunei Darussalam has a unique identity, which is Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). In this regard, any national planning must be grounded on MIB. This identity also makes Brunei Darussalam the only country with such an intact entity.
As stated by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during the celebration of Brunei Darussalam's 32nd National Day in 2016. His Majesty's decree stated:
"...in planning and acting also requires a 'basis', not just as one pleases. Our policy in this country is MIB. Thus, all plans and actions must be based on MIB..."
In this matter, all policy planning and regulations including in governance and implementation and the determination of direction will always be guided by the concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) to be practiced and implemented in the government administration system for the prosperity of the country and its people.
Second, regarding integrity issues for officers and staff in the public service. This matter is indeed taken seriously by the government and since long ago, we have had the General Orders 1961, Circular Letters governing public service personnel, work ethics, etc.
In this regard, the suggestion of Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani bin Haji Awang Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahim concerning an oath or tighter bond for government officers and staff is welcomed. ان شاء الله, the Prime Minister's Department through the Public Service Department will plan the appropriate implementation procedures as an addition to existing regulations.
Third, on 'talent retention' in the public service as voiced by Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad. As my colleague, Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II stated, each ministry has been allocated significant funding for the skill and capacity enhancement of public service personnel.
The Prime Minister's Department has and is executing the Empowering Leadership Program, which is the Civil Service Leadership Pipeline (CSLP), as one of the sub-initiatives under the Public Service Framework supporting the aspiration of Brunei Vision 2035, while ensuring succession planning in the public service is implemented. CSLP aims to identify, develop competencies, and prevent capable, quality, and skilled officers from elevating organizational performance to become future leaders. This program is a continuous effort to prepare and equip government officers for higher positions to succeed in the Public Service Replacement Program.
The Prime Minister's Department through the Public Service Institute (IPA) will continuously provide suitable programs aligned with training needs analysis. Regarding the recommendation to review the salary scale in the public service, this matter needs to be viewed holistically and thought through deeply as it would impact national finances and also the private sector itself, even having a widespread impact on the community at large.
Currently, we all encourage our people, especially job seekers, to work with the private sector and not solely rely on seeking employment with the government, which is increasingly limited. What is important is the strategic programs or projects to be implemented to enhance the productivity of efficient and effective public service personnel and contribute results to the government.
Last but not least, the fourth, the security, harmony, and stability of the country. The Prime Minister's Department, in cooperation with security agencies, will continue to devise strategies to preserve stability and defend the sovereignty of the country and connect defense capabilities and diplomatic abilities as well as the country’s preparedness in handling security threats. This includes enhancing efforts in crime eradication and strengthening the capabilities of relevant agencies in handling national and cross-border crises. The role in maintaining security and harmony is not only on the shoulders of security agencies but is also our collective responsibility.
Cooperation from Your Honourable Members as grassroots leaders, village heads, and the community in providing information to combat crime is very much needed and appreciated because such information has greatly assisted the authorities so that several criminal cases have been eradicated and defeated.
While the recommendations of several Honourable Members regarding Brunei Radio Television Department, إِذَاعَةُ بُرونَّيْ and اَلْتَلْفَازُ will be reviewed appropriately to ensure that programs broadcasted through Brunei Radio and Television meet public taste and relevance. It is important to emphasize that all TV and radio programs to be broadcast must be based on Bruneian ethics and suitability before being aired.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua and Your Honourable Members.
The government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam very much welcomes more constructive views from Your Honourable Members to assist the government in boosting the economy, increasing national income and improving other service qualities.
To conclude this adjournment speech of mine, I would like to present several verses for reflection and soul nourishment. Actually, these verses should have been shared during the opening debate on the allocations for the Prime Minister's Department and the departments under it. However, due to being placed under Quarantine Order (PQ), I was unable to deliver the opening remarks. Nonetheless, I take this opportunity to express my utmost gratitude to my esteemed and beloved colleague, Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan dan Ekonomi II, who was kind enough to replace me in delivering the introductory speech and responding to the questions posed. My verses are as follows:
Lime cotton, kaffir lime, Cook rice but don’t let it burn, Practice restraint, do not give in to desire, Let it teeter but never sever.
Gems and satin are their dress, On a marble mattress over glass, It's not about how much we spend, Rather about how much we save for our future.
Therefore,
Even if oil prices soar, Thrifty wisdom must be practiced, Do not be like hearing thunder in the sky, Only to spill all the water in the jar.
The bride bathes with ceremonial flour, The groom's face beaming with joy, The beating of drums resonates loudly, Our session will soon conclude, Let us not feel sorrow, Praise be to Allah, His mercy always present.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
I conclude this adjournment speech with a prayer:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, O Allah, honor Islam and the Muslims, And humble polytheism and the polytheists, and destroy the enemies of the religion, And protect the stronghold of Islam wherever they are, O Lord of the Worlds.
I close the speech of this session.
That is all,
May Allah grant success and guidance, and peace be upon the messengers, and all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. I would like to express my deepest thanks and appreciation for the Adjournment Speeches that have been delivered by Your Honourable Members just now. The Eighteenth Session of the Legislative Council has concluded safely and perfectly.
Although we are still facing the COVID-19 pandemic situation. This session has also provided an opportunity for Your Honourable Members who could not attend due to unavoidable reasons to follow the debates and discussions in this noble council virtually.
On this occasion, I would like to express my highest gratitude and sincere appreciation for the cooperation given as we have conducted the Legislative Council Session, which lasted for 7 days in a harmonious atmosphere filled with goodwill and mutual respect in line with the Melayu Islam Beraja concept.
Special thanks and appreciation are also extended to Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis, Timbalan Jurutulis, the Orderly of the Council and his entourage, all officers and staff including those assigned from various ministries and departments including Radio Television Brunei, the Information Department, and the Ministry of Health for their diligent efforts and high commitment in providing various logistical needs throughout our session.
I also wholeheartedly offer congratulations to His Majesty 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 for His Majesty’s attendance at the Official Opening Ceremony of the First Session from the Eighteenth Legislative Council Session, on Thursday, 23 Rejab 1443 corresponding to 24 February 2022 and subsequently His Majesty consented to deliver a royal address at the ceremony.
From my observation, this session was somewhat able to uphold the essence of the royal address by Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam during the Official Opening Ceremony, as a strategic medium to discuss matters of welfare for the people and the country. I believe it is fitting and further suggestions and ideas presented in this council are given further examination for their suitability to improve processes, efforts, and initiatives that have and will be implemented in the relevant ministries.
Lastly, we also pray for those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak to be fully healed by Allah and may our beloved country, Negara Brunei Darussalam, always be safe from all harms caused by this pandemic and receive mercy and protection from Allah.
With these brief remarks, I believe we have taken a considerable amount of time this morning, and I sincerely apologize to Your Honourable Members for doing so. Therefore, in accordance with Provision 35 (1) of the Legislative Council Regulations, this Legislative Council Session is adjourned to an undetermined date. However, positively, God willing (إن شاء الله), we will meet and gather again.
That concludes, May Allah grant success and guidance, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings.
(The Legislative Council Session is adjourned)
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