DAY 14 AFTERNOON
21ST MARCH 2023 - AFTERNOON
Help needed with Jawi and Arabic characters, please email pr@queeniecy.com if you have experience with Markdown.
The information presented on this webpage is based on processed PDFs downloaded from the official website and translated using OpenAI technology. We have taken steps to ensure accuracy, but if you identify any discrepancies or issues, please kindly notify us at pr@queeniecy.com so that we can make necessary adjustments. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Despite our best efforts to ensure the accuracy of these translations, please note that they were performed by AI technology. As such, we cannot guarantee their infallibility and are not responsible for any inaccuracies or misinterpretations that may arise from the translated content. If you have suggestions for better translations, please email the specific section along with your proposed translation to pr@queeniecy.com. We are committed to continuous improvement and greatly appreciate your input.
(The Council Meeting resumed at 2.30 pm)
Your Honorable Speaker
Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Your Honorable Members of Parliament. The National Assembly meeting this afternoon is still in session to discuss the Supply Bill (2023) for the year 2023/2024.
To enable us to resume discussing and examining the topics contained in this Bill, I propose that we adjourn this National Assembly meeting and convene at the Committee level.
(The Assembly is adjourned)
(The meeting continues as a Committee)
Your Honorable Speaker
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Your Honorable Members of Parliament. The meeting is now fully convened at the Committee level to consider and discuss the Supply Bill (2023) for the year 2023/2024 one by one. As the Honorable Minister of Health is unable to attend this House for us to continue the discussion on the Ministry of Health's budget, I believe it is better for us or this Committee to switch back to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Yesterday afternoon, the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports has completed his introduction on the preparation of the budget for the Financial Year 2023/2024 and it is time for us to examine and discuss this budget.
Here with me is a list of Honorable Members of Parliament who would like to participate in discussing the Ministry's Bill, namely Topics SL01A to SL06A, which is the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
So, I will start by inviting the Honorable Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
Your Honorable Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful, I would like to express my gratitude for the opening remarks made by the Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday afternoon, March 20, 2023, regarding the plans and strategies towards fulfilling its functions and responsibilities. May it be implemented successfully, God willing.
I am pleased to touch on the matter of SL01A regarding the direction and progress of arts and culture in Brunei Darussalam. Speaking of our country's arts and culture, it is indeed rich with treasures and heritage of art and culture that have been inherited for generations.
Your Honorable, it is indeed the responsibility of all parties to preserve this heritage art, and efforts towards strengthening it are crucial towards contributing to the development of the local creative industry. The establishment of the National Arts Academy has been discussed with the government and local art enthusiasts with the aim of providing a platform for the advancement of arts and culture in Brunei Darussalam.
Among the functions and roles of this arts academy are:
i. To elevate the status of the country's arts and culture;
ii. To bring together local art enthusiasts of all ages under one roof to share their knowledge and works, and also as a platform to enrich the artistic and cultural output that can be utilized by the community, especially the youth as the future generation.
Does the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports have plans to establish the National Arts Academy as you have mentioned?
Your Honorable, Kaola brings up the public's complaints regarding the National Welfare System (SKN), specifically the Education Assistance Scheme for orphans and underprivileged families. There are delays in the process of delivering aid to those in need. Kaola understands that this delay occurs when the Education Assistance Scheme is handed over to the Ministry of Education, which affects the preparation of these children for school. In addition, there is also the issue of burden placed on schools in assisting parents in making applications through SKN with limited capacity, which contributes to this delay.
Kaola would like to know what efforts the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is making to ensure that this delay can be addressed to ensure that the National Welfare System (SKN) remains relevant and efficient. To help alleviate the burden on schools, Kaola suggests that skilled volunteers be requested to be placed in schools to assist parents and schools in the application process through SKN.
Furthermore, Kaola touches on the progress of the country's youth. There is an imbalance in the movement and activities of youth in each district, possibly due to several factors, including a lack of youth leaders as pioneers to drive any activities and programs, and projects that do not align with the needs of the youth.
Regarding this matter, I propose that an icon of youth be created, selected from among the community who have skills and creativity to represent each region. The youth icon is like a playmaker who can generate creative ideas in preparing programs and projects to keep the youth active in all forms of youth activities. To ensure sustainability, the government can provide appropriate initiatives; and
Regarding the matter under the title SL02A of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, to elevate the Malay language as the official language of Brunei Darussalam. First of all, I would like to congratulate the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei for their continuous efforts towards strengthening the use of the Malay language. This includes organizing exhibitions, workshops, and so on. However, this effort is not solely the responsibility of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, but it is a joint responsibility of the government, private sector, and the community. This includes promoting the Malay language in official events, discussion sessions, dialogues, and discussions. At the same time, ensuring that all administrative matters, correspondence, application forms, reports, and so on prioritize the use of the Malay language.
In addition, our country has 7 indigenous tribes that are enshrined in the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam. Efforts to introduce the cultural heritage and language of these 7 indigenous tribes to the new generation, youth, and students, as well as to tourists, are initiatives towards preserving the cultural heritage of the nation to be respected. Such as welcoming guests or tourists by saying welcome in various languages of the 7 indigenous tribes, such as 'selamat sabi', 'selamat mikod', and so on.
What are the Ministry's plans through the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei Darussalam to strengthen the use of the Malay language at the national level? Language reflects the nation. Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, please enlighten us. Thank you.
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
بسمه للاه الرحمنه الرحيم First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to The Speaker and the organizing committee for allowing me to answer the questions posed by Your Honorable Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker, and thank you, Your Honorable, for the questions and suggestions raised. Regarding the first question from Your Honorable about the National Arts Academy, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is indeed researching and planning to provide an academy that will be the center of cultural arts movement with professional workforce that builds a resilient national identity.
This academy aims to produce cultural arts enthusiasts in preserving Brunei's cultural arts. To realize this academy, the ministry has prepared a Brunei Cultural Arts Academic Curriculum book as a guide in preserving Brunei's cultural arts to provide an understanding of culture and customs as well as to provide exposure to knowledge and skills in traditional music, dance, creative writing, traditional and contemporary performing arts.
This curriculum is also expected to be a support and direction for the movement of youth and other arts enthusiasts to gain knowledge and skills in Brunei's cultural arts.
For information, the draft module in this curriculum has been discussed with the Ministry of Education for research and the identified priority areas in the arts field at this time are traditional music, singing, traditional dance, visual arts, handicrafts, creative writing, screen arts and various media.
This complete curriculum will be a guide through several formal learning methods that will be implemented such as short-term workshops, master class programs and specialized courses. In addition to these efforts, one of the strategies implemented immediately towards the socialization and application of pure cultural arts values is through the promotion and publicity of cultural arts and teaching or learning of cultural arts through workshops, courses and briefings to students, higher education institutions, youth associations and the public.
For the publicity program, it is often carried out by this ministry using space or facilities under this ministry. At the same time, it collaborates with the Curriculum Development Department of the Ministry of Education to train trainers in the field of arts such as traditional Brunei, hadrah and guling tangan.
The second question is about in-kind assistance or Annual School Needs Assistance (BKPT) previously known as the Miftaahun Najaah Scheme under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, which started using SKN in July 2022.
Towards this, a committee has been established in July 2022 to evaluate the BKPT application involving various ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation.
At the same time, JAPEM has prioritized the resolution of the BKPT application with the existing community development workforce assigned to conduct investigations, in addition to managing monthly welfare assistance applications. However, the ministry has also taken the initiative to hire workers from Nex.Us to expedite the investigation process.
It is acknowledged that there has been a delay in processing the BKPT application this year, considering that the application was only integrated through SKN and opened to applicants in June 2022. Management and investigation of applicants have been carried out from July 2022 to March 2023. For Your Honorable Speaker's information, a total of 30 committee meetings to evaluate the BKPT application have been held from October 24th, 2022, to March 4th, 2023, continuously.
It is also worth sharing that a total of 3,141 applications have been discussed, and out of that number, 2,570 or 82% of the applications have been approved. The next process involves distributing coupons to schools, which will contact those who are supported to collect the coupons, and the coupons will be exchanged for in-kind assistance to appointed companies.
Alhamdulillah, a total of 6,543 coupon books worth $1,2500,50.00 have been successfully distributed in stages to schools and colleges under the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs through the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, where Phase 1 was on January 10th, 2023, Phase 2 was on February 3rd, 2023, and Phase 3 was on March 14th, 2023.
I would also like to share that assistance for parents to apply for annual school assistance through SKN has been provided by JAPEM, the Department of Schools, the Department of Islamic Studies, and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation.
Insha Allah, for the upcoming BKBT in 2024, the application process for parental assistance will certainly be improved. For the previous volunteer service proposal, counters have been opened by the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation to assist applicants in making PKBT applications through SKN. This ministry is very concerned about ensuring the safety, confidentiality, and integrity of personal information is always maintained.
Therefore, access to the system is limited to appointed officers and staff from the involved agencies. This also takes into account the recommendation of the Auditor General regarding SKN Governance.
The third question is regarding the proposal to create a youth icon. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports welcomes this proposal. The ministry strongly supports and emphasizes the involvement of youth in line with the national youth policy and the 2020-2035 strategy through the Youth Empowerment Core Strategy, which aims for inclusive national development regardless of academic background or youth involvement in any field.
Every year, we celebrate National Youth Day to appreciate the contributions of youth to national development. In addition, some of our youth have received various international awards such as the Queens Young Leader Award, Commonwealth Points of Light, ASEAN Prize, ASEAN Business Award, and other awards to recognize the contributions of Brunei's youth at the regional and international levels. We are proud of the achievements of our youth who have received these awards.
Therefore, the ministry is examining the suitability of the recipients of these awards so that they can play an important role as youth icons in bringing more youth to actively contribute to national development.
I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage the Honorable Members, as Village Heads and Chiefs, to involve youth, especially through the Village and Mukim Consultative Council platform, so that the youth development agenda can be truly felt inclusively.
The fourth question is about elevating the status of the Malay language in this country. This question has been raised in the previous Parliamentary Meeting. However, taking into account current developments and the initiatives of the relevant departments, we will provide further information for the benefit of all.
Before answering the Honorable Member's question, I would like to express my highest congratulations and gratitude for the awareness of the Honorable Members to use the Malay language in this Parliament. This means that we can fulfill our national responsibility, not just by leaving this responsibility solely to the Language and Literature Bureau.
"Praise be to Allah" is written in the Constitution of Brunei 1959 in Malay as the official language of the country. Various efforts have been implemented by this ministry through the Language and Literature Bureau in an effort to strengthen and empower the Malay language in Brunei Darussalam. The Language and Literature Bureau, as a government agency responsible for funding and fulfilling the mandate to ensure that the Malay language continues to be elevated.
Among these efforts are:
Instilling a positive attitude to preserve, empower and dignify the Malay language to all levels of society; In upholding the Royal Address of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee of the Language and Literature Bureau in 2011, the Language Month celebration is held every July.
The Language Month celebration is a platform for refreshing the importance of the Malay language. The involvement of government and non-government agencies, NGOs and private companies through a national approach echoes and enlivens the Language Month celebration. The popularization of the Malay language through the involvement of the public in language activities as the official language of the country and the identity of the nation;
Making the Malay language a high-status language, a language of communication and a language of knowledge expression. The Malay language certainly has a wide reach. It reaches grassroots audiences compared to other languages often used by the new generations in this country.
Therefore, this effort is considered significant because of the status of Co-Malay as a high language, a language of knowledge. The Language and Literature Bureau uses various platforms such as forums, seminars, congresses, festivals, workshops, competitions and contests as a field for disseminating knowledge in promoting the development of the Malay language in this country with a total of more than 6,500 participants for the Financial Year 2022/2023.
Malay Language workshops in ministries, departments and the private sector are initiatives of the Language and Literature Bureau as an effort towards refreshing the Malay language to use good and correct Malay language in daily communication, both in writing and orally. Data has shown that in the past 4 years, there has been an increase in the Malay Language Roman Spelling Workshop by 22% from departments increasing to 11 departments per year with a total participation of more than 1,800 people from government ministries and departments.
Nurturing love, respect, and pride for the language. I am delighted to share the message from a Cabinet Minister's colleague who stated that "nurturing love, respect, and pride for this language is a spirit of patriotism and nationalism for the new generations in the country of Brunei Darussalam." Of course, I feel that this message is very meaningful for all of our generations to uphold and embrace.
The Language and Literature Bureau nurtures and instills the love for the Malay language from childhood and adolescence through programs such as:
i. Visiting educational institutions and districts. So far, the Language and Literature Bureau has conducted it in 25 schools in Brunei Muara, Tutong, and Temburong;
ii. Mari Bercerita competition. More than 300 participants have participated in this competition either solo or in groups;
iii. Early literacy. Since its introduction in 2014, the number of recipients of early literacy packs has reached 1,800 people;
iv. Young Writers Program. 199 participants have been guided under this program.
Increasing publication, research, and documentation materials. The Language and Literature Bureau has published more than 1,400 books, dictionaries, journals, and magazines in an effort to spread the Malay language. The Language and Literature Bureau also publishes mini books or pocket-sized books for easy reference and portability. These mini books include easy Malay language books that can be used by travelers. The Language and Literature Bureau also publishes books that use the dialects of the 7 ethnic groups, such as storybooks written entirely in the Dusun dialect and other dialects.
A lexical list of dialects that includes the language and dialects of the 7 ethnic groups was also published in 2011 and is still in high demand. The Language and Literature Bureau also publishes pocket-sized mini books in Malay for the convenience of travelers. The "Get to Know Brunei" segment featured on Berita Perdana at 8 pm is an initiative by the Language and Literature Bureau to promote the Brunei Malay language. Pelita Brunei and Media Permata also promote the Brunei Malay language.
On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Language and Literature Bureau's strategic partners, namely Radio Televisyen Brunei, the Information Department, and Media Permata, who always provide space for the Language and Literature Bureau in its efforts to elevate the Malay language.
The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka has launched an e-Kamus project that provides users with access to Brunei Malay information online. Insha Allah, e-Kamus and Kalinga Bahasa are also a medium in the efforts of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka to disseminate and preserve the Malay language in digital form.
In addition, various research and documentation activities are also undertaken as an effort to strengthen the Malay language, as well as to preserve, maintain and enrich the nation's heritage through research on the use of the Malay language, research on Brunei Malay Pantun, research on Traditional Brunei Children's Songs and education on Old Language Words.
Establishing collaborations with strategic partners outside the country to disseminate the development of the Malay language to the general public and internationalize the Malay language through MABIM and MASTERA.
On this occasion, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports would like to express its highest gratitude to the Prime Minister's Department and the Ministry of Development for using bilingualism, where the English language is used on their respective websites. Referring to the Circular Letter of the Office of the Secretary to the Government No. 08/1960 of Brunei. Heads of departments are therefore requested to ensure that correspondence and minutes between and within offices are made in Malay. This matter has been announced more than 63 years ago. I, therefore, urge that this matter be taken action by all heads of departments.
Furthermore, I would like to remind that there are several things that the ministry, departments, and private sectors need to pay attention to regarding the use of Jawi script. What is found now is very disappointing, where the use of Jawi script is not given proper attention in official events organized by the ministry, departments, let alone the private sector.
Jawi script is not placed on the background of stages, banners, and posters for event announcements, whether in physical or virtual form, as outlined in the Circular Letter of the Prime Minister's Department No. 21/1988, which has stipulated the arrangement of the use of Jawi script in all government and private affairs, including business.
Electronic posters are found to not include Jawi script, and even more disappointing is that event announcement posters are entirely in the English language, despite being organized by the ministry and departments.
Your Honorable, I am pleased to draw the attention of this assembly to an issue that has become increasingly prevalent to the point where it is seen as normal and common, namely the use of rojak language or a mixture of codes that leans more towards English than Malay. I see this as a stumbling block and a sad phenomenon, especially if the promotion of an initiative is more contaminated with the use of foreign languages than the Malay language itself. If we allow this to happen, it means that we are also acknowledging that the Malay language has lost its sovereignty and nobility. Therefore, let us all support the effort to elevate the Malay language as the official language of the country. If not, who else will?
That is all my response to the question, and I also want to share these reminders, not directed at any particular party, but including myself and future generations. Thank you.
In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon you.
Your Honorable Speaker:
I now invite Your Honorable Awang Low Hau Teck.
Your Honorable Awang Low Hau Teck
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. Greetings and good afternoon to Your Honorable Speaker and all Honorable Members present. First and foremost, congratulations and thank you to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports for the opening remarks delivered yesterday.
Your Honorable Speaker, I would like to refer to Topic SL06A-002/003 - Natural Disaster and Housing Aid. I would like to share an issue that I have heard regarding aid for house fires. The issue is that the amount of aid provided is insufficient to cover the losses incurred by the victims or aid recipients according to the estimated damages. Finally, it is estimated by the responsible party.
Therefore, I would like to seek clarification from the ministry, particularly the natural disaster and housing aid department, regarding the issue raised and the planning and strategy in allocating aid according to the rate of loss and damage suffered by the victims. For example, the victims of this house fire.
With that, I would also like to propose a suggestion for the ministry to advise homeowners to have fire insurance cover. I seek clarification.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker and thank you to Your Honorable Low Hau Teck for the question posed.
The disaster assistance provided by the government through JAPEM is actually aimed at alleviating the burden of victims and not to fully compensate for losses or casualties involved in disasters such as house fires. For assistance in the event of a house fire, the rate of financial assistance provided is subject to investigation, assessment and JAPEM's approach in accordance with the effective guidelines.
Meanwhile, if the house is destroyed in the incident, the victim will be given financial assistance at a rate of $5,000.00 for the destroyed property and hardship assistance of $200.00 for each victim and occupant of the affected house. If the house involved in the disaster only suffers damage, the financial assistance provided will be based on the percentage of damage.
For example, a percentage of a portion of the total amount of $5,000.00. In addition to financial assistance, food, basic necessities and temporary placement assistance will also be provided to disaster victims. In addition to JAPEM, there are also other agencies that, as usual, will provide disaster assistance such as the Brunei Islamic Religious Council and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation.
Regarding the suggestion for homeowners to have fire insurance cover or fire insurance. Thank you, Your Honorable for the good suggestion and this matter is highly encouraged for every homeowner to have insurance protection to help alleviate unexpected burdens or disasters.
For insured homes, financial assistance will not be provided because generally all losses and damages will be compensated by the insurance company in accordance with the relevant insurance policy.
That is all I have to convey, Your Honorable. Thank you.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin.
Your Honorable Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
َّ الرحْ َٰم ِن الرحْ يم َّ ّٰللا ِ ِبس ِْم ه صد ِري َو َيسِر لِي أَم ِري َواحلُل عُقدَة مِ ن َ ب اش َرح لِي ِ َر سانِي َيفقَ ُهوا قَولِي َ ِل
ِ ُ السَّال ُم عل ْي ُك ْم ورحْ مة. Your Honorable Speaker and wise Honorable Members. Thank you to Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports for presenting the comprehensive and informative introduction to the Financial Year 2023/2024 Budget for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Congratulations also for the successful celebration of the 39th National Day on February 23, 2023, which was splendidly marked by a simultaneous performance of music by 7 ethnic groups and the expression of "للا شفاكه ه" to Your Honorable Minister. Your Honorable Speaker, I have a suggestion.
My first suggestion is that I propose an idea to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports that there are underprivileged people who may not be able to apply for the National Welfare System and they need to be assisted by a group of people who are specifically dedicated to seeking blessings and the pleasure of هللا سبحانه وتعالى.
I suggest that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, through the Department of Community Development (JAPEM) and other community aid agencies, should go down to the field and work closely with and support the missions of these charitable groups for the well-being of those who truly need it. I believe that with the help of these groups and the close support of JAPEM, we can accelerate assistance to those in need so that government aid efforts are effective and efficient.
My second suggestion, Your Honorable Speaker, is that football is considered the number one sport in the world and is not left behind in Brunei Darussalam, also known as the Wasps. On December 22, 2022, we were ranked 190th out of 209 members by FIFA (The Federation International de Football Association). Our lowest ranking was in October 2012, which was 203rd. Our best achievement in terms of FIFA was 140th in December 1992.
Football industry outside the country has become an industry that generates the country's economy through the circular economy method and the income sources of its players. This is very different from what we have in our country. As a basis, for example, the clubs in the Domestic Super League, such as Indera Sports Club, Kasuka, Kota Ranger, and others, do not have their own sports complexes or even their own football fields to generate income, to continue to exist and be sustainable, as well as to produce high-caliber players for the country.
In fact, despite these challenges, football still has an impact on the development of the country's football and helps our youth to continue to be enthusiastic due to their deep and high interest in this sport. I believe that these clubs may not survive for long due to their own spending or limited sponsorship.
Proposal from myself to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and other ministries, such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which have poorly maintained football fields, to offer them to these clubs for commercial development, management and operation of these fields, as well as to serve as training grounds for the respective club players.
I believe that with this opportunity, it will help these clubs to further develop the country's football arena, generating the country's economy and, not least, offering employment and income to their players.
The third proposal is regarding single mothers. Praise be to Allah, efforts to overcome the welfare issues of the people through JAPEM have had an impact on certain groups in need. With assistance ranging from $200 to $300 per month, it can help a little, although in reality, with the current standard of living, it is not enough. I am also grateful that there are programs to increase their income that have been implemented.
One of the groups that I want to address here is single mothers, especially those who have children left behind by their husbands due to divorce. As we know, wives who depend on their husbands' income will have problems in supporting themselves and their children in terms of housing and finances, especially if their former husbands do not care about providing for their ex-wives and children because the current process, as I understand it, requires the ex-wife to file a claim in court for alimony from her ex-husband, and the process is costly and time-consuming. For ex-wives who are not familiar with this process, they will continue to experience dilemmas and eventually bear the burden of a difficult life with their children.
My proposal is, what if the process of filing for alimony is made easier or if the husband who divorces must automatically provide for his ex-wife and children? The impact is that the husband will think twice before divorcing his wife.
The provision should be monitored because there are also ex-husbands who fail to provide the necessary alimony, even though there is a court order. My proposal is also for single mothers who are in such a difficult situation to be given priority in their applications for housing facilities, including the National Housing Scheme.
The fourth proposal, the last one, is about sports. Your Honorable will raise this issue regarding sports in our country, specifically non-contact sports. Kaola believes that sports are not only for health but also to become a pride to our nation through the participation of our country and especially if we succeed.
Remember in 1999 when Brunei Darussalam won the Malaysia Cup. We were very proud at that time. For our sports, we are also capable of providing strong competition and succeeding in international arenas, including non-contact sports. Kaola's question is what is the policy and strategy of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports towards the direction and targets for non-contact sports such as diving, silat performance, archery, wushu, and so on.
What Kaola means by direction is not only to promote our country's sports to regional and international arenas but also specifically to contribute to the country's economic growth.
That's all, peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
In the name of Allah, thank you, Your Honorable Speaker and Your Honorable for the question that was raised earlier.
Kaola would like to answer, perhaps starting from the last question earlier, which is non-contact sports and then single mothers, football, and so on regarding JAPEM, the needy people helped by groups who want to donate. One policy and strategy of this ministry towards the direction and targets for non-contact sports and two suggestions regarding assistance to single mothers earlier.
Before Kaola answers about non-contact sports, Kaola would like to share a thought here, sports are more than just for leisure but investing in sports will certainly have a positive impact on our future generations, on our youth.
When we invest in sports, we encourage our youth to engage in sports, of course, we will be able to shape the resilience of our youth in sports and this can be reflected in their learning. Meaning they will be full of dedication and not know defeat or failure every time they face challenges, they will continue to rise again to try again repeatedly and not give up when facing failure and this practice can be formed in sports.
Secondly, the sports sector will promote a healthy lifestyle and undoubtedly, when our youth engage in sports, they will live a healthier life and avoid undesirable activities such as smoking, vaping, and even drug abuse.
I believe that investing in sports will naturally attract our youth away from negative activities that harm our society and our youth. This is the general idea of investing in sports. Some of us may see investing in sports as just a regular weekend activity like Bandarku Ceria, but I see it as something more.
Therefore, I would like to address the question raised by Your Honorable earlier regarding non-contact sports that can contribute to the country's economic growth. In general, the types of sports developed in this country, whether they are non-contact or contact sports, aim to improve the well-being, unity, and health of the community through sports and ultimately strengthen high-performance sports at the regional and international levels.
For example, swimming is very popular in the Learn to Swim program, and swimming skills are also a requirement to pass the test to obtain a job in uniformed services such as the police force, military, fire department, rescue team, flight attendants, and stewards.
This requirement opens up opportunities for local children to become registered club coaches to teach basic swimming skills at reasonable rates to job applicants.
In summary, the development of a country's sports industry is closely related to the tourism industry. The organization of prestigious and large-scale sports events, especially non-contact sports such as swimming, archery, wushu, and world silat art, can enhance the country's profile and image at the regional and global levels.
Such sports events can create opportunities to develop the sports economy sector, especially through sports tourism, injecting money into the country's economy, and contributing to the growth of hospitality services that generate economic growth.
International events have guidelines, and the venues for these championships must meet international standards. Therefore, in this regard, the ministry is currently and will continue to upgrade sports infrastructure in phases to enable the organization of these events in the future.
Among the international sports events that were held in Brunei Darussalam before the COVID-19 pandemic was The Tenth ASEAN Junior Wushu Championship Brunei Darussalam on 19th to 24th August 2019, and this year the country will host the 27th Southeast Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championship on 13th to 18th June 2023.
God willing, the hosting of regional and international sports events in this country will continue to be pursued with the cooperation of strategic partners and stakeholders, not only to achieve sporting excellence but also to help generate economic growth for the country.
Your Honorable Speaker, I am pleased to share that building or producing high-performing athletes is certainly not enough by just conducting training programs. It certainly requires how each sports athlete faces mental challenges when competing in sports competitions.
Therefore, taking this matter into consideration, we as the host are organizing international sports and even looking into how we can organize leagues for sports in Brunei Darussalam, which will certainly contribute to the improvement of sports athletes' performance.
Your Honorable Speaker, I would also like to touch on the matter related to what was conveyed earlier by Your Honorable Dayang Hajah Safiah binti Sheikh Haji Abd Salam on 15th March 2023 regarding the proposal to implement archery activities in religious schools and Arabic schools to improve students' focus and concentration on all matters, especially learning, in accordance with the saying of the Prophet Muhammad: "A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer."
As a ministry that plays a role and is responsible for increasing community involvement in sports in this country, this ministry welcomes cooperation with other ministries and any parties to organize any suitable sports, subject to the capacity, ability, and needs of the sports field.
For sports such as archery, swimming, and horse riding, in particular, these three high-performance sports are listed in regional and international sports championships such as the SEA Games and the Olympics. Therefore, learning and practicing these sports according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad is a very good and noble practice as an objective to increase interest, as well as having the potential to be sports that can be competed at the international level through the formation of sports talent.
Just like comprehensive sports development, it requires precise planning and involves the cooperation of stakeholders. The role of this ministry is to provide facilities and infrastructure for any form of sports, including archery, swimming, and horseback riding. Meanwhile, in terms of technical and coaching aspects, these sports are supported by national sports associations.
I am pleased to share that the National Service Training Program for the 11th intake of 2022/2023 has recently introduced a new module for swimming and archery, which has received a good response. For every coach who cannot swim and would drown if they entered the water, they will be taught basic swimming skills.
This means that at the end of the 3-month training, the same coach, if they enter the water, will not drown but will still be able to float and save themselves. Archery is also included in the new NSTP.
This archery sport is a collaboration with the Ar-Rafi Sports Academy, which was recently mentioned by His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the visit of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to Ankara and Turkey. It reflects the bilateral cooperation between Turkey and Brunei Darussalam to promote archery and archery skills among the youth in Brunei Darussalam.
As for horseback riding, this ministry is still researching more cost-effective ways to organize horseback riding programs. So far, there are no horseback riding programs that can be implemented. However, this matter will be studied, and we will produce our youth who are proficient in basic horseback riding skills.
For your information, this ministry also has an archery facility at the Jerudong Sports Complex, which is used by the National Archery Association of Brunei Darussalam. We see that this sport can be further developed in other areas using assets such as football fields as archery training grounds, provided that the rules and guidelines for the sport are followed to ensure the safety of coaches, archers, and the public.
As for swimming, swimming pools are available in all four districts under the control of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The statistics for the use of the National Stadium Hassanal Bolkiah Swimming Pool and the Anggerek Desa Swimming Pool recorded more than 93,000 users in 2022/2023. It is shared here that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has designated specific days for women. The Anggerek Desa Swimming Pool is reserved for women only every Wednesday afternoon until evening and Friday morning.
In summary, this Ministry welcomes the proposal of Your Honorable Members to collaborate with other ministries and stakeholders to strengthen the sports ecosystem through capacity building, training courses, and technical knowledge in all areas of sports, in cooperation with national sports associations to support development and increase participation in sports in this country towards a glorious sports nation.
Regarding the proposal of Your Honorable Members for assistance to single mothers, including housing facilities and provision of maintenance to children from former husbands, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through JAPEM welcomes the proposal for assistance to single mothers, including housing assistance and provision of maintenance to children from former husbands. The scope of the Department of Community Development (JAPEM) is currently only to provide protection to women or wives who require protection due to domestic violence issues.
Places of protection are not limited to Welfare House Complexes (PRK) only, but this Department will intervene with close family members to jointly address and provide optimum protection to the victims concerned.
In addition to protection, other assistance will also be provided according to the relevant criteria and is not limited to financial and housing assistance. Counseling services and assistance are also focused on the responsibility, especially for children under the age of 18.
Regarding divorced wives claiming maintenance for children, this Department understands through an approach with clients where there are processes of claiming hadhanah, namely after divorce, regarding child custody and maintenance rights. Advice and guidance on the relevant processes can be obtained through the Family Advisory Service Program, Ministry of Religious Affairs. Meanwhile, forms can be obtained at the Shariah Court for relevant claims with the specified payment.
However, for those who are unable to make payments, there is also a process to claim as a poor person, where if the application is accepted, no payment will be charged for the aforementioned claim.
Regarding the proposal to help people in need by charitable groups and for JAPEM to be on the ground, in general, JAPEM and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports do welcome such assistance proposed by the relevant parties. However, it is important that the facts disseminated through social media and other means are accurate and not misleading to the public.
So it is certainly necessary that if there is a desire to provide assistance to the target groups or those in need of assistance, we certainly, through JAPEM and the relevant departments under this ministry, open the way for us to collaborate and work together.
The second proposal regarding the football industry. This is specifically for football, it is certainly agreed that there is an impact on the economy, not just football, all types of sports have an impact on the country's economy, but the way we handle it is how we can gain the advantages that exist from sports to advance certain sectors including the sports sector or specific sports fields in terms of their contribution to the country's economy.
Regarding clubs that do not have their own facilities, our country, Brunei Darussalam, is certainly a small country and any sports infrastructure, sports facilities including fields, are somewhat limited and the maintenance costs for these fields and sports facilities will certainly increase based on their usage.
However, this proposal will be studied. How existing sports facilities can be used collaboratively by sports clubs, fans, and athletes who want to use such facilities.
Football is certainly a sport that is very popular in this country and we also have the National Football Association which this ministry always collaborates with, not just football associations, every other sports association to drive and see how the sports field can contribute to the country's economy.
So that's my answer, Your Honorable, maybe if there is anything missed, I will answer it in writing and so on.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
I invite Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Your Honorable Speaker. Honorable Members, peace be upon you and God's mercy, and greetings. Thank you also to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports for sharing the comprehensive, concise, and clear focuses that will be implemented in the 2023/2024 Financial Year yesterday.
I would like to congratulate and commend the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports on the initiatives and achievements that have been implemented so far.
I would like to raise a few points for clarification and suggestions. Firstly, I noticed that the target for the percentage of trainees from the Youth Development Center who are involved in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Key Performance Indicators is only set at 15% from 2023 to 2026. My question is, why only 15% and not 20% or more? Has research been conducted on the actual reasons for this, and is the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports monitoring these trainees to see if they are continuing their businesses or not?
Secondly, I would like to address the percentage of trainees from the Youth Development Center who have obtained jobs, which seems to be stagnant at only 50%. In yesterday's opening remarks, the Honorable Minister shared that the ministry has surpassed this target, with some of these trainees involved in businesses and the remaining 40% continuing their studies.
I commend the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for exceeding this target in 2022, but I hope that the achieved target of 61% can be further increased or at least maintained in the coming years.
In this regard, I would like clarification on whether these students are also taking courses to enhance their skills by including subjects related to financial management, technical management, and marketing while they are still studying at the Youth Development Center. I believe these skills are important to give them more advantages and opportunities to obtain jobs.
Thirdly, I would like to touch on the National Welfare System (SKN) from a different aspect than what has been discussed by my honorable colleagues earlier. I am interested in the explanation from the Honorable Minister regarding the achievements and benefits of the National Welfare System in collecting information on those who need assistance.
Praise be to Allah, the National Welfare System has been able to synchronize personal information of applicants and prevent overlapping assistance. However, I am unsure whether the distribution of all assistance has been implemented in an integrated manner or still separately by separate agencies as before.
I would like to request clarification on whether the government has any plans through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to consolidate all aid distribution to this group into one main focus or focal point to facilitate its distribution so that it is more integrated, organized and effective. We hope that this issue can be comprehensively and integrally addressed through the handling of issues closely related to the root causes of poverty, which encompass all aspects such as unemployment rates, economic growth, culture, lifestyle, education system, welfare system, mindset and others. Fourthly, I would also like to touch on the two main performance indicators of the Department of Community Development, which are:
- The number or percentage of aid recipients who obtain employment; and
- The percentage of recipients who exit the welfare assistance program.
I would like to raise two questions related to these main performance indicators:
What is the proportion of able-bodied recipients among the total number of recipients, and is the trend of demand for aid increasing or decreasing? What efforts has the ministry made to increase the percentage of recipients who obtain employment and exit the welfare assistance program?
What skills have been provided to these recipients so far to enable them to be self-sufficient and support themselves without relying on the assistance of others?
Lastly, we often emphasize the nation's desire and goal to become a Connected Smart Nation. To achieve the country's target as a Connected Smart Nation, its people need to have digital knowledge and literacy. Digital skills are not only necessary for students, youth, and the working population, but should also be extended to all levels of society, including the elderly. As we are aware, most of the elderly are still not proficient in using digital technology.
Towards this end, I would like to ask if there are any proposals from the ministry to expand digital education initiatives to the elderly, not only in senior citizen centers but also in special classes comprehensively?
I suggest that this matter be studied for its viability and discussed with the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies for the possibility of spearheading this as an activity to empower the capacity of the elderly.
The first target that I want to highlight is the elderly group who are involved in business. This is to facilitate them in marketing their products online. I raised this matter because according to feedback received, during COVID-19, some businesses of the elderly were affected and some had to close because they did not have the knowledge and ability to market their products online like young traders who use Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and many other apps. With this knowledge, at least it will increase their income continuously, God willing.
That's all I can share for enlightenment and suggestions. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, thank you, Your Honorable Speaker and Your Honorable for the questions and suggestions raised earlier. I would like to touch on the last point, which is:
Connected Smart Nation. Digital skills are certainly one of the most important skills when we move from the environment we are used to playing with the internet, online and so on. This certainly contributes to our way of doing business, whether in the field of business or expanding and marketing our products. For some elderly people, including myself, although I have not reached the elderly age yet, but almost becoming an elderly, we are not as agile as the younger generations in using digital skills and so on.
This suggestion is certainly a good one and the ministry will certainly examine how we can apply these basic skills to our elderly not only in elderly centers but also in other places and we will certainly cooperate with relevant agencies.
Regarding JAPEM's KPI or the percentage of those who get jobs and how many are able-bodied? So, I would like to return to this matter later and try to obtain detailed information on the percentages mentioned earlier and also the percentages of PPB graduates.
What I can share here is that the Youth Development Center offers many programs and one of the programs that is a basic skill that this ministry is trying to implement is the skill of handling business financial affairs. Although it is brief and basic, these youths need to be given this skill so that they can at least manage cash flow, see the balance sheet, whatever the results of their entrepreneurial fields.
"Praise be to Allah, this matter will be continued and the skills in handling financial and business matters will certainly be continued and further studied on how similar programs can be managed more effectively.
Regarding the percentage of PPB graduates who undergo courses, I would like to obtain more detailed information on the percentage of graduates that can be shared later. What efforts are being made to move away from dependence on the aid provided?
Actually, what is offered at the Youth Development Centre are programs that are also offered to this target group. The main objective is the same as that raised by the Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, which is to try to attract this group from being too dependent on the aid provided. This means that they will be able to make some effort and stand on their own feet to earn a source of income. This is what we hope to achieve by providing programs under the Youth Development Centre.
That's all that I can try to answer for now. Other more detailed information will be obtained by me before I answer the questions raised by the Honorable earlier.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite the Honorable Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin.
Honorable Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Regarding the Department of Community Development (JAPEM), I refer to the KPI of the percentage of recipients who exit from welfare programs. The estimated percentage for 2021/2022 is 5%, while the actual percentage for that year increased by 1%, which is a total of 6%. The target for the percentage of recipients who exit from welfare programs for the years 2023/2024 to 2025/2026 is 5%.
If we look at the average, only 5% of recipients exit from Welfare Assistance Programs under the Department of Community Development (JAPEM). This has shown no increase in the percentage of recipients who exit from Welfare Assistance Programs and the target should be able to achieve a higher target with the National Welfare Scheme (SKN) and the National Retirement Scheme (SPK) which encourage people to work, including self-employment.
It is recommended that the Ministry invites the National Pension Scheme (SPK) to provide a briefing to the beneficiaries to learn more about the benefits of the National Pension Scheme. Congratulations to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for successfully integrating data related to beneficiaries into a single database, the National Welfare System. Confirmation should be made by making a follow-up visit to the beneficiaries' residences to assess and identify appropriate action plans to help them out of poverty.
For example, if they are interested in making cakes and pastries, it is advisable to provide assistance in terms of the necessary equipment to start the business and also in terms of promoting their business.
I would like to suggest further integration to facilitate and streamline the decision-making process regarding welfare assistance in Brunei Darussalam. Currently, there are four agencies that provide assistance with their own funds, namely JAPEM, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation. I suggest the establishment of a committee or decision-making body consisting of representatives from the four relevant agencies, namely the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, with the following responsibilities:
- Screening for new requests;
- Assessing the type of assistance;
- Allocation of assistance categories, for example, zakat for school equipment; and
- Assistance requirements, for example, limited assistance period only.
The funding sources are as they are now, for example, through zakat and Baitul Mal from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This committee will also discuss proposals to stop assistance for beneficiaries who are already self-sufficient and the monitoring that will be carried out.
The second question is about the History Centre. Kaola refers to the indicator of the number of visitors to the History Centre, with a target of 8,000 people being low compared to the actual number of 36,376 people for 2021 and 2022. In this regard, Kaola requests clarification on:
- What are the alternatives or latest developments of the Brunei History Centre in promoting Brunei's history to the general public and tourists;
- How effective are the activities organized by the Brunei History Centre? Are the activities only focused on students; and
- What are the steps or initiatives of the Brunei History Centre to modernize or digitize the historical materials or sources available at the Brunei History Centre to facilitate researchers' access, either physically or online.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
بسم ه. Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker and thank you, Your Honorable for the questions and suggestions raised.
I would like to touch on the suggestion to integrate the SKN assistance process. I believe this matter was also raised by Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim earlier, which I missed. Information on aid recipients is still not unified as before.
Actually, the goal of this system is to channel aid applications, meaning it is more of a focal point for the public who need assistance to submit their applications. The types of aid mentioned earlier are indeed more than one, namely JAPEM, the Ministry of Education, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Each is governed by its own act, as well as fundamental principles such as zakat distribution. There are indeed its own fundamental principles that are different from other aid provided.
However, examples of aid provided by JAPEM and aid from the Ministry of Education, namely school aid, have been consolidated and, God willing, will further simplify the aid application process. It is still in its early stages and certainly in the future, many more things can be updated to achieve its main goal of making it easier for aid recipients or aid applicants to obtain aid. That is regarding SKN.
Secondly, the suggestion for JAPEM to invite SPK to provide briefings. This is certainly a good suggestion and JAPEM will certainly examine how to invite SPK to provide the intended briefing programs.
The Brunei History Centre may not be known to many people, but the collection of historical materials there is certainly very dense and has high value. There are indeed various programs arranged to attract more visitors to visit the Brunei History Centre and see for themselves the collection of exhibits at the Brunei History Centre. For example, every time we hold 'Bandarku Ceria', the Brunei History Centre will try to attract the interest of 'Bandarku Ceria' visitors to stop by the Brunei History Centre to see and bring family members to visit and see the collection of exhibits.
Secondly, regarding the modernization of collection materials and how to display them. This is an issue that is currently being researched on how we can not only display collection materials, but also how we can maintain them so that they will not be damaged. Recently, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Turkey, where Turkey will provide assistance in terms of maintaining and storing collection materials not only at the Brunei History Centre, but also at our museums and exhibition venues.
So, this is certainly something that we will address later. Perhaps at this stage, I can only share my own thoughts. للا ان شا هء ه I will try to obtain more information that can accurately answer the questions raised earlier.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
I now invite Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusuf.
Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd. Yusuf
سم هللا الرحمن الرحيم السالم عليكم ورحمة هللا وبركاتهand greetings. Your Honorable Speaker. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity given to me to discuss the budget of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
I would also like to thank Your Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports for presenting the budget for the ministry and the direction of this ministry.
It is hoped that any plans or initiatives that will be implemented can be done as best as possible as targeted, especially for those in need, solely for the well-being and welfare of the people and residents of Brunei Darussalam.
I would like to raise here about the future of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). There is no doubt that the welfare of PWDs is our collective responsibility as a country and society based on a culture of caring and mutual respect for each other.
PWDs should be given equal opportunities in their lives, especially in their education from an early age so that they will not be left behind compared to any individual in Brunei Darussalam. Like any individual, the provision of education and, more importantly, progression in education is the main pillar that determines a person's future.
I understand that the Child Development Center (CDC) under the Ministry of Health and the Special Education Department under the Ministry of Education are among the platforms for development and special education for OKU children provided by the government.
In addition, there are facilities under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports such as the Happy Centers in the four districts aimed at providing basic skills to the OKU group, as well as non-governmental organizations such as the Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Center and SMARTER which provide specific skills programs for the OKU group.
Although there are some success stories about OKU individuals who have entered the workforce or have brought honor to the country at the international level, there are still complaints that some of the OKU group who are able to work still face significant challenges in obtaining employment, whether in the public or private sector.
In addition, jobs for OKU individuals seem to be mostly focused on backend or back office positions, which may limit the interests and career choices of OKU individuals in their career development in this country in the future.
In this regard, I would like clarification from Your Honorable on how far the skills programs provided for OKU really meet the job market and the standards required based on market demand? Has any analysis been made regarding the impact of the programs provided for OKU and their success in their careers?
In addition, what efforts have been made by the relevant agencies to ensure that more job opportunities and a variety of more marketable jobs are inclusive for the OKU group to overcome the mismatch between employer needs and the skills and interests of the OKU group.
Overall, is it time to consider establishing a national academy or training center specifically for OKU based on their condition, capability or talent, based on a systematic educational curriculum to focus on the growth and progression of individuals from the beginning until they are able to obtain more job opportunities and marketable skills, and ultimately be self-sufficient in the future, God willing.
What I mean by this is a building under one roof, which can be equipped with various facilities for their convenience, which are more conducive and environmentally friendly, such as rehabilitation equipment, gymnasiums, recreational areas, training workshops, canteens, surau and others. This means that we can provide a one-stop center facility specifically for this OKU group.
I would like to raise here about Child Care Centers under the Child Care Centers Act. In our efforts to ensure the continuity of our country's culture and Bruneian identity, I believe that the family institution plays an important and valuable role, especially in the development of character. Building character should start from childhood and non-formal education that begins at home is the initial exposure of children to life.
In this House, I would like to voice the concerns of some members of the public regarding the challenges to our Bruneian identity, which I fear may be gradually eroded due to the explosion of information from the use of information and communication technology. For example, we see children mastering or being more fluent in English than in their own mother tongue.
They are also not able to master the history, language, writing, literature, culture, and way of life of Bruneians. I also see that the initiatives of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in addressing this issue should not be isolationist and complacent.
Therefore, what efforts can the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports make more collectively, not only among departments under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports but also with relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Education as a team that ensures early exposure, including Islamic teachings, norms, Bruneian culture and history, and others, especially in Child Care Centers.
Special training can be given to these Child Care Centers so that they can be integrated with other programs of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports such as the distribution of early childhood literacy kits and others as programs for the development of children's character.
I would like to raise the issue of poverty. Your Honorable Speaker, poverty is often referred to as a phenomenon of insufficient or unstable household income that leads to inadequate or incomplete use.
The risk of low-quality housing makes it vulnerable to health problems, crime, and natural disasters. Alhamdulillah, the usual steps to eradicate poverty in this country are implemented in the form of welfare assistance aimed at alleviating the burden of the poor and low-income groups in this country to improve their quality of life, as well as reducing the burden that I mentioned earlier.
In the absence of a poverty line index, the measurement or definition of poverty in this country, if I am not mistaken, is still based on the guidelines used by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The question is, can the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Religious Affairs provide current data or statistics on the group that is categorized or defined as living in poverty?
Does the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Religious Affairs have a strategic plan to review or develop a new definition of poverty, taking into account factors such as the rising cost of daily necessities and other expenses such as transportation costs, housing prices, bank loans, and others?
What we really mean here is about the net income or earnings they receive in addition to the basic expenses they have to pay from month to month. If the strategies in place to address the increasingly apparent issue of poverty or programs to assist those trapped in the poverty cycle to break free from it are still ineffective, in my opinion.
Kaola further wants to ask, has the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Religious Affairs conducted a more detailed study based on the current situation so that those who are fully dependent on the monthly welfare assistance they receive or as recipients of asnaf can truly change their mindset to become self-sufficient and no longer rely entirely on the assistance provided by the relevant authorities.
Perhaps, Kaola thinks that this matter is also related to the issues raised by Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd. Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
Next is the issue of employment opportunities for unskilled youth. Kaola would like to congratulate the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for the various efforts made to generate more opportunities for youth to engage in various initiatives to develop their personalities and skills, especially to improve their job prospects.
However, it cannot be denied that there are still youth who may be considered marginalized due to dropping out of the education system at a young age or other specific reasons. These youth should also be given the opportunity to become useful individuals and not be left behind to become additional members of the unemployed, government aid recipients, and are likely to cause social problems or be involved in crime as we hear in the news from time to time.
As an addition to the efforts of the Youth Development Center, what is the role of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in further enhancing outreach programs that are more serious social issues or problems? What is the main strategy to prevent such matters from happening in the future?
In the meantime, here Kaola has not yet received any certainty, Kaola will raise the issue of Malay Islamic Monarchy whether under the Ministry of Youth and Sports or other ministries.
If Kaola may raise it here, Your Honorable Speaker?
Your Honorable Speaker
I think it would be good if we give the opportunity for other Honorable Members to ask questions as well. Your Honorable has asked many questions, so let the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports try to answer or provide further explanations.
So, we can raise other questions at a more appropriate time later.
Your Honorable Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd. Yusuf
Kaola thanks Your Honorable Speaker for giving Kaola the opportunity, and Kaola ends with السَّالم عليكم ورحْمةُ هللاِ وبركاتُه. وباهلل التوفيق والهداية.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
Thank you to Your Honorable Speaker and thank you to Your Honorable for the questions asked.
Kaola agrees with many of these questions. Kaola will try to answer them and if Kaola is unable to answer them, Kaola seeks permission to return later.
Firstly, Kaola would like to touch on the issue of poverty. The issue of poverty is one of the social issues in addition to other social issues.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, together with other ministries, has taken a national approach in addressing issues like this. At the national level, we have established a national committee called the National Social Issues Council (MKIS).
MKIS examines and looks at how the government can address social issues raised by Your Honorable in an integrated manner, one of which is the issue of poverty, steps to eradicate poverty that take the form of assistance and are not limited to assistance because we also understand that for them to get out of the cycle of poverty, they need a change of mindset to not rely continuously on government assistance but to try to strive and stand on their own feet.
To facilitate this, several skills programs have been developed to assist this group in breaking out of the poverty trap. In terms of strategic planning to take into account the increasing costs of defining poverty, there has been no plan to review the definition of poverty used by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports or other ministries.
Has a detailed study been conducted? The National Welfare System (SKN) does have features that allow us to identify and map out these groups and how to change their mindset towards greater independence.
Most of the time, when they sit together in groups of the same category, it is more difficult for us to try to change their mindset. However, this matter will certainly be postponed and studied in more detail.
People with Disabilities (OKU). As suggested by Your Honorable, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is indeed planning to establish a Center for People with Disabilities (OKU) under one roof to place skills programs to ensure that children with disabilities will acquire skills that are in line with the needs of sectors and job opportunities in the country's economy.
Indeed, these complaints are often heard by this ministry, where parents want their children with disabilities to stand on their own feet, earn income that enables them to start families and support themselves without relying on their parents or any other party.
This is a challenge because the needs of people with disabilities vary depending on the needs of each individual. It is hoped that with the establishment of this OKU Center, skills programs can be managed and offered to children with disabilities.
In addition, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is also working closely with MPEC to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to be offered job opportunities by companies. Recently, a job fair showed an increase in companies offering jobs to children with disabilities.
Your Honorable, as mentioned earlier, the job is limited to the back office and is subject to the needs and abilities of every person with disabilities (OKU) that can be utilized by the respective companies. We hope that in the future, more companies will be able to offer job opportunities to people with disabilities (OKU).
One thing that I would like to share is that in recent years, several organizations in Brunei Darussalam have been offering job opportunities to people with disabilities (OKU). For example, the Employees Trust Fund (TAP) has been offering job fields to people with disabilities (OKU) since long ago, and not only that, they have taken the initiative to integrate people with disabilities (OKU) with their employees by taking the initiative to learn sign language.
This is certainly something to be proud of. Other agencies that I understand are also taking and providing opportunities for people with disabilities (OKU) are the Land Transport Department. This is a good example that can be further disseminated, where more government and non-governmental agencies can open up job opportunities as it is one of the CSR for private companies.
Recently, I had the opportunity to encourage government GLCs to look into this matter and, God willing, if we can open up these opportunities, it will certainly give confidence to the parents of people with disabilities (OKU) and the people with disabilities (OKU) themselves.
I will stop here for now, and God willing, I will try to obtain more information for any questions that I cannot answer at this time. God willing, with further information, I will try to answer at a later time.
Thank you, Your Honorable Speaker.
Your Honorable Speaker
Honorable Members. We have been in session all day and have received briefings from two ministries.
This morning, we heard the opening remarks from the Honorable Minister of Health and we also began discussing his ministry's Budget Bill at noon, which is aimed at continuing and considering the Ministry of Health, and we apologize to the Honorable Minister of Health for not trying to sideline his ministry, which is very important and strategic in the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
However, Your Honorable, we will carry out those important tasks possibly tomorrow and we will also need to carry out the tasks of researching the budget of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Because I think the time is very short for us now and certainly the Ministry of Finance and Economy is still waiting for when we try to pass this bill. We have one more ministry that we have not had a chance to look at, namely the Ministry of Transport and Communications and also the Title of Progress that we need to address. In our time-limited situation, I hope that the Honorable Members will cooperate with the government, especially with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, so that we can pass this bill as soon as possible.
I think that's enough discussion about the budget bill for now and I would like to adjourn this Committee Meeting and we will reconvene in the National Assembly.
(The Committee Meeting is adjourned)
(The National Assembly reconvenes)
Your Honorable Speaker
Honorable Members. We are now reconvening in the National Assembly Meeting.
I propose that we adjourn this meeting after sitting all day. Inshallah, we will reconvene tomorrow on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, as usual starting at 9.30 am.
That's all, peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah. And with Allah's help and guidance.
ADJOURNED
(The National Assembly is adjourned)
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website, you may be able to link to other websites which are not under our control. We have no control over the nature, content, and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, we take no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.