Can Brunei Deliver a More Just and Efficient Welfare System?

His Majesty’s latest titah reveals more than just inefficiency in Brunei’s welfare system - it exposes the quiet erosion of trust, dignity, and spiritual accountability. 

Can a high-income nation still fall short in uplifting its own? Read the full feature: A deep dive into Brunei’s zakat governance and why meaningful reform is more urgent than ever.

By Malai Hassan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan, 9 July 2025: The administration of Brunei’s zakat system has come under renewed scrutiny following an unscheduled royal inspection by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Tuesday, 8 July 2025. 

His visit to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) cast a spotlight on persistent delays, inefficiencies, and governance flaws that have long troubled Brunei’s welfare delivery framework.

This latest titah is both a reaffirmation of Brunei’s commitment to Islamic governance and a moral reckoning, calling for immediate, systemic reform.

“Is it not sufficient for officers from the zakat department to conduct field visits together with village heads to quickly assess the actual conditions of applicants?” His Majesty asked during the surprise inspection.

The question resonated loudly. Applicants - some of whom wait weeks, even months, for basic aid continue to report inconsistent assessments, excessive documentation demands, and repeated visits without resolution. These delays represent more than administrative shortcomings—they are stories of distress and dignity deferred.

A History of Unfinished Reform

This is not the first time Brunei’s zakat system has drawn royal and public scrutiny. In 2023, His Majesty conducted a similar unannounced visit that led to a review of several welfare departments, including the Jabatan Urusan Zakat, Waqaf dan Baitulmal. 

MoRA responded with assurances that reforms were underway to empower the asnaf and uphold Brunei's Islamic governance ethos - Melayu Islam Beraja.

Yet five years later, many of the same frustrations persist. Poor communication, inconsistent standards, and slow evaluation continue to undermine public confidence. 

The emotional toll remains palpable. In July 2024, a viral post under “KopiTalk with MHO” documented the heartbreaking story of a woman forced to publicly plead for assistance, kneeling in desperation. A December 2024 follow-up editorial questioned whether reforms were reaching those who needed them most.

The Economics Behind the Expectations

Brunei’s macroeconomic metrics paint a picture of affluence. Classified as a high-income country, its GDP per capita exceeds USD 37,000, ranking second in ASEAN behind Singapore. 

The average monthly income per employed person stands at BND 1,536. But these numbers often mask the uneven terrain of lived realities.

Many Bruneians rely on multi-generational households to stretch income, navigate rising costs, and contend with job insecurity. Shared housing and quiet hardship are common, but rarely reflected in statistics. While the Ministry interprets the decline in zakat recipients as a marker of progress, public scepticism is growing.

Extreme poverty is rare, but "near-poverty" is poorly defined. No official poverty line exists. Without a reliable measure, policy responses become reactive, not strategic.

Unofficial estimates suggest that over 40% of Bruneians may live near the threshold of financial insecurity, though recent government data to confirm this is lacking. 

In 2022, Brunei recorded over 37,000 applications under the National Welfare System (SKN) - a figure that challenges the notion of universal prosperity in a population of just 450,000.

Zakat’s Deeper Dimensions

Zakat is not merely an institutional mechanism - it is a foundational pillar of Islamic identity and Brunei’s social compact. His Majesty’s remarks drew attention not just to governance lapses, but to the moral responsibility of every Muslim to pay zakat faithfully.

“Zakat is a sacred obligation. When neglected, it weakens communal welfare and undermines our spiritual integrity,” His Majesty reminded.

The monarch urged MoRA to expand its public outreach through Friday sermons, television announcements, and community engagement campaigns to reinforce zakat’s significance. 

This was not only a message to administrators, but a direct call to the faithful: to honour the divine obligation of zakat, and to recognise that neglect diminishes both community and soul.

Building Systems of Trust and Empowerment

In his titah, His Majesty called for the establishment of a steering committee to oversee zakat and wakaf administration. This committee would bring together religious scholars, private sector experts, and SKN representatives, reflecting a commitment to multi-sector collaboration.

He also stressed the importance of digital transformation, demanding a system that is “efficient, fast, accurate, and consistent.” 

A digital zakat application pilot programme has now begun in selected districts, promising to automate field inputs, reduce documentation barriers, and provide real-time updates to applicants.

But technology alone cannot restore trust.

Mismanagement of zakat, the Sultan warned, is not just a failure of paperwork - it is a failure of duty, of conscience, and faith.

Critics argue that zakat funds have occasionally been used to cover housing loans and long-term debts, a move that risks fostering dependence if not linked to empowerment strategies. 

His Majesty clarified this stance: Zakat should serve as temporary relief, not a permanent subsidy. Recipients must be uplifted toward self-reliance, not left in perpetual vulnerability.

“Zakat is meant to empower, not sustain dependency. Its true purpose is kemerdekaan hidup,” His Majesty said.

Programmes like PROPAZ - intended to link recipients to job opportunities, microfinancing, and skill development - are now under close evaluation. 

His Majesty has requested written reports detailing zakat disbursement delays, asnaf eligibility criteria, and the success rate of empowerment schemes.

A Broader Framework for Poverty Analysis

Academic research has begun to question Brunei’s approach to poverty metrics. A 2023 study by Gweshengwe and Noor Hasharina, published in SEA Journal Vol. 19, examined spatial and locational disadvantages in public housing schemes. Their findings highlighted that poverty in Brunei is not just economic - it is multidimensional, shaped by poor access to opportunity, weak social capital, and structural isolation.

Scholars now advocate using a capability approach, measuring whether welfare recipients achieve dignity, self-determination, and improved well-being. It’s a lens that goes beyond numerical targets to ask deeper questions: Are people truly better off? Are lives transformed, not just temporarily supported?

Without such nuance, Brunei’s goal of “Zero Poverty by 2035” may remain aspirational.

The Road Ahead

Brunei stands at a crossroads. His Majesty’s titah was not just a policy prompt - it was a moral declaration, placing integrity, justice, and compassion at the heart of governance.

Reform is already underway. Digital tools are in the pilot stage. Oversight committees are being formed. But unless these changes translate into timely aid, transparent processes, and holistic empowerment, public confidence will continue to erode.

The zakat system must evolve - not just technologically, but philosophically. It must reflect the best of Brunei: faith-driven governance, community upliftment, and a sacred promise of justice for all.

Whether Brunei rises to meet this challenge will define not only its welfare policy but the spiritual and social soul of the nation. (MHO/07/2025)

 

 

Brunei Shakes Up Healthcare Policy, Offering Relief and Raising Questions

“I can finally sleep at night knowing my mother’s dialysis won’t drain our savings,” says a grateful stateless resident. As Brunei reforms its public healthcare policy, lives are changing  - but not without growing pains.

By Malai Hassan Othman [KopiTalk with MHO]

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 06 JULY 2025: In response to ongoing concerns about shifting demographics, equitable resource allocation and rising healthcare costs, Brunei's health ministry has introduced a significant policy shift, granting free healthcare to stateless permanent residents, marking a decisive step towards inclusive medical care and reducing financial hardship for approximately 20,000 individuals.

Effective immediately, stateless residents with Purple IC cards now receive comprehensive medical treatments, including costly cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease therapies, at no charge, aligning their benefits closely with Bruneian citizens.

Previously, stateless permanent residents had access to free medication but faced steep bills for surgical interventions. Additionally, their registration fee for hospital visits has been slashed from BND$3 to BND$1, matching the rate for citizens holding Yellow ICs.

The Ministry of Health described the policy as fulfilling "His Majesty’s government’s commitment to inclusive, accessible healthcare," aiming explicitly to alleviate financial hardship among stateless communities.

Dato Seri Dr Isham noted the move is also a practical response to Brunei’s growing stateless population and rising chronic disease rates, both of which require a more equitable healthcare financing framework.

“By removing financial obstacles, we can encourage early medical intervention and preventive care,” said Health Minister Dato Seri Setia Dr Isham Jaafar, commenting on the policy’s potential to improve public health outcomes.

Explaining the rationale, Dato Seri Dr Isham stated in an earlier announcement that the policy ensures resources are focused on those who have no other recourse: "We must ensure healthcare subsidies reach those most in need, especially the stateless who lack any national support elsewhere."

However, the policy has sparked debate, as it simultaneously ends subsidised healthcare for permanent residents who hold foreign citizenship, imposing full charges for medical treatments and specialist referrals.

This decision notably impacted families of foreign-national permanent residents who previously enjoyed subsidised healthcare due to marriage to Bruneian citizens. 

One concerned commenter shared: "A lot of patients with PR IC holders (foreign passports) are affected by this new system. They have to cancel their cancer treatments at JPMC because they couldn’t afford to pay the bills. I feel bad for them."

Although the government had formally communicated the policy change in advance, public perception suggests that not everyone felt adequately informed. 

One commenter noted: "The manner in which this MOH fee payment was launched speaks of bigger problems on the horizon. It was rushed. I'm sure nurses haven't been trained on the costs of procedures and medication. There was no stakeholder engagement."

Supporters of the government's move argue that Brunei must focus resources effectively and sustainably, emphasising that foreign citizens worldwide typically bear full healthcare costs outside their home countries.

One online advocate remarked: "This step is logical. If you maintain a foreign nationality, it is fair to expect to pay healthcare costs or arrange insurance, as is standard globally."

Nevertheless, healthcare advocates recommend a balanced approach. 

An anonymous healthcare advocate suggested individual case reviews, particularly for ongoing treatments, saying, "A compassionate transitional phase would prevent sudden financial hardship."

Brunei's government faces the intricate challenge of managing financial sustainability while addressing healthcare needs fairly. The Ministry of Health pledged extensive outreach to clarify the policy, easing its practical rollout and helping families navigate the changes.

To address confusion, the ministry is actively engaging with community leaders, ensuring affected individuals understand the policy implications and available alternatives, such as private insurance or support through charitable health funds. 

Insurance providers, including Takaful Brunei Am and National Insurance Company Berhad, are now offering new or expanded packages tailored for expatriates and PRs with foreign citizenship. 

These plans include minimum coverage of BND 100,000, per the phased implementation starting 1 July 2025, expanding again in January 2026. 

“BITA encourages all affected individuals and employers to consult with licensed insurance companies and takaful operators in Brunei to explore suitable medical insurance/takaful plans that comply with the new requirement,” noted a BITA manager, underscoring how the shift is already prompting insurers to introduce targeted plans for PRs and expatriates in Brunei. 

Insurance providers may also see this policy shift as an opportunity to expand tailored plans for expatriates and foreign-national PRs, possibly stimulating a new segment in Brunei’s private health insurance market. 

For permanent residents with foreign citizenship already undergoing treatment, phased implementation strategies, such as allowing treatment to continue under previous terms or arranging manageable payment plans, could help mitigate the impact.

The dialogue surrounding healthcare equity continues, raising crucial questions about citizenship, fairness, and fiscal responsibility as Brunei strides towards a healthcare system designed for sustainable inclusivity. 

This policy evolution underscores Brunei’s balancing act between compassion and fiscal prudence in its national development agenda. (MHO/07/2025)

RKN 12: Renewed Hope, But an Unfinished Past Haunts the Path Forward

A bold new vision charts Brunei’s course to 2029 — with renewed focus on healthcare, jobs, digital access, and community uplift.

The challenges of the past still echo, but a brighter future is within reach — if we choose to confront them. #BruneiRKN12 #HopeInAction #NationBuilding #KopiTalkWithMHO

By Malai Hassan Othman | Kopi Talk with MHO

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 02 JULY 2025: Brunei’s Twelfth National Development Plan (RKN12) sets out an ambitious roadmap to strengthen the nation's socioeconomic foundations and move us closer to achieving Wawasan 2035. 

However, how we deliver it matters more than how we design it. 

At the heart of this plan is the wise and visionary guidance of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who reminded all stakeholders to ensure that RKN12 does not merely remain a plan on paper.

“Let us ensure that this Plan does not merely remain on paper…”

This powerful reminder sets the tone for what the people hope will be a turning point. 

His Majesty has entrusted this vision not only to institutions but also to every citizen who wants to see the country prosper. 

The rakyat has a role to play - not as passive recipients, but as engaged partners. 

This is not a matter of criticism. It is a shared responsibility to ensure no promise is left unfulfilled. 

RKN12 outlines 305 development projects with a proposed budget of BND4 billion.

However, behind the numbers lies a critical question: how many of these are new, and how many are carried forward from RKN11? 

By March 2024, only 54 out of 221 projects under RKN11 had been completed. 

The rest were delayed or shelved - some reportedly due to unresolved procurement issues or a lack of cross-agency coordination. 

One such example is the long-stalled infrastructure enhancement project in Temburong District -  initially celebrated as a local economic enabler, but now cited in private contractor circles as a textbook case of midstream delays and cash flow strain.

Brunei’s GDP contracted by -1.8% in Q1,2025, while per capita income declined from BND51,645 (2022) to BND44,996 (2024). 

These figures are more than statistics; they mirror real-life frustrations.

“Our invoices are approved, but payments take months,” one local contractor shared quietly. “We’re not asking for more - just for the system to honour its end of the deal.”

His Majesty’s concern about inefficiencies is echoed in the Brunei Economic Blueprint, which charts a path toward a dynamic and diversified economy. 

Yet progress has been uneven, and the gap between vision and delivery persists. 

The public today seeks transparency, urgency, and follow-through. 

A national plan must be more than a document - it must drive transformation, especially in how government agencies interact with the public and the private sector. Key questions arise:

• Why do payments lag despite budget approvals?

• Why are SMEs struggling with cash flow and confidence?

• Why hasn’t diversification translated into stronger economic resilience?

This is not about assigning blame. It is about aligning action with vision - and ensuring that the public service becomes a force for delivery, not delay. 

We write not to criticise, but to uphold the trust placed in this nation’s future.

To ensure that planning is matched by performance, and ambition by accountability. 

RKN12 must not only look good on paper - it must lead to visible, measurable progress in people’s lives. 

That requires disciplined execution, timely decisions, and a genuine culture of service. 

If the Plan succeeds, it is a shared victory. If it falters, the consequences are national. 

The stakes are not political - they are about the future of Brunei and the well-being of its people. 

We remain watchful - not with suspicion, but with resolve. 

We stand with His Majesty’s vision, watching, listening, and doing our part to ensure the promise of RKN12 reaches every corner of this country. 

We echo His Majesty’s call - not just in words, but through active engagement and constructive vigilance. Because true loyalty is not silent. It speaks with care and with courage. (MHO/07/2025)

Brunei’s Employment Paradox: Time for a Rethink?

🔎 Why are Brunei's youth jobless, while foreign workers fill our vacancies?
A broken system, rising resentment, and a forgotten Islamic solution may hold the answer.

Is it time we rethink everything—from how we educate, to how we value work, to how we revive WAQF?

👉 Read more below.

 By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 25 JUNE 2025: A local business owner recently expressed his frustration with his car detailing centre, which closed within a year, not due to a lack of customers, but because local workers were "AWOL, unreliable, or quit after minor inconveniences."

Another seasoned employer shared similar concerns: “Young locals earning decent salaries vanish without notice. Yet, some remain excellent, committed, and battle-ready.” 

These accounts illustrate a stark paradox in Brunei’s economy: rising unemployment and underemployment despite an increasing reliance on foreign workers. 

Locals often lament, “Foreign workers take our jobs.” However, we must pause to consider whether foreigners are truly the problem or if our employment system itself is fundamentally flawed.

One candid observer online remarked, "Locals complain about jobs but disappear during training. Employers lose money repeatedly teaching newcomers who rarely stay." 

According to the latest national labour statistics, Brunei's youth unemployment rate is 14.6% as of 2024, and more than one in five graduates are underemployed, stuck in low-paying jobs that do not match their qualifications. 

Furthermore, Brunei ranks 11th globally in terms of relative poverty, with 43.7% of its population living on or near the edge of economic insecurity. 

Foreign workers, often earning far less and enduring harsher conditions, frequently outperform locals in many sectors. Consequently, companies opt for foreign labour not just for cost savings, but for reliability and productivity.

It is an uncomfortable truth that we must confront. As one online commentator bluntly stated, "Bruneians need a culture shift - pride in punctuality and work ethic." 

Yet, it is unfair to place all the blame on local workers. Structural factors - including stagnant wages, uncertain career growth, and skills mismatches - also contribute to this employment crisis. 

A young Bruneian graduate expressed online, "I spent years working toward my degree, believing it would open doors. Instead, I’m locked out of every opportunity I worked so hard for." Another comment, steeped in sarcasm, noted: “Requirement: degree, 50 years of experience, under 30 years old, salary $400.” This resonates too closely with reality.

For years, Brunei has attempted to address this paradox using conventional, often Western-inspired, economic models, such as labour quotas, vocational retraining, fiscal incentives, and attracting foreign investment. 

However, progress has been slow. The same vacancies continue to resurface, and the same frustrations echo. 

The prevalent economic model treats work as a commodity and workers as mere units of productivity. 

Yet, in Brunei's socio-cultural fabric, employment signifies more than that - it embodies moral duty, dignity, and communal trust.

Despite efforts to tackle these issues, results remain disappointing. The gap between job market needs and educational outcomes continues to widen. 

In his thought-provoking paper, Our Education System: What Went Wrong? Is There Any Hope Through Islamic Microfinance Enterprise? Dr. Saad Al-Harran critiques Brunei’s education-employment mismatch, asserting that our current model prioritises academic theory over vocational skills, resulting in graduates ill-prepared for the job market. 

He calls for a shift toward hands-on training and entrepreneurial development, grounded in Islamic values such as trustworthiness, hard work, and community responsibility. 

This shift involves not just a technical adjustment, but a fundamental rethinking of what we define as "success."

This brings us to an often-overlooked yet deeply rooted Bruneian solution: WAQF. 

Long before foreign aid or modern welfare, WAQF sustained communities across the Muslim world by funding schools, markets, clinics, and livelihoods. 

Today, WAQF provides more than just nostalgia; it presents a framework for economic dignity. 

Countries like Indonesia and Turkey are rediscovering their potential through modern tools like the "Cash WAQF Linked Sukuk." 

For instance, Indonesia’s WAQF Board oversees numerous cash and asset-based initiatives that fund education and employment.

In Brunei, untapped WAQF lands and dormant charitable trusts - if professionally managed - could become launchpads for upskilling hubs, agri-tech startups, or community-run B40 cooperatives. 

For Brunei, WAQF is not just a tool; it is part of our civilizational DNA. It aligns with our national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja, establishing itself as a culturally authentic framework for economic development.

Imagine Brunei adopting the concept of "Waqudgeting" - a budgeting system that prioritises expenditures not only for economic return but also for spiritual and social outcomes. 

Under this model, education, healthcare, and infrastructure would be seen as sacred investments in the ummah, rather than mere expenses. 

Transforming idle lands into skill academies, community farms, or entrepreneurial incubators - managed as WAQF assets - could generate long-term benefits for society.

The challenge now lies with policymakers. There is a pressing need for systemic reform that aligns education, finance, and employment policies with Brunei’s ethical and cultural values. 

Initial steps might include establishing a National WAQF Economic Development Board, launching pilot microfinance schemes for youth, and integrating vocational training institutions with WAQF-supported industries such as halal agriculture, Islamic fashion, or sustainable logistics.

To truly honour Wawasan 2035, we must go beyond policy papers and GDP metrics; we need to reconnect with our roots - ethically, spiritually, and economically. 

Wawasan 2035 envisions an educated, skilled, and dynamic population, but this vision cannot be achieved through paperwork alone. 

It requires a return to our soul - to a development model that reconciles economics with ethics, ensures that youth are not abandoned, and guarantees that progress does not come at the expense of purpose.

Let’s initiate this dialogue earnestly. Policymakers, educators, business leaders, and especially our youth - all have a role in reimagining Brunei’s economic future. 

Ultimately, Brunei's future depends not only on oil and gas but also on people, purpose, and values. Perhaps the answer has been here all along, hidden in plain sight, waiting patiently to be rediscovered. (MHO/06/2025)

 

From Blueprint to Burnout: The Cost of Neglecting Brunei’s Workforce

🛠️ From Blueprint to Burnout

🎓 Trained.

💼 Retrenched.

📦 Replaced.

Brunei promised Vision 2035 - a future driven by a skilled, thriving workforce. But hundreds of locals are now out of work, misaligned, or underused.

Why are policies that look perfect on paper failing real people on the ground?

👉 Read the full investigation. The window is still open - but only if we act now.

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 20 JUNE 2025: When Brunei unveiled Vision 2035, it promised a future of prosperity powered by a highly educated, skilled, and resilient workforce. 

Today, that vision is being quietly tested by a series of grim realities. Despite significant investments in education and manpower planning, underemployment, job mismatch, and mass retrenchment in the oil and gas sector have emerged as national concerns.

"They called it a golden handshake, but to many of us, it felt more like a gentle shove," said one former BSP engineer, recently retrenched after nearly two decades in the industry. 

He is one of over 200 employees who accepted early retirement packages at Brunei Shell Petroleum in 2024 as part of strategic cost-cutting efforts. What happens when a country built on hydrocarbons starts shedding the very people who helped sustain its economy?

In theory, the Manpower Blueprint 2020 and Vision 2035 should have cushioned the blow. These policies called for continuous learning, upskilling, and strategic manpower transition. 

But on the ground, many affected workers say there is little more than silence. Some have turned to delivery gigs. Others are searching LinkedIn for overseas jobs. A few have simply given up.

At the heart of this unfolding crisis is a recurring theme: Brunei's human capital is undervalued. 

"Our manpower policies look good on paper. But there is no bridge connecting planning to practice," said a private HR consultant who helps retrenched workers. 

JobCentre Brunei and i-Ready programs were created to absorb local talent, but many applicants report little progress, outdated databases, or placement in mismatched roles. Critics argue that the system does not reflect real-time labour market needs.

Meanwhile, education remains misaligned with economic priorities. A significant number of graduates hold business or ICT degrees - sectors that offer limited local jobs. 

TVET and blue-collar tracks are still viewed as second-class paths, despite the demand for skilled tradespeople. Even the private sector, which the government hopes will be the primary employer of the future, remains dominated by foreign hires. 

This isn't always due to preference but to readiness. "Employers are unsure if our locals are trained for immediate deployment," said one manager. 

What results is a paradox: qualified Bruneians without jobs, and jobs without Bruneians.

Now, with oil and gas jobs shrinking, the time for reform is critical. And yet, no formal strategy for transitioning retrenched O&G workers into renewables, logistics, or manufacturing has been made public. 

It is this void that stirs public frustration. Citizens see investment in mega-projects, but little focus is on the people meant to benefit from them. Without real absorption, training, or support, Brunei risks becoming a place where talent is either exported or wasted.

The Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) was set up to align talent with market needs, but much of its work remains behind closed doors, with few measurable outcomes visible to the public. 

There is a growing call for transparency and a public audit of how the Blueprint has fared. "Brunei’s employment crisis is a structural failure in our economic planning… 

But what if just 10–15 per cent of the national budget was used for job-creating initiatives?" asked one LinkedIn commentator.

Official unemployment stands at 4.8 per cent in late 2024, down slightly from 5.2 per cent the year before. But this fails to capture the broader crisis of underemployment. 

Many degree holders are working in part-time retail or gig jobs, far below their qualifications. This is not just an economic issue - it is a national dignity issue.

Other countries in the region have moved more decisively. Singapore, for instance, created the "SkillsFuture" initiative to offer every citizen credits for lifelong training and upskilling. 

Malaysia's "PenjanaKerjaya" program includes wage subsidies for companies that hire retrenched locals. Even Vietnam has streamlined technical education to match booming sectors like electronics and logistics. 

Brunei could adapt these models to its context, but with a clear commitment to transparency and local participation.

The success of a national vision lies not only in GDP or project completions but in whether the people themselves are thriving. Underlying all this is a broader question: Does Brunei truly treat its people as national assets? 

Because a nation that fails to invest in its people, not just in education, but in continuous development, job transitions, and mental well-being, is a nation preparing for obsolescence.

Vision 2035 remains a noble goal. But goals require guardians. And at this critical juncture, Brunei must decide whether to protect its vision with actions or watch it falter through inaction. 

For the hundreds already retrenched, the answer may come too late. But for the next generation, the window is still open - if we act now. (MHO/06/2025)

 

 

 

BRUNEI OIL EXIT: THE FOURTH WAVE OF PUBLIC RECKONING

Voices are growing stronger. So are the questions.”
Bruneians are speaking up—not out of anger, but out of hope.
Hope for fairness. Hope for change. Hope that someone is listening.
Explore the fourth wave of public response to the oil sector layoffs—and why it matters more than ever.

#BruneiOilExit #ListeningToBruneians #HopeInHardTimes

📉 The momentum intensifies: New voices, sharper questions, deeper unrest.

By Malai Hassan Othman

BELAIT, 16 June 2025: Public reaction to the downsizing of Brunei’s oil sector has entered a new phase - more assertive, urgent, and undeniably consequential. 

If the third wave represented a reckoning, the fourth signals a clear demand: What now? And who will respond? 

Comments across TikTok, WhatsApp groups, Reddit forums, and kopi-shop conversations have shifted from emotional outcries to pointed scrutiny. 

The message is unmistakable: people want action, not just another white paper or aspirational blueprint. 

“Don’t give us goals. Give us results,” said one reader. “We’re tired of seeing locals let go while expats stay.” 

The tension between national loyalty and employment fairness is escalating. 

Reactions to the third article have intensified calls to re-evaluate the effectiveness of localisation efforts, especially in light of repeated job cuts affecting Bruneian workers. 

For many, this issue transcends economics; it’s about identity. One laid-off engineer remarked: “We’re not just losing jobs. We’re losing the belief that the system truly values us.”

The Department of Energy (formerly known as the Ministry of Energy), once seen as a beacon of industrial promise, is now being looked to for clearer communication and reassurance about Brunei’s industrial future. 

Meanwhile, the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) is being asked: Where is the impact of the Brunei National Manpower Blueprint 2020–2025?

“There are no consequences when companies sideline local succession planning,” wrote a former HR officer. “We need MPEC to strengthen its enforcement and accountability mechanisms.” 

A major public concern is the ongoing practice of laying off locals while retaining foreign consultants or regional staff under fly-in-fly-out arrangements. 

“Why are we laying off locals and keeping expats?” echoed another reader. “Is this policy or complacency?” Public suggestions are becoming more targeted and policy-driven: 

• Review contractor practices under the Local Business Development (LBD) framework.

• Disclose actual headcounts and localisation ratios.

• Establish an independent oversight body involving civil society and technical experts.

“We’re tired of NDAs and hush-hush dismissals,” said one technician. “We want sunlight, not shadows.” 

Labour representation is another pressing issue. While BOWU - Brunei’s oil workers’ union - has a collective agreement with BSP and BLNG, it only covers a small subset of staff. 

Thousands of contract workers remain without representation. In contrast, Sarawak’s KAPENAS union recently gained attention for confronting Petronas over its workforce restructuring. Their public stance has resonated with many Bruneians. 

“We don’t need protest,” one reader noted, “but we do need a voice.” 

The national conversation is evolving from mere complaints to constructive proposals: 

·       Move into carbon trading and * aquaculture

·       Prepare oil workers for green energy and tech * sectors

·       Reform technical training to align more closely with real industry demands

“We can’t keep thinking it’s still 2004,” said another reader. “We need a new Brunei for a new economy.” 

The Brunei Economic Outlook 2025 by CSPS projects just 1.0% growth, citing vulnerabilities such as low productivity, oil dependence, and labour market mismatches. 

These systemic risks are what many on the ground have warned about for years. 

As this fourth wave of public response gains momentum, one message is clear: Bruneians are no longer waiting - they’re stepping forward. (MHO/06/2025)