“Mata Lalat or Mata Rakyat? The Role of Investigative Journalism in Nation-Building”

By Malai Hassan Othman

 

This is not the first time I have been labelled "mata lalat" (fly eyes) or "mata langau" (blowfly eyes) for my journalism. 

 

Throughout my career as a reporter, I have encountered officials and individuals in power who prefer to dismiss rather than address the issues I highlight. 

 

I was told that I “focus too much on the negative” and that I should “find the good stories instead of exposing weaknesses.” 

 

The latest bee eyes vs. fly eyes video, which appeared soon after my article on Brunei’s tourism issues, is just another example of this age-old tactic - implying that those who highlight flaws are simply looking for filth rather than contributing to the nation’s progress.

 

But let’s set the record straight:

 

Fly Eyes Journalism Is Not the Enemy - It Is a  Necessity

 

The truth is not always pretty. Sometimes, it reveals incompetence, inefficiency, or mismanagement. 

 

But should journalists ignore these realities for the sake of being polite? 

 

A good journalist is not here to please the authorities; a good journalist is here to serve the public.

 

When I report on:

 

o   Brunei’s tourism struggles, I am not being negative - I am pointing out what needs improvement so the sector can thrive.

 

o   Employment challenges and economic issues, I am not attacking the government - I am advocating for a better future for our youth and workforce.

 

o   Flaws in public policies, I am not being disruptive - I am encouraging solutions based on facts and public sentiment.

 

So, if that makes me “mata-lalat” in the eyes of those who want to avoid accountability, be it. But let me ask:

 

o   Is a doctor "negative" for diagnosing a patient’s illness?

 

o   Is a mechanic "destructive" for pointing out a car’s engine failure?

 

o   Is a leader "weak" for admitting flaws and working to fix them?

 

Of course not. Likewise, a journalist who investigates problems, asks tough questions, and exposes the truth is not a nuisance - he is doing his job.

 

The Real Threat to Brunei: Press Release Journalism and Management by  Deceit

 

Brunei does not suffer from too much critical - journalism - it suffers from too much press release journalism. We have enough articles filled with:

 

o   Flowery language about "successes"

 

o   Quotes from officials repeating the same talking points

 

o   Speeches filled with promises that are never followed up

 

What we lack are journalists who:

 

o   Ask difficult but necessary questions.

 

o   Follow up on past promises and hold leaders accountable.

 

o   Write not just for those in power but for the people who are affected by decisions.

 

This is why fly-eye journalism is important. Because someone has to look into the corners where others refuse to see. 

 

Someone has to uncover what is being hidden. Someone has to push for better governance, not just glorify the status quo.

 

Management by Deceit (MBD): A Culture of  Concealment

 

A more dangerous trend than mere press release journalism is Management by Deceit  - (MBD) - where problems are not solved but are instead covered up with superficial policies and empty statements. 

 

Instead of fixing broken systems, those in power manufacture success stories that exist only on paper.

 

o   Public funds are misallocated, but reports claim "efficient  spending."

 

o   Economic struggles persist, but officials cite "steady  progress."

 

o   Policies fail to deliver real impact, but leaders boast about their  "achievements."

 

MBD allows inefficiencies and corruption to fester unchecked. It enables those in power to suppress reality while maintaining an illusion of progress. And when journalists expose these deceptions, they are labelled as "negative" - as if identifying a problem is worse than allowing it to continue.

 

Moving Forward: A Stronger Media for a Stronger  Brunei

 

If Brunei wants to progress, it does not need a media that only —praises—it needs a media that educates, informs, and questions.

 

1.     More Space for Constructive Criticism

 

Journalists should not be treated as enemies for reporting inconvenient truths. The government and institutions must recognise that accountability is not an attack - it is a tool for improvement.

 

2.     A Culture of Public  Engagement

 

Rather than dismissing criticism, authorities should engage with journalists and the public in open discussions. If there are misunderstandings, clarify them. If there are mistakes, correct them. If there are valid concerns, act on them.

 

3.     Encouraging Ethical  Journalism

 

Journalists, too, have a duty - to ensure that their reporting is fair, factual, and constructive. Investigative journalism should be about truth, not personal agendas. Brunei’s media does not need to be all "bee eyes" or all "fly-eyes" - it needs both. 

 

We need the optimism of bees but also the scrutiny of flies. Because progress is not built on just seeing the good but on fixing what is broken.

 

To Those Who Call Journalists  “Flies”

 

I ask: Are you uncomfortable with the journalist, or are you uncomfortable with the truth they reveal? 

 

The more those in power resist critical journalism, the more they show that they fear accountability. But accountability is not a threat to good governance - it is a pillar of it.

 

For the past three decades, I have been called mata lalat and mata langau, but it has never demotivated me. 

 

Because in journalism, the ultimate loyalty is not to power but to the truth. You may call me ‘mata-langau,’ but I will always be ‘mata-rakyat’ - because Brunei deserves the truth. (MHO/02/2025)

 

Shiny Awards, Empty Hotels: The Truth About Brunei’s Tourism Struggles

Brunei’s tourism industry is at a crossroads. While grand plans and tourism awards paint a picture of progress, the reality tells a different story—stalled projects, empty hotels, and shrinking visitor numbers. Neighbouring destinations thrive while Brunei struggles to compete. Are these accolades a sign of real growth or just a public relations exercise masking deeper issues? Read on to uncover the billion-dollar tourism leak Brunei can no longer afford to ignore.

 By Malai Hassan Othman

 

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, FEBRUARY 2025: Once envisioned as a thriving hub of culture, commerce, and tourism, Brunei’s tourism industry now tells a different story. 

 

While policymakers continue to roll out master plans and vision documents, economic stagnation and public frustration are growing. 

 

Meanwhile, neighbouring destinations such as Miri, Kota Kinabalu, and even smaller ASEAN cities are aggressively expanding their tourism sectors, attracting international and Bruneian visitors, while Brunei struggles to compete.

 

Despite ambitious tourism blueprints, Brunei’s tourism sector has contributed only a modest percentage to its GDP over the past decade. 

 

In 2015 the tourism industry accounted for 7.4% of GDP, equating to B$1.62 billion. 

 

However, by 2019, this figure had declined to 5.6%, highlighting stagnation rather than growth in the sector. 

 

Compared to its ASEAN neighbours, where tourism often accounts for double-digit GDP percentages, Brunei’s tourism remains underdeveloped and underfunded.

 

The Scheherazade Syndrome: Ambitious Plans, Limited Progress

 

Brunei’s policymakers seem to be caught in what can best be described as The Scheherazade Syndrome - a never-ending cycle of white papers, tourism roadmaps, and development plans that promise transformation but fail to deliver results. 

 

Much like the legendary storyteller who kept the king entertained with unfinished tales to delay her execution, officials keep unveiling new tourism strategies, eco-tourism plans, and redevelopment projects, yet tangible progress remains elusive. 

 

At predetermined intervals - each year, each five-year plan - authorities unveil another ambitious project, another bold vision, another strategic roadmap. 

 

These documents create the illusion of action, satisfying stakeholders temporarily but with little changes on the ground. 

 

Is this deliberate mismanagement, or just poor execution? 

 

Either way, the public is growing tired of waiting for a fairytale ending that never arrives.

 

Brunei’s Stalled Tourism Development Projects 

Brunei’s failure to capitalize on its tourism potential is not limited to a single city - it is a nationwide issue, affecting projects that were supposed to drive economic diversification and job creation:

• Jerudong Park once hailed as the "Disneyland of Borneo," was meant to be a regional attraction, drawing tourists with its grand amusement rides and family-friendly entertainment. Instead, today, it stands as a shadow of its former self - underutilized, poorly marketed, and lacking new attractions to sustain interest.

• Temburong’s eco-tourism push, despite its stunning rainforests, has yet to deliver world-class adventure tourism experiences. The expensive bridge connecting it to the mainland has not resulted in a major tourism boom.

• The Bandar Seri Begawan Cultural Heritage Park, another much-hyped project, remains largely unrealised despite years of discussion.

• Luxury tourism investments remain stagnant, while other ASEAN nations rapidly expand their high-end tourism offerings.

Brunei’s Tourism Budget: A Drop in the Ocean?

 

Brunei frequently announces tourism development plans; however, the funding allocated for these initiatives pales in comparison to neighbouring regions like Miri and Sabah.

 

2022/2023: The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) received B$96 million, covering agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism.

 

2023/2024: A mere B$580,000 was allocated specifically for tourism development, focusing on a Tourism Industry Roadmap and public-private partnerships.

 

2024/2025: A B$7.32 million budget was announced for a five-year plan, including upgrades to Pulau Selirong Forest Recreation Park and the Kampong Ayer Culture and Tourism Gallery.

 

Compare this to Miri and Sabah: 

• Miri received RM235 million (B$73 million) in 2025 for airport expansion to boost tourism and trade.

• Sabah allocated RM102.87 million (B$32 million) for eco-tourism and preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

 

These figures expose Brunei’s lack of serious investment in tourism, leaving the industry underfunded and uncompetitive against its neighbours.

 

While other destinations aggressively market themselves, Brunei remains passive, failing to address the root causes of its weak tourism appeal.

 

Expert Perspectives: Why is Brunei Lagging?

 

Tourism industry experts and local business owners have echoed concerns about Brunei’s lack of strategic vision in tourism. 

 

ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) notes: “Over the years, there has also been a lack of marketing and promotional campaigns to help drive the tourism sector’s growth.” ([AMRO](https://amro-asia.org/boosting-the-tourism-sector-in-brunei/))

 

The same report suggests: “Given the competitive tourism landscape in the region, Brunei should focus on establishing niche markets for its tourism sector by leveraging its rich culture and biodiversity.” 

 

A hotel staff member in Bandar Seri Begawan, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: “We have great hotels, but not enough visitors. We need better flight connections, more events, and government support to attract international tourists. Right now, we are being outpaced by regional competitors.” 

 

A tourism entrepreneur in Temburong added: “Eco-tourism is our biggest opportunity, but there is no proper promotion. Travelers don't even know about our attractions. The government needs to partner with the private sector to push this forward.”

 

Tourism Awards: A Genuine Achievement or Public Relations Strategy?

 

Brunei was recently recognised in the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards 2025, with awards given to Empire Brunei and True Living Spa for spa services, Sumbiling Eco Village for community-based tourism, and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Shopping Complex for public toilet standards.

 

While these awards reflect certain achievements, independent observers argue that they do not address Brunei’s fundamental tourism challenges and instead serve as a strategic public relations exercise to project success despite the lack of significant industry growth. 

 

A tourism analyst noted: “Awards create good optics, but they do not change the reality that Brunei struggles to attract international tourists. The key issue remains the lack of compelling tourism products and strategic marketing.” 

 

Rather than celebrating symbolic victories, experts stress the need to focus on tourism infrastructure, international branding, and visitor experience. 

 

Without addressing these core issues, Brunei risks being perceived as a destination that wins awards but fails to bring in tourists - a textbook case of management by deception. 

 

The recent award recognising Kuala Belait as the 'Cleanest Tourist Destination' in ASEAN has further fueled public scepticism. 

 

While cleanliness is an admirable achievement, many locals question whether it truly reflects a thriving tourism industry. 

 

Kuala Belait remains a quiet town with minimal tourism activity, and some argue that the award creates a misleading perception of success while the larger tourism industry struggles. 

 

If awards continue to outpace real economic growth and visitor numbers, they risk becoming more of a smokescreen than an indication of actual progress.

 

A Path Forward: Insights from Independent Observers

 

Independent observers in the tourism sector emphasize that for Brunei to compete regionally, it must implement immediate changes:

• Fast-track long-delayed tourism projects – Tourism is a major economic driver in ASEAN, yet Brunei continues to lag behind.

• Increase tourism investment – Current funding is insufficient to develop world-class attractions and infrastructure.

• Improve tourism marketing and branding – Brunei has unique offerings but does not effectively promote itself internationally.

• Encourage private-sector involvement – Neighboring countries have successful public-private tourism models that Brunei could emulate.

• Relax visa requirements for tourists – Brunei’s stringent visa policies hinder potential visitors from exploring the country.

 

Conclusion: Can Brunei’s Tourism Industry Be Saved?

 

Bruneians are no longer content with waiting. The time for vague promises is over - Brunei’s tourism industry must take bold steps forward or risk being left behind. (MHO/02/2025)