Civil servants implicated in criminal cases involving dishonesty—such as theft, breach of trust, corruption, or offenses related to their position—will be immediately suspended from their duties upon receiving a report from a government agency. They will also have half of their salary and all allowances withheld, in accordance with disciplinary regulations.
This was stated by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, in response to concerns raised over civil servants who have been suspended for extended periods without resolution. He emphasised the importance of ensuring justice and preventing undue delays in disciplinary actions.
The issue was raised by Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Dr Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin during the 21st Legislative Council session on Thursday.
The minister highlighted that the Public Service Commission (PSC) requires government agencies to provide complete, immediate, and systematic information when considering disciplinary action against officers. Decisions are based on investigation reports, trial records, and information from enforcement agencies to determine whether disciplinary measures are warranted.
He also clarified that Brunei Darussalam’s criminal laws do not impose a statute of limitations on prosecutions, meaning there is no time restriction on when criminal charges can be brought to court.
“The prosecution process falls under the jurisdiction of the courts and adheres to comprehensive legal frameworks and due process,” the minister added. He reiterated that the judiciary operates independently from the Prime Minister’s Office, which is part of the executive branch, ensuring that court proceedings remain free from ministerial influence.
This separation of powers, he said, is essential in upholding justice and maintaining the rule of law in Brunei Darussalam. – Lyna Mohammad
