The Timepiece That Found Its Way Home: A Story of Love, Memory, and Honest Hearts

By Malai Hassan Othman

In a world where honesty often seems like a fading virtue, a small restaurant in Jerudong became the unexpected stage for a story so tender that it warms the soul. 

It is a story of love kept alive through time, of memories etched in gold, and of a simple act of kindness that brought everything full circle. 

It was an ordinary morning at Restoran Morziah, a well-loved breakfast spot after Subuh prayers at the nearby Masjid Al-Ammeerah Al-Hajjah Mariam. But that morning turned extraordinary. 

While tidying up the washbasin area, a staff member stumbled upon a wristwatch — not just any watch, but a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, its golden face softened with age, its leather strap still noble and proud. 

To most, it was a symbol of luxury. But to Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Muhammad, it was a piece of his heart. 

Dato Razak, now in his 80s, is revered for his service to the nation — a former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, and the founder and Chairman of Kemuda Institute. 

But behind the dignified statesman is a romantic soul with a quiet story of love that never aged. 

“The watch was a gift,” he said with a smile that carried decades of memories. 

“From my girlfriend at the time — now my wife — Datin Hajah Gayah, or Kamariah. She gave it to me when I got promoted early in my career. She was so proud of me. That watch wasn’t just a gift. It was her way of saying, 'I believe in you.'" 

That Rolex became his second skin — never leaving his wrist, always ticking along with his journey through life. Until one day, it was gone. 

“I panicked,” he confessed. 

“Not because of its price, but because of the love it represented. I couldn’t bring myself to tell my wife I had lost it.” 

But sometimes, love has a funny way of finding its way back to us. 

Dayang Huzai binti Ismail, the warm-hearted owner of Restoran Morziah, noticed the watch. Her staff had found it, and her instincts told her it belonged to one of her regulars — perhaps one of the gentlemen who came in after dawn prayers. And she was right. It was Dato Razak's. 

The moment he held it again, it felt like a heartbeat had returned. The flood of emotion was visible in his eyes — gratitude, relief, and something deeper: the comfort of recovering a piece of his love story. 

He was so touched by the honesty and integrity shown that he took a rare step. He issued a formal certificate of appreciation to Dayang Huzai and her staff. 

It now hangs proudly on the restaurant wall — not just a token of thanks, but a tribute to values that too often feel lost in today's world. 

And then, as with all things beautiful, came the moment of passing on. 

Today, the Rolex no longer rests on Dato Razak’s wrist. It sits proudly on the wrist of his eldest grandson — a young man now trusted with a legacy. 

When he handed it over, Dato Razak looked him in the eyes and said gently: 

“Don’t ever lose it.”

For it is more than a watch. It is the heartbeat of a love that began in youth, the silent witness to a lifetime of dedication, and the symbol of a rare virtue returned by kind strangers. 

It reminds us that what is lost is not always gone — sometimes, it is simply waiting to be found by the right hands. And so it ticks on faithfully — a keeper of time, love, memory, and a story worth believing in. (MHO/03/2025)

Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Razak (right), Dayang Huzai binti Ismail (center), and mysel(left) sharing a moment of reflection at Restoran Morziah — the very place where a lost timepiece returned, and a story of love, legacy, and honesty came full circle. 

Brunei’s Budget Breakdown: Billions Spent, But Are We Seeing Results?

By: Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, MARCH 2025: After weeks of deliberation, Brunei’s Legislative Council adjourned its first session of 2025 with a clear message: millions have been allocated, but public expectations for delivery remain high - and increasingly urgent.

The 14th day of proceedings on 20 March 2025 was rich in numbers but just as full of questions. 

Members voiced concerns over uncoordinated digital platforms, low industrial occupancy, and ageing populations left behind in the country’s push for modernisation. 

While ministries provided detailed responses, the recurring theme was unmistakable - spending alone no longer satisfies public scrutiny.

Digital transformation: Ambitious but fragmented

Brunei’s push to become a smart nation has been backed by a hefty B$146.5 million budget for digital systems such as TAFIS 2.0, EPRS, OneMHO, and upgrades to BruHealth. 

But on the floor of the chamber, multiple legislators pressed for greater coordination and evaluation.

Despite overlapping systems and costly upgrades, many government services remain siloed. 

Ministries march forward on their own digital agendas - often with little to no synchronisation.

The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications acknowledged the issue and outlined upcoming efforts to synchronise systems and assess outcomes. 

But as systems multiply, so too does the risk of wasteful redundancies - raising the question: are Bruneians getting what they paid for?

Housing projects: Strong spending, slow delivery

The Ministry of Development presented its flagship housing developments in Lugu (B$108.6 million) and Tanah Jambu (B$96.97 million) as models of economic participation. 

Both projects involved local contractors, consultants, and suppliers. In total, they engaged more than a dozen local firms and employed scores of Bruneians.

But on the ground, delays persist. Applicants face long waiting lists and no system to track applications. 

Questions remain on whether these projects serve the people who need them most - or simply look good on paper.

Some legislators proposed small-scale housing projects for kampungs, such as Sungai Mau, Lamunin, and Supon Besar, noting the importance of rural revitalisation alongside national expansion.

A digital nation—but not for everyone

Not all citizens have caught up with the digital wave. In fact, a 2022 survey revealed that 72% of elderly pension recipients still prefer to collect their allowance in cash from village heads, avoiding banks and digital apps.

Though bank uptake is increasing - 45% of 44,405 recipients now receive payments through financial institutions - the gap remains wide. 

Digital illiteracy, trust issues, and physical immobility were all cited as barriers by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

This digital divide raises a serious concern: while Brunei celebrates its tech milestones, thousands of its elderly are quietly left behind.

Labour pains: Minimum wage rises, retention falls

With over 700 local workers set to benefit from the new B$500/month minimum wage across seven sectors, the government is taking steps toward better income security.

Yet even with wage reforms, a majority of surveyed companies - 60% - still struggle to retain Bruneian workers. 

Job-hopping, low morale, and dissatisfaction with private sector conditions point to deeper cracks in the labour market.

Ministries cite training and support schemes. But if skills are developed only to be underpaid and underutilised, are we solving the right problem?

Industrial parks: Built, but barely filled

In Temburong, the Batu Apoi Industrial Site sits at just 7% occupancy, despite being ready for investors. 

Bukit Panggal in Tutong is currently 0% occupied. Other areas, such as Serambangun, fare better with 75% usage, but overall national industrial park occupancy remains at 61%.

The BEDB defended its long-term vision, explaining that future zones - like Bukit Pasir and Labu Estate - are part of strategic diversification. But critics ask: if the present sites remain underused, what exactly are we preparing for?

Cybersecurity: Growing risks, modest response

Only B$2.3 million more was added to the nation’s cybersecurity budget, despite rising risks from fintech, online platforms, and data-driven services.

The Ministry said the focus would be on regulation, awareness, and sector-based resilience. But with threats growing in complexity and speed, the question lingers: is this response enough to safeguard a digital Brunei?

Call centre success - and a sign of what's possible

Talian Darussalam 123, Brunei’s national feedback hotline, was lauded for handling over 5 million calls and achieving a 4.5/5 satisfaction rating. 

Members called for similar systems across ministries, integrated with real-time dashboards and AI-supported analytics.

TD123 proves that good governance can be responsive, measurable, and citizen-centred. 

But can its success be replicated in ministries still burdened by outdated workflows and manual tracking?

The role of legislators—and their limitations

Several members expressed frustration that they receive no budget for addressing local complaints such as broken drains, potholes, or lighting issues. 

Constituents often expect action, but members must channel such cases through the relevant ministries.

This structural limitation leaves lawmakers stuck between public expectations and bureaucratic procedures - raising concerns about accountability without authority.

Airport corporatisation: A proposal on the table

The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications floated the idea of corporatising Brunei International Airport - mirroring models like Changi and Malaysia Airports Holdings.

Legislators welcomed the concept cautiously, stressing the importance of ensuring national interest and economic benefit for local workers and firms. 

But details remain scant, and follow-through will determine whether this becomes transformation or just talk.

A session ends—but the work continues

Speaker Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman confirmed the first session of the 21st Legislative Council had concluded.

Mentions of a “second session” were made, signalling that deliberations would resume in due course to address unresolved matters and continuing national strategies.

As Brunei lays out its development roadmap, the numbers may be bold - but the demand for delivery, transparency, and measurable progress is louder than ever.

What do you think?

The national budget, policies, and governance affect every Bruneian. Are the allocations reflective of public needs? Are digital advancements truly benefiting all? 

What should be done to ensure industrial zones are productive and not just ambitious blueprints? 

We invite you to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, expectations, and hopes for the next Legislative Council session. What changes do you want to see? 

Let’s make national development a collective discussion, not just a policy announcement. (MHO/03/2025)

LegCo Exposes Governance Shortfalls: Will Bruneians See Real Change or More Empty Promises?

What happens when policy debates reveal more questions than answers? When promises of reform clash with the reality of inefficiency?

 

By Malai Hassan Othman

 

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, MARCH 2025: Brunei’s 13th Day of the Legislative Council (LegCo) session laid bare the struggles of governance, from budgetary shortfalls to public frustration over policy stagnation. 

 

What unfolded in the chambers was not just another political routine but a mirror reflecting inefficiencies, unkept promises, and deep-seated governance challenges.

 

Public Spending: A Bottomless Pit?

 

Brunei continues to struggle with unreliable water supply, housing backlogs, and stagnant economic development despite significant infrastructure spending. 

 

The Minister of Development defended budget cuts of $62 million in JKR, particularly in maintenance funds while increasing spending on asset acquisitions. 

 

However, this raises concerns - how will infrastructure remain functional if routine maintenance takes a backseat to new asset purchases?

 

Lawmakers also questioned the delayed execution of multiple flood mitigation projects despite available funding, reinforcing scepticism over the government’s ability to deliver on promised reforms.

 

The session saw intense exchanges over the declining quality of essential services. While ministers assured progress, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise.

 

The Minister of Development justified a $22.4 million budget increase for infrastructure, but concerns over delayed projects and accountability dominated discussions. 

 

Meanwhile, JKR’s operational budget was slashed by $3.6 million, accompanied by job cuts. 

 

How will efficiency improve when resources are dwindling and oversight remains weak?

 

Water Woes: Yellow Taps and Empty Promises

 

The yellowish, contaminated water crisis continues to haunt residents, particularly in Temburong and Lumapas. 

 

The Minister of Development acknowledged the severity of the issue and revealed that a real-time water quality monitoring system is in the works, yet no clear timeline for its implementation was given. 

 

Meanwhile, the expansion of the Batang Duri Water Treatment Plant from 5MLD to 20MLD is underway, but questions remain - will this be enough to resolve years of inadequate water supply, or just another project with delayed results?

 

Yellowish, contaminated water remains a recurring nightmare for many households despite repeated investments in water treatment plants. 

 

Lawmakers pressed the government on accountability, questioning why these issues persist despite repeated budget injections.

 

The Minister admitted long-term planning is necessary, but for residents enduring discoloured, unsafe drinking water, the patience is wearing thin. 

 

How long will Bruneians wait for a basic necessity?

 

Housing Nightmares: Abuse and Neglect

 

The Rancangan Perumahan Negara (RPN) scandal resurfaced, revealing how government-subsidized homes are being rented out for profit while genuine applicants remain homeless.

 

Lawmakers demanded stricter enforcement, transparency, and legal consequences for those exploiting the system.

 

RPN Lugu faced additional scrutiny, with revelations of structural flaws and substandard utility installations. 

 

Residents struggling with faulty air-conditioning and water-heating systems questioned the quality of government-approved contractors. 

 

Is housing a privilege or a failed policy experiment?

 

Job Crisis: Foreign Workers Over Bruneians?

 

The Minister of Development acknowledged that 58% of local construction companies failed to renew their business licenses due to financial mismanagement.

 

This further reinforces the challenges in local business development and the government's weak enforcement of localisation policies, leaving many Bruneians struggling for opportunities in their own industries.

 

Despite rising unemployment, foreign workers continue to dominate grass-cutting and maintenance contracts, sparking calls for stricter enforcement of localisation policies. 

Lawmakers urged the redirection of grass-cutting and maintenance contracts to local cooperatives (MPK) to create employment opportunities for Bruneians. 

 

The Minister of Development admitted that more than 5,000 foreign workers still dominate the construction sector, despite the existence of localisation policies. 

 

Weak enforcement of Local Business Development (LBD) initiatives was blamed for the failure to integrate more local talent into the industry, leaving many Bruneians sidelined in their own country’s labour market.

 

Ministers acknowledged the concern but failed to offer clear commitments. 

 

Is the government truly prioritising local employment, or is foreign labour dependency an intentional policy?

 

Poverty Alleviation or Welfare Trap?

 

Brunei’s poverty eradication success rate fell from 65% to 56%, highlighting inefficiencies in social welfare programs and the government's reliance on financial aid as a short-term fix.  

 

The government’s reliance on financial aid was criticised, with lawmakers emphasising the need for mindset transformation, skill development, and self-reliance programs. 

 

This issue belongs under the broader job crisis and economic development concerns, as it highlights structural weaknesses in supporting local businesses and ensuring sustainable employment for Bruneians.

 

 The government’s reliance on financial aid was criticised, with lawmakers emphasising the need for mindset transformation, skill development, and self-reliance programs.

 

While zakat distribution improved, lawmakers scrutinised inefficiencies in collection, allocation, and transparency, citing inconsistencies in fund tracking, regional disparities in distribution, and past failures in managing zakat reserves, where large sums remained unused despite rising poverty levels. 

 

Concerns were raised over delays in disbursement, the lack of proper tracking mechanisms, and whether the aid truly reaches the intended beneficiaries or simply fuels long-term dependency on financial support rather than fostering self-sufficiency. 

 

The administrative burden of zakat management was questioned, with calls for a more efficient system that reduces bureaucratic inefficiencies, improves verification processes, and ensures funds are not misused for recurring aid without accountability on recipients' financial progress. 

 

Some lawmakers called for an independent audit to determine whether zakat collection meets its intended goals, particularly in addressing the growing concerns over financial mismanagement, inefficient fund utilisation, and the expanded use of zakat to cover personal debts such as overdue housing payments, which could risk long-term dependency. 

 

A key issue was whether zakat funds are effectively reducing poverty or merely shifting financial burdens, particularly with the growing trend of zakat being used to cover housing debts and social assistance, instead of fostering sustainable economic independence. 

 

There was also debate on expanding eligibility criteria to ensure those in genuine need are prioritised. 

 

The disconnect between policy intent and execution was a central theme, reinforcing the need for structural reforms to ensure zakat fulfils its role as a pillar of economic upliftment rather than just a stopgap measure.

 

Final Verdict: Governance in Crisis?

 

The 13th Day proceedings did more than just highlight national challenges - they underscored a systemic failure in governance, policy execution, and accountability.

 

Repeated budget allocations with minimal impact suggest that Brunei’s problems are not about funding but execution.

 

Until accountability is enforced, inefficiencies eliminated, and policies translated into tangible improvements, the same issues will resurface year after year.

 

For Bruneians who have heard the same promises year after year, the question is no longer how long must they wait? but rather, what will it take for real change to happen?

 

What are your thoughts on these pressing issues? Join the conversation and share your perspective on the future of governance in Brunei. (MHO/03/2025)

 

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)