| Hakim Hayat |
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 in a titah said that the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) represents the voice of the people in the Asean communities and plays a crucial role in bridging the people with their respective governments.
The titah was a message from His Majesty at the opening of the 39th ASEAN AIPA in Singapore yesterday. The event was attended by the Speaker of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib.
In the message, His Majesty added that through Brunei’s membership in AIPA, the country is able to exercise a policy of friendship and mutual respect towards other nations. The monarch expressed confidence that through this platform and the practice of multilateralism, Brunei Darussalam will be able to foster its participation within regional and international organisations.
His Majesty also stressed that Building human capacity and encouraging active entrepreneurship, especially among the youth are essential foundations towards a resilient and innovative community and this includes the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In an era where ASEAN endures less stability and unpredictability, His Majesty said that the bloc is fortunate because AIPA plays a role in upholding and supporting ASEAN. “This includes the 39th AIPA’s efforts in building a resilient and innovative ASEAN community. I believe AIPA can bring its focus in achieving the 4C which is Cohesive, Connected, Creative and Climate-Resilient ASEAN,” His Majesty added.
His Majesty also said that AIPA’s contribution to ASEAN’s future cannot be underestimated, because as parliamentary members, AIPA’s supporting ASEAN’s projects are crucial in going through the less stable environment today. “Parliamentarians’ role is as representatives of the people, law-makers and also in spreading information to the people on global challenges and responding to the people in a collective manner. With a collective effort, ASEAN will achieve harmony and prosperity,” His Majesty further added.
The 39th AIPA officiated by Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Teo Chee Han takes the theme ‘Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community’, which demonstrates its continuous support to ASEAN-led agendas.
Before the opening ceremony, Speakers from AIPA member countries attended an Executive Committee Meeting where agendas in the community level, resolutions and other related issues were discussed
At the opening ceremony, President of AIPA and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore Tan Chuan-Jin said that AIPA has gone through an evolution since it was established due to the need to become more effective in achieving closer integration between all AIPA member countries. He said the establishment of meetings under AIPA such as the AIPA Caucus has also helped develop initiatives to make AIPA more effective as an institution. “Singapore is honoured to play a role in AIPA’s revolution. However, AIPA is, and will continue to become an important platform to encourage regional cooperation and understanding between Parliamentary members in this region,” he added.
During the first plenary session chaired by the President of AIPA, Speakers from AIPA member countries gave speeches, including Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman who said that the assembly through its WAIPA, political, economic and social committee this year will discuss various issues including those in promoting economic development, enhancing welfare and challenges in the security of the people, as well as technological advances. “However, in these discussions and making decisions, AIPA should always adhere to the statures of AIPA and ASEAN pillars. “Brunei Darussalam will continuously render its support towards AIPA’s aspirations to achieve harmony for the people of this region and in exchanging views and in learning best-practices from other AIPA members,” he said.
The Brunei Darussalam delegation at the 39th AIPA was led by Speaker of the LegCo with eight members of the Legislative Council. Also joining the delegation were Secretary to the Cabinet Ministers’ Council and Clerk to the LegCo Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Judin bin Haji Asar.
