By DMAO
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Once hailed as the backbone of Brunei’s governance, the country’s public service now faces an unsettling reality: the slow erosion of its founding principles.
The ideals that once guided civil servants—good governance as a form of worship (Ibadah) and a source of blessings (Berakah) - are fading, leaving a system increasingly detached from its moral and historical foundations.
At the heart of this concern is the Institut Perkhidmatan Awam (IPA), an institution once dedicated to shaping Brunei’s civil servants with a deep sense of duty and ethics.
However, those who walk down the halls - where the walls seem to speak - say its purpose feels more ceremonial than transformative.
The once-prominent messages reminding officers of their role as stewards of the people have been taken down, replaced by an environment that critics argue has become more bureaucratic than service-oriented.
What Happened to ‘Good Governance as Ibadah and Berakah’?
For decades, Brunei’s public service was built on the philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), a governance model that intertwines Malay culture, Islamic teachings, and monarchical authority.
Civil servants were not just employees of the state; they were caretakers of public trust, guided by ethical governance and spiritual responsibility.
Yet, insiders and former civil servants now say that this sacred duty has been reduced to routine administrative work.
“There was a time when we saw our work as part of a larger, divine purpose,” said a retired senior officer.
“Today, it’s just about processing paperwork.”
This shift has not gone unnoticed; some officials quietly admit that Brunei’s public service, once revered for its discipline and integrity, is now more focused on hierarchy and red tape than on real service to the people.
The disconnect between public officers and the community is growing, and with it, trust in the system is eroding.
Where is the Leadership?
Part of the problem, according to governance experts, is a lack of continuity in leadership and training.
The late Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III’s Syair – Pelembagaan - a poetic doctrine emphasising inclusive governance and civic duty - was once a cornerstone of training programs.
Today, it is largely absent from the curriculum.
“Young civil servants today barely know about Syair Pelembagaan,” says a governance researcher.
“If they don’t understand the philosophy behind their role, how can they uphold its principles?”
Another concern is the disengagement of contract officers, consultants, and advisers, many of whom are not rooted in Brunei’s governance traditions.
Critics argue that while expertise is essential, these officials must also be aligned with the nation’s founding values, not just employed for technical skills.
A Mindset Shift: Embracing Ibadah, Berakah, and Adil Laila Bahagia in Governance
The principles of Ibadah (worship through service), Berakah (blessings from ethical governance), and Adil Laila Bahagia (justice that leads to peace and happiness) are deeply embedded in Brunei’s governance philosophy.
When civil servants internalise these principles, it transforms their mindset, urging them to serve not just as administrators but as custodians of public welfare.
The phrase “Always in service with the Guidance” reflects this very idea - governance is more than a duty; it is a sacred responsibility.
Public officers who embrace this philosophy view their work as an act of devotion, fostering greater accountability, commitment, and service excellence.
However, as this ethos weakens, a bureaucratic mindset takes over, focusing more on process than meaningful impact.
This mindset must shift toward processes, procedures, and projects - not just paperwork.
Governance should be about tangible outcomes that improve people’s lives rather than being entangled in excessive documentation and redundant approvals.
Action-Oriented Leadership: The Lost Foundation
In the past, action-oriented leadership was the foundation of public service in Brunei.
This leadership model was not only about efficiency but was also aligned with Islamic principles and guidance related to Khalifah, Ibadah, and Ummah.
It was a structured program designed to ensure that public officers not only understood governance but also carried out their duties with purpose and accountability.
However, over time, this approach has faded, leaving behind a bureaucratic culture that emphasises processes over outcomes.
Adil Laila Bahagia: Justice in Governance
The concept of Adil Laila Bahagia - justice that leads to peace and happiness - underscores the need for fairness in governance.
Policies and services must be executed with integrity, ensuring equity and well-being for all citizens.
Without justice, governance becomes disconnected from the people it is meant to serve.
A public servant embracing Adil Laila Bahagia prioritises fairness in policy execution, accessibility of services, and responsiveness to public needs.
This ensures that governance is not just efficient but also compassionate and balanced, creating harmony within society.
Symbols of Governance: A Reflection of Ibadah and Berakah
Brunei’s national emblem and national anthem, both symbols of governance built on divine guidance, reflect the philosophy of Ibadah and Berakah in leadership.
The Malay translation of the Arabic phrase inscribed on the emblem, Ad-Dā’imūn al-Muḥsinūn bil-Hudā (Yang Kekal, yang Berbuat Baik, dengan Petunjuk), reinforces the principle of permanence, righteousness, and guidance in governance.
This inscription is not a mere formality but a reminder that leadership must always be anchored in ethical responsibility, divine direction, and service to the people.
The Bureaucratic Trap: How Little Napoleons are Strangling Public Service
Without strong ethical grounding, bureaucracy is taking over, and in its shadows, a troubling phenomenon has emerged - Little Napoleons.
These mid-level bureaucrats, empowered by excessive red tape, have found ways to exploit their positions, wielding disproportionate control over decisions, approvals, and processes.
The system has become increasingly rigid, with more focus on processes than on outcomes that benefit the people.
Is There a Way Back?
Experts say there’s still time to reinvigorate Brunei’s public service, but addressing the Little Napoleons problem is crucial.
Leadership must enforce clear accountability mechanisms, such as performance reviews, public feedback channels, and direct intervention from senior officers, to rein in those who abuse their roles.
Without tackling this issue, public service will remain inefficient, benefiting only those who manipulate the system to their advantage.
Governance thinker John Adair’s Action-Centered Leadership offers an approach that could complement Brunei’s Islamic values.
Adair’s model - focusing on task, team, and individual leadership - could align well with Brunei’s Khalifah (stewardship), Ummah (community), and Ibadah (service as worship) framework.
A Call for Renewal
Brunei’s governance system has long been a model of stability, but stability without purpose can lead to stagnation.
The nation’s founding governance principles must not be revived - not just for nostalgia but for the survival of a trusted and effective public service.
The question remains: will those in power take action before it’s too late?
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