Brunei’s legal landscape is set to undergo significant transformation in 2025, with a vision for greater efficiency, accessibility, and collaboration. Chief Justice of the Brunei Supreme Court Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong delivered a speech yesterday, at the ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year. His address marked not only a time for reflection but also a strong call to action for reforms that will enable the Judiciary to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
In his speech, the chief justice laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the legal system in Brunei Darussalam, focusing on key initiatives designed to modernise and streamline the country’s judicial processes while upholding the core values of justice and fairness.
These initiatives span a wide range of areas, including technology integration, civil procedure reforms, family justice, and mentorship within the legal profession.
ENHANCING EFFICIENCY WITH TECHNOLOGY
The spotlight of the chief justice’s address was on the significant upgrade of the Judicial Case Management System (JCMS).
Originally launched in 2015, JCMS has already been a key tool for improving case accessibility and judicial efficiency. However, as technology continues to evolve, so too must the systems that support Brunei’s legal infrastructure.
Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Chong unveiled JCMS 2.0, an enhanced version of the system designed to further streamline case management.
This upgrade is expected to make judicial processes faster and more transparent, providing better services to users and contributing to Brunei’s goal of becoming a Smart Nation.
By supporting the digital government, economy, and society, JCMS 2.0 will be an essential tool in modernising the Judiciary, making the legal process not only more efficient but also more accessible to the public.
As part of a broader push for technological innovation, the chief justice also addressed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Judiciary.
While AI has made its way into various sectors of society, its role within the legal framework will be carefully monitored and regulated. Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Chong revealed plans for guidelines that will govern the use of AI by judges and judicial officers.
These guidelines will establish clear boundaries for AI’s role, ensuring it complements human judgment rather than replacing it.
Additionally, he called on the Law Society to develop its own guidelines for legal professionals using AI tools in their practice, particularly in drafting legal documents and conducting research.
MODERNISING CIVIL PROCEDURES AND FAMILY JUSTICE
Another key area of focus in the chief justice’s speech was the modernisation of civil procedures. In line with Brunei Vision 2035, which aims for a dynamic and sustainable economy, Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Chong emphasised the need to adapt the civil litigation system to meet the changing socio-economic landscape.
A working committee, comprising members from the Judiciary, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the Law Society, will be tasked with driving reforms to make the system more efficient, transparent, and accessible.
Additionally, the chief justice proposed reforms in family justice. He outlined a vision of restorative family justice that not only resolves disputes but also promotes healing and strengthens societal well-being.
This approach would prioritise mediation, reconciliation, and collaboration with relevant agencies, offering families the support they need through counseling and early advice.
This initiative aligns with the national agenda to strengthen families as the foundation of Brunei’s social fabric.
MENTORSHIP AND TRAINING FOR LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
In his speech, Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Chong also emphasised the importance of mentorship within the legal profession.
He called on senior lawyers to play an active role in guiding and nurturing younger colleagues, ensuring the continued growth and development of Brunei’s legal community.
In a rapidly evolving landscape, the Judiciary is encouraging legal professionals to expand their expertise, particularly in areas such as data law, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and AI.
These skills are becoming increasingly vital as the legal sector grapples with new challenges and regulatory requirements in the digital age.
INSOLVENCY AND RESTRUCTURING REFORMS
The chief justice also touched upon the need for reforms in Brunei’s insolvency and restructuring framework.
Drawing on the experience of Singapore, Brunei is considering transitioning from a creditor-driven insolvency model to one that prioritises rehabilitation and business preservation.
These reforms would provide greater options for businesses and individuals facing financial difficulties, aiming to reduce the social stigma attached to bankruptcy and encourage economic growth.
Several government agencies will be consulted to assess Brunei’s current insolvency laws and frameworks. The goal is to create a more accessible and business-friendly insolvency process that supports entrepreneurship, access to finance, and long-term economic stability.
The reforms will require input from all sectors, including the government, the legal community, and the private sector.
A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROGRESS
Looking back at the achievements of the past year, the chief justice shared several notable successes.
In 2024, the Judiciary achieved record-high clearance rates for both civil and criminal cases, with 100 per cent clearance for civil cases and 90 per cent for criminal cases.
The time taken to deliver judgments has also improved, with 88 per cent of Magistrates’ Court criminal judgments being delivered within three months of submission.
These figures reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency within the Judiciary and provide timely justice to the public.
At the same time, the number of family-related legal matters has increased, particularly divorce petitions and applications for letters of administration.
The Probate Registry saw a significant rise in applications, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of family law in Brunei. Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of companies going into liquidation, signalling greater scrutiny in the business sector.
STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
International collaboration remains a priority for the Brunei Judiciary. In 2024, Brunei formalised partnerships with the Federal Court of Malaysia and Peru, further strengthening its international presence.
These partnerships reflect Brunei’s growing role in global judicial affairs, providing opportunities for the exchange of ideas and best practices.
Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Chong also highlighted his participation in key international forums, such as the 11th Meeting of the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices in the Philippines and the 8th Judicial Seminar on Commercial Litigation in Hong Kong.
These engagements help reinforce Brunei’s commitment to regional and global judicial cooperation, positioning the nation as an active participant in the international legal community. – Rizal Faisal
