The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has tabled a budget of BND566,321,410 for the 2024-2025 financial year.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof stated that the budget for the PMO and its departments was crafted with an emphasis on the goals and priorities of the national budget theme ‘United in Building a More Prosperous Future’.
At the 20th session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday, the minister also outlined three priorities for the ministry in its budget: enhancing the well-being and productivity of the public, effective implementation of government policies and fostering innovation and economic growth.
PUBLIC WELL-BEING AND PRODUCTIVITY
The PMO and its departments will continue to strategise towards maintaining political stability, defending national sovereignty and supporting defence-related efforts and diplomatic relations internationally, said the minister.
He added that efforts will focus on national planning to address security threats. “Therefore, national security agencies will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders, especially the public, emphasising a ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole-of-nation’ approach.”
The minister said social development in the country will also be addressed, with the formulation of a social blueprint serving as a key document in policy preparation, implementation and monitoring.
“This is aligned with the priorities of Brunei Vision 2035, particularly Goal 2: High Quality of Life for the People.
“Ensuring the effectiveness and quality of public safety services will continue to be a priority, executed through planned workforce deployment and asset acquisitions, as well as optimal utilisation.”
The minister said maintaining public welfare is also emphasised through the role of official government media agencies.
”These agencies will continue to collaborate with every ministry, department and statutory body to ensure accurate government-related information is disseminated promptly and regularly to the public. Approaches include radio and television programmes, online portals and social media platforms,” he added.
IMPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT POLICIES
The minister said the PMO will continue to provide secretariat services to the LegCO, as well as improve the quality of secretariat services, including the drafting of legal documents.
A comprehensive review of the role and function of the LegCo Secretariat will also be conducted to improve the effectiveness of services provided. In addition, the establishment of a new institution, the LegCo Research Unit, will be proposed as a special unit to further enhance the quality of services provided.
The minister said to ensure the sustainability of human resources, the National Human Resources Policy will be developed, with a focus on youth, women, and individuals with disabilities. “This includes the development of strategies and initiatives to enhance capabilities of civil servants, in line with the development goals of Brunei Vision 2035.”
INNOVATION, ECONOMIC GROWTH
The PMO will continue to strive for innovation and economic growth by fostering a conducive and supportive environment for business and economic activities, as well as promoting investments, said the minister.
“Initiatives in this regard include efforts to enhance the ease of doing business and the promotion of investment opportunities, including through the development of digital platforms for online business registration and the provision of incentives for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“The PMO will also continue to promote collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia to support research and development, innovation, and technology transfer,” he said, adding that it “includes efforts to enhance the innovation ecosystem and promote the commercialisation of research and development outcomes”.
The minister also said, “Efforts to promote economic diversification and the development of strategic industries will continue, including through the implementation of the national industrial policy as well as the promotion of priority sectors such as the halal industry, tourism, and agriculture.” – Adib Noor
