Following the spread of issues regarding the development of sport, specifically football, which went viral on social media recently, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) would like to inform that the ministry is constantly committed to creating the best environment for the development of sport to achieve national excellence in competitive sport, sport development, and community well-being in line with the direction of the Culture, Youth and Sports Strategic Plan.
The ministry is aware that every association has a constitution and provides for the process of appointment and selection of office holders which are evaluated and chosen by the members of the association without interference from outside parties.
Therefore, the ministry would like to warn that any office holder appointed in every association registered under the Societies Act (Chapter 203) in Brunei Darussalam or the Registrar of Societies (ROS) must uphold good governance and implement it transparently and with integrity in terms of recruitment of association members, selection of athletes, appointments and financial expenses.
In this regard, any elected office holder must assume responsibility with full trust and practice of principles of transparent management and good governance and accountability.
Every association, in accordance with their respective constitutions, must submit an audited financial report every year to the ROS and any queries in the audit report must be answered and any issues and matters raised in the audit report must be investigated in detail by the concerned parties to avoid any conflict with the financial regulations of the associations.
If it is found that there is any breach of financial regulations or constitutional regulations of the respective associations, appropriate action should be taken.
This is to prevent sports activities and athletes from being affected and to protect the country’s image on the international stage.
This matter is not unique to the Sultanate, but it is also practised abroad that requires registered associations to comply with the governance standards set including submitting financial reports when required, including associations affiliated with international sports organisations.
Integrity is a basic principle that must be firmly held by all associations in this country, whether it is in the field of sports or in other fields.
It is a key pillar in building public trust, maintaining credibility, and ensuring transparent and fair management. The MCYS will always support all associations in the country in their efforts to ensure that integrity is a central value in their governance.
