Azlan Othman
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 said Brunei Vision 2035 should not be seen as mere rhetoric and an empty dream, but must be realised wholly as a core national development agenda.
In delivering a titah when chairing the first meeting of Brunei Vision 2035 Supreme Council for the year 2023 at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday, the monarch said, “I was informed of the efforts to strengthen the strategic implementation and action plan that drives towards attaining the core aspiration of the Vision through the Manpower Blueprint for the first goal led by the Ministry of Education and Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC).
“The second goal, the Social Blueprint, is spearheaded by the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Council on Social Welfare (MKIS) and the Economic Blueprint as the third goal, led by the Ministry of Finance and Economy.”
His Majesty added, “With these blueprints, I hope the nation can transform action including the alignment with the national development project needs.”
“I also hope that the meeting at the committee working level of Brunei Vision 2035 will be benefitted fully as a platform of the whole of government to unite issues.”
The monarch added, “Brunei Vision 2035 is the citizens’ and residents’ high hope to see action taken via the Supreme Council to be more focussed and people-centric. Hence, more work needs to be done.
“The implementation of initiatives alone is not yet adequate if not followed by an evaluation on the initiatives for its outcome and effectiveness. It is hoped that we are more forward planning to bring the nation big changes that we are waiting for,” His Majesty said.
“Hence, all parties should not ease up but jointly step up efforts to realise the aspirations that have been set.
“The party responsible for implementation should not give lukewarm or cold responses to challenges. It is crucial that any tasks involving the management of the nation is not free of challenges.”
His Majesty also said, “I was made to understand that many efforts have been made to realise Brunei Vision 2023, but the question is how much have we produced when it is only 12 years away.
“In this unpredictable global climate, Brunei is not exempted of its effects, such as geo-political conflicts, COVID-19 pandemic and uncertain economic situations. It forces us to think and be more focussed on policy and capability.”
The monarch also noted that the establishment of Brunei Vision occurred in a different time.
“To view it as relevant and superior, we should ensure that whatever is planned will be lasting.
“It underlines the importance of Brunei Vision 2035 which should be given appropriate attention amid difficult challenges brought on by rapid changes by focussing on attaining the aspirations that have been planned,” His Majesty said.
“The updating of members of the Brunei Vision 2035 Supreme Council aims to make it a core platform for the whole of government. With Cabinet Ministers being its members, it is hoped to spark big new ideas and transformation to ensure the well-being of the people and the nation’s prosperity are secured.”
His Majesty also expressed high hope for the newly-appointed members to show support for Brunei Vision 2035, “which is my own aspiration to see the national development runs smoothly”.
“I would like to express my appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office for his leadership, service, resources and ideas during His Royal Highness’ tenure as the Chairman of the Brunei Vision 2035 Supreme Council.
“At this juncture, I would like to thank members for the re-appointment and new appointment in the Brunei Vision 2035 Supreme Council.
“Such appreciation also goes to former members for their contribution.”
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah as the Deputy Chairman of the Brunei Vision 2035 Supreme Council was also present.
The meeting began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.
The meeting discussed the development of Brunei Vision 2035, covering the Economic Blueprint, Manpower Blueprint and the Social Blueprint as well as future plans.
