| Hakim Hayat |
IN BID to add further momentum and youthful vigour to the efforts in realising the country’s ambitious Vision 2035, the Brunei’s Legislative Council (LegCo) has been reconstituted with several new faces.
Echoing renewed hopes towards achieving rapid and sustainable development of the country, the newly appointed members have expressed hope that this latest move will result in more in-depth and meaningful discussions that will make a positive impact for the people and the country as a whole.
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’s Office announced the appointment of new members to the LegCo on Thursday evening.
The previous Legislative Council was dissolved in August last year.
The new LegCo line up saw the retention of the previous Speaker YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib as well as the Ex-Officio Members (Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers) of the council.
Some of the new faces include former police commissioner YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu and former Brunei-Muara District officer YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim who were both inducted into LegCo as individuals bestowed with titles.
Other notable new faces in the LegCo, appointed as persons who have achieved distinction, include prominent entrepreneurs such as Chairman of Sabli Group of Companies YB Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Arshad @ Haji Sabli; Director of Low San Hardware YB Ong Tiong Oh; Principal Architect in-Charge of Eco-Bumi Arkitek YB Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman and YB Haji Umarali bin Esung.
Meanwhile, three notable youth leaders – YB Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii from APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Brunei and Director/Shareholder of LVK Group of Companies; YB Khairunnisa binti Ash’ari, Chevening Scholar, Queen’s Young Leaders Award recipient and founder of Green Brunei and also YB Iswandy bin Ahmad, President of Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAC), YSEALI Alumni and Alumni Coordinator with the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam- were also appointed as new members of LegCo as persons who have achieved distinction.
Members of the public, particularly the youth, yesterday welcomed the appointment of new faces in the LegCo and hoped for renewed perspectives and ideas to help spur development and help the country prevail over social, economic and other important issues facing the youth today by giving them an official and larger platform to let their voice be heard.
YB Iswandy told the Weekend Bulletin that although it is still early to tell what he has in plans for the upcoming LegCo session, he expressed his hope to see all levels of youth in the country playing an active role in developing the nation together in the decision making process.
YB Khairunnisa said she was overwhelmed by the news that came as a surprise to her. “But mostly I feel honoured and humbled by the appointment… I hope I will be able to fulfil my duties to the best of my abilities and represent the voices of our youth alongside other youth LegCo members,” she added.
On YB Khairunnisa’s appointment, Acting British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ben Boddy said, “We are delighted that YB Khairunnisa has been appointed to join Brunei’s Legislative Council. The British High Commission has had a long relationship with YB Khairunnisa through her work in the community with Green Brunei. Her leadership was recognised in 2015 when she became the first Bruneian to be awarded the Queen’s Young Leaders Award. Last year, Khai secured the UK’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship and she is now pursuing an MA in Environment, Politics and Globalisation at King’s College in London. We wish her all the best in her new appointment as a LegCo member,” he said.
US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig Allen also congratulated the newly-appointed representatives to the Legislative Council, especially YB Iswandy.
Other new members appointed to the LegCo as District Representatives include YB Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon, Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’; YB Naim bin Haji Kamis, Penghulu of Mukim Kota Batu; YB Haji Mohaimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari, Village Head of Kampong Limau Manis; YB Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman, Village Head of Kampong Masjid Lama, Pekan Muara, Sabun and Pelumpong; YB Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin, Penghulu of Mukim Liang; YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, Village Head of Kampong Labi I; YB Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong, Penghulu of Mukim Tanjong Maya and YB Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu, Penghulu of Mukim Bokok.
The post Youthful vigour to drive new LegCo appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.