Of Cowards, Critics, and the Call to Contribute

By Malai Hassan Othman

Recently, I came across an intriguing post on Reddit — a photo of a newspaper clipping written entirely in Chinese, with a headline that read: “(Chinese) BEDB reiterates that future is bright: Non-oil sector growing to 50% of GDP.” 

At first, I didn’t know what it was all about, as I don’t read Chinese. But what drew my attention were the comments in English beneath it. 

They gave the strong impression that the article was about Brunei — or at least, a satirical portrayal of it. 

That curiosity led me to have the article translated and carefully analysed.

What I found was a legitimate economic report, published using alternate identifiers like "Hanfei" and "Bellini." 

The article discussed non-oil and gas sector growth surpassing 50% of GDP, energy investment, and foreign partnerships with China and India - themes closely aligned with Brunei's current economic agenda. 

Indian business delegations have indeed visited Brunei recently to explore investment opportunities, as reported by reputable sources such as The Star on 14 December 2024. 

While the use of fictional names may have been a stylistic or editorial choice to avoid direct reference, the substance of the article reflects real developments. 

What struck me most, however, was not the article itself, but the public reaction to it, particularly in the English-language comments that followed. 

These reactions were laced with sarcasm, scepticism, and frustration, revealing much about our national mood.

But truthfully, what moved me to write this article began even earlier. 

In a WhatsApp group I’m part of, a discussion had unfolded - going back and forth - on whether we should continue to speak up about the state of our nation’s progress and development, or simply remain silent. The questions struck deep.

In that same conversation, several voices stood out, reflecting the inner conflict many feel. 

One participant said:

"Failures talk loud to cover their past letdown…"
"SILENCE... silent is sufficiency...!!!"
"SPEAK UP IF SOMETHING IS WRONG. SILENCE SOLVES NOTHING."

These words captured the very tension the group was debating — between staying quiet and choosing to speak with purpose.

That was the emotional undercurrent. Then came the Reddit post — and it connected everything. 

It wasn’t just about the article, but what it revealed about the public’s mood: frustration, sarcasm, fear, and a desire to say something, even if anonymously. 

To me, the use of fictional names and anonymous dissemination reflects a deeper reality — the restrictive space for freedom of speech and expression in Brunei. 

People feel compelled to resort to satire, metaphor, and pseudonyms as a safer way to express opinions and frustrations, especially when speaking openly may carry social or professional risk.

It made me reflect: How do we, as a society, express our dissatisfaction? And what do we gain or lose when we do so anonymously?

📏 But Who Was This Really Meant For? A Closer Look at the Target Audience

The article wasn’t written in English or Malay — the two most accessible languages in Brunei. 

It was published in Traditional Chinese, couched in business language, and used familiar terms: GDP growth, energy diversification, investment ties, and cross-border partnerships.

This appears tailored to a specific audience — the business community, particularly those within the local Chinese-speaking circles who often follow regional Chinese-language sources. 

The tone mimicked an economic development board press release, the kind many of us have read over the years.

Its message was subtle:

• “This sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”
• “Look beyond the slogans.”
• “Is the future as bright as promised?”

For readers attuned to these signals, it became more than satire. It became a moment of self-recognition and reflection.

🗱️ A Moment to Pause

Platforms like Reddit have become informal barometers of public sentiment — especially in places where structured public feedback is limited. 

They serve a purpose. They allow emotion. They reveal truths.

But as we lean into such spaces, we should also pause and ask:

• Are we building something when we speak anonymously?
• Are we contributing to progress, or just venting our despair?

Brunei is not short of intelligent, caring, observant people. But what we sometimes lack is courage, not to complain, but to own our voices.

🤝 Let’s Be Clear: Dissent is Not the Problem

Dissent is essential. Constructive criticism is a civic virtue. Even satire has its place.

But when satire becomes our only tool, and anonymity our only shield, we risk letting defeatism settle in.

Let’s not surrender to that. Let’s uplift our public dialogue.

🖼️ A Nation of Observers, or a Nation of Builders?

Everyone claims to want progress. But what are we doing to move us toward it?

• Can we challenge systems within the space that exists?
• Can we draft better ideas, lead grassroots efforts, and mentor the next generation?
• Can we speak boldly — even if not always publicly — but with sincerity and integrity?

Progress isn’t a punchline. It’s a process. And it needs people who are willing to show up.

🌱 To the Quiet Readers and the Brave Ones

If you feel unheard, you’re not alone. If you fear speaking up, you’re not wrong.

But still, Brunei needs your ideas. Your honesty. Your heart.

Let us raise the standard of public dialogue. Let us speak not just louder, but better.

Let us remember: The journey to Wawasan 2035 requires clarity, courage, and care.

Because if we do not speak up with wisdom, others will speak for us — in whispers, in satire, or in silence that misleads.

💬 Let’s continue the conversation—respectfully, openly, and constructively.

How do we ensure our voices push Brunei forward? I welcome your thoughts. (MHO/04/2025)

#KopiTalkWithMHO #Brunei #NationBuilding #ConstructiveDialogue #Wawasan2035 #Leadership

The Unseen Cost of Progress: When Labour Laws Exist, But Enforcement Doesn’t

Third Follow-Up to "Burnout Nation" and "The Circle of Uncertainties"

By Malai Hassan Othman

"On paper, I’m protected. In reality, I haven’t had a day off in months."
— A worker in a Brunei retail chain

In Brunei Darussalam, the ink has dried on some of Southeast Asia’s most structured employment laws. 

The Employment Order 2009 is clear: contracts must be signed, hours must be capped, rest days are mandatory, and enforcement falls squarely on the shoulders of the Labour Department. 

But for thousands of workers across the country - particularly in the private and informal sectors - those protections are little more than words in a handbook no one dares to open. 

This is the third in a series of reports sparked by a nationwide response to our previous stories: Burnout Nation and The Circle of Uncertainties. 

If the first article gave voice to the emotionally drained, and the second exposed the public’s rising frustration, then this report peels back the bureaucracy to examine the machinery - and why it isn't working.

🔹 Legal Protections That Disappear at the Doorstep

The Employment Order 2009 outlines nearly every conceivable safeguard. From written contracts and fair pay to maternity leave and weekly rest days, the law reads like a charter of labour dignity. 

But what good is a law that exists without will? 

A 2020 Department of Labour guide states that officers have the authority to inspect, audit, and act against non-compliant employers. 

Yet the testimonies of workers tell another story.

"No contract. No overtime. No breaks. They said if I don’t like it, someone else will take my place."

The Employment Information Act (Cap. 99) grants the Commissioner the power to compel any employer to provide data, contracts, or staff lists. 

Noncompliance is a punishable offence. Yet the question lingers: how many have been punished?

While the legal framework exists, including the Trade Disputes Act and Trade Unions Act, they remain rarely invoked in the private sector. 

The institutional infrastructure is present - but the will to act often is not.

🔹 The Illusion of Oversight

The Department of Labour’s stated mission includes protecting workers, enforcing employment laws, and inspecting workplaces. 

But in the private sector - especially among F&B outlets, service providers, small contractors, and boutique retail chains - the absence of oversight is palpable. 

Many workers report 12- to 14-hour shifts, seven-day weeks, and toxic managers who believe compliance is optional.

“Even on public holidays, I worked. No double pay. No choice. My boss said this isn’t Shell, this is Brunei.”

Brunei's average working hours reached 47 per week, among the highest in Southeast Asia according to ILO statistics. 

The new Minimum Wage Order 2025 has been introduced, but enforcement is still in Phase One. Meanwhile, mental health issues continue to rise in silence.

🔹 No Voice, No Union, No Exit

Brunei’s Trade Unions Act (Cap. 128) legally permits union formation. 

However heavy regulation, government registration requirements, and tight operational boundaries mean that only one known union actively exists today: BOWU. 

And that too, mainly in government-linked sectors. There is no independent federation of unions. No collective bargaining. No real pressure mechanism.

“I wanted to report my boss for mistreatment. HR said: Just be grateful you have a job.”

What happens in a workplace where laws exist, but workers have no leverage?

They endure - or exit the workforce entirely. According to CEIC data, Brunei’s labour force participation rate dipped to 64.0% in 2023, the lowest in over a decade. 

Labour turnover is also rising, as confirmed by Minister Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Awang Amin Liew in the 2025 LegCo sitting. 

Over 60% of companies struggle to retain locals, driven by poor benefits, weak career prospects, and lack of advancement.

“The system looks legal—but feels lawless.” - A former employment compliance officer who spoke on condition of anonymity

🔹 Mental Health as Policy Illusion

Mental health surveys of civil servants show 35.4% report burnout, with 27.7% experiencing anxiety. 

But critics argue that such statistics, drawn from small samples, mask the scope of private sector suffering. 

In workplaces with no HR departments, no grievance procedures, and no paid leave, mental health isn’t a metric - it’s a casualty.

“My coworker had a breakdown. The supervisor said: Go cry in the storeroom, not in front of customers.”

The WHO recognizes burnout as an occupational disease. Brunei’s 2022–2025 Mental Health Action Plan included provisions for work-life balance, including flexible hours and WFH options - but implementation remains fragmented.

🔹 A Crisis of Implementation, Not Intention

The Trade Disputes Act provides arbitration, conciliation, and mediation channels. 

The Employment Order empowers officers to act. 

The Information Act enables data collection. But these mechanisms are only as strong as their application. 

Studies from UBD show that participation in Brunei’s public sector is framed more as a management efficiency exercise than as a means to empower employee voices. 

Voice is institutionalized - but rarely heard. This is not to dismiss the genuine efforts of some employers. 

Many uphold standards. But without consistent enforcement, good becomes optional, and bad becomes cultural.

🔹 The Public Has Spoken. Who Will Listen?

The public response to this series has made one thing clear: people are not just exhausted - they feel abandoned. 

Every law left unenforced is a promise broken.

"Overtime is only worth it if the paycheck is comfortable and you get actual respect... Rights must be matched by responsibility, but someone still has to work the fields." -  A reader’s comment on Kopi Talk with MHO

Brunei Darussalam cannot afford to build its Vision 2035 on burnt-out bodies and silenced voices. 

True progress is not measured by GDP alone but by the dignity of its workers. And dignity, like enforcement, must be visible.

---

Do you have a story of unfair work conditions or silent mistreatment? Message us at Kopi Talk with MHO. Your voice matters. (MHO/04/2025)

 

Tariff Storms and Empty Fields: Will Brunei Ever Be Serious About Food Self-Sufficiency?

When tariff wars return and empty shelves loom, will Brunei finally confront the truth - that food security is not a slogan but a survival imperative?

By Malai Hassan Othman | April 2025

---

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — As new tariff wars erupt under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s resurgence, Brunei’s dependence on food imports stands exposed - once again. 

Over 90% of essential food is still imported. The alarm bell isn't new. Yet the small, oil-rich Sultanate continues to delay real agricultural reform. Legislative promises remain plenty, but tangible food security? Still elusive.

At the heart of Brunei's vulnerability lies chronic inaction. Rice, the staple, is still mostly imported. 

Fisheries depend on foreign catches, and vegetables arrive by containers. The math is damning. 

During the 20th session of the Legislative Council this year, ministers admitted the glaring shortfall. 

Despite bold claims and budgeted infrastructure, yields are still far from national targets. 

The Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism acknowledged that only 26 of 72 Agricultural Development Areas have been fully equipped. 

This is despite years of planning and recurring budget allocations. 

Millions have been spent developing Kandol and Wasan paddy fields, hybrid rice from China, and subsidized seed schemes. Yet domestic production remains a sliver of consumption - barely above 10% for rice.

Critics within the chamber questioned the pace. Some blamed outdated irrigation. Others cited youth disinterest and the failure of past efforts, like the Katok Horticulture Centre. 

Meanwhile, Brunei’s agriculture and agrifood sector contributed just 0.61% to GDP in 2023. 

Out of over BND 20 billion in GDP, agriculture accounted for only BND 115 million. Yes, poultry and egg production nears full sufficiency, and tropical fruits and seafood too. 

But they’re the exceptions - not the rule. The rest? Left to global markets and fate. 

Only 3% of Brunei's land is allocated for agriculture. Yet more land isn’t the only answer. 

Precision farming, AI-driven irrigation, and aquaponics remain largely untapped in the Sultanate. 

Other small nations - like Singapore - have invested heavily in vertical farming and closed-loop systems. 

Brunei? Still at the pilot stages, with most innovation locked in government presentations.

Aquaculture, a potential saviour for food and jobs, remains underdeveloped. 

Fisheries experts have long called for hatcheries, investment, and serious public-private models. 

They’re still waiting. Programs like PaddyCo launched to boost rice yields sevenfold by 2025, are nowhere near achieving their goal. The deadline is months away. The results are underwhelming. 

In last year’s “Seeds of Change,” I warned about Brunei’s rentier mindset. The dependence on oil wealth breeds comfort - not urgency. 

Today, the risk is no longer theoretical. Trump’s tariffs exposed real-world consequences: price hikes, supply shocks, and a nation still ill-prepared to feed itself. Dutch disease is not just an academic term—it is Brunei’s Achilles’ heel.

So what must change? 

First, agriculture must be treated as a strategic sector - on par with energy and defence. It is not just about food; it is about sovereignty. 

Second, the government must empower universities and research bodies to drive innovation, from climate-resilient crops to biotech feed. Applied R&D is not a luxury - it is a necessity. 

Third, smart incentives are overdue: low-interest financing, co-investments with private farms, and mechanization grants for smallholders. These need policy clarity and political will. 

Fourth, revive abandoned hubs like Katok. Build agri-technology parks and connect them with logistics corridors from farm to market. Food security needs infrastructure, not just land. 

Lastly, modernize aquaculture. From shrimp hatcheries to deep-sea cages, Brunei’s fisheries sector has untapped potential. ASEAN partners are ready. Are we?

Beyond policy and planning, this is also a matter of faith. Islam does not separate governance from survival. 

The Qur’an speaks clearly of food security through the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph). 

In Surah Yusuf (12:47–49), Yusuf advises Egypt to plant for seven years, store food in its husks, and prepare for seven years of hardship. 

His strategy was divine foresight, not mere economics. This isn’t just historical; it’s a blueprint. It shows that Islamic governance demands preparedness, prudent storage, and agricultural self-reliance. 

Food security is an amanah - a trust placed upon those in power. According to Maqasid Syariah, preserving life (hifz al-nafs) and wealth (hifz al-mal) includes ensuring access to food. 

When a nation imports 90% of its staples, it fails that trust. 

The Brunei Government, founded upon Melayu Islam Beraja, must uphold this principle. 

This isn’t only about economics but about obedience to a higher moral and spiritual command.

One young farmer, Muhammad Khairil, 28, from Tutong, summed it up bluntly: (not his real name) “We have the land, the tools, and the heart. But policies need to match our ambition.” 

His frustration echoes across farming communities eager to contribute. Meanwhile, aspiring agri-tech entrepreneurs like Siti Nurhazirah, 26, say they face hurdles (not her real name) in accessing funding and technical support. 

“It’s not that youth are not interested. We just don’t see the system ready for us,” she said.

To truly change the course, Brunei must now involve the public. Youth must be brought into national food dialogues - not just as beneficiaries, but as innovators. 

Cross-ministry coordination is overdue. This is no longer a discussion about agriculture. It’s about national resilience. 

We cannot afford to wait until grocery shelves are empty to act. 

The government must lead with consistency - not slogans. 

Agriculture should no longer be a ceremonial footnote in budget speeches. It is Brunei’s unfinished revolution.

 

What do you think? 

Have your say. Farmers, students, parents, policymakers - your voice matters. Join the conversation. Share your ideas, frustrations, and vision for Brunei's food future. (MHO/04/2025)

 

This article is a follow-up to the author’s previous piece “The Seeds of Change,” published in November 2024.

 

Stitching Lessons: How Brunei’s Garment Boom Can Guide Today's Trade Strategy

🇧🇳 Once a rising star in global apparel, Brunei now faces a 24% U.S. tariff—and echoes of a lost garment industry boom are ringing louder than ever. What went wrong, and can we afford to repeat the same mistakes?

🧵 “Stitching Lessons” reveals how Brunei’s short-lived garment glory holds critical insights for navigating today's trade turbulence. A must-read for those shaping Brunei’s economic future.

By Malai Hassan Othman

In the late 1990s, Brunei—renowned worldwide for its oil wealth - unexpectedly entered the global garment market. 

Factories flourished, staffed predominantly by foreign workers from the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, producing clothing proudly bearing the label "Made in Brunei." 

These garments found their way into prominent stores across North America and Europe, signalling a brief yet significant period of economic diversification.

Why Did It Happen?

The sudden growth was not driven by local entrepreneurship but by the international trade agreement known as the Multi-Fiber Arrangement (MFA). 

This agreement imposed strict textile export quotas on major producers like China, prompting Chinese manufacturers to seek alternative production bases. 

Brunei, politically stable and economically untapped, quickly became an attractive partner.

The Power of Strategic Partnerships:

Chinese manufacturers established joint ventures with local Brunei factories, sharing international production licenses. 

This allowed Brunei to manufacture globally recognized branded apparel, significantly boosting local economic activity and putting Brunei-made clothing on the global stage. 

At its height, Brunei's garment exports reached B$303.4 million in 2005 - a substantial figure for a non-oil sector in the country’s economy.

Personal Impact:

The garment industry's brief success profoundly impacted local workers. 

Aminah, a Bruneian seamstress, recalls with pride, “Knowing the shirts I stitched were sold in London and New York gave meaning to my work and hope for my family.” 

Such personal stories highlight the industry's tangible effects on lives and communities.

The Sudden Fall:

However, the garment industry's growth ended abruptly in 2005 with the termination of the MFA quotas. 

Unable to compete without protective barriers, Brunei quickly lost its industry to more competitive nations like China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. 

In the first half of 2006 alone, export earnings had already dropped to B$100.3 million. 

Factories shut down, jobs were lost, and once-thriving industrial hubs such as Serasa and Muara fell silent.

Reflecting on Missed Opportunities:

Looking back, experts and public sentiment converge on a sobering truth: the garment industry in Brunei was never meant to be sustainable. 

It was a profit-driven venture created to exploit a momentary loophole in global trade - never backed by a serious long-term industrial strategy. 

Higher operational costs, a strong Brunei dollar, and reliance on foreign labour made the sector uncompetitive in an open market. 

Public discussions have pointed out that the government and civil service lacked a coordinated vision to transition this opportunity into a resilient sector. 

A mindset shift was needed - one that moved beyond bureaucratic inertia and excuses like “nada budget.” 

Instead, the lack of investment in technology, infrastructure, and skills development left the country exposed when global trade dynamics inevitably shifted.

Relevance to Today’s Global Economy:

Current trade conflicts, such as the 2025 "reciprocal tariff regime" introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump, have placed Brunei under new pressure. 

A newly imposed 24% tariff on Brunei’s exports to the U.S. is seen by many as unjustified, especially given that Brunei posted a trade deficit - not a surplus - with the U.S. in 2024. 

This has reignited frustrations over Brunei’s small voice in global trade negotiations. 

The disproportionate tariff, compared to Singapore’s 10%, highlights how vulnerable small economies like Brunei are in the face of global power dynamics. 

It also echoes the vulnerabilities of the past garment era, where international decisions rendered local industries obsolete overnight.

Moving Forward: 

The story of Brunei's garment industry - and the looming 2025 tariff shock - provides crucial lessons for future leaders. 

Strategic foresight, technological innovation, and a genuine commitment to economic diversification are now essential, not optional. 

By honestly reflecting on past missteps and embracing bold new approaches, Brunei’s youth and policymakers can ensure the nation is prepared for any global trade challenges that may arise.

However, reflection alone is insufficient.

Singapore, known for its strong economic planning and reserves, has expressed serious concerns about the global economic outlook. 

Even its Prime Minister has cautioned that trade wars and collapsing economies were factors that led to the outbreak of World War II. 

If a nation as advanced and diversified as Singapore is preparing for worsening conditions, Brunei must not dismiss this moment as trivial.

We must recognize our vulnerabilities. The majority of our food is imported - including fresh red chillies, cat and dog food, and even basic items like chopping boards. 

These realities indicate a lack of resilience and serve as warning signs.

Now is the time - not tomorrow - to revitalize our agricultural sector. 

If relevant ministries and agencies fail to take action, we must question their effectiveness. 

What is the purpose of maintaining portfolios that yield no results? 

If we cannot cultivate fresh chillies in our fertile soil, can we truly consider ourselves a self-reliant nation?

Economic resilience begins with a shift in mindset, followed by decisive action. 

If Singapore is preparing, Brunei must intensify its efforts. 

Trade tariffs may not signal the end; they could mark the start of more profound disruptions. The time to act is now. (MHO/04/2025)

 

 

Brunei Dikenakan Tarif 24% oleh Amerika Syarikat: Suatu Tamparan kepada Kedaulatan Ekonomi Negara Kecil

WACANA DARI MEJA PENASIHAT 

6 April 2025

 

Nota: Artikel ini merupakan komentar sivik oleh penulis dalam kapasiti peribadi sebagai Penasihat Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP). Pandangan yang dikemukakan tidak mencerminkan atau mewakili pendirian rasmi Kerajaan Brunei Darussalam.

 

LIMBARUH HUJAU, JERUDONG: – Tatkala dunia masih berusaha bangkit daripada ketidaktentuan ekonomi global, sebuah berita mengejutkan telah melanda bumi Brunei Darussalam: negara kita dikenakan tarif 24 peratus oleh Amerika Syarikat ke atas eksport kita.

 

Tarif ini bukan sahaja tinggi, malah lebih berat daripada apa yang dikenakan terhadap negara-negara besar seperti Jepun (24%), Malaysia (24%), dan Singapura (10%). 

 

Adakah ini adil? Adakah ini berdasarkan data? Atau adakah kita sedang dihukum kerana kecil, senyap, dan tidak strategik dalam mempertahankan kepentingan nasional?

 

Realiti Politik Negara Kecil

 

Brunei bukan gergasi ekonomi. Kita bukan kuasa perdagangan global. Tetapi kita adalah sebuah negara berdaulat, yang sewajarnya dilayan dengan maruah dan timbang rasa.

 

Dalam sistem perdagangan antarabangsa yang kian dipolitikkan, negara kecil seperti Brunei sering menjadi mangsa. 

 

Kita mudah dipinggirkan dalam rundingan, mudah dimasukkan dalam senarai hukuman, dan sukar diberi suara dalam pentas dunia.

 

Persoalan utama yang harus kita tanya: Mengapa Brunei dikenakan tarif lebih tinggi daripada Singapura, sedangkan kita bukan pun pengeksport utama ke AS? 

 

Data menunjukkan bahawa Brunei sebenarnya mempunyai defisit dagangan dengan AS – kita lebih banyak mengimport (BND298.4 juta) daripada mengeksport (BND238.7 juta) pada tahun 2024.

 

Kesan Langsung dan Tidak Langsung

 

Kementerian Kewangan dan Ekonomi (MOFE) sedang menilai kesan tarif ini dan mengatur pertemuan dengan pihak kedutaan AS. 

Eksport utama Brunei ke AS termasuk bahan kimia dan alat-alat jentera – bukan pun komoditi yang kritikal kepada pasaran AS.

 

Tetapi yang lebih membimbangkan ialah kesan tidak langsung: pasaran tenaga global, pelaburan asing langsung (FDI), dan kestabilan fiskal negara.

 

Menurut laporan analisis terbaru, ketidaktentuan dalam dasar perdagangan AS memberi kesan kepada harga minyak dunia. 

 

Ketika perang dagangan AS-China dahulu, harga minyak Brent menjunam dari $86 ke $64 setong. 

 

Brunei, yang ekonominya bergantung 90% kepada hasil minyak dan gas, terdedah sepenuhnya.

 

Bandingan dengan Singapura: Strategi Versus Senyap

 

Singapura, walaupun turut kecil, punya suara yang kuat dan strategi yang jelas. 

 

Mereka menandatangani FTA bersama AS sejak 2004, menyertai mekanisme penyelesaian pertikaian WTO, dan mempelbagaikan ekonomi mereka melalui sektor perkhidmatan, teknologi dan logistik.

 

Brunei pula terus mengharapkan harga minyak, tanpa pelan pemulihan yang tuntas. Bahkan, jumlah FDI Brunei menjunam ke hanya $0.7 bilion pada 2022 – satu angka yang membimbangkan bagi negara yang ingin berdikari secara ekonomi.

 

Tafsiran Politik: Kedaulatan Ekonomi dan Maruah Negara

 

Tarif ini bukan sekadar isu perdagangan. Ia adalah isu kedaulatan ekonomi, maruah nasional, dan kesiapsiagaan strategik. 

 

Ia adalah petanda bahawa dunia tidak menunggu negara kecil untuk memahami sistem - kita harus menyusun strategi, menggugat persepsi, dan membina posisi.

 

Sebagai Penasihat Parti Pembangunan Bangsa (NDP), saya menyeru agar negara ini mengambil iktibar:

 

1.  Tubuhkan Pasukan Strategik Perdagangan Antarabangsa – untuk mengkaji, menasihati dan merancang rundingan ekonomi jangka panjang dengan kuasa-kuasa besar.

 

2.  Perluas Diplomasi Ekonomi Melalui ASEAN dan OIC – agar suara Brunei bergema bersama rakan serantau dan negara Islam lain.

 

3.  Pelbagaikan Struktur Ekonomi – agar kita tidak lagi bergantung kepada satu sumber pendapatan semata-mata.

 

4.  Aktif dalam Pertubuhan Perdagangan Dunia (WTO) – bukan sekadar menjadi ahli, tetapi sebagai pembela hak negara kecil yang berdaulat.

 

Kata Penutup: Dari Hujung Meja, Untuk Seluruh Bangsa

 

Kita tidak akan selamanya duduk selesa di bawah naungan kekayaan minyak. Dunia berubah, dan kuasa besar akan terus menguji daya tahan kita.

 

"Jikalau kita tidak berani menyoal, kita akan terus menjadi negara yang disoal."

 

Sebagai pewaris kemerdekaan dan amanah generasi akan datang, mari kita bangkit dengan kesedaran, keberanian dan strategi. 

 

Brunei yang kecil tidak semestinya lemah. Tetapi Brunei yang diam pasti akan terus dikecewakan. (MHO/04/2025)

 

Wallahu a'lam.