19th Legislative Council session begins

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 graced the opening ceremony of the 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.

The opening ceremony of the 19th LegCo session commenced at the LegCo Building in Jalan Dewan Majlis, marking the start of deliberation of the national budget for the financial year 2023-2024.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah attended.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by LegCo Speaker Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamad Taib and Clerk to the LegCo Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Judin bin Haji Asar.

A sergeant-at-arms carrying the royal mace – a sterling silver sceptre representing the symbol of authority – led the monarch into the conference hall, where His Majesty later delivered a titah.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the LegCo convened to review and confirm the minute from the first meeting from the 18th LegCo session, which ran from February 24 to March 3, 2022.

The 34 LegCo members comprise Ex-Offico members, titled persons, persons who have achieved distinction and district representatives. This year’s session features new and re-appointed members who hope to bring positive impacts.

The session will deliberate and approve the supply bill 2023-2024 which will undergo three stages before it is approved and gazetted for adoption on April 1, 2023.

The 19th LegCo session will next convene tomorrow.