| Azlan Othman |
MINISTER of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong yesterday pointed out that his ministry’s plans and initiatives are in line with the Brunei Vision 2035 towards upgrading the standard of living of the people.
Speaking at a dialogue with Legislative Council (LegCo) members at the Brunei-Muara District Office yesterday, he explained that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) have been mandated to lead the institutional development strategy. The three key performance indicators implemented by MoHA are to migrate from low to high income level, customers’ satisfaction level in the private sector, and community unity.
“In this context, several high-impact strategies and initiatives have been planned based on the ‘Whole of Nation’ approach, whereby the strategy is shouldered not only by the ministry, but also stakeholders in the government and private sectors,” he said.
The evaluation process of the strategic plan also involves a legal framework covering the execution of work scope and responsibilities for the ministry, which currently covers over 60 Acts and Orders.
Taking into account the current changes, these Acts and Orders are continuously being reviewed and amended, with additional legal provisions in line with current trends. Additionally, several new regulations have been identified and are still in the making.
Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong delivering his speech. – AZLAN OTHMAN
In implementing the ministry’s scope of work, various core challenges must be tackled, which include ensuring the procedure of public service delivery is relevant with current trends and are customer-friendly, efficient and meet the service in accordance with the Client’s Charter.
For instance, in establishing a business-friendly climate in Brunei, the ministry has made changes and continues to work with government agencies (ever since 2015) to ensure the business climate is conducive and encouraging.
Following early initiatives in facilitating the process to start a business, this step is supported by reformation of the foreign workers’ licence issuance process by the Labour Department. The new process involves combining foreign workers quota and supporting work permit. With this, both applications can be worked on promptly, efficiently and properly.
The minister also pointed out that the MoHA responsibilities are partly shouldered by the Village Head Institution as grassroot leaders.
“We appreciate the role of village heads in upholding peace and stability, and in enhancing socio-economic activities through the ‘One Village, One Product’ programme. We believe there are areas that need to be enhanced, especially in penetrating the local and regional markets, opening up more job opportunities and elevating the economic status,” he said.
It is hoped that cooperation with several agencies and higher institutions will assist in developing this sector.
The minister said, with 4,268 village consultative council members, we should be able to implement programmes and initiatives in many areas to upgrade the economy and to establish an integrated society. In this context, we hope for active youth involvement and for the younger generation to drive activities and programmes in mukims and villages to ensure they are more relevant, competitive and connected.
The programme yesterday included a briefing by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof on the main role, vision, mission and organisational structure towards ensuring the success of the Brunei Vision 2035.
The dialogue was also a platform to share insights, desires and aspirations in the interest of the country and its people.
This meeting reflects the understanding, consultation and cooperation between the government and the citizens of this country, and between MoHA, district offices and LegCo members.
The annual LegCo session convenes on March 4.
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