BND 30 Million Collected… But How Much Reached the Needy on Time?

Behind the numbers lies a backlog of thousands — and a question Brunei can’t afford to ignore.

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, AUGUST 2025: Brunei’s zakat collections hit BND 30 million this year, putting the Islamic welfare system at a tricky spot - plenty of cash, but still dealing with delays, unresolved applications, and a growing lack of trust from the public. 

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) acknowledges that they’ve made some progress, but the backlog remains a problem. 

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has reiterated his concerns, stressing that poor management isn’t just a bureaucratic issue, but a spiritual breach of trust.

 

His Majesty’s Take

During a surprise visit to MoRA on July 8, 2025, His Majesty wanted to know why applicants still have to go through countless field visits and long waiting times.

“Is it not enough for officers from the zakat department to team up with village heads to quickly check on applicants’ situations?” - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

The Sultan pointed out that mismanaging zakat is “a sin” if it doesn’t reach those in need promptly and fairly. He reminded everyone that giving zakat is a religious duty, not an option.

“Zakat is a sacred obligation. Ignoring it weakens our community and harms our spiritual well-being,” he said, urging for more public education through Friday sermons, targeted outreach, and media coverage.

He also suggested forming a national steering committee to oversee zakat, wakaf, and Baitulmal governance - including religious leaders, private-sector pros, and National Welfare System (SKN) reps - to boost accountability and performance.

 

Reform Blueprint: Four Key Changes

At the Legislative Council session on August 5, 2025, the Minister of Religious Affairs laid out a plan for reforming zakat governance under the new Jabatan Urusan Zakat, Wakaf dan Baitulmal (JUZWAB), which started in July 2023.

The plan focuses on four main areas:

1. Organisational changes - JUZWAB now has six specialised divisions, including one for data systems and another for the Program Pengupayaan Asnaf Zakat (PROPAZ), aimed at economic empowerment.
2. Going digital - They’re rolling out pilot programs to use AI and blockchain for automated identity checks, eligibility assessments, and tracking.
3. Building skills - A new service scheme for JUZWAB officers has been approved, focusing on hiring, promoting, and training in areas like accounting and finance.
4. Better data monitoring - They’re working closely with SKN for real-time poverty mapping and to prevent duplicate applications.

On paper, the reforms are showing results. Processing times for SKN assistance applications have dropped from an average of 294–295 days in 2023 to 54–55 days in the first half of 2025. 

But the stats also reveal a harsh truth: 5,951 applications are still unresolved, with 2,422 stuck in “inquiry” status, and many more in various stages of investigation.

 

Ongoing Issues

The minister admitted there are still operational challenges:

• Incomplete paperwork from applicants leaves over 2,300 cases hanging.  
• Staff shortages - the same small group of officers has to handle an average of 556 new applications each month while trying to clear backlogs.
• Tech gaps - even with digital tools, a lot of the work still relies on manual processes.

In a rare acknowledgement, the ministry agreed that open sessions at district and mukim levels with applicants could help clarify decisions, clear up misunderstandings, and ease application congestion.

 

Housing Aid and the Al-Gharimin Example

Housing is a big part of zakat aid. Since 2009, when a decision was made to release large accumulated zakat funds, the ministry has built 125 houses for asnaf and has three more under construction costing BND 236,231.30. 

Another 30 houses are in the planning phase with a budget of BND 4.56 million, while 13 houses are waiting for contractors at an estimated BND 1.73 million.

Rental assistance is also a significant commitment. As of July 9, 2025, 317 asnaf households are receiving rental support totalling BND 3.32 million annually.

This echoes the 2009 “floodgates” moment the minister described, when accumulated zakat, then in the hundreds of millions, was quickly distributed to settle housing debts under the al-Gharimin category and fund new home construction.

That decision broke a long-standing pattern of under-distribution but also led to a spike in applications.

 

The SKN Connection

The SKN, managed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports through JAPEM, was established to unify welfare data, prevent aid duplication, and profile households for targeted assistance. 

It uses tools like poverty mapping through Power BI to pinpoint geographic and demographic patterns of need.

However, the system currently only profiles existing aid recipients and applicants, leaving out potentially vulnerable households not in the database. 

Plans are in place to expand SKN to include data from old-age pensions, disability allowances, and other assistance programs. 

This move could improve targeting, but it will need significant resources and cooperation between agencies.

 

Public Sentiment: Trust Issues

While official reports highlight reform and efficiency, public feedback tells a different story. Online discussions are full of claims about years-long delays, underpayment or non-payment to amil collectors, and murkiness around zakat fund management.

One popular sentiment reads:

“It’s public money, not government money. It’s amanah from the Creator, and they’re taking their sweet time in air-conditioned offices while people suffer.”

Others have started bypassing official channels, giving zakat fitrah directly to needy families to make sure funds are used within the same year, showing a trust gap in the system.

There are even stories of promised repairs to unsafe homes going unfulfilled, with residents passing away before help arrived. For critics, these stories highlight the disconnect between policy intentions and real-life experiences.

 

Empowerment vs. Dependency

His Majesty has repeatedly stressed that zakat should be a bridge to kemerdekaan hidup - independence in life - not just a permanent income stream.

In his July 8 speech, he warned against normalising long-term aid dependency, urging that financial assistance should be paired with skills training, financial literacy, and support for entrepreneurship.

Programs like PROPAZ aim to embody this principle, but challenges remain in scaling up, monitoring, and ensuring that empowerment initiatives truly meet the needs of recipients.

 

Lessons from the Past and Ongoing Challenges

The 2009 decision to speed up zakat distribution was a game-changer - but also a cautionary tale. 

Then, as now, the risk was in systems unprepared for rising demand. Back then, releasing large funds to pay off housing debts and finance new construction led to a flood of new applicants. 

Today, the bottlenecks are different - digital processes instead of paper files, AI on the horizon - but the core tension between available funds and timely disbursement remains.

Another challenge is public understanding of zakat obligations. The ministry has ramped up outreach through its website, Facebook and Instagram, and even push notifications via DST’s MyDST app. 

Yet the fact that many applications are incomplete suggests that both public knowledge of requirements and guidance during the application process need improvement.

 

A Test of Governance and Faith

For Bruneians who find themselves in the “invisible gap” - not poor enough to meet strict official criteria but not financially secure - zakat can be the key to stability or hardship. 

Each unresolved application and each delayed payment isn’t just a number; it directly affects human dignity.

The stakes are more than just administrative. They go to the heart of the nation’s Melayu Islam Beraja identity, where governance is about more than just laws and policies; it involves moral responsibility. 

His Majesty’s interventions frame zakat governance as both a test of public administration and a reflection of spiritual values.

As the Sultan reminded everyone:

“Mismanaging zakat isn’t just inefficient — it’s a sin.”

(MHO/08/2025)

 

 

 

 

 

Wawasan 2035: Are We Still on Track - Or Just Talking?

"The clock isn’t the enemy. Timid thinking is.

Brunei’s Wawasan 2035 has less than a decade left, but the real challenge isn’t time—it’s whether we dare to use our full strengths as a sovereign nation. We have the tools, talent, and resources. What’s missing is the bold execution to match our ambitions."

 

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO 

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: With just under ten years left to hit the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035, the recent Legislative Council sessions put accountability to the test. Lawmakers urged ministries not just to share plans but to actually deliver results that people can see and feel.

The discussions revolved around the Manpower Blueprint, Social Blueprint, and Economic Blueprint, which are the guiding frameworks for national policy. 

Members repeatedly stressed that the time for trial and error is running out, and we need to focus on bold actions, quick implementation, and rebuilding public trust in the coming years.

Legislative Pressure Meets Public Voice

Ministers faced tough questions about slow progress, agencies working in isolation, and the gap between what officials say and what citizens experience. 

Outside the chamber, these talks spilt into the public sphere. 

Commentators pushed for a stronger emphasis on concrete steps and fully using policy options to tackle youth unemployment, speed up infrastructure projects, and boost essential industries. 

Inside, the main supporter of the motion highlighted that Wawasan 2035 needs to lead to real outcomes that people can feel, backed by a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, along with transparency and accountability.

Ministry Highlights and Pledges

Transport & Infocommunications: Reported 98.7% 5G coverage, ongoing smart transport integration, and aims to handle 1.5 million air passengers in 2024, with seaports expected to manage 38.6 million tonnes of cargo.

Health: Improvements in life expectancy, reduced NCD mortality, a decline in smoking rates to 13.4%, and an 8.4-point rise in physical activity through preventive health and wellness programs.

Culture, Youth & Sports: Over BND40 million funnelled into youth-led projects across creative, digital, agri-tech, and sports sectors under the Boost scheme, along with capacity-building programs and regional competitions to showcase Brunei’s youth talent.

Home Affairs: The Strategic Plan 2023–2027 commits to working together, urban renewal in districts, village entrepreneurship initiatives, and stricter oversight to regain public trust.

Primary Resources & Tourism: Pushing forward with precision agriculture, modern aquaculture, conservation-linked tourism, and a national cold-chain logistics initiative for food security and MSME competitiveness.

Economy & Finance: Non-oil and gas sectors now make up over 50% of GDP, with about 60% of exports coming from these industries. Major projects include the Triple-A chemical plant (2027), PMB Decommissioning Yard (2026), JETS solar-AI aquaculture, and targeted fiscal policies to attract foreign investment while boosting SME financing.

Education: Targeted reforms to tackle skills mismatches, modernise curricula, expand STEM and technical education, improve teacher training, upgrade school facilities, and strengthen industry partnerships to ensure graduates are employable.

Religious Affairs: Programs aligning with Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) principles to instil moral and cultural values into governance, with initiatives to enhance religious literacy and community harmony.

Foreign Affairs: Expanding ASEAN integration, establishing targeted bilateral agreements, and promoting regional skill exchanges to boost Brunei’s global competitiveness.

Defence: Strengthening defence diplomacy, joint readiness, and inter-agency coordination for national resilience, plus investing in cybersecurity and humanitarian assistance capabilities.

From Plans to Action

Youth unemployment remains high at 18.3%, highlighting the need for targeted employment programs, quicker project approvals, and a results-oriented public service culture. 

Brunei has the frameworks; the real challenge is whether it can leverage its strengths - sovereign policy space, unity, and financial stability - to make bold investments in people and infrastructure. 

The clock is ticking, and 2035 will reveal the nation’s political will and ability to turn promises into real progress. (MHO/08/2025)

 

 

Brunei di Pentas Dunia: Dari Dewan Musyawarah ke Dewan Rakyat dan Dewan Negara

“Beta menegaskan, sistem musyawarah yang diamalkan negara hendaklah terus diperkukuh, supaya suara rakyat dapat didengar, pandangan dapat dibincang, dan keputusan diambil dengan penuh timbang rasa. Ini adalah teras Melayu Islam Beraja yang tidak boleh diketepikan.”

— Petikan Titah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia, Sambutan Hari Keputeraan ke-75, 15 Julai 2021

Pembukaan: Satu Keputusan Bersejarah

Dalam suasana tenang tetapi penuh makna di Dewan Majlis Mesyuarat Negara (MMN), satu keputusan diambil sebulat suara: Brunei Darussalam akan menyertai Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) dan Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

Keputusan ini bukan sekadar kertas yang diluluskan. Ia adalah isyarat - bahawa Dewan Musyawarah Brunei bersedia membuka pintu lebih luas, berhubung dengan dunia luar, dan menyuarakan pandangan negara di pentas global.

Dalam tradisi Melayu, langkah ini ibarat menjemput tetamu ke serambi rumah; dalam politik, ia seperti membuka tingkap supaya udara segar masuk, sambil tetap memastikan pintu pagar berkunci rapi.

Pentas Global, Citra Negara

IPU dan CPA bukanlah kelab eksklusif tanpa erti. IPU, yang berpusat di Geneva, adalah jaringan global parlimen-parlimen dunia, tempat bertukar pandangan, membincang isu kemanusiaan, keamanan, dan pembangunan. 

CPA pula adalah wadah parlimen negara-negara Komanwel untuk membina kapasiti dan memperkukuh demokrasi.

Keanggotaan Brunei dalam kedua-dua organisasi ini akan membuka ruang:

• Untuk mempelajari amalan terbaik parlimen negara lain,
• Memperkenalkan amalan musyawarah berteraskan Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) sebagai model unik,
• Dan mengasah keupayaan ahli MMN berdebat di gelanggang antarabangsa.

Bagi masyarakat dunia, langkah ini membawa harapan. Harapan bahawa Brunei akan mengorak langkah ke arah pembaharuan demokratik yang tersendiri - evolusi, bukan revolusi.

Akar Demokrasi Brunei: Dari 1950-an ke Hari Ini

Sejarah politik Brunei pernah menyaksikan denyut demokrasi yang kencang. 

Pada 1950-an dan awal 1960-an, Parti Rakyat Brunei (PRB) muncul sebagai gerakan politik yang berjaya memenangi kerusi dalam Majlis Undangan Negeri melalui pilihan raya 1962. 

Tokoh seperti A.M. Azahari, Abdul Hapidz bin Haji Abdul Razak (Hafidz Laksamana), Yasin Affendy dan lain-lain mencatat sejarah bahawa politik berparti dan pilihan raya pernah menjadi realiti.

Namun, peristiwa Pemberontakan 8 Disember 1962 - yang dalam naratif rasmi disebut sebagai Pemberontakan Bersenjata atau Insiden Brunei - menutup pintu kepada demokrasi berpilihan raya. 

Dari situ, Brunei menumpukan kepada sistem monarki mutlak berteraskan MIB, dengan Majlis Mesyuarat Negara berfungsi sebagai badan penasihat.

Inilah konteks yang perlu difahami apabila kita menilai keputusan Brunei menyertai IPU dan CPA. Ia bukan pengulangan sejarah PRB, tetapi mungkin satu permulaan kepada bentuk baharu keterlibatan rakyat.

Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP): Pewaris Semangat Politik Sah

Ditubuhkan secara sah pada 2005 oleh sekumpulan tokoh yang sebahagiannya berasal daripada generasi pejuang kemerdekaan, Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP) kini kekal sebagai satu-satunya parti politik berdaftar di Brunei.

NDP bukan parti pembangkang dalam erti kata Barat, tetapi sebuah wadah yang bergerak dalam ruang dibenarkan undang-undang, memperjuangkan pembangunan berteraskan MIB.

Peranan NDP dalam konteks keanggotaan IPU dan CPA amat signifikan. 

Dengan statusnya, NDP mampu menjadi jambatan antara aspirasi rakyat dengan forum antarabangsa, menyuarakan cadangan dan pandangan yang mengangkat imej negara.

Cadangan Dua Dewan: NDP Membawa Idea Reformasi

Antara cadangan berani NDP ialah pembentukan semula Majlis Mesyuarat Negara kepada dua dewan:

1. Dewan Rendah (Dewan Rakyat) - Dianggotai oleh wakil rakyat yang dipilih secara langsung, menjadi suara rakyat dari seluruh daerah.      
2. Dewan Tinggi (Dewan Negara) - Dianggotai oleh individu yang dilantik kerana kepakaran, pengalaman, atau kedudukan tertentu, berperanan menyemak dan menilai keputusan Dewan Rendah dengan pandangan jangka panjang.

Cadangan ini tidak menyalin bulat-bulat sistem luar. Ia disesuaikan dengan acuan MIB, di mana proses pemilihan dan pelantikan boleh digabung secara bijaksana. 

Dalam bahasa Usman Awang: “Di bawah payung emas raja, kita bentang tikar rakyat; di situlah kita duduk bersama, berpandang muka, bertukar kata.”

Kaitannya dengan IPU dan CPA jelas:

• Struktur dua dewan akan memudahkan Brunei setara dengan negara-negara lain yang menjadi ahli.
• Ia memperkukuh fungsi semak imbang dalam pembikinan dasar.
• Ia memberi ruang lebih luas kepada rakyat untuk terlibat, tanpa menjejaskan kedaulatan monarki.

Demokrasi Dalam Bingkai MIB

Bagi sesetengah pihak di luar, demokrasi hanya sah bila semua pemimpin dipilih melalui undi rakyat. Tetapi di Brunei, demokrasi mengambil bentuk yang unik: musyawarah di bawah naungan Sultan.

Penyertaan dalam IPU dan CPA boleh menjadi platform untuk menjelaskan kepada dunia bahawa demokrasi tidak tunggal bentuknya. 

Di bawah MIB, prinsip keadilan, kesejahteraan rakyat, dan keluhuran budi menjadi inti, walaupun sistemnya tidak identik dengan Westminster atau Washington.

Seperti kata seorang negarawan: “Tidak semua pohon tumbuh dari benih yang sama, tetapi semua mencari cahaya yang satu.”

Harapan & Tanggungjawab

Dengan menyertai IPU dan CPA, tanggungjawab Brunei bertambah. Ahli MMN yang menjadi delegasi harus mampu:

• Menguasai isu antarabangsa,
• Menyampaikan pendirian negara dengan jelas dan berwibawa,
• Menunjukkan bahawa MIB adalah model pemerintahan yang stabil dan relevan.

Bagi rakyat, ini peluang untuk melihat suara mereka - walaupun melalui proses yang berbeza  - bergema di forum antarabangsa. 

Bagi NDP, ini peluang untuk mengemukakan idea-idea yang membina, termasuk cadangan dua dewan, agar Brunei terus maju tanpa meninggalkan akar budaya.

Refleksi Sejarah, Menatap Masa Depan

Jika kita menoleh ke belakang, sejarah politik Brunei penuh warna: dari pilihan raya 1962, peristiwa 8 Disember, pembentukan sistem monarki mutlak, hinggalah ke hari ini di mana MMN bersidang setiap tahun. 

Langkah menyertai IPU dan CPA adalah bab baharu dalam perjalanan ini.

Persoalannya: adakah ini sekadar simbol, atau permulaan pembaharuan yang lebih luas? Jawapannya bergantung pada kesungguhan kita mengisi ruang yang terbuka - dengan keberanian, kebijaksanaan, dan keikhlasan.

Penutup

Di serambi sejarah ini, kita berdiri antara dua tebing: satu tebing adalah masa lalu yang sarat pelajaran, satu lagi adalah masa depan yang masih kosong halaman. 

Kita punya peluang menulisnya dengan tinta emas - jika kita berani bermusyawarah dengan hati terbuka, dan berpegang pada amanah rakyat.

Raja dan rakyat sama setia,
Bekerjasama tiada kecuriga,
Bermuafakat kita bersama,
Supaya aman sentosa negara tercinta.
Petikan Syair Perlembagaan Negeri Brunei, Al-Marhum Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien

MHO/08/2025