Rethinking Progress, Reclaiming Purpose

"Progress isn’t always forward. Sometimes, it’s returning to what we’ve forgotten."

As Brunei pursues its national vision, the answers may not lie in more modern plans, but in ancient wisdom. WAQAF, long practised but rarely recognised, could be the missing link between our ambitions and our values. This is a story about rethinking what progress means—and reclaiming the purpose behind it.

“What’s your real take on Wawasan 2035?” asked a thoughtful young friend of mine in a WhatsApp message one evening. 

The question took me by surprise. It was sincere, direct and challenging to answer casually. 

It warranted more than a quick remark. As someone who has observed national plans, policies, and commitments for decades, I felt the need to pause and reflect. 

Just as I began to grapple with that question, a quiet proposal appeared in my chat - a vision paper exploring the potential of WAQAF governance to revitalise Brunei’s national agenda. 

Authored by DMAO, the paper didn't shout; it whispered. Yet, it communicated something many of us have struggled to articulate: Wawasan 2035 is not dead, but it may have drifted from the soul it was meant to serve. 

What follows is not a critique or rejection of Wawasan 2035. It is a reflection - an invitation - to reconsider how we might realign national progress with national purpose.

---

A Proposal Rooted in Our Soil

Interestingly, Brunei already practices a form of waqf without officially naming it as such. 

The Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund, which has raised over BND 16 million through public donations since 2015, exemplifies the waqf philosophy. 

These funds, voluntarily given, permanently allocated, and transparently managed, finance the construction and maintenance of mosques throughout the nation. 

This demonstrates that the spirit of WAQAF is already alive among Brunei's people - what is needed now is for policy to align with practice, expanding such models beyond mosques to encompass schools, clinics, youth centres, and sustainable enterprises. 

Similarly, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, established in 1992, serves as a prime example of a WAQAF institution that has long supported education, healthcare, and welfare - independent of government budgets or political cycles. 

The proposal suggests expanding this success to additional areas: schools, water supply, food security, and community clinics, transforming them into what it refers to as Sunken Social Assets.

These are not merely "donations" but investments in public dignity, designed to endure, governed with care.

To explore and strengthen the ideas presented by DMAO, we conducted additional research across international and Brunei-specific studies, including works by the AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, the BITARA Journal, and a foundational paper on Negara Zikir. 

These investigations confirmed the strategic and spiritual relevance of WAQAF as a governance tool aligned with Maqasid Syariah, Brunei's MIB philosophy, and the global Sustainable Development Goals.

---

Introducing the “Waqudget”: Where Spirituality Meets Spending

Imagine a government budget that focuses not just on dollars and cents, but also on spiritual impact and moral return. The proposed “Waqudgeting” system categorises national spending into areas such as:

·       WQ1: Enduring Social Infrastructure (schools, clean water)

·       WQ4: Sustainable Livelihoods (jobs, food, energy)

Each category is ranked by urgency using Islamic legal priorities:

·       Daruriyyat (necessities)

·       Hajiyyat (complementary needs)

·       Tahsiniyyat (enhancements)

This approach encourages spending guided by trust, ethics, and accountability to Allah, infusing barakah (divine blessings) into national development. 

Our research supports that this framework echoes historical successes of WAQAF in the Muslim world, where public assets - schools, hospitals, roads - were financed through community trusts rather than state debt. 

This makes WAQAF not just a moral choice but a fiscally sustainable one. 

Additionally, WAQAF is increasingly recognised as a Shariah-compliant mechanism aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Specifically, it offers Brunei a homegrown tool to:

·       Address poverty (SDG 1)

·       Ensure quality education (SDG 4)

·       Promote health and well-being (SDG 3)

·       Reduce inequality (SDG 10)

·       Develop sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11)

These align seamlessly with Brunei’s long-term development goals and global commitments under Wawasan 2035.

---

An Islamic Answer to Modern Problems?

Ironically, while WAQAF is deeply Islamic, its logic mirrors China’s use of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to drive development. Brunei could pursue a similar path, but rooted in faith, not ideology. 

This vision embodies what some term Islamic Social Capitalism - a balanced approach between unregulated markets and excessive government control.

In this model, the state entrusts wealth rather than owning or privatising it, ensuring fairness across generations. 

Our deeper exploration of regional practices indicates that institutionalising WAQAF through a national Waqf Authority or integrating it into existing agencies like MUIB could mobilise dormant assets, including underutilised land and endowments, to support the pillars of Wawasan 2035.

---

Why This Matters Now

A clear example of this misalignment is evident in the long-delayed construction of the Mosque and Islamic Learning Centre at Senukoh, Temburong. 

Initiated over a decade ago with an initial projected budget of BND 5 million, it was later revised to BND 3 million after prolonged deliberations and austerity measures. 

Yet, the project still awaits final approval. This delay signifies not just bureaucratic inefficiency, but a governance mindset that sometimes neglects essential duties and responsibilities outlined in Maqasid Syariah, particularly the protection of religion (hifz al-din) and intellect (hifz al-‘aql). 

When communities are left waiting for basic religious and educational facilities, we must ask: Are we budgeting with barakah or merely balancing spreadsheets? 

Many Bruneians feel that Wawasan 2035 has devolved into more of a slogan than a substantive plan. 

Bureaucratic inertia, execution gaps, and an overdependence on oil and gas present critical challenges. 

This proposal does not claim to solve every issue. However, it offers a fresh perspective - one that integrates spiritual conviction with strategic policy. 

It reminds us that development is not solely about numbers; it's about rahmah (compassion), ukhuwwah (brotherhood), and khidmah (service). 

WAQAF, as our research shows, is closely tied to the concept of Negara Zikir, where governance acts as a form of worship and public service is evaluated not just in outcomes, but in sincerity and blessings.

---

What Critics Say and Why It Still Matters

Some may argue, “Don’t bring religion into governance.” Others might label it idealistic or unconventional. 

However, this perspective overlooks the essence of WAQAF. It is not a retreat from contemporary governance; rather, it is an elevation of it. 

In an age when trust in systems is eroding, a model rooted in Amanah (trust) and Ihsan (moral excellence) might be precisely what we require.

---

A Glimpse into the Future

Siti, a 28-year-old teacher in Temburong, shared that her school lacks basic science equipment and still uses textbooks from a decade ago. 

"If our village had a waqf-funded learning lab or even a proper broadband connection, I wouldn't have to ask my students to take turns using my phone for Google searches," she said with a smile. 

Her experience is not isolated. Across Brunei, small entrepreneurs, educators, and caregivers struggle to meet daily challenges that WAQAF could help address - not through subsidies, but through shared, sustainable stewardship.

---

Conclusion: A Call for Dialogue, Not Dogma

When the question "What is your real take on Wawasan 2035?" was posed, I felt uncertain about my response. 

Now, after engaging with the WAQAF proposal and contemplating our national direction, my answer is clearer: We don’t need to abandon Wawasan 2035. We need to reconnect it to our values, our people, and our future. 

If that path includes a model like WAQAF - one rooted in dignity, sustainability, and divine trust - then perhaps, just perhaps, Brunei can lead not by merely catching up to others, but by inspiring them.

To initiate this journey, we could organise a national WAQAF dialogue - bringing together policymakers, economists, religious scholars, and youth to explore how WAQAF can be institutionalised in Brunei. 

This could be followed by a white paper assessing legislation, proposing governance frameworks, and outlining pilot initiatives aligned with Wawasan 2035. 

The time to act is not some distant day - it is now, while trust, tradition, and opportunity converge.

While dialogue and white papers have their place, Brunei no longer needs more justification; it needs a bold leap into implementation. 

As one elder in our community aptly put it, “Luan banyak udah perbahasan ani, buat tia.”(We’ve talked long enough—now let’s act.) 

The roundtable must transcend mere conversation. Its true purpose is to catalyse real implementation - to greenlight pilot WAQAF initiatives, embed them institutionally, and restore the public’s faith that development grounded in our spiritual values is not just feasible, but already overdue. (MHO/05/2025)

 

 

 

 

From Palace to People: Answering His Majesty’s Call

 "Brunei stands at a pivotal crossroads as Vision 2035 enters its crucial final decade. Can the nation collectively rise to His Majesty's call for dynamic adaptation and unified action to navigate uncertain global economic waters, or will challenges in execution delay the promise of prosperity?"

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — In a candid and urgent message, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaullah delivered a striking reminder that Brunei’s ambitious national development agenda, known as Wawasan Brunei 2035, must swiftly adapt or risk faltering amidst global economic turbulence and increasing international economic tensions.

Speaking at the inaugural session of Majlis Tertinggi Wawasan Brunei 2035 at Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan stressed the importance of "dynamic, flexible, and constantly evolving" strategies. 

He described Brunei’s development blueprint as a "living document" that must respond effectively to emerging global challenges to protect the nation’s economic resilience and social prosperity. 

"In a rapidly changing world marked by uncertainty, preparedness to adapt and respond quickly to emerging issues is essential," he cautioned. 

His message comes at a critical juncture as Brunei navigates a global landscape characterised by unpredictability and economic friction between major powers.

The Sultan also underscored the importance of comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approaches, especially as the country enters the crucial final decade before the 2035 target year. 

"Coordination among agencies and sectors must be strengthened," he declared, "to ensure all parties work together toward common goals." 

The meeting reviewed the Wawasan Brunei 2035 Framework, with a focus on maintaining its relevance and responsiveness to current and future socio-economic challenges. 

He highlighted the necessity for clearly defined National Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the effective use of the Wawasan Brunei 2035 Index. 

This integrated approach aims to evaluate policy effectiveness, identify performance gaps, and support informed decision-making and strategic direction.

Analysts noted the significant relevance of the Sultan’s message against the backdrop of Brunei’s struggles to diversify its oil-dependent economy and the slow progress on key performance indicators essential to Wawasan 2035. 

Critics contend that despite good intentions, the government's execution has fallen short of its ambitious policy declarations. 

"Brunei faces genuine threats, particularly from external economic shocks like the ongoing US-China trade war," said a local economist who spoke anonymously due to sensitivities. 

"Our over-reliance on oil revenues and slow economic diversification leaves us particularly vulnerable. The Sultan’s call for urgent, adaptive action is both timely and necessary."

In his speech, the Sultan emphasised that the government alone cannot bear the responsibility of achieving ambitious national goals. 

He highlighted the significance of strong public-private partnerships and urged the non-governmental sector to increase its engagement and collaboration. 

His Majesty's appeal marks a pivotal shift towards inclusive governance, recognising that real progress necessitates a collective effort. 

However, some citizens have pointed out a critical shortcoming in the current approach: insufficient direct involvement and communication with the general public. 

Awang Razali, a concerned citizen, stressed the need for "frequent meetings with the people to clearly and explicitly outline their roles in achieving the vision and mission." 

He added, "It is not enough for plans and programs to appear impressive on paper; practical implementation is what truly matters. Government initiatives are ultimately for the people, who are the real stakeholders. Without regular engagement and feedback, we risk creating uncertainty and misunderstanding."

Public sentiment reflects cautious optimism alongside underlying frustration, driven by concerns over employment stability, rising living costs, and perceived bureaucratic inertia. 

A recent survey indicated that while Bruneians remain hopeful about Vision 2035, many feel that tangible benefits have yet to fully materialise. 

"We’ve been hearing about Vision 2035 for years," noted Muhammad, a young entrepreneur from Bandar Seri Begawan. 

"But what we really want to see now are real jobs, better incomes, and visible progress. The Sultan’s recognition of the need for adaptability gives me some hope, but seeing actual results is what matters most."

Experts warn that Brunei's reliance on imports, especially commodities and technologies from the U.S. and China, makes the ongoing trade tensions particularly concerning. 

With both of these economic giants imposing tariffs and engaging in reciprocal sanctions, the Sultan’s call to continually reassess and adjust Brunei’s development plans is particularly resonant. 

"We must acknowledge that our economy is not insulated," said a trade analyst well-versed in ASEAN economic affairs. 

"The Sultan's emphasis on flexibility and responsiveness is not only prudent—it’s essential. Brunei must expedite efforts to diversify, especially in sectors such as digital technology, logistics, agriculture, and tourism."

The recent meeting underscored the progress of the blueprints, which serve as essential frameworks for implementing development policies and programs. 

Extensive communication efforts are actively being pursued to raise awareness and promote inclusive engagement among all stakeholders, including the general public and the private sector. 

Bridging the gap between policy vision and real-world execution remains a significant challenge. 

Observers emphasise that, beyond the Sultan’s wise counsel, systemic reforms within government processes and accountability structures are necessary for achieving genuine progress. 

"There is still significant bureaucracy," noted a local businessman involved in public-private initiatives. 

"His Majesty’s call must now translate into concrete reforms in governance, transparency, and execution. Otherwise, the Vision remains just that—a vision."

As global economic dynamics continue to shift unpredictably, His Majesty’s latest titah serves as a wake-up call for collective responsibility, rapid adaptation, and genuine reform. 

Brunei’s Vision 2035 now stands at a pivotal crossroads, where the choices made today will profoundly shape the nation's future resilience and prosperity. 

"Brunei must evolve rapidly and collaboratively," concluded the economist. "Otherwise, we risk being left behind." (MHO/05/2025)
 

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