The Silent Frontliners: Reclaiming Trust Through True Public Service Communication

(This article is a follow-up to my earlier piece: Of Cowards, Critics, and the Call to Contribute, where I explored the culture of criticism, silence, and the need for constructive national engagement.)

In a nation where progress is measured not just by development projects but by public trust and national unity, a group of unsung heroes continues to labour quietly: Brunei’s civil servants. 

Often vilified in public discourse and social media chatter, many government officers work far beyond the call of duty, quietly serving the nation without expecting recognition. 

Yet their efforts are rarely celebrated; instead, they are drowned under the weight of criticism, some valid, but many fueled by hearsay and shallow understanding. 

"Sometimes, it feels like no matter how hard we work, it's never enough," shared a young officer recently. "We don't just work to earn a living; we work to serve." 

Her words are not an isolated sentiment but an echo of the silent frustration felt across the public sector.

Public and private conversations today often carry a tone of frustration.

As one commentator pointed out, during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, many became instant "experts," blaming and criticising rather than offering solutions. 

The real question remains: What are we going to do about it? 

Those who truly care about Brunei's future must move beyond criticism to provide suggestions, propose a way forward, and constructively engage with authorities.

Brunei's working culture in the public service is shaped by deep respect for hierarchy, risk aversion, and an overwhelming emphasis on protocol over engagement. 

Officers tread cautiously when dealing with the media or the public, often avoiding open communication for fear of overstepping. 

The prevailing mentality still echoes the blunt statement I once received as a young reporter: "We don't work for the media." 

This cautious working culture, combined with Brunei's top-down political system, fosters an environment where proactive, transparent communication is not just rare — it is discouraged. 

Many officers, no matter how dedicated, are trapped within structures that silence rather than empower them to communicate with the people they serve.

Meanwhile, the media landscape itself struggles. 

Once vibrant, it is now reduced to a handful of surviving private outlets such as Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata, alongside state-run platforms like Pelita Brunei and RTB. 

Journalism has largely been reduced to press release reporting, with little room for investigative depth or independent scrutiny. 

While the internet has expanded access to information, the tight narrative controls and cautious reporting norms have left a critical void. 

In many cases, what remains can be described as patronising journalism — content that highlights only the positives, praises authority without question, and avoids meaningful scrutiny. 

While intended to preserve stability, this approach risks alienating an increasingly discerning public who yearn for authenticity, critical thought, and genuine engagement.

In the absence of bold, credible, and timely communication, rumours, frustration, and mistrust thrive. 

Recurring patterns vividly demonstrate this communication gap: during the rollout of various public service initiatives over the years, public confusion has often escalated due to delayed, inconsistent information from official sources.

In many instances, social media filled the void with half-truths and frustrations, damaging public confidence in reforms that might otherwise have been well received. 

This was particularly evident when public debates flared up around proposed restrictions on online forums, exposing a widespread public fear that tighter media controls would further suffocate civic space.

Effective Public Relations (PR) is not a luxury. It is the lifeline of good governance. 

It builds trust, ensures transparency, and connects government institutions to the people they serve. 

Press releases, social media engagement, public outreach, media interviews, and proactive dialogues are not optional extras. 

They are critical components of modern public service. 

But beyond technical fixes, true public relations must be grounded in deeper values — the timeless Islamic principles that characterised the leadership of Prophet Muhammad SAW: Sidiq (truthfulness), Amanah (trustworthiness), Tabligh (clear communication and cascading of information), and Fatanah (wisdom). 

These principles formed the ethical foundation of his leadership, ensuring trust, clarity, and wisdom in governance and communication. 

As Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) wisely said: 

"The most beloved of leaders to the people is the one who strives for their welfare, and the most hated is the one who seeks to burden them." 

Leadership, therefore, is a trust that demands sincerity, clarity, and compassion. 

• Sidiq demands that the government speak the truth consistently, clearly, and courageously. -

• Amanah requires public servants to honour the trust placed in them by serving sincerely and responsibly. -

• Tabligh goes beyond mere announcements; it insists on effective cascading of information from leadership to every level, ensuring that policies are clearly understood and implemented with unity and clarity. -

• Fatanah calls for wisdom in balancing firmness with compassion, especially when facing public criticism.

If Brunei’s public sector truly wishes to rebuild public trust, then these values must not merely be quoted in speeches. 

They must be woven into daily practice, into every public statement, every engagement with the media, and every internal briefing. 

Without effective cascading communication, policies risk being misunderstood or poorly implemented, leading to frustration both within the service and among the public. 

Clarity must flow from the top down through every directorate, department, and frontline service counter.

A positive example of effective cascading communication was seen during the nationwide rollout of the BruHealth application during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Clear guidelines, proactive public briefings, and consistent messaging across ministries helped achieve rapid public compliance and understanding, demonstrating that when communication flows properly, national initiatives can succeed smoothly.

Despite the success of initiatives like BruHealth, communication gaps persist across other areas of public service.

Increasingly, even the youth are expressing frustration, seeking platforms for safe civic engagement and common dialogue. 

As one young respondent asked: "Can we share a common platform?" 

Their question reflects a growing yearning for constructive participation in national development, not just passive observation or criticism. 

This growing desire for civic participation, however, is not without risks. 

As another well-wisher warned, bold voices calling for reform may unsettle certain entrenched interests. 

The corridors of power are often more threatened by constructive criticism than by silence. 

Nevertheless, the will to speak up for a better Brunei must remain steadfast. We are not alone. 

Hope for a better future is a shared aspiration across borders and generations.

Moreover, suppressing traditional media and curbing online platforms not only stifles public discourse but threatens the very foundation of good governance. 

Without a free and responsible press, there can be no meaningful checks and balances. 

Governments operate without significant scrutiny; inefficiencies and mismanagement remain hidden, and public trust continues to erode. 

Transparency is not merely a virtue; it is an economic and social necessity, critical for attracting investments, encouraging innovation, and fostering a well-informed citizenry. 

In a time when the public demands faster answers, more transparency, and greater accountability, the solution does not lie in defensiveness or silence. 

It lies in embracing a communication culture rooted in the timeless Islamic principles of Sidiq (truthfulness), Amanah (trustworthiness), Tabligh (clear communication and effective cascading of information), and Fatanah (wisdom).

As a young officer reflected, "We inherited a legacy of problems. Fixing it will take a united nation." 

Unity will not come from slogans; it must be built through trust. And trust, ultimately, is built by speaking truthfully, wisely, and by being truly present for the people. 

If the silent frontliners are given a voice — and the trust to speak sincerely, wisely, and courageously — Brunei can nurture a stronger, more united nation ready to face its future with confidence. 

Brunei’s public service has a heart. Now, it must also find its voice. (MHO/04/2025)

#CallToContribute #NationBuilding #SilentFrontliners

Beyond Sightings: Brunei’s Real Conversation on Crocodiles and Coexistence

 A ground-up approach to managing human-wildlife conflict with empathy and strategy

 

What started over ambuyat by the Brunei River has now reached government halls.

From the heart of Kampong Ayer to the district halls of Tutong, villagers are speaking up—not against crocodiles, but for timely alerts, safe riverbanks, and policy that listens.

This isn’t just a wildlife issue. It’s a governance, communication, and coexistence challenge.

📰 Read the follow-up to Voices from the Riverbanks – now updated with field insights, agency responses, and what’s next for Brunei’s crocodile management strategy.

👇 Full story here at #KopiTalkwithMHO
#Brunei #WildlifeConservation #CommunityVoices #PublicSafety #KampongAyer #EnvironmentalPolicy #HumanWildlifeConflict

Brunei Expands Crocodile Safety Program Amid Rising Sightings and Community Concern

A Follow-Up to “Voices from the Riverbanks” | By Malai Hassan Othman

TUTONG – It began with ambuyat and crocodile talk at a long table in PABO Restaurant, perched above the legendary Brunei River and the once-bustling Kampong Ayer, now haunted by red-eyed predators.

The lunch marked the start of a scheduled five-day crocodile conservation and safety program, jointly organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and the U.S. Embassy in Brunei.

From left: Haji Dinnie Haji Mahdi, the Head of Wildlife Unit of the Forestry Department, Dr Steven G. Platt of the Wildlife Conservative Society

Led by Dr. Steven G. Platt of the Wildlife Conservation Society, the initiative aims to equip village leaders with tools to address crocodile encounters and improve ecological understanding.

This morning, the dialogue moved inland to Tutong, where the Crocodile Public Safety Briefing took place at the District Officer’s Residence, bringing together community members and officials.

The event is part of the U.S. Department of State’s Speaker Program, which facilitates global knowledge sharing in conservation, education, and civic engagement.

At the lunch in Bandar, the river wasn’t just scenery; it was a metaphor. The crocs were shy before. Now they come to the houses,' one kampong elder said over ambuyat.

That reality set the tone for Tutong. Villagers shared direct, practical experiences. They spoke of lost pets, blocked jetties, and schoolchildren rerouting to avoid crocodile haunts.

Crocodile complaints spiked from 68 in 2022 to 111 in 2023, mostly in Brunei-Muara. Experts link the rise to disturbed habitats, quiet rivers, garbage dumping, and reduced river traffic.

Dr. Platt addressed popular myths: crocodiles can live as long as humans, they don’t weaken with age, and they only stop when they lose all their teeth and can’t feed.

He emphasised that understanding crocodile behaviour is the first defence: avoiding known nesting zones, minimising splash and noise near riverbanks, and keeping waste far from waterlines.

When asked how to react to an attack, Platt advised: hit the croc with poles, target the eyes. 'Multiple people intervening often causes the crocodile to release its victim,' he noted.

The monsoon season worsens things. Waves push crocodiles inland, forcing them into calmer tributaries, right where humans gather, wash, fish, and occasionally let down their guard.

Officials highlighted the Wildlife Division’s Program Tangkap Buaya Bersama (PTBB), launched in 2023. It empowers Kampong Ayer residents to report sightings and monitor waters near their homes.

Don't be fooled by the smiles—these guys mean serious business... and soft toys.

From policy to plushies, the team behind Brunei’s crocodile safety program proves that heart, humour, and harmony go a long way in protecting communities and ecosystems.

However, community trust remains limited. 'Why do we hear about the crocodile only after someone dies?' one resident asked. 'Why not before?'

In 2024, nearly 200 crocodiles were captured and relocated. Residents say the issue lies not just with the crocodiles, but also with delayed planning, prevention, and outreach.

One village head said, 'We’re not asking for miracles, just to feel like someone cares before we end up on the news.' His words drew nods across the hall.

Among the solutions proposed: a national crocodile sighting database, school awareness programs, warning signs in danger zones, and joint kampong patrols with early-alert systems via mobile networks.

This week’s event follows up on the concerns aired in the earlier Kopi Talk with MHO column, Voices from the Riverbanks, which amplified public frustration from the ground up.

That article, framed by the haunting view of crocodiles gliding under PABO’s riverside deck, didn’t start the conversation, but it brought urgency and clarity to long-held grievances.

The Ministry now promotes a Whole-of-Nation approach, combining conservation science, grassroots cooperation, and policy alignment to protect lives and balance the ecology.

This Friday, the program will conclude with a roundtable at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, inviting young Bruneians, researchers, and officials to shape the next steps together.

As one kampong elder remarked at the end of the briefing, 'We’re not against crocodiles. We’re against being forgotten.'(MHO/04/2025)

“From the Kampong to the Policy Table - One Voice for Safer Rivers. Empowered by knowledge, connected by commitment. This is what the Whole-of-Nation Approach and collaboration look like.

Voices from the Riverbanks: Brunei Confronts Its Crocodile Crisis

Over ambuyat and local cuisine at a quiet riverside lunch, a serious conversation took shape — one that’s increasingly hard to ignore.

📍 With 111 crocodile-related complaints recorded in 2023 and nearly 200 crocodiles captured last year, Brunei is facing an urgent question: Can we coexist safely with these apex predators in an increasingly urbanised environment?

At the table were Forestry officials, local observers, and Dr. Steven Platt of the Wildlife Conservation Society — a silent observer taking in the realities shared by Brunei’s frontline managers.

🔎 What we learned:

• 51 active traps set in Kampong Ayer

• A zero-export policy for wild Crocodylus porosus (CITES compliance)

• More community talks are planned, with Tutong next in line

💬 “We blame the government. But aren’t we part of the problem too?” one participant asked.

🇧🇳 Brunei is trying — but the crocodiles are coming closer, and time is slipping away.

#Brunei #WildlifeConflict #CrocodileEncroachment #KampongAyer #EnvironmentalPolicy #CITES #Conservation #KopiTalkWithMHO

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 21 April 2025 — As crocodile sightings and encounters rise alarmingly in Brunei's urban and riverine communities, local authorities, international conservationists, and concerned residents are grappling with one difficult question: Can humans and crocodiles continue to coexist in harmony?

This week, the U.S. Embassy in Brunei hosted American herpetologist Dr. Steven G. Platt for a public lecture and a private dialogue with Brunei's Forestry officials and selected guests. 

Ahead of the lecture scheduled for 25 April at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, a smaller lunch took place earlier in the week at PABO Soto, a riverside restaurant. 

Over plates of ambuyat and traditional Bruneian cuisine, the discussion naturally shifted toward the growing issue of crocodile encroachment. 

With the crocodile-infested Brunei River as the backdrop, the setting provided a fitting scene for a candid yet serious conversation on the country's escalating human-crocodile conflict.

Dr. Platt, a seasoned Wildlife Conservation Society herpetologist with decades of fieldwork across Southeast Asia, listened attentively as Brunei Forestry Department officials and local observers shared vivid, sometimes unsettling, accounts of crocodile encroachments into residential areas. 

Although Dr. Platt said little during the session, his attentiveness suggested keen interest in Brunei's unique ecological and social challenges.

The discussion, which overlooked the crocodile-infested Brunei River, opened with a summary by Forestry officials. According to the Wildlife Division, Brunei recorded 111 crocodile-related complaints in 2023, up from 68 the previous year. 

Most complaints came from the Brunei-Muara District, where rapid riverside development, the felling of mangroves, and changes in human activity have disturbed crocodile habitats.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines near the riverbanks, community members voiced frustration over what they viewed as ineffective mitigation. 

"The crocodiles used to stay away, but now they move closer to homes," said one villager. 

"Because of development, fewer people live in the area, and fewer water taxis are plying the river. The river is quieter, and the crocodiles are no longer afraid." 

Others blamed indiscriminate waste disposal along riverbanks and dwindling fish stocks for attracting crocodiles. 

"Our pets, along with stray dogs and displaced monkeys, are like walking buffets to them," quipped one participant. Another lamented the loss of jogging routes and riverside leisure spots due to rising fear.

As ideas were exchanged over lunch, some questioned how crocodile populations are monitored, what thresholds are used to trigger action, and whether relocation or physical barriers have been effective. 

One speaker recalled a once-displayed albino crocodile at a local museum — a haunting symbol of how long the issue has lingered without resolution.

One community member expressed frustration: "We blame the government for not doing enough. But aren't we also part of the problem? We throw rubbish in the river. We feed the imbalance." 

Forestry officials noted that 51 crocodile traps have been deployed in Zones 1 and 2 of Kampong Ayer since February, with six captures recorded so far. 

In addition, they shared during the lunch that nearly 200 crocodiles were captured last year and placed in a secure facility for monitoring and research purposes. 

These figures were previously shared during a public briefing reported by local media and reaffirmed during the lunch discussion. 

A similar community talk, modelled after Dr. Platt’s upcoming lecture at UBD, is scheduled for Tutong. The Crocodile Public Safety Briefing for village heads will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the Tutong District Officer’s Residence. However, they acknowledged limitations in enforcement and public cooperation.

Dr. Platt's presence at the meal was seen as an opportunity for Brunei to tap into international best practices. 

Brunei is also a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and maintains a zero annual export quota for wild specimens of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). 

This commitment underscores Brunei's compliance with international conservation standards, even as it struggles with domestic management challenges. 

In places like Louisiana, crocodilian management involves a combination of habitat zoning, public education, waste control, and precise relocation protocols.

The hope is that this encounter, while informal, may spark structured cooperation in the near future.

As one participant reflected, the community is not asking for miracles - just the political will and commitment to protect both people and nature.

The conversation underscored the need for holistic, community-inclusive solutions grounded in science, policy reform, and cultural sensitivity. 

Whether Brunei can shift from reactive crocodile management to proactive coexistence planning remains to be seen.

For now, the crocodiles continue to drift ever closer, silently reminding us of the urgency to act. (MHO/04/2025)