BizBelia: When the Sultan Places His Faith in the Youth

His Majesty’s new micro-finance scheme is more than just money - it’s a belief. And for thousands of young Bruneians, that belief might be the biggest breakthrough yet. It is a test of Brunei’s youth, of Bank Usahawan, and of whether Vision 2035 still has the power to inspire a nation waiting for change. 

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO

During the 20th National Youth Day celebration, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah gave an uplifting speech that many are calling a game-changer for the youth of Brunei. 

He announced BizBelia, a Shariah-compliant micro-financing scheme aimed at helping young entrepreneurs step up as job creators instead of just job seekers. It’s a much-needed boost at just the right time.

“Beta menaruh harapan yang tinggi bagi inisiatif ini,” His Majesty said, expressing his belief that this initiative will spark a wave of entrepreneurial energy and economic growth from the ground up. 

The BizBelia program is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Bank Usahawan Berhad, designed to provide financing options for young Bruneians who haven’t been able to access traditional banking due to a lack of business experience or collateral.

His Majesty’s words spoke directly to the youth, many of whom feel sidelined in Brunei’s economic goals. 

He acknowledged the challenges they face, saying, “Beta sedia menyedari bahawa antara cabaran utama yang dihadapi ialah kesukaran mendapatkan pinjaman kewangan bagi memulakan perniagaan,” highlighting the obstacles that have kept young innovators from leaping.

With BizBelia, those barriers are starting to break down. It sends a message that youth-led businesses are legitimate and important for the country’s development and the Vision 2035 agenda. 

“The present generation of youth possesses a strong spirit and great leadership potential,” His Majesty reminded everyone.

The response from the youth has been fantastic. 

On social media and in community chats, people are calling this announcement a “milestone moment” for youth empowerment in Brunei, offering not just funding but also a sense of validation from the highest level of leadership. 

This is about more than just money; it’s about belief.

While the launch of BizBelia was widely welcomed, it also sparked questions about Bank Usahawan Berhad, the institution set to deliver the scheme. 

Founded in 2017 to become Brunei’s top financial institution for MSMEs, Bank Usahawan was meant to support micro and small businesses with accessible, Shariah-compliant financing. 

However, many in the business community feel it hasn’t strayed far from the traditional banking model, making it tough for MSMEs and youth entrepreneurs to get the funding they need due to strict collateral rules and long wait times.

So, the BizBelia scheme is more than just a new financial product; it’s a chance for Bank Usahawan to prove itself and deliver on its promises. If done right, it could be a defining moment for the bank and the young people it aims to support.

His Majesty’s speech also carried an important warning: the same challenges that make youth vulnerable to financial exclusion can also expose them to exploitation.

He pointed out reports of Bruneian youth being targeted by international drug traffickers and job scams. 

His Majesty called for a comprehensive approach that includes education, law enforcement, and strong values to protect Brunei’s youth from these dangers.

The takeaway was clear: empowerment must go hand in hand with vigilance. 

Financial inclusion only matters if it helps strengthen the nation’s moral and social fabric. 

In line with Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) values, His Majesty urged the youth to be not just economic drivers but also ethical leaders. 

They should move forward confidently, but with discipline, respect, and a sense of shared responsibility.

BizBelia is more than just funding; it’s about building confidence. It shows that Brunei’s youth are not a problem to fix, but a solution to embrace. 

As the country approaches 2035, its involvement is essential. With support from institutions like Bank Usahawan and national leadership backing them, we’re planting the seeds for a new wave of entrepreneurship.

Now, we’re all waiting to see how quickly the relevant agencies can turn this royal decree into reality with BizBelia. 

For youth who have been waiting for a breakthrough, the countdown has already started. And for a nation still pursuing its Vision 2035 dream, this announcement could be a pivotal moment.

When a Sultan puts his trust in the youth, the nation has every reason to believe something amazing is about to happen. (MHO/08/2025)
 
 

Kopi Talk with Malai Hassan Othman - The BND Podcast - EP. 01

https://youtu.be/k3_poiSbfbg?si=fAnQwXj8TDAIGQEJ

On Cowards, Critics and the call to contribute

In Conversations for Change, MHO unpacks:

☕ The promise of Wawasan 2035

📰 Journalism as the bridge between ambition & reality

⚖️ Holding power accountable with narrative & nuance

🎧 Watch here 👉 [YouTube Link]

https://youtu.be/_ikB4Vg1BKQ?si=3wXmZNleM0sOS7ZM

Procurement Integrity Under the Spotlight in Brunei’s Legislative Council

When public funds are on the line, who ensures the process is clean? In Brunei’s LegCo, MPs debated whether the Anti-Corruption Bureau should play a direct role in evaluating tenders. The answer reveals a policy trade-off that could define the nation’s fight against graft.

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 15 AUGUST 2025: With billions of public funds on the line, Brunei's procurement system is back in the spotlight after the Legislative Council's second sitting on 6 August 2025.

Yang Berhormat Awang Amran bin Haji Maidin asked if the Anti-Corruption Bureau (Biro Mencegah Rasuah, BMR) should be involved as an independent panellist in government tender evaluations. 

The Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence responded that BMR won't join these panels to keep its independence and avoid any conflict of interest. 

However, the bureau still has full authority under the Prevention of Corruption Act (Cap. 131) to investigate procurement-related issues and review systemic problems, including through educational outreach and integrity training across ministries and GLCs.

This procurement issue comes amid previous worries about financial discipline. 

During the 20th LegCo session on 15 March 2024, the Minister at the PMO and Minister of Finance and Economy II revealed that the National Audit Committee had received 166 reports and finished 59 reviews, with the rest still being discussed with the Audit Department - highlighting ongoing governance risks.

Public frustration over poor housing and suspected contractor misconduct has long loomed over procurement practices. 

During an unexpected visit to the Ministry of Development, His Majesty criticised “criminal elements or misconduct” in housing projects and warned that “corruption is a bridge to hell.” 

He pointed out cases where cheaper, substandard materials were used in RPN housing developments, leaving many units defective or unused. 

The titah urged ministries to choose contractors based on their performance records and enforce rules that are already “clear on paper.”

The national khutbah on 29 November 2024 echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of workplace integrity for national progress and labelling corruption a betrayal of trust - with serious social and spiritual consequences. 

Imams called on all employees, especially in the public sector, to help maintain a corruption-free Brunei and to report unethical behaviour.

However, catching procurement-related corruption is still really challenging. 

A joint paper from BMR and AGC officials pointed out these difficulties. 

Many cases involve cross-border accounts or witnesses, needing legal assistance from other countries. 

In one oil-and-gas case, authorities collaborated with MACC (Malaysia) and CPIB (Singapore) to arrest a suspect and recover six-figure sums held in Singapore. 

These investigations often require complex financial trails, telecom records, and digital forensics - demanding high-level expertise and accuracy. 

Surveillance operations, including consensual recordings and lawful telecom interception, are crucial but must follow strict rules to prevent abuse.

Some cases are just too big to handle efficiently. The diesel-smuggling and bribery case involving 38 customs officers is one example. 

Although six senior officers faced charges - with two convictions so far - 15 junior officers were let go without acquittal after years of scheduling issues, procedural delays, and witness problems. 

These lengthy proceedings show how complexity and volume can weaken public accountability.

This context helps explain BMR’s decision not to participate in tender panels. 

The minister reiterated that excluding the bureau aims to maintain investigative objectivity. 

However, critics argue that the most serious corruption risks often emerge at the pre-award stage - during bid evaluation, scoring, scope adjustments, and “soft benefit” exchanges. 

Without integrity oversight during these phases, red flags might only show up after problems arise and complaints are made.

The earlier audit reports indicate a clogged oversight pipeline, with 166 cases suggesting a backlog of unresolved issues. 

Whether these reports lead to timely reforms or end up gathering dust will determine if Brunei’s anti-corruption efforts are effective or just paper trails.

Brunei’s performance in regional corruption perception metrics is still pretty solid. 

A 2022 snapshot put the country at CPI 60 - ranking behind Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan, but ahead of several ASEAN peers. 

While these indices are useful as a baseline, they don’t reflect specific weaknesses in procurement or the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms. 

They might even create a false sense of security if domestic issues aren’t addressed.

Practical improvements have been suggested for a while. 

One idea is to include independent integrity observers - not decision-makers - early in high-value tender evaluations, especially during drafting terms of reference and scoring calibration. 

These observers could issue public notes after the awards if they see any irregularities. 

Real-time e-declarations for gifts and hospitality, checked against vendor registries, would add another layer of protection. Any evaluator declaring a conflict would automatically be recused. 

A digital platform that publishes anonymised timelines for major tenders - from issuance to award - could boost transparency and prevent informal manipulations. 

Formalising whistleblower and witness protection systems would help keep cases from falling apart, especially when overseas or vulnerable witnesses are involved. 

Finally, issuing quarterly integrity dashboards that include complaints, investigations, convictions, and procurement process corrections would allow Parliament and the public to track progress beyond just prosecutions.

The latest LegCo discussions reveal a key policy tension: how to balance BMR’s independence as an enforcer with the need for real-time prevention in procurement.

His Majesty’s titah, the mosque’s moral calls, and the cases piling up in court all point to one conclusion - oversight needs to happen before money changes hands. 

If Brunei’s system can spot risks early and act decisively, the next corruption headline could finally be about prevention, not punishment. (MHO/08/2025)
 
 

BND 30 Million Collected… But How Much Reached the Needy on Time?

Behind the numbers lies a backlog of thousands — and a question Brunei can’t afford to ignore.

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, AUGUST 2025: Brunei’s zakat collections hit BND 30 million this year, putting the Islamic welfare system at a tricky spot - plenty of cash, but still dealing with delays, unresolved applications, and a growing lack of trust from the public. 

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) acknowledges that they’ve made some progress, but the backlog remains a problem. 

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has reiterated his concerns, stressing that poor management isn’t just a bureaucratic issue, but a spiritual breach of trust.

 

His Majesty’s Take

During a surprise visit to MoRA on July 8, 2025, His Majesty wanted to know why applicants still have to go through countless field visits and long waiting times.

“Is it not enough for officers from the zakat department to team up with village heads to quickly check on applicants’ situations?” - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

The Sultan pointed out that mismanaging zakat is “a sin” if it doesn’t reach those in need promptly and fairly. He reminded everyone that giving zakat is a religious duty, not an option.

“Zakat is a sacred obligation. Ignoring it weakens our community and harms our spiritual well-being,” he said, urging for more public education through Friday sermons, targeted outreach, and media coverage.

He also suggested forming a national steering committee to oversee zakat, wakaf, and Baitulmal governance - including religious leaders, private-sector pros, and National Welfare System (SKN) reps - to boost accountability and performance.

 

Reform Blueprint: Four Key Changes

At the Legislative Council session on August 5, 2025, the Minister of Religious Affairs laid out a plan for reforming zakat governance under the new Jabatan Urusan Zakat, Wakaf dan Baitulmal (JUZWAB), which started in July 2023.

The plan focuses on four main areas:

1. Organisational changes - JUZWAB now has six specialised divisions, including one for data systems and another for the Program Pengupayaan Asnaf Zakat (PROPAZ), aimed at economic empowerment.
2. Going digital - They’re rolling out pilot programs to use AI and blockchain for automated identity checks, eligibility assessments, and tracking.
3. Building skills - A new service scheme for JUZWAB officers has been approved, focusing on hiring, promoting, and training in areas like accounting and finance.
4. Better data monitoring - They’re working closely with SKN for real-time poverty mapping and to prevent duplicate applications.

On paper, the reforms are showing results. Processing times for SKN assistance applications have dropped from an average of 294–295 days in 2023 to 54–55 days in the first half of 2025. 

But the stats also reveal a harsh truth: 5,951 applications are still unresolved, with 2,422 stuck in “inquiry” status, and many more in various stages of investigation.

 

Ongoing Issues

The minister admitted there are still operational challenges:

• Incomplete paperwork from applicants leaves over 2,300 cases hanging.  
• Staff shortages - the same small group of officers has to handle an average of 556 new applications each month while trying to clear backlogs.
• Tech gaps - even with digital tools, a lot of the work still relies on manual processes.

In a rare acknowledgement, the ministry agreed that open sessions at district and mukim levels with applicants could help clarify decisions, clear up misunderstandings, and ease application congestion.

 

Housing Aid and the Al-Gharimin Example

Housing is a big part of zakat aid. Since 2009, when a decision was made to release large accumulated zakat funds, the ministry has built 125 houses for asnaf and has three more under construction costing BND 236,231.30. 

Another 30 houses are in the planning phase with a budget of BND 4.56 million, while 13 houses are waiting for contractors at an estimated BND 1.73 million.

Rental assistance is also a significant commitment. As of July 9, 2025, 317 asnaf households are receiving rental support totalling BND 3.32 million annually.

This echoes the 2009 “floodgates” moment the minister described, when accumulated zakat, then in the hundreds of millions, was quickly distributed to settle housing debts under the al-Gharimin category and fund new home construction.

That decision broke a long-standing pattern of under-distribution but also led to a spike in applications.

 

The SKN Connection

The SKN, managed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports through JAPEM, was established to unify welfare data, prevent aid duplication, and profile households for targeted assistance. 

It uses tools like poverty mapping through Power BI to pinpoint geographic and demographic patterns of need.

However, the system currently only profiles existing aid recipients and applicants, leaving out potentially vulnerable households not in the database. 

Plans are in place to expand SKN to include data from old-age pensions, disability allowances, and other assistance programs. 

This move could improve targeting, but it will need significant resources and cooperation between agencies.

 

Public Sentiment: Trust Issues

While official reports highlight reform and efficiency, public feedback tells a different story. Online discussions are full of claims about years-long delays, underpayment or non-payment to amil collectors, and murkiness around zakat fund management.

One popular sentiment reads:

“It’s public money, not government money. It’s amanah from the Creator, and they’re taking their sweet time in air-conditioned offices while people suffer.”

Others have started bypassing official channels, giving zakat fitrah directly to needy families to make sure funds are used within the same year, showing a trust gap in the system.

There are even stories of promised repairs to unsafe homes going unfulfilled, with residents passing away before help arrived. For critics, these stories highlight the disconnect between policy intentions and real-life experiences.

 

Empowerment vs. Dependency

His Majesty has repeatedly stressed that zakat should be a bridge to kemerdekaan hidup - independence in life - not just a permanent income stream.

In his July 8 speech, he warned against normalising long-term aid dependency, urging that financial assistance should be paired with skills training, financial literacy, and support for entrepreneurship.

Programs like PROPAZ aim to embody this principle, but challenges remain in scaling up, monitoring, and ensuring that empowerment initiatives truly meet the needs of recipients.

 

Lessons from the Past and Ongoing Challenges

The 2009 decision to speed up zakat distribution was a game-changer - but also a cautionary tale. 

Then, as now, the risk was in systems unprepared for rising demand. Back then, releasing large funds to pay off housing debts and finance new construction led to a flood of new applicants. 

Today, the bottlenecks are different - digital processes instead of paper files, AI on the horizon - but the core tension between available funds and timely disbursement remains.

Another challenge is public understanding of zakat obligations. The ministry has ramped up outreach through its website, Facebook and Instagram, and even push notifications via DST’s MyDST app. 

Yet the fact that many applications are incomplete suggests that both public knowledge of requirements and guidance during the application process need improvement.

 

A Test of Governance and Faith

For Bruneians who find themselves in the “invisible gap” - not poor enough to meet strict official criteria but not financially secure - zakat can be the key to stability or hardship. 

Each unresolved application and each delayed payment isn’t just a number; it directly affects human dignity.

The stakes are more than just administrative. They go to the heart of the nation’s Melayu Islam Beraja identity, where governance is about more than just laws and policies; it involves moral responsibility. 

His Majesty’s interventions frame zakat governance as both a test of public administration and a reflection of spiritual values.

As the Sultan reminded everyone:

“Mismanaging zakat isn’t just inefficient — it’s a sin.”

(MHO/08/2025)

 

 

 

 

 

Wawasan 2035: Are We Still on Track - Or Just Talking?

"The clock isn’t the enemy. Timid thinking is.

Brunei’s Wawasan 2035 has less than a decade left, but the real challenge isn’t time—it’s whether we dare to use our full strengths as a sovereign nation. We have the tools, talent, and resources. What’s missing is the bold execution to match our ambitions."

 

By Malai Hassan Othman | KopiTalk with MHO 

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: With just under ten years left to hit the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035, the recent Legislative Council sessions put accountability to the test. Lawmakers urged ministries not just to share plans but to actually deliver results that people can see and feel.

The discussions revolved around the Manpower Blueprint, Social Blueprint, and Economic Blueprint, which are the guiding frameworks for national policy. 

Members repeatedly stressed that the time for trial and error is running out, and we need to focus on bold actions, quick implementation, and rebuilding public trust in the coming years.

Legislative Pressure Meets Public Voice

Ministers faced tough questions about slow progress, agencies working in isolation, and the gap between what officials say and what citizens experience. 

Outside the chamber, these talks spilt into the public sphere. 

Commentators pushed for a stronger emphasis on concrete steps and fully using policy options to tackle youth unemployment, speed up infrastructure projects, and boost essential industries. 

Inside, the main supporter of the motion highlighted that Wawasan 2035 needs to lead to real outcomes that people can feel, backed by a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, along with transparency and accountability.

Ministry Highlights and Pledges

Transport & Infocommunications: Reported 98.7% 5G coverage, ongoing smart transport integration, and aims to handle 1.5 million air passengers in 2024, with seaports expected to manage 38.6 million tonnes of cargo.

Health: Improvements in life expectancy, reduced NCD mortality, a decline in smoking rates to 13.4%, and an 8.4-point rise in physical activity through preventive health and wellness programs.

Culture, Youth & Sports: Over BND40 million funnelled into youth-led projects across creative, digital, agri-tech, and sports sectors under the Boost scheme, along with capacity-building programs and regional competitions to showcase Brunei’s youth talent.

Home Affairs: The Strategic Plan 2023–2027 commits to working together, urban renewal in districts, village entrepreneurship initiatives, and stricter oversight to regain public trust.

Primary Resources & Tourism: Pushing forward with precision agriculture, modern aquaculture, conservation-linked tourism, and a national cold-chain logistics initiative for food security and MSME competitiveness.

Economy & Finance: Non-oil and gas sectors now make up over 50% of GDP, with about 60% of exports coming from these industries. Major projects include the Triple-A chemical plant (2027), PMB Decommissioning Yard (2026), JETS solar-AI aquaculture, and targeted fiscal policies to attract foreign investment while boosting SME financing.

Education: Targeted reforms to tackle skills mismatches, modernise curricula, expand STEM and technical education, improve teacher training, upgrade school facilities, and strengthen industry partnerships to ensure graduates are employable.

Religious Affairs: Programs aligning with Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) principles to instil moral and cultural values into governance, with initiatives to enhance religious literacy and community harmony.

Foreign Affairs: Expanding ASEAN integration, establishing targeted bilateral agreements, and promoting regional skill exchanges to boost Brunei’s global competitiveness.

Defence: Strengthening defence diplomacy, joint readiness, and inter-agency coordination for national resilience, plus investing in cybersecurity and humanitarian assistance capabilities.

From Plans to Action

Youth unemployment remains high at 18.3%, highlighting the need for targeted employment programs, quicker project approvals, and a results-oriented public service culture. 

Brunei has the frameworks; the real challenge is whether it can leverage its strengths - sovereign policy space, unity, and financial stability - to make bold investments in people and infrastructure. 

The clock is ticking, and 2035 will reveal the nation’s political will and ability to turn promises into real progress. (MHO/08/2025)

 

 

Brunei di Pentas Dunia: Dari Dewan Musyawarah ke Dewan Rakyat dan Dewan Negara

“Beta menegaskan, sistem musyawarah yang diamalkan negara hendaklah terus diperkukuh, supaya suara rakyat dapat didengar, pandangan dapat dibincang, dan keputusan diambil dengan penuh timbang rasa. Ini adalah teras Melayu Islam Beraja yang tidak boleh diketepikan.”

— Petikan Titah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia, Sambutan Hari Keputeraan ke-75, 15 Julai 2021

Pembukaan: Satu Keputusan Bersejarah

Dalam suasana tenang tetapi penuh makna di Dewan Majlis Mesyuarat Negara (MMN), satu keputusan diambil sebulat suara: Brunei Darussalam akan menyertai Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) dan Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

Keputusan ini bukan sekadar kertas yang diluluskan. Ia adalah isyarat - bahawa Dewan Musyawarah Brunei bersedia membuka pintu lebih luas, berhubung dengan dunia luar, dan menyuarakan pandangan negara di pentas global.

Dalam tradisi Melayu, langkah ini ibarat menjemput tetamu ke serambi rumah; dalam politik, ia seperti membuka tingkap supaya udara segar masuk, sambil tetap memastikan pintu pagar berkunci rapi.

Pentas Global, Citra Negara

IPU dan CPA bukanlah kelab eksklusif tanpa erti. IPU, yang berpusat di Geneva, adalah jaringan global parlimen-parlimen dunia, tempat bertukar pandangan, membincang isu kemanusiaan, keamanan, dan pembangunan. 

CPA pula adalah wadah parlimen negara-negara Komanwel untuk membina kapasiti dan memperkukuh demokrasi.

Keanggotaan Brunei dalam kedua-dua organisasi ini akan membuka ruang:

• Untuk mempelajari amalan terbaik parlimen negara lain,
• Memperkenalkan amalan musyawarah berteraskan Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) sebagai model unik,
• Dan mengasah keupayaan ahli MMN berdebat di gelanggang antarabangsa.

Bagi masyarakat dunia, langkah ini membawa harapan. Harapan bahawa Brunei akan mengorak langkah ke arah pembaharuan demokratik yang tersendiri - evolusi, bukan revolusi.

Akar Demokrasi Brunei: Dari 1950-an ke Hari Ini

Sejarah politik Brunei pernah menyaksikan denyut demokrasi yang kencang. 

Pada 1950-an dan awal 1960-an, Parti Rakyat Brunei (PRB) muncul sebagai gerakan politik yang berjaya memenangi kerusi dalam Majlis Undangan Negeri melalui pilihan raya 1962. 

Tokoh seperti A.M. Azahari, Abdul Hapidz bin Haji Abdul Razak (Hafidz Laksamana), Yasin Affendy dan lain-lain mencatat sejarah bahawa politik berparti dan pilihan raya pernah menjadi realiti.

Namun, peristiwa Pemberontakan 8 Disember 1962 - yang dalam naratif rasmi disebut sebagai Pemberontakan Bersenjata atau Insiden Brunei - menutup pintu kepada demokrasi berpilihan raya. 

Dari situ, Brunei menumpukan kepada sistem monarki mutlak berteraskan MIB, dengan Majlis Mesyuarat Negara berfungsi sebagai badan penasihat.

Inilah konteks yang perlu difahami apabila kita menilai keputusan Brunei menyertai IPU dan CPA. Ia bukan pengulangan sejarah PRB, tetapi mungkin satu permulaan kepada bentuk baharu keterlibatan rakyat.

Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP): Pewaris Semangat Politik Sah

Ditubuhkan secara sah pada 2005 oleh sekumpulan tokoh yang sebahagiannya berasal daripada generasi pejuang kemerdekaan, Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP) kini kekal sebagai satu-satunya parti politik berdaftar di Brunei.

NDP bukan parti pembangkang dalam erti kata Barat, tetapi sebuah wadah yang bergerak dalam ruang dibenarkan undang-undang, memperjuangkan pembangunan berteraskan MIB.

Peranan NDP dalam konteks keanggotaan IPU dan CPA amat signifikan. 

Dengan statusnya, NDP mampu menjadi jambatan antara aspirasi rakyat dengan forum antarabangsa, menyuarakan cadangan dan pandangan yang mengangkat imej negara.

Cadangan Dua Dewan: NDP Membawa Idea Reformasi

Antara cadangan berani NDP ialah pembentukan semula Majlis Mesyuarat Negara kepada dua dewan:

1. Dewan Rendah (Dewan Rakyat) - Dianggotai oleh wakil rakyat yang dipilih secara langsung, menjadi suara rakyat dari seluruh daerah.      
2. Dewan Tinggi (Dewan Negara) - Dianggotai oleh individu yang dilantik kerana kepakaran, pengalaman, atau kedudukan tertentu, berperanan menyemak dan menilai keputusan Dewan Rendah dengan pandangan jangka panjang.

Cadangan ini tidak menyalin bulat-bulat sistem luar. Ia disesuaikan dengan acuan MIB, di mana proses pemilihan dan pelantikan boleh digabung secara bijaksana. 

Dalam bahasa Usman Awang: “Di bawah payung emas raja, kita bentang tikar rakyat; di situlah kita duduk bersama, berpandang muka, bertukar kata.”

Kaitannya dengan IPU dan CPA jelas:

• Struktur dua dewan akan memudahkan Brunei setara dengan negara-negara lain yang menjadi ahli.
• Ia memperkukuh fungsi semak imbang dalam pembikinan dasar.
• Ia memberi ruang lebih luas kepada rakyat untuk terlibat, tanpa menjejaskan kedaulatan monarki.

Demokrasi Dalam Bingkai MIB

Bagi sesetengah pihak di luar, demokrasi hanya sah bila semua pemimpin dipilih melalui undi rakyat. Tetapi di Brunei, demokrasi mengambil bentuk yang unik: musyawarah di bawah naungan Sultan.

Penyertaan dalam IPU dan CPA boleh menjadi platform untuk menjelaskan kepada dunia bahawa demokrasi tidak tunggal bentuknya. 

Di bawah MIB, prinsip keadilan, kesejahteraan rakyat, dan keluhuran budi menjadi inti, walaupun sistemnya tidak identik dengan Westminster atau Washington.

Seperti kata seorang negarawan: “Tidak semua pohon tumbuh dari benih yang sama, tetapi semua mencari cahaya yang satu.”

Harapan & Tanggungjawab

Dengan menyertai IPU dan CPA, tanggungjawab Brunei bertambah. Ahli MMN yang menjadi delegasi harus mampu:

• Menguasai isu antarabangsa,
• Menyampaikan pendirian negara dengan jelas dan berwibawa,
• Menunjukkan bahawa MIB adalah model pemerintahan yang stabil dan relevan.

Bagi rakyat, ini peluang untuk melihat suara mereka - walaupun melalui proses yang berbeza  - bergema di forum antarabangsa. 

Bagi NDP, ini peluang untuk mengemukakan idea-idea yang membina, termasuk cadangan dua dewan, agar Brunei terus maju tanpa meninggalkan akar budaya.

Refleksi Sejarah, Menatap Masa Depan

Jika kita menoleh ke belakang, sejarah politik Brunei penuh warna: dari pilihan raya 1962, peristiwa 8 Disember, pembentukan sistem monarki mutlak, hinggalah ke hari ini di mana MMN bersidang setiap tahun. 

Langkah menyertai IPU dan CPA adalah bab baharu dalam perjalanan ini.

Persoalannya: adakah ini sekadar simbol, atau permulaan pembaharuan yang lebih luas? Jawapannya bergantung pada kesungguhan kita mengisi ruang yang terbuka - dengan keberanian, kebijaksanaan, dan keikhlasan.

Penutup

Di serambi sejarah ini, kita berdiri antara dua tebing: satu tebing adalah masa lalu yang sarat pelajaran, satu lagi adalah masa depan yang masih kosong halaman. 

Kita punya peluang menulisnya dengan tinta emas - jika kita berani bermusyawarah dengan hati terbuka, dan berpegang pada amanah rakyat.

Raja dan rakyat sama setia,
Bekerjasama tiada kecuriga,
Bermuafakat kita bersama,
Supaya aman sentosa negara tercinta.
Petikan Syair Perlembagaan Negeri Brunei, Al-Marhum Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien

MHO/08/2025