By Malai Hassan Othman
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, MARCH 2025: The 8th day of Brunei’s Legislative Council (LegCo) session focused on pressing national issues, including flood control, healthcare, education, religious fund transparency, and cultural heritage.
While ministers assured ongoing improvements, legislators raised concerns over execution gaps, leaving the public questioning whether reforms are producing real results or merely procedural reassessments.
However, ministers also reaffirmed ambitious projects and policy enhancements for long-term national development.
Flood Mitigation: Millions Invested, Yet Cities Still Flooding
Brunei has allocated BND 80 million for flood control projects under the National Development Plan, yet urban areas continue to suffer from severe flooding.
Similar commitments were made under the 10th and 11th National Development, Plans, but recurring flood incidents have led to public frustration over perceived inefficiencies.
Minister of Development, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, defended the government’s efforts, stating:
“Significant enhancements are planned under the 12th Development Plan to strengthen mitigation efforts.”
However, lawmakers demanded accountability for previous investments that have yet to produce tangible results.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman questioned:
“We need to assess why previous initiatives have not resolved the issue.”
The debate centred on whether Brunei’s flood control efforts are addressing root causes or merely reactive measures.
Lawmakers raised concerns that a lack of comprehensive urban planning and drainage system integration may be key underlying issues, a point echoed in previous debates on infrastructure planning.
The government, however, reaffirmed its long-term infrastructure plans, including additional flood retention ponds and drainage system expansions set to be completed in the coming years.
Healthcare Workforce: Training Local Talent, But Can Brunei Retain Them?
The government has expanded the number of local medical specialists from 30 to 128 over 15 years, yet retention remains a critical issue.
During the Legislative Council session, it was noted that financial competitiveness, career growth limitations, and opportunities abroad are among the factors influencing specialist migration.
Minister of Health, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, highlighted initiatives to address the concern:
“Salary adjustments and structured career pathways are being introduced.”
Despite these assurances, lawmakers raised deeper concerns over structural reforms beyond financial incentives.
Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin emphasized:
“Financial incentives alone may not be enough. We need long-term policy solutions.”
Lawmakers suggested that increasing incentives should be complemented by improving working conditions and professional development opportunities, echoing concerns raised in past workforce debates.
To address this, the government reaffirmed its healthcare expansion, strategy, including new medical training programs and partnerships with international institutions to enhance skills transfer.
Education Reform: Are Alternative Assessments the Right Move?
A major shift in Brunei’s education system is the transition from traditional exams to alternative assessments.
The reform aims to reduce pressure on students while maintaining academic rigour, yet concerns remain about how it aligns with employment needs and skill development.
Minister of Education, Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, explained:
“We aim to develop a more holistic evaluation framework.”
However, concerns were raised about its alignment with industry and workforce needs.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman asked: “How does this align with industry requirements and labour market needs?” Consultations with over 300 private-sector companies to forecast workforce needs have supported the transition to alternative assessments.
However, lawmakers raised concerns that a lack of direct engagement with businesses and employers in shaping these assessments could result in misalignment between education policies and labour market demands.
The debate emphasized the need for continuous industry participation in curriculum development to ensure graduates are equipped with relevant skills.
The government responded by committing to more frequent industry consultations and expanding vocational training programs to bridge education gaps.
Religious Fund Management: Calls for Greater Transparency
The Tabung Dana Pembinaan Masjid fund has accumulated BND 30.4 million since 2015, raising calls for clearer financial disclosures.
While internal audits are conducted and submitted to relevant authorities, the level of public disclosure regarding fund allocation remains a concern for some legislators.
Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, assured:
“Monthly audits are conducted and reviewed by the National Religious Council.”
However, lawmakers argued that internal audits alone may not satisfy public expectations for transparency.
Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin stated:
“Public confidence hinges on comprehensive financial transparency, not just internal audits.”
Some lawmakers and governance advocates have suggested that enhancing digital tracking and increasing the accessibility of financial reports could improve public trust in how donations are utilized.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced efforts to streamline financial reporting and explore enhanced transparency measures to address these concerns.
Cultural Heritage Preservation: Priority or Afterthought?
Brunei has designated 27 protected historical, sites, yet funding challenges continue to hinder conservation efforts.
Historical preservation in Brunei has long been constrained by budgetary limitations and shifting policy priorities.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad, acknowledged:
“Sustainable preservation requires greater public participation and investment.”
Lawmakers warned that without sufficient budgetary commitment, Brunei’s heritage could suffer irreversible damage.
Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan raised concerns:
“How do we ensure these sites remain national treasures, not forgotten relics?”
Heritage advocates have suggested that public-private partnerships and tourism-driven funding models could help sustain conservation efforts.
The government announced plans for a national cultural heritage blueprint, including partnerships with local businesses to support funding and preservation.
Conclusion: Ongoing Reforms, but Public Trust Still Uncertain
While the government outlined ongoing and expanded, reforms, legislators and the public demand measurable results.
Key challenges remain: ensuring the effective execution of, policies, addressing governance and inefficiencies, and bridging the gap between legislative intent and public expectations.
📩 What are your thoughts?
🔹 Are these reforms yielding tangible results?
🔹 Which issue requires the most urgent action?
🔹 How can Brunei better retain its talent and resources?
📢 Join the conversation on Kopi Talk with MHO on LinkedIn, Facebook, and my Blogspot. (MHO/03/2025)
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