The Sultanate has made significant progress on its gross domestic product with an average growth of 4.3 per cent per year from 2017 to 2023, driven by growth in the downstream oil and gas sector, said Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof at the 21st session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.
The morning session saw the approval of a motion of vote of thanks for the presence and titah of 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 at the official opening ceremony on Wednesday.
The minister emphasised that His Majesty’s titah reflects the monarch’s proactive vision in safeguarding the well-being of the citizens and residents while reaffirming the government’s commitment to national prosperity in alignment with Brunei Vision 2035.
His Majesty’s titah also emphasised the need to reduce Brunei’s dependence on oil and gas revenues. The minister noted that global challenges such as oil price volatility, climate change and supply chain disruptions present opportunities to strengthen economic resilience.
He stressed the importance of diversifying the economy, enhancing public and private sector capability, and developing a highly skilled workforce. Key areas of focus include empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), encouraging foreign investment, and leveraging digital technology to boost productivity.
The minister said economic development requires a whole-of-nation approach, urging collaboration between public and private sectors in strengthening existing industries and exploring new opportunities.
Regular dialogue between the government and private sector stakeholders, he added, will help address challenges effectively. The minister also touched on His Majesty’s call for continuous transformation across government sectors to enhance productivity and national revenue.
Key areas identified include agriculture, transportation, education, health, tourism, public service and national security, as well as exploring new industries by capitalising on technological advancements.
Highlighting the public sector’s vital role in nation-building and social well-being, the minister said beyond administration and governance, it is also responsible for delivering quality services, ensuring social harmony and promoting sustained economic growth.
The minister highlighting the council’s crucial role as the nation’s highest discussion forum, contributing to national development and progress, noted its function as a democratic platform under the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) system, where representatives voice public concerns and bring key issues to the government’s attention.
More importantly, he underscored the council’s role in bridging the government and the people, enabling direct communication of citizens’ aspirations and concerns to policymakers.
This ensures that government policies remain relevant to people’s needs.
The minister said LegCo sessions twice a year, would enhance national administration by allowing continuous monitoring of government policies and development projects while addressing current issues more effectively. He also noted that this would improve public sector accountability through more frequent reporting of ministerial achievements.
The minister said His Majesty’s comprehensive vision offers deep insights into the future of the public sector in Brunei, emphasising the need to strengthen efficiency, foster creativity and enhance collaboration across all sectors.
He called on all appointed members to engage in open discussions, consult with one another, and provide well-informed perspectives on key national and global issues within the local context. – Lyna Mohammad
