Negara Zikir or Negara Resah? What LegCo Just Revealed Might Shock You

🛑 The Nation We Aspire To, The Crisis We Cannot Ignore 

Brunei was built on the ideals of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) - a kingdom rooted in faith, tradition, and unity. We envisioned a Negara Zikir, a nation that remembers God and strived for Baldatun Thayyibatun Wa Rabbun Ghaffur - a prosperous land under divine mercy. 

But reality tells a different story. Out-of-wedlock births are rising. Cybercrime is preying on our youth. HIV infections surge. Elders are abandoned in hospitals. 

Is this the Brunei we dreamed of? 

The Legislative Council’s 12th-day proceedings exposed these painful truths, forcing the nation to confront the growing cracks in our social fabric.  

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Lawmakers laid bare the challenges facing Brunei as crime, cyber fraud, youth vulnerabilities, elder neglect, and zakat mismanagement dominated discussions. 

The Legislative Council’s 12th-day proceedings revealed troubling trends in Syariah crimes, financial scams, welfare dependency, and public health crises, raising urgent questions about policy direction and national preparedness. 

“Are we losing control, or are we merely better at catching criminals?” one legislator asked, challenging the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ enforcement strategy. 

With a staggering 4,489 out-of-wedlock births in a decade, 72% involving Malay Muslims, concerns mounted over moral decline and ineffective intervention. 

Adding to the debate, the ministry’s annual target of 350 Syariah crime cases sparked intense scrutiny. 

In the previous year (FY 2023/24), only 160 Syariah crime cases were recorded, meaning the new target more than doubled the actual cases reported. This raised fundamental concerns: 

• Why was the target set so high? Was it based on a projected rise in moral offences, or was it meant to push stricter enforcement? 
• Does increasing targets signal a failure in prevention? Shouldn’t the goal be to reduce such cases rather than expect them to rise?
• Is enforcement being measured by conviction numbers rather than meaningful intervention? A high conviction rate doesn’t necessarily mean a healthier society. 

“We cannot punish our way out of this crisis. Prevention and education must lead, not just law enforcement,” one council member urged. 

Meanwhile, cybercrime surged, with 834 reported cases in 2023, mostly scams, costing victims B$5 million - double the previous year’s losses. 

A staggering 39% of scam victims were youth aged 18–35, exposing financial illiteracy, digital exposure, and weak consumer protections. 

“We are raising a generation vulnerable to fraud. We need urgent financial literacy education - starting in schools,” a senior lawmaker emphasized. 

Yet, just as these social concerns intensify, budgets for critical programs are shrinking. 

The Youth Development Assistance Fund, previously B$1.13 million, has been slashed to B$80,000, a 91% cut. Lawmakers demanded explanations - why defund youth programs when young people face mounting economic challenges? 

Similarly, the budget for family welfare, women, and children under JAPEM was reduced from B$30,000 to B$15,000. 

“How will struggling families, women, and children get the support they need?” a member pressed. 

The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MCYS) hailed a 44% drop in welfare dependency, but questions remained - how many truly escaped poverty, and how many were left without a safety net? 

As Brunei continues to uphold its aspiration as a Negara Zikir, lawmakers asked whether rising social issues were putting this vision at risk. 

Brunei’s B$250 monthly old-age pension was flagged as below the national Basic Needs Poverty Line (B$283), leaving thousands of seniors in silent hardship. 

“If we are serious about protecting the dignity of our elders, then our policies must reflect that commitment,” a legislator argued, calling for an urgent pension policy review. 

Another pressing concern: abandoned elderly patients left in hospitals, revealing crumbling family values and the failure of social welfare support. 

One official admitted, “Hospitals are not nursing homes, yet more elders are being left with nowhere to go. This must change.” 

The 0.3m flood aid threshold came under fire, with legislators arguing it unfairly denies support to families whose homes suffer severe damage despite lower water levels. 

“A flooded home is a flooded home. We need assessment based on actual damage, not a rigid water measurement,” a council member stated. 

Tensions mounted over the Ministry of Religious Affairs budget, with demands for data-driven policies instead of reliance on moral policing alone. 

The discussion over the ministry’s Syariah crime targets intensified these concerns. Rather than focusing on reducing crime rates through education and intervention, the debate suggested an enforcement-driven approach where numbers overshadow solutions. 

“A target shouldn’t just be a number - it should reflect a real effort to address the root causes of these issues,” a lawmaker stressed. 

A whole-of-society approach was urged - uniting families, schools, NGOs, and policymakers to tackle Brunei’s growing social concerns collectively. 

📌 Zakat: The Delayed Lifeline 

Another contentious issue was zakat management, particularly the delays in disbursing zakat funds. 

Some zakat applications have been pending for 3 - 4 years, lawmakers revealed, leaving families in need waiting indefinitely. 

A dual-processing system was introduced to clear the backlog while reviewing new applications in parallel, but concerns remain over whether this will be enough to ensure swift assistance. 

Lawmakers also debated business zakat (zakat perniagaan), pointing out that while corporate zakat is obligatory under Islam, it remains voluntary in Brunei. 

There were calls for a stronger zakat compliance framework to ensure all eligible Muslim-owned businesses contribute annually. 

Additionally, a digital tracking system for zakat collection and distribution was proposed to improve transparency and prevent inefficiencies. 

“Are we simply handing out aid, or are we lifting people out of poverty?” one member asked, urging reform in zakat investment strategies to support long-term economic empowerment. 

🔔 The Wake-Up Call: A Nation at a Crossroads 

For years, Brunei has prided itself as a model of stability, prosperity, and faith. But beneath the surface, social fractures are deepening. 

Crime is rising. Values are eroding. Vulnerable citizens are slipping through the cracks. 

The LegCo 12th-day proceedings have spoken. The data is clear. The time for complacency is over. 

The question remains - will we act, or will we watch? 

We invite you to join the conversation. What do you think should be done? Share your thoughts. Let’s build a better Brunei - before it’s too late. (MHO/03/2025)

Brunei’s Reserved Stance on Offshore Oil: Strategic Caution or Changing Priorities?

When an oil-rich nation remains silent on a major offshore discovery, it raises more questions than answers. Is Brunei strategically assessing its energy future, or is its silence a sign of shifting national priorities in an evolving industry?

 

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – March 15, 2025 – Malaysia's offshore oil milestone, first announced on February 5, 2025, has resurfaced in social media discussions, but Brunei remains noticeably silent on the achievement.

 

Petronas announced the first oil production from the Gumusut-Kakap/Geronggong-Jagus East (GKGJE) Phase 4 offshore project. 

The field, which includes two wells in Brunei’s waters and two in Malaysian waters, has begun feeding oil into Malaysia’s Gumusut-Kakap Floating Production System (FPS).

 

Brunei’s measured response raises questions about its long-term energy strategy. 

Is this project simply a minor addition to Brunei’s hydrocarbon portfolio, or does its silence reflect deeper uncertainties about its energy policy?

 

The GKGJE development is rooted in the 2009 border agreement between Brunei and Malaysia, a landmark deal that resolved longstanding maritime disputes but also carried deeper historical and political implications. 

The agreement officially settled competing claims over offshore resources, facilitating cooperative oil and gas exploration. 

However, it was also seen as part of a broader diplomatic negotiation involving Brunei's historic territorial claims over Limbang, a district in Sarawak. 

For decades, Brunei maintained its claim over Limbang, considering it a crucial part of its national territory. 

The 2009 agreement reportedly included verbal assurances that Malaysia would recognise Brunei's sovereignty over disputed waters in exchange for Brunei relinquishing its claims over Limbang—an issue that has remained politically sensitive. 

The oil unitisation arrangement, allowing for shared production from reservoirs straddling the maritime boundary, emerged from this wider geopolitical settlement. 

While Malaysia has publicly framed the agreement as a win-win resolution, Brunei’s muted response to recent offshore oil developments may reflect lingering unease over the broader territorial compromises embedded in the deal.

 

Yet, despite being a direct stakeholder, Brunei’s government has neither issued statements nor acknowledged the project’s significance. 

The Geronggong-Jagus East field, situated in Brunei’s waters, is part of the larger Gumusut-Kakap-Geronggong-Jagus East (GKGJE) complex, a deepwater production hub straddling the Malaysia-Brunei maritime boundary.

This suggests the field may be of lesser strategic importance in Brunei’s energy calculations.

 

Oil and gas remain central to Brunei’s economy, comprising over 50% of GDP and nearly 80% of government revenue. 

The Geronggong-Jagus East Oil and Gas Field is expected to have a production design capacity of 36.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per year (boe/y) starting in 2026. 

Brunei’s oil production has steadily declined, with current output at approximately 93,000 barrels per day (bpd), down from over 200,000 bpd in the early 2000s. 

The country’s gas production has also faced pressure, with declining reserves affecting LNG export volumes. 

With government expenditure heavily reliant on hydrocarbon revenue, this trend poses long-term fiscal challenges. 

However, production declines and sluggish non-energy growth have made economic diversification a pressing challenge.

 

Energy analysts speculate that the muted response could indicate that Brunei sees minimal direct benefit. 

Some experts argue that the revenue-sharing formula in the unitisation agreement disproportionately favours Malaysia, as the oil extracted will primarily be processed through Malaysia’s infrastructure. 

Additionally, industry insiders suggest that Brunei’s share of this development may contribute less than 5% to national oil revenues, making it a relatively minor addition to the country’s broader energy portfolio. 

Malaysia, as the lead operator through Petronas, is expected to generate a significantly larger share of revenue from GKGJE, as the majority of production flows through its infrastructure, securing long-term strategic gains in deepwater operations. 

In contrast, Brunei’s stake may be comparatively smaller, with revenue gains insufficient to warrant high-profile recognition.

 

Others suggest that Brunei’s silence reflects a broader policy shift. 

The government may prefer to downplay reliance on shared oil projects, particularly those tied to Malaysia’s infrastructure, to avoid reinforcing narratives of economic dependence.

 

Political observers note that Brunei has historically been reserved in announcing joint energy ventures. 

Some diplomatic sources suggest that this silence is deliberate, as Brunei may not wish to highlight its reliance on Malaysia’s deepwater expertise and processing facilities. 

Additionally, there are concerns within policy circles that a greater emphasis on joint development could undermine Brunei’s strategic ambitions of positioning itself as a sovereign energy producer rather than a junior partner in regional projects. 

Sovereignty concerns and careful diplomatic balancing may also be factors in its reluctance to publicly highlight cross-border energy entanglements.

 

Brunei Shell Petroleum and PetroleumBRUNEI remain key players, but their role in GKGJE has been largely overshadowed by Malaysia’s active promotion of the project. 

Malaysia, as the lead operator through Petronas, is expected to generate a significantly larger share of revenue from the GKGJE complex. 

The Gumusut-Kakap field, located in Malaysian waters, has been a major asset for Malaysia, achieving peak production in 2016 and accounting for approximately 5% of Malaysia’s daily oil production. 

It has recovered about 66.02% of its total recoverable reserves, making it a crucial energy contributor. 

By comparison, the Geronggong-Jagus East field’s contribution to Brunei’s overall hydrocarbon output may be relatively modest. 

The lack of fanfare suggests Brunei may not view this as a transformational energy asset.

 

With global oil prices fluctuating and energy transition pressures rising, Brunei faces a dilemma. 

The recent Phase 4 development of the GKGJE project includes three oil-producing wells and one water injection well, with two wells located in Malaysian waters and two in Brunei waters. 

This phase is expected to contribute approximately 21,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) to the overall output, reinforcing the project’s importance in the region. 

Moving forward, Brunei may consider several strategic steps to bolster its energy sector and economic resilience. 

Given that Malaysia's share of GKGJE revenue far outweighs Brunei’s, one potential move could be renegotiating future revenue-sharing terms, ensuring that more of its extracted oil is refined domestically rather than exported in raw form, or accelerating investment into alternative energy sectors to sustain fiscal stability. 

Independent economic analysts warn that without significant diversification efforts, the country could face budgetary shortfalls as early as 2035. 

To mitigate this, Brunei may look to establish stronger bilateral trade agreements, attract alternative foreign investors beyond Malaysia, or expand into renewable energy initiatives that could sustain long-term economic stability. 

While the government has championed Vision 2035 as a roadmap for reducing hydrocarbon dependence, foreign direct investment (FDI) in non-energy sectors has remained sluggish. 

The muted response to GKGJE may indicate a strategic reassessment of Brunei’s hydrocarbon sector and its place in the evolving regional energy market. 

Is this offshore field a quiet win or a sign that its influence in regional energy markets is waning?

 

More than a month later, as the news circulates on social media, questions persist: Is this a stable energy future for Brunei, or merely a minor footnote in its economic trajectory?

 

What do you think? Is Brunei making a calculated move, or is it losing ground in the energy game? Join the conversation and share your insights. (MHO/03/2025)

 

LegCo’s Budget Debate: Are We Moving Forward or Just Going in Circles?

 

🔎 Is Brunei on the right path, or are we repeating the same policy missteps?

The latest LegCo session saw fierce debates on budget transparency, economic sustainability, and governance efficiency. But will these discussions lead to real change?

 

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 14 MARCH 2025: Brunei's 11th-day Legislative Council session sparked intense debates over budget allocations, policy inefficiencies, and governance transparency. Are these policies paving the way for progress, or are we stuck in a cycle of unfulfilled promises?

 

📊 Budget Allocation: Where is the Money Going?

The government’s BND 652.6 million health budget included hospital upgrades, workforce expansion, and non-communicable disease programs, sparking debate over spending efficiency.

 

Concerns arose over foreign workers’ unpaid hospital bills, totalling BND 11 million over five years. 

YB Haji Salleh Bostaman urged stricter employer enforcement, questioning why existing policies had failed to curb rising unpaid medical costs. 

A proposal to increase insurance coverage to BND 100,000 per worker was also discussed.

 

The education budget hit BND 1.2 billion, fueling discussion on school maintenance, flood-proofing, and vocational training, yet the graduate unemployment rate remains a pressing issue.

 

👨‍💼 Employment Woes and the Future Workforce

Despite the government’s 76.40% graduate employment KPI, YB Dayang Hajah Safiah argued that many graduates remain underemployed in short-term contracts or fields outside their qualifications. 

She called for industry-relevant education programs and stronger university-employer collaborations, highlighting concerns over skill gaps and the long-term sustainability of job sectors.

 

Brunei’s workforce is shifting towards AI, big data, and renewable energy, supported by BND 21.5 million allocated to UTB for research in green technology and commercialising research outcomes. 

However, concerns persist about the disconnect between academic programs and industry demands, with experts calling for stronger industry placements and incentives to ensure workforce readiness.

 

UNISSA’s employment rates, projected at 58-61%, lag behind national targets, sparking calls for policy reform to strengthen Islamic finance and agriculture job placements.

 

🏠 Housing Shortages and Infrastructure Gaps

A BND 2.7 million allocation for the National Housing Scheme sparked criticism, with YB Pengiran Haji Aliuddin questioning why recurrent complaints of housing defects and slow delivery timelines** remain unresolved.

 

Drainage issues remain unresolved, with BND 236,000 budgeted for flood mitigation, alongside BND 32.1 million allocated for asset maintenance, which includes critical flood mitigation projects. 

However, experts argue this falls short, given increasing climate risks and rapid urban expansion.

 

Education infrastructure also saw a BND 22 million commitment, including BND 4.2 million under RKN-12 for the reconstruction of Sultan Hassan Secondary School in Temburong. However, public concerns over rural school safety persist. 

 

🔍 Public Services Under Fire & Digital Transformation

LegCo members demanded accountability, pushing for BND 60 million in digital transformation funds to modernise public services and introduce performance-based incentives for government efficiency. 

However, scepticism remains over whether these funds will translate into tangible improvements, or if they will be absorbed by administrative overhead and inefficiencies.

 

A proposal to ease teachers' administrative burden gained traction, but policymakers remain divided on implementation, citing workforce limitations and bureaucratic resistance.

 

Despite the BND 92 million transport budget, YB Awang Haji Zainol criticised a lack of transparency on how these funds would address critical gaps in inter-district connectivity, urban congestion, and outdated bus infrastructure. 

He questioned whether the funds were being directed towards sustainable improvements or used to patch up an outdated system without meaningful reform.

 

📢 What Does This Mean for Brunei’s Future?

The session highlighted deep-rooted concerns about fiscal discipline, governance transparency, and economic sustainability amid growing public frustration over slow reforms.

 

With Wawasan 2035 on the horizon, is Brunei truly moving toward economic transformation, or are we witnessing another cycle of policy announcements without concrete results? 

The nation faces a defining moment - will these reforms bring real change, or will stagnation continue?

 

🔥 Final Thought: Change or More of the Same?

 

Brunei stands at a crossroads—are we seeing bold reforms or just political theatre? The nation watches closely.

 

💬 What are your thoughts on these issues? Do you believe these policies will improve Brunei’s future, or are we caught in a cycle of inaction? Join the conversation below! 👇

As Brunei edges closer to Wawasan 2035, the LegCo’s decisions must produce visible results or risk deepening public doubts about governance and national progress. (MHO/03/2025)

 

Transparency, Accountability Needed," Legislators Urge in Brunei Council Session

"Debates, Budgets, and Brunei’s Future: Inside Yesterday’s Crucial Legislative Session"

Discover how legislators tackled pressing issues - from public safety and employment to budget transparency - that directly impact your community's daily life.

 

By Malai Hassan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan, March 13, 2025—Brunei’s Legislative Council convened yesterday to discuss critical community and economic issues, including education, infrastructure, public cleanliness, and budget allocations.

Legislators emphasized the need for transparency, clear accountability, and consideration of community impacts in policy implementation. 

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin raised concerns about training gaps among mosque officials, who often lack financial literacy, emergency preparedness, and public interaction skills - factors that could compromise community trust and the effectiveness of mosques. 

Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin, assured the council that comprehensive training programs covering financial management, first aid, and fire safety are actively being implemented. 

He explained, "Pegawai masjid yang baru dilantik juga diberikan taklimat sebelum diaturkan bertugas di masjid-masjid."

Addressing workforce issues, Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin highlighted underemployment among Arabic language and religious studies graduates, noting that their skills are not fully utilized. 

The government responded by announcing a Professional Certificate Program for Hajj and Umrah guides (Mutawwif), starting in 2025/2026, which will create direct employment pathways. 

"Program Sijil Latihan Profesional Haji dan Umrah akan menjadi nilai tambah penting kepada graduan KUPUSB," the minister assured.

Public safety concerns, particularly repeated accidents on the Muara-Tutong Highway, were extensively discussed. Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub called for urgent interventions, citing, "36 kemalangan dicatatkan dalam tempoh 2020 hingga awal tahun 2025 di kawasan ini." 

The Minister of Development committed to immediate measures, including improved road signage, enhanced lighting, and additional safety barriers to potentially reduce accidents and enhance public confidence.

Shifting from road safety to environmental concerns, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan questioned the effectiveness of current waste management strategies. 

Persistent illegal dumping, despite enforcement measures, continues to frustrate the community and poses health hazards. In 2024 alone, 442 illegal dumping cases were addressed, generating fines totalling BND 272,900. 

Legislators urged stronger preventative measures and greater public awareness campaigns to address the root causes of unlawful dumping effectively.

Economic development emerged as another key topic, notably Brunei’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). 

This agreement significantly boosted exports from BND 1.9 billion in 2023 to USD 2.5 billion in 2024, potentially strengthening the nation’s economic resilience and creating new opportunities for local businesses and employment. 

Legislators also discussed budget allocations aimed at improving local governance and community life. 

The management of municipal authority received BND 5 million, of which BND 200,000 was dedicated to regulatory compliance and enforcement, directly impacting local market order and public service efficiency. 

The Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Board's allocation of BND 6.8 million targets urban revitalization, community engagement, and social welfare improvements, underscoring a strategic approach to balanced urban development.

The Kampong Ayer tourism project has a total allocated budget of BND 5.78 million, of which BND 734,600 is specifically set aside for expenditure during the fiscal year 2025/2026, generating cautious optimism. 

Council members acknowledged its potential economic impact through increased tourism but stressed the necessity of effective implementation to maximize benefits for local communities.

Finally, disaster management was also addressed, highlighting the government's success in mitigating flood incidents through road elevation projects. 

However, legislators emphasized the ongoing need for clear, proactive disaster response strategies, especially during monsoon seasons, to ensure consistent public safety. 

Overall, yesterday's Legislative Council session underscored Brunei’s ongoing challenge of balancing ambitious development goals with practical financial management, emphasizing the necessity for clear policies, adequate resource allocation, and sustained community engagement. (MHO/03/2025)