Lessons from the Legal System: Understanding Justice and Fairness in Brunei

By DMAO/MHO

The legal system is crucial in ensuring justice and fairness for all. However, navigating the legal process can be challenging for many, particularly when they encounter delays, procedural rules, and difficulties in obtaining proper legal representation. 

Understanding these challenges can help us all become more aware of our rights and responsibilities.

The Crux of the PPP Ilmu Alim Case

This case underscores the conflict between statutory legal provisions and the fundamental principles of natural justice, especially regarding government procurement contracts. 

While statutory immunity is a recognised legal provision, it raises critical questions about whether procedural barriers should be allowed to override fundamental fairness - a principle upheld in many legal systems, including the UK. 

The right to a fair hearing (audi alteram partem) is a cornerstone of justice, and limiting legal recourse through statutory immunity can be seen as a potential challenge to this principle.

The Court of Appeal in Brunei dismissed PPP Ilmu Alim’s appeal regarding a contract dispute, affirming that the respondents, acting under the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) Orders, were legally immune from claims.

 

The ruling emphasised that statutory immunity protected them from legal proceedings unless bad faith could be substantiated - a procedural requirement that the appellant was unable to meet. 

Additionally, the court found that PPP Ilmu Alim lacked the necessary qualifications under Brunei’s Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors regulations, further weakening the case.

This case falls under a Government Procurement Contract, which adheres to regulatory frameworks designed to ensure fairness and accountability in contractual dealings. 

Brunei’s transition from Administrative Governance to Legislative Governance has led to policies aimed at balancing legal safeguards with equitable treatment in government contracts. 

Despite these rulings, the fundamental concern remains: Should procedural technicalities and statutory immunity be used to deny legitimate claims for services rendered?

PPP Ilmu Alim provided services under an agreement, but the contract was later questioned and terminated, leaving them without compensation. 

This situation highlights broader concerns about whether procedural barriers and legal immunities are being used to evade financial obligations. 

To put things into perspective, PPP Ilmu Alim entered into a contractual agreement to provide services. 

However, partway through the contract, its validity was questioned, leading to termination. 

Despite fulfilling its obligations, PPP Ilmu Alim sought payment, but AMBD disputed the claim, arguing that no direct contractual obligation existed. AMBD then invoked statutory immunity, preventing any legal action against it. 

This raises concerns about whether statutory immunity and procedural barriers should enable institutions to avoid financial obligations. 

Does the legal system uphold justice when technicalities override fairness? Should institutions be permitted to evade responsibilities through procedural loopholes?

Lesson 1: Ethical Conduct and Fiduciary Responsibilities of Legal Representatives

Legal representatives play a crucial role in ensuring that justice is served fairly. Lawyers and legal advisors have a fiduciary duty to act in their clients' best interests, upholding ethical conduct and professional integrity. 

In the case of PPP Ilmu Alim, proper legal representation could have mitigated some of the procedural setbacks. 

Legal advisors should not only be knowledgeable in the law but also diligent in ensuring that their clients' claims are effectively presented and protected from unnecessary technical dismissals.

What can we learn? 

• Lawyers must act with integrity, diligence, and loyalty to their clients. 

• Legal representatives should ensure procedural compliance while prioritising substantive justice. 

• Ethical conduct must be reinforced through professional accountability measures to prevent legal professionals from neglecting their duties.

Lesson 2: Understanding the Role of Evidence

In many legal cases, decisions are based on the evidence presented in court. If key documents, such as project agreements and proof of services rendered, are not properly considered, it can lead to unjust outcomes. 

In the case of PPP Ilmu Alim, procedural technicalities led to critical evidence being dismissed, raising concerns about whether legal formalities were prioritized over substantive fairness. 

A similar debate on procedural fairness arose in AZ v BY [2023] EWHC 2388 (TCC), where an adjudicator’s reliance on without-prejudice material led to a ruling that violated natural justice. 

The court ruled that the adjudicator’s knowledge of confidential admissions created an appearance of bias, rendering the decision unenforceable.

This case illustrates how procedural fairness is a vital safeguard in legal disputes, ensuring that outcomes are not prejudiced by technical legal maneuvering.

What can we learn? 

• Always keep detailed records of any agreements, complaints, or legal transactions. If you are involved in a legal dispute, ensure you gather all relevant evidence and submit it properly. 

• Understand that courts rely on written proof, not just verbal arguments.

Lesson 3: The Balance Between Rules and Justice

Sometimes, legal cases are decided based on strict procedural rules rather than the fairness of the situation. 

PPP Ilmu Alim’s plea for arbitration, which was provided for in the agreement, was ignored. 

Instead, the case was dismissed on procedural grounds, reinforcing the idea that some legal battles are lost not because the claims lack merit but because they fail to meet every bureaucratic requirement.

What can we learn?

• Be aware of deadlines and legal requirements when filing a case. 

• Seek legal advice early to avoid missing important steps in the process.

• Policymakers and legal professionals should work toward a legal system that prioritises fairness alongside procedural rules.

Lesson 4: The Role of Mediation and Arbitration

Brunei is transitioning from Administrative Governance to Legislative Governance, where laws are being refined to enhance fairness and accessibility while maintaining procedural safeguards. 

This shift focuses on strengthening accountability and transparency in government dealings, particularly in procurement disputes.

 

As governance develops, it is crucial that enabling laws ensure due process and prevent statutory immunities from becoming obstacles to justice.

In many legal disputes, parties seek to resolve issues outside the courtroom through mediation or arbitration, as these methods can lead to fair and timely resolutions.

In the case of PPP Ilmu Alim, there is no publicly available record of responses to formal mediation requests, leaving the appellant with few options but to pursue costly and prolonged litigation.

What can we learn? 

• Mediation and arbitration can be useful tools for resolving disputes more quickly and at a lower cost. 

• If involved in a legal conflict, consider negotiating or seeking alternative dispute resolution before going to court. 

• Authorities and legal professionals should ensure that mediation is accessible and properly considered in disputes.

Lesson 5: Justice and Accountability Under Syariah Law

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has consistently emphasized in his Titah the need for justice, accountability, and ethical governance in all government dealings, including procurement and contractual obligations. 

These principles align with Syariah law, which mandates fairness in contracts and prohibits unjust enrichment. 

The Quran states: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice” (Surah An-Nisa 4:58). 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also stated: “Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries” (Sunan Ibn Majah 2443), reinforcing the obligation to compensate workers fairly and promptly. 

Additionally, he said, “Whoever cheats is not one of us” (Sahih Muslim), emphasizing that integrity in transactions is a core Islamic value.

This reinforces that integrity in transactions is a core Islamic value, and failure to uphold contractual obligations contradicts the principles of fairness and justice. 

The companions of the Prophet upheld these values with unwavering commitment. Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) famously said: “If a mule were to stumble in Iraq, I fear that Allah would question me about why I did not pave the road for it” (Musnad Ahmad). 

This statement highlights the principle of leadership accountability and the duty of those in power to uphold justice and fairness in all aspects of governance.

In the UK, courts strive to interpret statutes in a way that respects natural justice, assuming procedural fairness unless explicitly excluded. 

In Brunei, the legal system operates under both Civil and Syariah law, raising the question: how does Brunei ensure that statutory immunity does not override the principles of fairness embedded in Syariah and common law traditions?

As Brunei continues its transition from Administrative Governance to Legislative Governance, enabling laws must safeguard due process and contractual integrity while ensuring that statutory immunity does not obstruct fairness. 

This shift underscores the importance of administering government procurement contracts with transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical governance - all core tenets of both Syariah and civil legal frameworks.

Key Takeaways From a Syariah Perspective

• Fair compensation is a right - services rendered must be paid for.

• Statutory immunity cannot override justice - institutions must uphold financial obligations.

• Syariah prioritises fairness over technical loopholes - procedural barriers must not be used to escape responsibility.

• Mediation and arbitration are preferred dispute resolution mechanisms—lengthy court battles should be avoided when possible.

By analyzing this case through a Syariah lens, we see how Islamic legal principles emphasize justice, fairness, and accountability, ensuring no institution is above the law.

Conclusion: Striving for a Just and Accessible Legal System

The case of PPP Ilmu Alim is not just about statutory immunity but also whether legal technicalities should take precedence over fairness. 

The principle of natural justice, recognised in global legal systems, emphasises that access to justice and fair treatment should not be obstructed by procedural barriers. 

While statutory law provides the framework for governance, natural justice ensures that individuals are not deprived of fair treatment due to technicalities.

If courts and policymakers fail to balance these principles, there is a risk that laws will serve institutions rather than justice itself. 

Moving forward, it is essential to ensure that Brunei’s evolving governance system integrates procedural safeguards without compromising fairness and accessibility to justice.

Imagine engaging a contractor for a significant renovation project. After the work is completed to satisfaction, the client refuses payment upon discovering the contractor lacks proper licensing. 

This raises the same question posed by cases like PPP Ilmu Alim: Should legal formalities take precedence over substantive fairness?

The Court of Appeal has ruled within the confines of the law, upholding statutory immunity and professional licensing requirements. 

However, this case serves as a wake-up call on whether these laws truly reflect justice or merely protect institutions from financial obligations. 

Ultimately, the legal system must evolve to balance procedure with fairness and immunity with accountability. Laws should serve justice, not create barriers that allow institutions to walk away from obligations.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and public discourse purposes only. It does not seek to challenge or undermine the rulings of the Brunei Court of Appeal or any legal authority.

 

MANIFESTO: SUARA RAKYAT DAN ASPIRASI POLITIK BRUNEI SEJAK 1950-AN

Oleh Malai Hassan Othman

Manifesto sebagai Nadi Perubahan

Manifesto bukan sekadar dokumen, ia adalah cerminan suara rakyat - satu garis panduan yang menghubungkan pemimpin dan rakyat, serta mengukur sejauh mana aspirasi rakyat didengari dan direalisasikan.

Di Brunei, manifesto telah melalui pelbagai fasa - dari seruan nasionalisme Melayu pada era BARIP (1945-1951), perjuangan kemerdekaan dan demokrasi oleh PRB (1956-1962), hingga ke manifesto pembangunan dalam Wawasan Brunei 2035 dan reformasi berperingkat oleh Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP).

Namun, persoalan yang kekal: adakah manifesto yang diperjuangkan benar-benar memberi kesan kepada rakyat?

Evolusi Manifesto di Brunei: Dari Perjuangan ke Pembangunan 

1. BARIP (1945-1951): Kesedaran Awal Politik

Selepas Perang Dunia Kedua, rakyat Brunei mula bertanya - ke mana arah masa depan negara? 

Penubuhan Barisan Pemuda (BARIP) pada 12 April 1946 menandakan kebangkitan kesedaran politik rakyat. 

Antara tokoh utama yang menggerakkan BARIP ialah Pengiran Yusuf Abdul Rahim, Salleh Masri, dan Jamil Al-Sufri.

Prinsip perjuangan BARIP:

• Mempertahankan kedaulatan Kesultanan Brunei dalam landskap politik moden.

• Meningkatkan taraf ekonomi dan sosial rakyat tempatan.

• Menanam kesedaran nasionalisme dan hak rakyat dalam membangunkan negara. 

 
BARIP akhirnya mengalami kemerosotan, tetapi kesannya berlanjutan - mewujudkan asas kesedaran politik yang menjadi pemangkin kepada gerakan yang lebih besar.

2. PRB (1956-1962): Manifesto Demokrasi dan Kemerdekaan 

Jika BARIP menanam benih kesedaran, Partai Rakyat Brunei (PRB) membangkitkan gerakan politik yang lebih tersusun dan berani. 

PRB adalah parti pertama yang memperkenalkan manifesto bertulis, menyatakan tuntutannya secara jelas. 

Tokoh utamanya termasuk A.M. Azahari, Haji Zaini Haji Ahmad, Ahmad Momin, Yassin Affendi, dan Pengiran Anak Mahmud.

PRB memperjuangkan:

• Kemerdekaan penuh Brunei daripada pengaruh luar.

• Sistem pemerintahan raja berperlembagaan yang mengimbangi kuasa antara Sultan dan rakyat.

• Peluang ekonomi yang lebih adil dan pengurangan jurang sosio-ekonomi.

• Peranan rakyat dalam pembuatan dasar dan pemerintahan negara. 

 
Namun, Pemberontakan Brunei 1962 menjadi titik perubahan besar. Parti ini akhirnya diharamkan, menandakan berakhirnya impian sistem pemerintahan yang lebih demokratik.

3.    Wawasan Brunei 2035: Dari Manifesto Politik ke Agenda Pembangunan 

Dilancarkan secara rasmi pada 24 Januari 2008, Wawasan Brunei 2035 bertujuan membawa Brunei ke arah masyarakat berpendidikan tinggi, ekonomi yang dinamik, dan taraf hidup yang berkualiti.

• Mewujudkan masyarakat berpendidikan tinggi dan berkemahiran global.

• Meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat secara mampan.

• Membangunkan ekonomi yang lestari dan berdaya saing. 

 
Namun, setelah 20 tahun, persoalan timbul - adakah wawasan ini benar-benar membawa perubahan ketara kepada rakyat? Adakah ia sekadar slogan atau realiti yang dapat dirasai?

4.    Manifesto Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP): Reformasi Berperingkat dalam Sistem MIB

Dilancarkan pada 21 Ogos 2007, hampir setahun sebelum Wawasan 2035, Manifesto NDP menampilkan gagasan reformasi berperingkat dalam sistem Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) dengan memberi penekanan kepada keterlibatan rakyat dalam pembangunan negara secara lebih aktif.

Prinsip dan Idealisme Utama NDP

• Reformasi Berperingkat 

NDP bukan menentang sistem sedia ada, tetapi berusaha membaiki dan memperkasa struktur pemerintahan melalui perubahan yang beransur-ansur.

• Penyertaan Rakyat dalam Pembuatan Dasar  

NDP menegaskan bahawa rakyat harus diberikan lebih banyak ruang dalam pembentukan dasar dan pembangunan ekonomi.

• Ketelusan dan Akauntabiliti

Setiap dasar dan keputusan kerajaan harus bersandarkan kepada prinsip ketelusan dan pertanggungjawaban untuk mengelakkan ketirisan sumber negara.

• Ekonomi Berasaskan Keupayaan Rakyat Tempatan

NDP memperjuangkan struktur ekonomi yang lebih inklusif, memastikan rakyat tempatan mendapat manfaat sebenar daripada pertumbuhan ekonomi.

• Sistem Pendidikan Berorientasi Kemahiran dan Keperluan Industri   

Pendidikan harus melahirkan tenaga kerja yang bersedia untuk memenuhi kehendak pasaran kerja moden.

• Memperkukuh Islam dalam Pemerintahan tanpa Meminggirkan Keharmonian Masyarakat Majmuk 

MIB harus diamalkan secara inklusif dan progresif, memastikan keharmonian sosial tanpa mengorbankan nilai agama dan budaya.
 
NDP membawa idea bahawa pembangunan negara tidak boleh hanya berpusat kepada dasar kerajaan, tetapi perlu melibatkan partisipasi aktif rakyat. 

Adakah masanya sudah tiba untuk pendekatan yang lebih terbuka dalam pembangunan Brunei?

Refleksi: Ke Mana Hala Tuju Manifesto di Brunei?

Dari BARIP ke PRB, Wawasan 2035 ke NDP, satu perkara menjadi jelas - aspirasi rakyat Brunei berubah mengikut zaman.

• 1950-an - 1960-an: Manifesto berfokus kepada kemerdekaan dan demokrasi.

• 1984 - Kini: Manifesto beralih kepada pembangunan ekonomi dan kestabilan politik.

• Masa Hadapan? Adakah masanya sudah tiba untuk suara rakyat lebih didengari dalam pembangunan negara?

 
Manifesto hanya akan bernilai jika ia bukan sekadar dokumen, tetapi satu cerminan sebenar keperluan rakyat. 

Jika ia gagal berfungsi sebagai suara rakyat, maka ia hanya akan menjadi catatan sejarah - ditulis, dibaca, tetapi tidak pernah direalisasikan.

Sebagai rakyat Brunei, kita berhak bertanya dan berhak terlibat dalam menentukan hala tuju negara. Apakah masa depan manifesto di negara ini? 

Itu bukan hanya persoalan untuk pemimpin, tetapi untuk kita semua yang ingin melihat Brunei terus maju dengan pembangunan yang benar-benar membawa manfaat kepada semua lapisan rakyat. (MHO/02/2025)
 
 
 

Why Not? 

For decades, Belait has powered Brunei’s economy. But as oil declines, what’s next? 

China has pledged support for Brunei’s economic diversification, aligning BRI with Wawasan 2035. New opportunities in trade, logistics, AI-driven industries, and green energy are on the horizon.

Why not turn Anduki into a cargo hub?
Why not develop Belait River into a Maritime Industrial Corridor?
Why not position Belait as a regional aviation and trade hub?

The choices we make today will shape Belait’s tomorrow. The opportunity is here. The moment is now.

BUAT TIA! Let’s make Belait great again!

Why Not? The BRI-Wawasan 2035 Synergy as a Turning Point for Belait’s Future

By Malai Hassan Othman

BELAIT – For decades, Belait District has powered Brunei’s economy. It is home to oil and gas, the backbone of the nation's wealth.

But times are changing. Oil production is declining. Job opportunities are shrinking. Businesses relying on the energy sector are struggling to survive. 

Now, a new hope emerges. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aligns with Brunei’s Vision 2035. 

Could this partnership transform Belait’s future? 

During his state visit to China on February 6,,2025, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to economic transformation: 

“Brunei Darussalam is committed to building a strong and sustainable economy by attracting foreign investments, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities for its people and businesses.”

President Xi Jinping echoed this sentiment during their bilateral meeting in Beijing, emphasizing, “China and Brunei should enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Wawasan 2035, strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and trade.” 

Additionally, President Xi pledged that China would support Brunei’s economic diversification efforts by encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest in high-tech industries, renewable energy, and modernised infrastructure to accelerate Brunei’s transition into a knowledge-based economy. 

This means more than just agreements. It could bring infrastructure, trade, and investment. But will it truly benefit the people of Belait?

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A New Lifeline for Belait?

For years, businesses in Belait have struggled. Procurement, logistics, and services - once thriving under oil and gas - are now seeing fewer contracts. Unemployment is rising. Many youths find it hard to secure jobs. Workers who spent decades in the energy sector are unsure of their future. 

The government is pushing for economic diversification. This partnership with China could help. But what does it mean for local businesses? 

One possibility is the redevelopment of Anduki Airfield into a cargo hub. If upgraded, it could serve as a key link for BIMP-EAGA trade. 

His Majesty has long emphasised Brunei’s potential to become a logistics and trade center in the region, stating: 

“The close partnership under the Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor and the Muara Container Terminal with Beibu Gulf will position the Sultanate as a potential regional logistics hub and serve as a gateway to ASEAN, the BIMP-EAGA and beyond.” 

Another underutilised asset is the Belait River, which has the potential to be transformed into a Maritime Industrial Corridor. With proper investment, it could support shipbuilding, aquaculture, and port activities, creating new employment opportunities while improving Brunei’s connectivity with regional trade networks.

President Xi further reassured China’s commitment to Brunei’s economic diversification, stating: 

“China supports Brunei’s efforts in economic diversification, digital economy development, and infrastructure expansion, and will encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in these initiatives.” 

As part of this commitment, China has offered investment incentives in Brunei’s renewable energy sector and is supporting the establishment of an AI-driven industrial park in collaboration with local enterprises. 

This means greater demand for logistics, warehousing, transportation, and aviation-related services. It could also attract new industries and create jobs. 

Gallop Air, Brunei’s second airline, is also part of this shift. It plans to connect Brunei with China, ASEAN, and beyond. 

Could this turn Belait into a regional aviation hub? Could local businesses benefit from new supply chains and contracts?

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Ensuring Brunei Maximizes These Opportunities

Independent economic observers believe that to ensure Bruneians truly benefit from these developments, policymakers must take proactive steps: 

1. Mandate Local Content Requirements – Foreign investors should be required to allocate a percentage of contracts and employment opportunities to Bruneian firms and workers. 
   
   
2. Strengthen Workforce Training – Establish specialized vocational training programs in logistics, AI, and renewable energy to prepare locals for new job markets. 
   
   
3. Introduce Investment Safeguards – Ensure that Brunei retains ownership stakes in strategic industries to prevent overreliance on foreign firms. 
   
   
4. Accelerate SME Support Programs – Provide tax incentives and funding opportunities for local businesses to integrate into global supply chains. 
   
   
5. Enhance Digital Infrastructure – Invest in high-speed internet and smart technology to support the digital economy and attract global investors. 
   
   
6. Promote Green Energy Initiatives – Support solar, wind, and other renewable projects to align with global sustainability trends and attract eco-conscious investors. 
   
   
7. Expand Financial Incentives for Startups – Offer low-interest loans and grants to encourage local entrepreneurs to venture into new industries. 
   
   
8. Develop Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Encourage collaboration between the government and the private sector to drive innovation and infrastructure growth.

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Final Thought: Will Brunei Seize This Opportunity?

The foundation for transformation has been laid. Investments are pledged, partnerships are forming, and economic diversification is in motion. 

Yet, the real question remains - will Brunei take bold and decisive steps to turn these prospects into lasting progress? 

Will the nation capitalize on this moment to solidify its position as a regional economic force? 

Will policymakers prioritize local empowerment and sustainable growth? 

Will businesses and entrepreneurs seize the opportunities emerging from this strategic partnership?

 

The path forward is clear. The time for hesitation has passed. BUAT TIA! Let's make Belait great again! (MHO/02/2025)

 

MENYULUH WAWASAN BALDATUN THAYYIBATUN WA RABBUN GHAFUR MELALUI PEMBAHARUAN POLITIK

Oleh: Malai Hassan Othman

Sejarah mengajarkan kita bahawa negara yang berjaya bukan hanya kerana kekayaan ekonominya, tetapi kerana kebijaksanaan kepimpinannya dalam memastikan kesejahteraan rakyat secara menyeluruh. 

Dalam konteks Brunei, impian untuk menjadi Baldatun Thayyibatun Wa Rabbun Ghafur - sebuah negara yang baik dan mendapat keampunan Allah SWT - bukan sekadar doa, tetapi satu amanah politik dan tanggungjawab bersama.  

Namun, bagaimana kita mencapai wawasan ini? Apakah sistem politik dan ekonomi kita sudah cukup adil dan inklusif untuk menjamin kesejahteraan rakyat? Atau adakah masih ada jurang dalam pengagihan kuasa dan kekayaan yang perlu diperbaiki?  

Di sinilah Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP)memainkan peranan. Sebagai satu-satunya parti politik yang sah di Brunei, NDP tidak sekadar berfungsi sebagai mekanisme sokongan kepada kerajaan, tetapi juga sebagai platform untuk memperkasa rakyat dan membawa agenda reformasi yang selari dengan prinsip Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). 

 

Salah satu cadangan penting dalam manifesto NDP adalah pembaharuan politik melalui sistem dua dewan, yang diyakini mampu mengukuhkan prinsip syura dan menjadikan pentadbiran negara lebih berdaya tahan, adil, dan inklusif. 

MIB, NDP dan Pembaharuan Politik ke Arah Baldatun Thayyibatun Wa Rabbun Ghafur  

Brunei menjunjung prinsip Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) sebagai dasar pentadbirannya, tetapi MIB bukan sekadar simbol, ia harus diterjemahkan dalam bentuk pentadbiran yang benar-benar mencerminkan keadilan dan kesejahteraan rakyat.  

NDP percaya bahawa prinsip MIB yang sebenar adalah yang memastikan rakyat dapat berperanan secara aktif dalam pembangunan negara, tanpa rasa takut untuk menyuarakan keperluan dan keprihatinan mereka. Oleh itu, bagi merealisasikan Baldatun Thayyibatun Wa Rabbun Ghafur, NDP mengusulkan satu pembaharuan politik yang berasaskan konsep syura, iaitu sistem dua dewan. 

 

Dua Dewan: Menyeimbangkan Kuasa dan Menjaga Kedaulatan  

Dalam manifesto NDP, cadangan sistem dua dewan melibatkan:  

• Majlis Mesyuarat Negara – Dewan yang berperanan sebagai platform perbahasan dan penggubalan undang-undang, serta menyampaikan suara rakyat dalam pentadbiran negara.

• Majlis Permesyuaratan Diraja – Dewan yang berfungsi sebagai badan penasihat utama kepada Sultan, memastikan setiap dasar negara selaras dengan kepentingan rakyat dan prinsip Islam.  

Cadangan ini bukanlah bertujuan untuk mengubah struktur kerajaan secara radikal, tetapi untuk menyempurnakan sistem pentadbiran agar lebih telus dan efektif, sekaligus memastikan keputusan yang dibuat benar-benar mencerminkan kehendak rakyat.  

Mengapa Sistem Dua Dewan Ini Penting?

• Memperkasakan Prinsip Syura 

 Dalam Islam, pemerintahan yang baik adalah yang mendengar suara rakyat dan membuat keputusan melalui musyawarah. Sistem dua dewan ini memastikan bahawa setiap dasar kerajaan dibincangkan secara matang, bukan sekadar ditentukan oleh elit tertentu.  

 

• Menyeimbangkan Kuasa Eksekutif 

Satu kelemahan dalam sistem politik yang terlalu tertutup ialah keputusan sering dibuat tanpa rujukan menyeluruh kepada rakyat. Dengan adanya dua dewan, ia akan mengurangkan risiko keputusan unilateral dan memastikan ada mekanisme semak dan imbang (checks and balances).  

Memastikan Keterlibatan Rakyat dalam Dasar Negara

Jika benar kita ingin mencapai Baldatun Thayyibatun Wa Rabbun Ghafur, maka rakyat perlu diberikan ruang untuk menyumbang idea dan pandangan mereka secara lebih terbuka. Sistem dua dewan memberikan wakil rakyat peluang untuk menyuarakan kepentingan komuniti mereka secara lebih formal dan efektif.  

 

Memelihara Institusi Beraja dan Warisan Negara

Majlis Permesyuaratan Diraja berperanan untuk terus mengekalkan kestabilan sistem Beraja, memastikan bahawa sebarang perubahan yang dibuat tidak bercanggah dengan tradisi dan budaya negara.  

NDP dan Halatuju Politik Brunei 

Dalam sistem politik Brunei hari ini, masih wujud ketidakseimbangan antara aspirasi rakyat dengan dasar yang dilaksanakan. Ramai yang merasakan bahawa:  

• Peluang ekonomi tidak sama rata, dengan monopoli ekonomi masih dikuasai oleh kelompok tertentu.

• Peluang politik masih terhad, dengan ruang bersuara rakyat yang masih terkawal.

• Sistem pentadbiran yang masih kaku dan kurang fleksibel dalam menangani cabaran ekonomi serta sosial.  

Jika benar kita ingin melihat Brunei sebagai sebuah negara yang makmur dan diberkati, maka kita perlu lebih terbuka terhadap idea-idea pembaharuan yang berpaksikan keadilan, kecekapan, dan kesejahteraan rakyat.  

NDP tidak mencadangkan perubahan yang bercanggah dengan prinsip MIB, tetapi menawarkan satu pendekatan yang lebih telus dan inklusif, memastikan bahawa MIB berfungsi dalam bentuk yang lebih dinamik dan membawa manfaat kepada rakyat secara keseluruhan. 

 

Kesimpulan: Politik sebagai Amanah, Bukan Sekadar Kuasa 

Dalam dunia politik, bukan manifesto atau slogan yang menentukan perubahan, tetapi kesediaan untuk bertindak dengan penuh keberanian dan hikmah. 

NDP yakin bahawa sistem dua dewan adalah satu langkah ke hadapan dalam usaha menjadikan Brunei sebagai Baldatun Thayyibatun Wa Rabbun Ghafur. Ini bukan soal menentang kerajaan atau mencabar sistem, tetapi soal menambahbaik pentadbiran supaya ia lebih responsif, cekap, dan adil kepada rakyat. 

Jika benar kita ingin melihat Brunei mencapai kemakmuran sebenar, kita tidak boleh hanya menjadi pemerhati pasif yang menunggu keajaiban berlaku. Kita perlu menjadi rakyat yang bertanggungjawab, berani menyuarakan keperluan negara, dan terlibat dalam usaha pembangunan secara aktif.  

Dan di sinilah letaknya peranan NDP - bukan sekadar parti politik, tetapi sebagai agen perubahan yang membawa harapan rakyat ke dalam sistem pemerintahan negara. 

Maka, cabaran terbesar kita hari ini bukan sekadar untuk bertanya apa yang kerajaan boleh lakukan untuk kita, tetapi juga apa yang kita boleh lakukan untuk menjadikan negara ini lebih baik, lebih adil, dan lebih makmur untuk generasi akan datang. 

 

Pilihan di tangan kita. (MHO/02/2025)