Brunei's Bold Reforms: Free Healthcare for Stateless Residents, Legislative Overhaul, and Economic Diversification

Brunei is making bold moves! Free healthcare for stateless residents, more legislative sittings for stronger governance, and a push for economic diversification. But will these policy shifts spark real transformation, or will challenges hold them back?

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 27 FEBRUARY 2025: In a significant policy shift, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaullah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam has granted permanent residents without Bruneian citizenship the same free medical and health services as citizens. 

This groundbreaking decision marks a pivotal moment in Brunei's healthcare landscape, ensuring that stateless individuals are no longer excluded from essential medical care. 

"Beta juga memperkenankan bagi Kementerian Kesihatan untuk mengemaskini dasar caj perkhidmatan yang sedia ada bagi Penduduk Tetap yang tidak mempunyai taraf kewarganegaraan (stateless) untuk diberikan kemudahan perkhidmatan kesihatan sepertimana yang diberikan kepada warganegara Brunei Darussalam," declared His Majesty during the opening of the 21st session of the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara. 

This announcement sent ripples through the nation, with many praising the move as a bold step towards inclusivity. 

Stateless individuals in Brunei have faced financial hurdles in accessing healthcare for years. 

The new directive not only eliminates these barriers but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to social welfare and public health. 

A Long-Awaited Reform for Stateless Communities

Brunei is home to thousands of stateless residents, many of whom have lived in the country for generations. 

Despite their deep-rooted ties, they have long been ineligible for various government benefits, including free healthcare. The latest reform signals a shift in policy - one that acknowledges their contributions and ensures their well-being. 

For individuals like Alice, a 54-year-old permanent resident who has struggled with high medical costs due to her stateless status, the new policy is life-changing. 

“This is a huge relief for people like me. Healthcare was always a worry,” she said. 

Healthcare professionals also view this as a win for public health. 

"By removing financial obstacles, we can encourage early medical intervention and preventive care," said a local doctor, emphasising the benefits of universal healthcare access. 

Legislative Council to Convene Twice a Year

Another major announcement from His Majesty was the decision to increase the frequency of Legislative Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Negara) sittings to twice a year, rather than the previous once-a-year format. 

This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness of legislative discussions, allowing policymakers to address pressing national issues more promptly and thoroughly. 

The move signifies a stronger commitment to governance, transparency, and responsiveness. 

By holding two sessions annually, legislators will have more opportunities to debate policies, refine strategies, and make timely decisions for the nation's welfare. 

His Majesty also highlighted the importance of a Code of Ethics for members of the Legislative Council, ensuring integrity and professionalism in executing their duties. 

In the coming weeks, the Legislative Council will convene under this new format, allowing for a deeper review of national policies and fresh discussions on urgent matters. 

Among the key priorities set to dominate discussions are budget allocations and fiscal planning, ensuring strategic investments that drive economic diversification, strengthen public welfare, and promote sustainable development. 

Observers anticipate that discussions will focus on optimising resource distribution to support Brunei's long-term economic resilience and social stability. 

However, beyond procedural changes, the real test lies in whether these more frequent sittings will lead to more impactful governance. 

Will they facilitate meaningful reforms that address the root causes of economic stagnation and social challenges? Or will they remain mere formalities with little tangible effect? 

The coming weeks will reveal whether these legislative adjustments will truly transform Brunei’s political and economic landscape. 

Economic Growth, Industrial Expansion, and Energy Transition

Beyond healthcare, His Majesty's Titah addressed Brunei’s economic diversification and the need to accelerate industrial expansion. 

Insya Allah, we will continue driving economic growth through new economic activities such as the production of Petroleum Intermediate Derivatives, which will generate additional activities in the downstream oil and gas sector. 

The goal is to position Brunei as a hub for the chemical, manufacturing, and food sectors while exploring energy transition initiatives towards a sustainable environment. 

At the microeconomic level, His Majesty emphasised the importance of stimulating more economic and tourism activities in Brunei, ensuring positive spillover effects for local entrepreneurs and businesses. 

The commitment remains to broaden economic participation to ensure that growth is not limited to large industries but extends to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

Notably, efforts to reduce reliance on oil and gas have started to bear fruit. 

The non-oil and gas sector recorded a 4.3% annual growth between 2017 and 2023. 

New trade routes to Chile, Mozambique, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico have opened doors for Brunei’s exports, showing the nation’s expanding global reach. 

The petrochemical industry has also emerged as a major economic driver, with contributions rising dramatically from BND 136 million in 2017 to BND 1.24 billion in 2023. 

This surge highlights the success of Brunei’s industrial diversification strategy. 

“We are seeing the rewards of our efforts, but there’s more to be done,” His Majesty reminded the nation. 

While economic progress is evident, he stressed the need for continuous innovation across sectors like agriculture, tourism, education, and artificial intelligence. 

Technology and the Future: Embracing AI

His Majesty also highlighted the ongoing technological revolution, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), which presents vast new opportunities. 

However, Brunei must strengthen human capital and national capabilities to fully capitalise on these advancements. 

Without continuous investment in skills development and digital infrastructure, AI risks becoming an untapped resource instead of a transformative force for the economy. 

He called for the nation to harness AI’s potential while simultaneously strengthening human capital to ensure technological advancements benefit the broader economy. 

“Artificial Intelligence opens new doors for us. But we must prepare our workforce to adapt,” His Majesty stated, underlining the importance of skill development in Brunei’s digital transformation. 

Yet, the question remains - how prepared is Brunei’s workforce to take on this challenge? 

Without proper training and infrastructure, AI advancements may remain untapped potential rather than a transformative force. 

A Vision for Wawasan 2035

As Brunei continues its journey towards Wawasan Brunei 2035, the road ahead demands collaboration, innovation and resilience. 

His Majesty stressed that every proposal and idea put forth in the Legislative Council should be carefully examined, taking into account emerging global challenges to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. 

Strategic governance and forward-thinking policies will be crucial in navigating the evolving economic landscape and securing a prosperous future for all Bruneians. 

His Majesty emphasised unity, innovation, and strategic planning as key factors in achieving national aspirations. 

He called for honest discussions, creative thinking and strategic actions from policymakers and citizens alike. 

Brunei stands at a crossroads - on one side, economic transformation, and on the other, a commitment to social equity. 

The latest healthcare decision, coupled with ambitious economic reforms, showcases the country’s drive to ensure progress that benefits all segments of society. 

With the foundation laid for a more inclusive future, Bruneians now look ahead with renewed hope. 

But as the nation moves forward, will these policy shifts translate into meaningful change, or will they be overshadowed by entrenched challenges? 

The coming months will determine whether Brunei’s vision for sustainable growth and governance will become a reality or remain an aspiration. (MHO/02/2025)