Nestled amidst the grandeur of Jalan Dewan Majlis, the Legislative Council building of Brunei Darussalam stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to governance and its rich heritage.
With its striking blue dome and roofs, this iconic structure is not just a landmark but a symbol of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept.
Recently, Year 4 students embarked on a visit to this monumental site, uncovering the inner workings of Brunei’s parliamentary system.
Here’s a closer look at the Legislative Council, its roles, and its significance, from the perspective of young learners.
A STRUCTURE OF HERITAGE AND VISION
The Legislative Council building spans a vast 26-acre estate, completed in 2007 at a cost of BND62 million.
Designed to reflect Brunei’s national philosophy of MIB, the architecture merges tradition with functionality.
The central area of the building, flanked by left and right wings, houses the chamber – an expansive space beneath the iconic blue dome.
The chamber, designed in a horseshoe layout to encourage consensus, can accommodate up to 60 members and 450 spectators.
This unique layout fosters meaningful dialogue and collaborative decision-making. Central to the chamber is an aisle reserved for 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, the Speaker, and members of the Legislative Council.
SYMBOLS OF GOVERNANCE
The Legislative Council is adorned with symbols that embody Brunei’s values and governance principles. These include: Adil Laila Bahagia (Justice, Peace, Prosperity): This encapsulates divine guidance (Allah the Almighty), governance, and the national emblem of His Majesty.
The Mace (Cokmar): A sterling silver scepter, weighing 12 kilogrammes and measuring 1.8 metres, represents the Council’s authority.
Inspired by the late 28th Sultan of Brunei, the mace is carried by the sergeant-at-arms during formal sessions.
Even the colours within the Legislative Council bear deep meaning: blue signifies divinity, green reflects the prosperity of nature, while red and yellow symbolise strength and unity.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENT
The students learned that the Legislative Council, also referred to as the Parliament of Brunei, plays a vital role in shaping the nation.
The Legislative Council serves as a check-and-balance mechanism.
It introduces and approves laws, evaluates governmental proposals, and acts as the people’s voice. Key areas of focus within the Council include schools, healthcare, environmental policies, and overall well-being.
By addressing these critical aspects, the Legislative Council ensures that laws and policies align with the nation’s needs and aspirations.
INSIDE THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
The legislative process in Brunei is meticulous and involves multiple stages to ensure thorough deliberation and fairness.
It begins with the First Reading, where the proposed law is introduced, followed by the Second Reading, where detailed discussions occur.
Afterward, the proposal moves to a Committee for in-depth analysis and refinement. Once approved by the Committee, it is gazetted and presented to His Majesty for royal assent.
The process concludes with the Third Reading and final printing, officially enacting the law.
This structured approach mirrors the system of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step.
THE SPEAKER: A NEUTRAL ARBITER
A pivotal figure within the Legislative Council is the Speaker of the House. The Speaker, currently Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, holds the responsibility of maintaining order during proceedings.
Acting impartially, the Speaker enforces rules, decides who may speak, and oversees debates and voting processes. This role ensures that discussions remain constructive and focused on national interests.
ENGAGING FUTURE GENERATIONS
The visit to the Legislative Council highlighted the importance of civic engagement and encouraged the students to think about their roles in governance.
The Council emphasised that the public’s ideas and opinions are crucial for national development.
Encouraging skills such as public speaking and staying informed about current issues can help nurture active participation in the future.
The students left with a better understanding of how their country is governed and the significance of the Legislative Council in shaping their lives.
From approving proposals to ensuring accountability, the Council remains a cornerstone of Brunei’s governance system.
BUILDING A CONNECTION BETWEEN PARLIAMENT AND THE PEOPLE
The initiative of opening the doors of the Legislative Council to students is a step towards bridging the gap between governance and the public.
By making complex processes accessible and relatable to young minds, Brunei fosters a culture of informed citizens who can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
As these students return to their classrooms, the lessons learned from their visit are bound to spark discussions about justice, governance, and community development.
Through such exposure, the Legislative Council is not just shaping laws but also inspiring the next generation to actively participate in the nation’s journey. – Rizal Faisal
