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 graced the opening ceremony for the 20th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.
The ceremony at the LegCo building in Jalan Dewan Majlis in full tradition, marked the start of deliberation of the national budget for the 2024-2025 financial year.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah were also present.
On arrival, His Majesty was greeted by LegCo Speaker Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamad Taib and Clerk to the Privy Council, Secretary to the Cabinet Ministers’ Council, and Clerk to the LegCo Dr Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah.
A sergeant-at-arms carrying the mace, signifying the commencement of the LegCo proceedings, led the monarch’s procession into the conference hall, where His Majesty delivered a titah.
Prior to the opening, the LegCo reviewed and confirmed the minutes from the first meeting of the previous LegCo session, held from March 2-28 last year.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman will chair the meeting, assisted by Dr Hajah Huraini.
The 34 LegCo members comprise ex-offico members, titled persons, persons who have achieved distinction and district representatives.
The session will deliberate and approve the 2024-2025 supply bill, which will undergo three stages before it is approved and gazetted for adoption on April 1. – Lyna Mohamad
LegCo building, Jalan Dewan Majlis yesterday. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
