| Aziz Idris |
THE Attorney General has reminded all members of the legal fraternity to maintain and uphold a credible justice system for the nation’s stability and prosperity, be it for professional matters or if they are on personal duty.
Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati binti Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh highlighted this during her speech during the opening of the Legal Year 2018 held at the Supreme Court Building, Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday.
She described the annual tradition as the solidarity and commitment of the legal fraternity in upholding the ‘rule of law’, notably mirrored during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of 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 Accession to the Throne, an occasion that reminded us of the unrelenting commitment in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding a fair and independent judiciary.
Speaking among members of the legal profession, members of the Bar, and officers of the court, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati said, “Let us remind ourselves again … of our duty and our pledge to maintain and uphold a respected and trusted legal system which is incorruptible and of the highest quality and integrity for the country’s stability and prosperity, both as our professional duty and as our personal duty.
“In the past 50 years under the wise guidance of His Majesty, there had been a myriad of important developments on the legal and judicial history, and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) is proud and honoured to be a significant part of this journey.”
Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati lauded the dedicated and committed team at the AGC for playing an instrumental role in Brunei’s legal system, as well as acknowledged the increase in female officers working with the chambers since she assumed office in 2009.
“Alhamdulillah, many more have joined us since (2009), again, mostly women. If Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, is correct in saying that one of the ‘secret sauce’ of Alibaba’s success is to ‘hire as many women as possible’, then the AGC is on the right track!” she chimed to the delight of the audience.
Looking towards the future in achieving Brunei Vision 2035, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati urged all AGC officers to adapt to a changing world by deepening their skills while at the same time reminding them to always remain guided by principles, integrity and humility.
“Forward thinking (is needed) but one should not change for the sake of change but prepared to deal with new legal landscapes. I call upon my officers to deliver their best to protect and enhance our country’s interests,” she said. “We will continue to build our human capabilities and competence development, transformation and improvement initiatives, technology opportunities, revision of our strategic plan and succession planning even with the budgeting challenges.”
It is the intention of the AGC as well to enhance engagement with the ministries, enforcement agencies, schools, stakeholders, and the public, and even take on the risks and challenges posed by social media.
The Attorney General congratulated the newly elected officers on the judiciary and Law Society of Brunei Darussalam and pledged support to the AGC’s initiative to bring about a better administration of justice in Brunei Darussalam.
“With Tawakal to Allah the Almighty, we as a team, the women and men in AGC including our non-legal support staff, who form the backbone of AGC will continue 2018 with an optimistic and positive mood, be ready, equipped and looking forward to carry out our responsibilities and to face the challenges that lie ahead,” Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati said.
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