Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee, in her motion of thanks on the second day of the first meeting of the 21st LegCo session yesterday, welcomed 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’s decision to increase the frequency of council sessions from once to twice a year.
She said the move would strengthen legislative oversight, ensure more timely legislation and facilitate faster responses to national issues.
Regular discussions, she added, would enhance accountability and reinforce the government’s framework. Expressing appreciation for His Majesty’s recognition of LegCo members’ commitment, she noted that their dedication to advancing the national development agenda through dialogues, discussions and working visits reflects their shared goal of achieving strategic, creative and innovative solutions.
Yang Berhormat Chong also congratulated the Speaker of the LegCo and fellow LegCo members for their dedication, which has strengthened the council’s legislative function.
She highlighted the successful hosting of the 15th AIPA Caucus in Brunei Darussalam last year where ASEAN representatives discussed strengthening regional cyber resilience.
The resolutions from the caucus were later presented at the 45th AIPA Session in Laos, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation in addressing current challenges.
She also expressed Junjung Kasih to His Majesty for his emphasis on developing human capital and national capabilities, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).
She described AI as a transformative tool for innovation, economic growth and national prosperity, with the potential to automate processes, improve operational efficiency and create new opportunities.
A structured AI strategy supported by strong data governance, she said, would accelerate Brunei’s progress towards its Smart Nation objectives.
Yang Berhormat Chong looked forward to further strengthening the E-Government National Centre (EGNC) to support AI workload capacity and the review of the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025.
“We are at a crucial juncture where technological advancements can empower us to make more informed decisions and accelerate national progress. By embracing innovation, strengthening governance and promoting collaboration, we can build a strong and prosperous future for Brunei,” she said.
She reaffirmed her commitment to upholding His Majesty’s aspirations through meaningful discussions, strategic decision-making and collaborative efforts in support of Brunei Vision 2035. – Lyna Mohamad
