| Lyna Mohamad |
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 underscored the need to take crucial steps to bolster Brunei Darussalam’s economic diversification efforts, while ensuring prudence and prioritisation in expenditures.
Delivering a titah at the opening of the 14th session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) yesterday, the monarch also underlined the urgency for Brunei to achieve food self-sufficiency and security targets as well as the need to hone more locals to lead the oil and gas industry in the country and better enforce tobacco and waste management laws.
In this regard, His Majesty called on LegCo members to air their opinions and suggestions without fear or hesitation which the monarch said will bring positive changes to the country.
“As a country that is still heavily dependent on oil and gas resources, we need to be more active in diversifying the economy. Though world oil prices have begun to rebound to favourable rates, they are still not enough to tackle weak economic growth,” the monarch said.
On this note, His Majesty stressed on the need to maintain the country’s fiscal balance both in the short-term and long-term.
The monarch noted that the practice of saving alone without any real efforts to boost economic growth will not serve any purpose.
“Being cautious on spending is good, but this does not simply mean prudent spending. Apart from cautious spending, the nation must consolidate its resources towards growing its gross domestic product on a larger scale. Brunei needs to explore areas that cannot be ignored anymore.”
The monarch said one of the areas that should be focussed on with prime priority is the agriculture sector.
“It is a pressing matter and efforts must be taken to improve this field as it is an area much needed by the country. It is timely for the country to be self-sufficient in the production of the country’s staple food rice. Make continuous efforts until we achieve results.”
Raising doubt on whether things have been done correctly, the monarch called on the need to identify the errors and rectify them.
Touching on the country’s oil and gas sector, His Majesty highlighted the importance of effectively managing the resources.
“It is not enough to be proud of having these resources, but what is more important is how the country manages them properly.
“It has been a century since oil was discovered in the country and Bruneians should now be matured in its management, but sadly, this is not so and far from what is hoped,” the ruler said.
“It is a common practice to seek consultants’ or expatriates’ service. Though opportunities for learning and acquiring experience remain open to locals, they do not rise to the post as a managing director.”
The monarch emphasised that a study must be conducted on why few Bruneians are holding high posts in this industry. “If others could gain knowledge and experience in this field, why not Bruneians? We need to identify what has gone wrong,” His Majesty said, adding that the issue needs to be corrected.
His Majesty said that for smooth development, enforcement of regulations and laws is vital, noting that weaknesses in implementing them cannot be justified.
Touching on illegal dumping of rubbish at public places, the monarch noted that an Act has been set up with relevant fines to prevent this illegal activity.
“Any individuals or companies who are caught littering in public areas are liable to pay a compound fine of not more than $500, but there are offenders who have been fined $100 or $200.
“There is still uncertainty about the perfect implementation of this Act. It is doubtful whether fines of $100 or $200 would be able to teach a lesson to the society, especially the offenders,” the monarch said.
The enforcement of Tobacco Act and others also raises questions whether they have been enforced completely or there are still loopholes in tackling it, His Majesty said, stressing that all these need to be studied and attended to by relevant parties.
“An Act alone is not sufficient if it is not implemented as we pay the price for not implementing the Act,” the monarch said.