Izah Azahari
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) intends to strengthen its network with strategic partners who share common interests and involve all members of society at large, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad in his adjournment speech on the final day of the 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi said this approach has already shown to be effective in achieving success and creating a more sustainable and empowering impact, and the ministry seeks to build upon this progress.
The minister thanked all LegCo members for raising questions, providing input and constructive views, as well as feedback that can provide added-value to improve the service quality of government agencies, including the MCYS.
Highlighting on the discussions with regards to the National Welfare System (SKN), the minister said it reflects a significant interest in the value and advantages that can be derived from the SKN in enhancing the current work process, evaluating the allocation and distribution of aid, and aligning it with the requirements of the underprivileged community.
The minister said that SKN is a powerful platform that has significantly aided the MCYS and other aid agencies in providing assistance and implementing relevant interventions, in accordance with their respective roles in executing the national social security system. He added that the ministry plans to arrange a dedicated discussion session with LegCo members in the future, specifically to deliberate on the SKN and the Action Plan on the Eradication of Poverty, under the guidance of the special committee on poverty issues.
The minister said the Action Plan on the Eradication of Poverty is the main action plan in outlining capacity, access policies and acts, while the disabled, elderly, family, women and children action plans outline development, equality, welfare, well-being and friendly support.
“These action plans are intended to increase the resilience and economic independence of the specific target group to get out of the cycle of poverty and reduce dependence on the government,” said the minister.
Likewise, the National Youth Policy and Strategy (DBNS) 2020-2035 is the basis for all initiatives implemented to produce Hopeful Youth (Belia Harapan) with a resilient and positive Bruneian flair based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.
Regarding the development and progress of sports, the minister said the MCYS will continue to bear the responsibility of realising a glorious sports nation, as one of the essential elements in strengthening the sports ecosystem.
Meanwhile on high-performance sports at regional and international competitions, the minister shared on the country’s participation in contingent sports competitions such as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Paralympic Games, and other Para sports recognised by International Sports Federations.The minister added that athletes selection is based on guidelines and criteria closely monitored and evaluated by the national athlete evaluation and selection committee.
He said this represents a strong governance mechanism preventing any individual or group from becoming a hindrance.
Furthermore, supported athletes representing the Sultanate have undergone intensive training as their initial preparation by their sports associations, to which the minister emphasised that effective governance also involves national sports associations in developing long-term strategic plans and action plans with strategic targets and initiatives that focus on improving performance and winning medals at regional and international levels.
