Is Brunei Ready for Real Change? A Look into the 9th Day LegCo Proceedings
National policies are under scrutiny as economic realities challenge Brunei’s vision for progress. Is this the turning point for real transformation, or are we seeing a cycle of familiar promises? The latest Legislative Council session tackled critical issues shaping the nation’s future - here’s what you need to know.
As ministers presented budget justifications, lawmakers challenged gaps in policy execution and questioned the transparency of fiscal management.
The discussions underscored the nation’s struggle to break free from an over-reliance on state-led development while grappling with the slow pace of economic diversification.
Fiscal Stability and Economic Diversification: Policy or Rhetoric?
Opening the session, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister of Finance and Economy II, outlined Brunei’s financial standing and long-term economic priorities.
“Our fiscal policies must be agile and forward-thinking to sustain economic resilience,” he emphasised.
However, some lawmakers were less convinced, criticising the lack of urgency in implementing economic reforms and pointing to unrealised diversification efforts that continue to leave Brunei vulnerable to external shocks.
Muara Port Trade Zone: A Game Changer or Another White Elephant?
One of the most significant announcements was the Muara Port Trade Zone (PTZ), a 3.62-hectare development aimed at boosting trade, logistics, and foreign investment.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, promoted it as a cornerstone of Brunei’s National Development Plan (RKN 2025-2026), claiming it will enhance the nation’s logistics capabilities.
However, scepticism surfaced over whether this project will deliver real economic benefits or become another expensive, underutilised initiative.
Several lawmakers raised concerns about past infrastructure projects, questioning whether they had delivered expected economic benefits.
One council member noted that without clear performance metrics, it is difficult to measure whether these investments have translated into meaningful returns.
Others warned that without a clear investor attraction strategy, PTZ could join the list of state-funded projects that fail to live up to expectations.
Brunei is also positioning Muara Port as a key trade gateway for Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, with planned shipping route expansions and direct trade agreements with Kalimantan.
Lawmakers raised concerns over whether Brunei’s bureaucratic processes could efficiently support the execution of large-scale international trade agreements and investment strategies.
Employment and Workforce Development: A Nation Stuck in Dependency?
Lawmakers grilled ministers on the ongoing failure to transition Brunei’s workforce into the private sector, with youth unemployment and underemployment remaining pressing concerns.
The Brunei Employment Centre (PPB) has been allocated $19,407,310, but job seekers remain hesitant about entering the private sector, often preferring low-risk government jobs.
Some LegCo members noted continued hesitation among job seekers in entering the private sector, emphasising the need for policies that enhance wage competitiveness and business incentives to create sustainable, high-paying jobs.
While Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable job creation; some members argued that government programs have so far failed to generate meaningful employment opportunities.
Infrastructure, Energy, and Public Sector Development: Investments Without Accountability?
LegCo members scrutinised infrastructure and energy spending, questioning the efficiency of budget allocations, particularly in infrastructure and energy spending, and whether allocated funds would deliver tangible economic returns. Budget allocations included:
- Electricity generation funding was slashed from $46.3 million to $15.6 million, raising concerns about energy sustainability.
- Public infrastructure maintenance was cut from $55 million to $26.4 million, prompting questions about project delays and deteriorating public services.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted $117.4 million, leading to discussions on whether trade negotiations and diplomatic investments were yielding sufficient returns.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary outlined logistics expansion plans, highlighting the Muara Port Trade Zone’s strategic role.
Some LegCo members raised concerns about investor confidence and suggested forming a dedicated task force to ensure its long-term success.
Zakat, Social Safety Nets, and Welfare Programs: Who Really Benefits?
Debates over zakat distribution and social assistance revealed ongoing frustrations over bureaucracy and inefficiency.
Since 2020, over 68,000 applications have been processed through SKN, JAPEM, and JUZWAB, but questions were raised about the actual impact of these financial aid programs.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs, defended the current system but acknowledged the need for better integration with employment initiatives.
“Our support programs must align with long-term job opportunities,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs, addressed concerns regarding zakat transparency, stating that continuous improvements were being made to enhance efficiency in disbursement.
However, lawmakers pressed for more concrete assurances that funds were reaching the most vulnerable without excessive bureaucratic delays.
With over 44,000 senior citizens receiving Old Age Pension and 1,600 additional elderly individuals granted financial aid, lawmakers called for stronger protections against elder poverty and long-term strategies to support Brunei’s ageing population.
Final Takeaways: A Nation in Need of Urgent Course Correction?
The 9th-day proceedings underscored Brunei’s ongoing struggle to transition from state dependence to a diversified, self-sustaining economy.
While initiatives like Muara PTZ and workforce development programs signal progress, the session also exposed the persistent flaws in policy execution, financial accountability, and employment strategies.
Lawmakers called for bolder, results-driven approaches to prevent Brunei from slipping further behind regional competitors. Are we seeing true policy shifts or just recycled promises?
What should Brunei’s next move be?
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the country’s future. (MHO/03/2025)
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