Legislative Council acts as the voice of the nation
The Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting stands as a venerable tradition within Brunei Darussalam’s monarchical governance system.
Serving as the Sultanate’s Parliament, it provides the official platform for addressing and resolving the country’s issues and concerns.
Initially established in 1959, the council convened 32 meetings until its suspension in 1984 following the nation’s independence. However, in September 2004, the LegCo was reinstated, resuming its role in managing internal affairs and addressing national matters for the ensuing 12 years.
In August 2016, the Department of Councils of State, under the Prime Minister’s Office, announced the dissolution of the LegCo.
This decision was followed by a command from 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 for the council’s re-establishment the following year.
The new members, predominantly youth at the time, underscored LegCo’s renewed focus on engaging the younger generation, eliciting optimism and enthusiasm within the local community.
Subsequently, in 2022, the Department of Councils of State announced the dissolution of the appointed LegCo members in accordance with the Prorogation and Dissolution of the Legislative Council, Article 55(1) of the Brunei Constitution, followed by the swearing-in ceremony for the new LegCo members in January 2023.
Rooted in consultative discussions characterised by harmony, unity and mutual respect, the LegCo meeting embodies the values and principles of the philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).
It serves as a pivotal platform strengthening the bond between the populace and the government. Acting as the voice of the nation, LegCo members utilise these sessions to articulate national concerns and propose innovative ideas aimed at bolstering government policies and enhancing the welfare of Brunei and its people.
These sessions, held within the LegCo Building on Jalan Dewan Majlis, are open to the public, allowing interested individuals to observe and engage in the discussions and debates. Besides annual expenditure deliberations, the LegCo meetings also address pertinent issues beneficial to the populace, conducted in a consultative and harmonious manner.
During the 19th LegCo meeting last year, the Supply Act 2023/2024, to allocate a total of BND5.96 billion was approved.
Noteworthy discussions centred on the importance of cost-saving measures and prudent government spending, with members advocating for meticulous monitoring of expenditures to avert high and enduring deficits.
The challenge of balancing the nation’s budget prompted suggestions to defer or scale down large-scale projects in favour of smaller initiatives dispersed across urban and rural areas, aimed at fostering employment opportunities.
Additionally, considerable attention was directed towards fostering a knowledge-based economy during the previous year’s meeting. Members acknowledged how the approved budget aligned with initiatives geared towards economic stability and enhancing the populace’s well-being.
Emphasising inclusivity and resilient recovery, LegCo members expressed satisfaction with the budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Education in particular, stressing the significance of enhancing student skills, improving school quality and augmenting the teaching workforce.
Furthermore, the substantial allocation to the Ministry of Health was welcomed, with hopes pinned on improving healthcare services through the recruitment of additional personnel, including specialists, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. – Wardi Wasil
