Lyna Mohamad
The 17th Legislative Council (LegCo) session began yesterday with an opening ceremony.
It will see various issues deliberated including Supply Bill for 2021/2022 and Bill of Legislation 2021.
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 consented to open the 17th LegCo session at the LegCo building in Jalan Dewan Majlis.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah were also in attendance.
LegCo Speaker Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib welcomed the royal entourage.
His Majesty’s entry into the conference hall was accompanied by procession carrying the cokmar or ceremonial mace – a sterling silver sceptre representing the symbol of authority – carried by the Sergeant-at-arms.
His Majesty then delivered a titah followed by a recitation of Doa Selamat by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned to mark the conclusion of the opening ceremony.
The first meeting of the 17th LegCo session convened to verify the minutes of the previous LegCo session. It was later adjourned for today at 9.30am. The 17th LegCo session is being chaired by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman with the assistance of Clerk to the LegCo Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Judin bin Haji Asar and Deputy Clerk to the LegCo Rose Aminah binti Haji Ismail.
LegCo members are made up of ex-officio members, titled persons, persons who have achieved distinctions and district representatives. The composition symbolises the unity of Brunei and proves that the country practises a democratic system based on Bruneian values and Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) national philosophy.
In adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, public attendance is limited and they must observe rules and regulations, specifically a dress code.