While researching the latest progress and developments on Wawasan Brunei 2035, I stumbled upon an intriguing paper titled "The Role of Mayors in Achieving Brunei Darussalam's Wawasan 2035: Lessons from China" published in the Journal of Strategic and Global Studies.
The paper presents a compelling proposal on how Brunei might benefit from a mayoral system similar to China's decentralised governance.
This article delves into the feasibility and practicality of such a system in Brunei, exploring both the potential advantages and the challenges of integrating this approach within Brunei's unique political and cultural landscape.
Centralised vs. Decentralised Governance
The debate between centralised and decentralised governance is critical in this context.
Brunei's current monarchical system, based on Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) principles, emphasizes central authority, Islamic values, and Malay traditions.
Introducing a decentralised mayoral system could face resistance due to potential disruptions to existing power dynamics.
However, local leadership might enhance governance by providing more responsive and tailored solutions to district-specific issues.
Economic Diversification and Growth
China's economic boom under decentralised governance highlights the potential for localized policies to drive growth and innovation.
Empowering mayors in Brunei to implement district-specific economic strategies could reduce reliance on oil and gas, diversify the economy, and stimulate sustainable development.
Balancing central control with local autonomy is crucial to avoid inefficiencies and resource misallocation.
Improving Public Services
Decentralised governance could lead to improved public services, as local leaders are better positioned to address community needs.
In Brunei, mayors could enhance education, healthcare, and infrastructure at the district level, directly contributing to WAWASAN 2035's goal of a high quality of life for citizens.
However, significant cultural shifts might be necessary given Brunei's deep-rooted traditions and centralised governance model.
Fostering Technological Innovation
Local governance can promote technological innovation, as seen in China's regional tech hubs.
Brunei could similarly benefit by allowing districts to develop bespoke technology solutions to local challenges, aiding national progress towards a dynamic and sustainable economy.
Environmental Management
Decentralised governance allows for tailored environmental policies, addressing specific regional challenges effectively.
Brunei's districts, each with unique ecological landscapes, could benefit from localized environmental initiatives, aligning with WAWASAN 2035's sustainability goals.
Learning from Sarawak
Sarawak, a neighbouring state in Malaysia, provides a local example of successful decentralisation.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has emphasized the importance of decentralising power from the federal government to the Sarawak government.
Sarawak's approach involves setting up nine development agencies, each allocated RM1.5 billion, to decide and conduct development projects in their respective areas.
This bottom-up approach ensures that development is tailored to the specific needs of each community, promoting efficiency and responsiveness.
Pros and Cons of Introducing Mayors in Brunei
The introduction of a mayoral system in Brunei offers several potential benefits.
Localised solutions tailored to district needs could lead to more effective governance and increased public satisfaction.
Decentralised governance could also drive economic diversification and growth, fostering innovation and best practices.
Improved public services would be another advantage, as local leaders would be better positioned to address community needs, thereby enhancing the quality of life and environmental management through district-specific initiatives.
However, there are also significant challenges.
The monarchical system based on MIB principles may resist decentralisation, and the cultural shift required for such a change could be substantial.
Implementing a new governance structure would involve high initial costs and resource demands, with risks of inefficiency and resource misallocation.
Additionally, there is a potential for uneven development across districts, which could lead to inequality.
The risk of duplication of services and increased administrative costs also presents a challenge.
Introducing a decentralised mayoral system in Brunei presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring careful planning and a sensitive approach to the nation's unique political and cultural context.
Achievability
Introducing a decentralised mayoral system in Brunei presents both opportunities and challenges.
While potential benefits are significant, achieving this vision requires careful planning and a sensitive approach to Brunei's unique political and cultural context.
A robust legal framework, strategic planning, and gradual implementation could help Brunei harness the strengths of decentralised governance to realize the ambitious goals of WAWASAN 2035.
As Brunei charts its path towards 2035, the key question remains: Can the nation balance localised innovation and economic growth with its deeply rooted traditions and centralised governance?
The answer lies in strategic foresight, cultural sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to national development. (MHO/08/2024)
References
- Lee, B. T. F., Asihaer, A., & Sims, J. P. (2024). *The Role of Mayors in Achieving Brunei Darussalam's Wawasan 2035: Lessons from China*. Journal of Strategic and Global Studies, 7(1). [Link](https://scholarhub.ui.ac.id/jsgs/vol7/iss1/6)
- Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's comments on decentralization in Sarawak.
No comments:
Post a Comment