A robust justice system plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals and families to forge ahead and shape a promising future. This encompasses a criminal justice framework that not only acts as a deterrent against criminal behaviour but also provides a foundation for businesses to navigate disputes with stability and certainty.
Chief Justice of the Brunei Supreme Court Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong underscored this during his keynote address at the inauguration of the Legal Year 2024.
The event took place at the Supreme Court building, gathering members of the judiciary and legal professionals to commemorate the commencement of the court’s judicial year.
The Chief Justice highlighted, “The importance of a well-functioning justice system extends beyond economic growth; it is vital for the well-being of the entire community.”
He went on to highlight key developments in the past year, which included the appointment of The Right Honourable Sir Peter Gross as Judicial Commissioner to the Court of Appeal in October 2023.
He spoke of Sir Gross’ experience as a leading international commercial judge, with a legal career spanning over 40 years and how his appointment will “strengthen the breadth and depth of the bench”.
He also highlighted the judiciary’s continuing international engagement with foreign courts, particularly the formalisation of judicial cooperation through the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China in May 2023 and a memorandum of understanding with the Supreme Court of Singapore in July 2023.
The Chief Justice stated that both agreements put in place an institutional framework to “strengthen communication, collaboration and cooperation on issues relating to dispute avoidance and resolution”.
The tradition of opening the Legal Year underscores the central role of the judiciary in the administration of justice – where it focuses attention on the legal community from a keynote address by the Chief Justice, followed by speeches from Attorney General Dato Seri Paduka Haji Ahmad bin Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa and President of the Law Society Nur ‘Azizah binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Ahmad, representing advocates and solicitors in Brunei Darussalam.
Special Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, Deputy Minister (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian bin Haji Sabtu, Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos and Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar were also present.
Ambassadors and high commissioners, senior government officials, members of the judiciary from the Civil and Syariah Courts, Attorney General’s Chambers, law society and members of government enforcement agencies as well as foreign guests also attended. – Fadley Faisal
