| James Kon |
MINISTER at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud in his concluding remarks at the 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday morning suggested the setting up of a Body or Committee comprising Yang Berhormats to discuss views and provide advice on eliminating or reducing the need of asking common questions (such as what is the action, what is the plan? What is this or what is that?) at LegCo meetings.
The minister firstly highlighted that “Brunei Darussalam has an unique identity of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). In this regard, national plan must not sway away from the MIB philosophy as stated by 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 titah which stated, “In planning and carrying out action also need policy that is clear. Our policy in this country is MIB. Therefore, all the planning and action must be based on MIB’.”
His Majesty also stated in the titah that “to become a leader, the need to practise, instil and appreciate the values inherent in the MIB concept is essential.
Not only the leader, we are all called upon to practise it to maintain our integrity and credibility as the members of community in contributing to the development”.
Secondly, the minister said, “Efforts to diversify and generate economic growth will be further enhanced by facilitating the flow of government processes and regulations. Since long time ago, we have realised that the country will not depend on oil and gas forever. His Majesty has also frequently reminded of the importance of diversifying the country’s economy.
“The prosperity enjoyed by the people in this country will only be sustainable if we all strive together and play a role in supporting efforts towards diversifying the economy. Local entrepreneurs need to be courageous to explore the export market, where government agencies will always ready to provide assistance and guidance.”
Thirdly, on security and stability, he said, “We will never compromise on issues involving national security including elements that try to threaten peace and stability.
“The PMO in collaboration with security agencies will continue to work on developing strategies to preserve political stability, protect national sovereignty and link defence capabilities as well as diplomatic capabilities and national preparedness in addressing security threats. This includes in enhancing works in combating crimes and strengthening the capacity of relevant agencies in handling national and cross-border crises.”
However, he also stressed that the role of safeguarding harmony and peace is also the responsibility of all.
The minister also said, “The cooperation of the appointed Yang Berhormats as grassroots leaders, mukim penghulus, village heads as well as the community as a whole is expected to combat crime.
“I would like to convey my gratitude to members of the public who have provided information to the authorities in combating crimes. This is also thanks to the cooperation and leadership of village heads, mukim penghulus and the appointed Yang Berhormats .”
The minister said he was impressed by the advice given by the LegCo Speaker when the issue of bullying was raised and discussed as the Speaker proposed the issue should be discussed together.
He said, “There are some matters or problems that we are discussing along the way of the meeting that we all have been able to share the responsibility through the establishment of a body or committee. This includes the proposal raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari on the youth farming programme.”
Through this, he said, “We can often meet each other and discuss on important meetings and priorities of common interest. Through this, the common questions can be reduced.
“I would like to seek the cooperation of Yang Berhormats to convey national development agendas as well as government policies to the community and the public.
“The PMO will always share government’s policies and initiatives to the people through mainstream media, social media and discussion session with grassroots leaders and villagers.”
Before concluding, the minister said, “I would also like to iterate that we all can uphold the Legislative Council as the platform to discuss strategic matters that were outlined by His Majesty in his titah during the official opening ceremony of the Legislative Council.”