Of Cowards, Critics, and the Call to Contribute

By Malai Hassan Othman

Recently, I came across an intriguing post on Reddit — a photo of a newspaper clipping written entirely in Chinese, with a headline that read: “(Chinese) BEDB reiterates that future is bright: Non-oil sector growing to 50% of GDP.” 

At first, I didn’t know what it was all about, as I don’t read Chinese. But what drew my attention were the comments in English beneath it. 

They gave the strong impression that the article was about Brunei — or at least, a satirical portrayal of it. 

That curiosity led me to have the article translated and carefully analysed.

What I found was a legitimate economic report, published using alternate identifiers like "Hanfei" and "Bellini." 

The article discussed non-oil and gas sector growth surpassing 50% of GDP, energy investment, and foreign partnerships with China and India - themes closely aligned with Brunei's current economic agenda. 

Indian business delegations have indeed visited Brunei recently to explore investment opportunities, as reported by reputable sources such as The Star on 14 December 2024. 

While the use of fictional names may have been a stylistic or editorial choice to avoid direct reference, the substance of the article reflects real developments. 

What struck me most, however, was not the article itself, but the public reaction to it, particularly in the English-language comments that followed. 

These reactions were laced with sarcasm, scepticism, and frustration, revealing much about our national mood.

But truthfully, what moved me to write this article began even earlier. 

In a WhatsApp group I’m part of, a discussion had unfolded - going back and forth - on whether we should continue to speak up about the state of our nation’s progress and development, or simply remain silent. The questions struck deep.

In that same conversation, several voices stood out, reflecting the inner conflict many feel. 

One participant said:

"Failures talk loud to cover their past letdown…"
"SILENCE... silent is sufficiency...!!!"
"SPEAK UP IF SOMETHING IS WRONG. SILENCE SOLVES NOTHING."

These words captured the very tension the group was debating — between staying quiet and choosing to speak with purpose.

That was the emotional undercurrent. Then came the Reddit post — and it connected everything. 

It wasn’t just about the article, but what it revealed about the public’s mood: frustration, sarcasm, fear, and a desire to say something, even if anonymously. 

To me, the use of fictional names and anonymous dissemination reflects a deeper reality — the restrictive space for freedom of speech and expression in Brunei. 

People feel compelled to resort to satire, metaphor, and pseudonyms as a safer way to express opinions and frustrations, especially when speaking openly may carry social or professional risk.

It made me reflect: How do we, as a society, express our dissatisfaction? And what do we gain or lose when we do so anonymously?

📏 But Who Was This Really Meant For? A Closer Look at the Target Audience

The article wasn’t written in English or Malay — the two most accessible languages in Brunei. 

It was published in Traditional Chinese, couched in business language, and used familiar terms: GDP growth, energy diversification, investment ties, and cross-border partnerships.

This appears tailored to a specific audience — the business community, particularly those within the local Chinese-speaking circles who often follow regional Chinese-language sources. 

The tone mimicked an economic development board press release, the kind many of us have read over the years.

Its message was subtle:

• “This sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”
• “Look beyond the slogans.”
• “Is the future as bright as promised?”

For readers attuned to these signals, it became more than satire. It became a moment of self-recognition and reflection.

🗱️ A Moment to Pause

Platforms like Reddit have become informal barometers of public sentiment — especially in places where structured public feedback is limited. 

They serve a purpose. They allow emotion. They reveal truths.

But as we lean into such spaces, we should also pause and ask:

• Are we building something when we speak anonymously?
• Are we contributing to progress, or just venting our despair?

Brunei is not short of intelligent, caring, observant people. But what we sometimes lack is courage, not to complain, but to own our voices.

🤝 Let’s Be Clear: Dissent is Not the Problem

Dissent is essential. Constructive criticism is a civic virtue. Even satire has its place.

But when satire becomes our only tool, and anonymity our only shield, we risk letting defeatism settle in.

Let’s not surrender to that. Let’s uplift our public dialogue.

🖼️ A Nation of Observers, or a Nation of Builders?

Everyone claims to want progress. But what are we doing to move us toward it?

• Can we challenge systems within the space that exists?
• Can we draft better ideas, lead grassroots efforts, and mentor the next generation?
• Can we speak boldly — even if not always publicly — but with sincerity and integrity?

Progress isn’t a punchline. It’s a process. And it needs people who are willing to show up.

🌱 To the Quiet Readers and the Brave Ones

If you feel unheard, you’re not alone. If you fear speaking up, you’re not wrong.

But still, Brunei needs your ideas. Your honesty. Your heart.

Let us raise the standard of public dialogue. Let us speak not just louder, but better.

Let us remember: The journey to Wawasan 2035 requires clarity, courage, and care.

Because if we do not speak up with wisdom, others will speak for us — in whispers, in satire, or in silence that misleads.

💬 Let’s continue the conversation—respectfully, openly, and constructively.

How do we ensure our voices push Brunei forward? I welcome your thoughts. (MHO/04/2025)

#KopiTalkWithMHO #Brunei #NationBuilding #ConstructiveDialogue #Wawasan2035 #Leadership