As Brunei unveils its ambitious Ministry of Development Strategic Plan for 2024-2029, a deeper look reveals a vision rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and Islamic principles under Maqasid Syariah.
But can promises of a brighter future rise above public scepticism and industry concerns? From construction industry woes to questions of transparency and execution, this is more than just a plan—it’s a test of trust, accountability, and innovation.
Will the nation unite to overcome challenges, or will history repeat itself? Dive into the story behind the strategy.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, NOVEMBER 2024 — With the launch of the Ministry of Development’s (MoD) Strategic Plan for 2024-2029, Brunei appears poised to address some of the most pressing challenges facing its infrastructure and development sectors.
Yet, beneath the lofty goals of improving quality of life, advancing sustainable development, and fostering national prosperity lies a complex narrative of systemic challenges, professional outcry, and public scepticism.
This raises the question of whether this plan will serve as a blueprint for progress or merely be another paper ambition.
The Vision: Sustainability, Innovation, and Inclusivity
The Ministry of Development’s (MoD) strategic plan sets out an ambitious roadmap to transform Brunei’s infrastructure, advance sustainability, and enhance the nation’s quality of life.
Central to this vision is a target to achieve an 80% success rate for key performance indicators (KPIs) by 2029.
However, some observers have raised concerns about the feasibility of these goals.
Critics point to a lack of detailed plans or explicitly defined areas tied to the KPIs, questioning the transparency and practicality of the strategy.
“While the document outlines broad goals like fostering sustainability, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting inclusivity, it lacks the specificity required to measure progress effectively,” commented one observer.
“The absence of clear, measurable KPIs raises concerns about how success will be tracked, accountability ensured, and public trust maintained. Without defined metrics or a robust performance monitoring framework, the plan risks being perceived as aspirational rather than actionable.”
Another observer added, “To inspire confidence among stakeholders, the Ministry must provide a detailed roadmap with transparent targets and measurable outcomes.”
Amid these concerns, Minister Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda highlighted the importance of collective effort in a recent Muzakarah session.
“With the collaboration of all parties, I am confident we can achieve our goals and contribute to the well-being of Brunei,” he stated.
Nevertheless, voices from both the public and industry professionals continue to express frustration over longstanding execution gaps and unresolved issues, which they fear could hinder the plan’s success.
Maqasid Syariah: A Framework for Development
Central to the MoD’s Strategic Plan is its alignment with the principles of Maqasid Syariah, which aims to preserve and promote essential human needs: religion, life, intellect, lineage, and property.
By grounding its initiatives in these principles, the plan seeks to achieve holistic and sustainable development that benefits both present and future generations.
For instance, the emphasis on sustainability reflects the principle of protecting life and the environment, ensuring that infrastructure projects do not compromise the well-being of future generations.
Similarly, the focus on inclusive development supports the preservation of intellect and property by fostering equitable access to resources and opportunities for all citizens.
Critics, however, argue that while the narrative of Maqasid Syariah is compelling, its practical implementation remains unclear.
“It’s a noble framework,” noted one academic, “but without clear benchmarks or strategies, it risks becoming a philosophical ideal rather than a functional guide.”
Public Sentiment: Between Optimism and Disillusionment
A quick scan of public opinion paints a mixed picture. While some commend the government’s efforts, others dismiss the plan as yet another round of empty promises.
Comments range from calls for action to address potholes and drainage issues to critiques of “all bark, no bite” leadership.
One remark encapsulated the mood succinctly: “We should be in the execution phase, not engaging in last-minute planning and execution in parallel.”
This scepticism is fueled by historical grievances, such as the decade-long problems with Mengkubau’s government housing scheme, persistent delays in contractor payments, and a perceived lack of accountability in public projects.
Industry Perspectives: A Sector Under Siege
Brunei’s construction industry, historically a pillar of national development, now faces unprecedented challenges.
Recent policy shifts favouring in-house project execution over private consultancy have strained local professionals.
Architects, engineers, and contractors report reduced opportunities and unsustainable financial pressures.
As one contractor lamented, “Everyone is crying for work… many contractors have closed down or sold off their assets just to survive.”
This shift has also led to questionable practices, such as “rubber-stamping” designs without thorough reviews, which compromises safety standards.
A lack of adherence to regulations like the APEQS Order 2011 and the Building Control Order 2014 exacerbates these issues, undermining trust in the sector’s integrity.
Procurement Practices: Transparency or Favoritism?
The nation’s procurement system is another contentious area. Reports of “idea harvesting” and bid rigging highlight systemic issues where innovation is exploited without compensation, and contracts are allegedly awarded based on favouritism.
Such practices not only demoralise local talent but also raise concerns about Brunei’s ability to achieve its Vision 2035 goals.
Critics argue that a transparent bidding process with robust intellectual property protections is crucial to restoring fairness and fostering innovation.
The MoD’s Challenges: Bridging the Gap
Despite its challenges, the MoD’s Strategic Plan offers a potential pathway forward. Initiatives like the National Housing Scheme and the Construction Industry Framework 2022-2035 aim to address long-standing issues by embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices.
However, experts warn that these efforts will falter without stronger collaboration between the government and professionals in the private sector.
Additionally, the government must tackle the root causes of inefficiency, including bureaucratic bottlenecks, delayed payments, and weak oversight of subcontractors.
The Authority for Building and Construction Industry (ABCi) has been urged to enforce stricter regulations to ensure fair labour practices and uphold construction standards.
A Call for Accountability and Action
For the MoD’s Strategic Plan to succeed, accountability must take centre stage.
Stakeholders advocate for independent audits, transparent project management, and inclusive public consultation to build trust and ensure meaningful progress.
Public feedback mechanisms, robust enforcement of anti-corruption frameworks, and equitable treatment of local professionals are non-negotiable if Brunei is to turn its strategic vision into reality.
As one commentator remarked, "This plan must work for Brunei’s people, not just on paper."
The coming years will determine whether the MoD’s strategy can rise above scepticism and deliver on its promises, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Moving Forward: A Shared Responsibility
The success of the Strategic Plan lies not only in government initiatives but also in the collaboration and active participation of all stakeholders.
Civil society, the private sector, and professional bodies must unite to contribute their expertise and feedback.
By addressing historical inefficiencies and fostering innovation through transparent practices, Brunei can transform this ambitious document into a meaningful reality.
The nation’s progress hinges on trust, shared accountability, and a collective commitment to sustainable development.
The question remains: will the MoD rise to meet the challenge, or will the scepticism of the past continue to haunt Brunei’s plans? Time will tell. (MHO/11/2024)
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