Brunei’s Legislative Council: Will the 21st Session Deliver More Than Promises?

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 27 FEBRUARY 2025: As the 21st session of Brunei’s Legislative Council (LegCo), unfolds, expectations are high - will this session bring tangible progress, or will familiar challenges persist?

Looking back at the 20th session in 2024, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah issued a clear message: governance must improve, economic strategies must be effective, and policies must deliver real benefits. 

Inside the chamber, the discussions were rigorous and reflective. Outside, the public awaited results. Policies were tabled, yet many still wonder - have these initiatives translated into meaningful impact? 

LegCo members debated national spending, economic diversification, and employment, policies, with some raising concerns over the pace of implementation and administrative efficiency. 

Some lawmakers highlighted delays in execution, emphasising that policies must be swiftly and effectively implemented to meet the nation’s evolving needs.

Brunei’s economic diversification efforts have shown some progress, with the non-oil and gas sector contributing 4.3% annual growth since 2017, but challenges remain in ensuring broader financial stability. 

Meanwhile, concerns over rising living costs, unemployment, and financial stability remained central to discussions, particularly for middle-income families balancing daily expenses. 

Even promising initiatives - such as digital transformation, food security, and investment in new industries were met with calls for clearer timelines and measurable outcomes. 

“The public’s expectations are clear - they want to see progress,” noted one LegCo member, echoing the broader sentiment among lawmakers.

With Brunei’s 2024/2025 budget allocating BND 5.96, billion, much focus is placed on enhancing economic resilience, job creation, and strengthening local industries. 

Now, as the 21st LegCo session progresses, members face renewed responsibility: Will they translate discussions into action, or will progress remain gradual? 

For Bruneians, this session represents an opportunity to strengthen policies, address pressing concerns, and pave the way for sustainable national growth. 

With national transformation at a critical juncture, LegCo must ensure that this session does more than just debate - it must drive action that secures Brunei’s future. (MHO/02/2025)