BY Azlan Othman

Legislative Council (LegCo) members on Thursday passed a BND5.7-billion budget for the financial year 2022-2023 following week-long deliberations. The budget will come into effect April 1.

On the final day of the 18th LegCo Meeting on Thursday, LegCo members expressed appreciation to have had the opportunity to discuss a range of matters of national interest.

LegCo member Yang Berhormat Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman said, “With the BND5.7 billion budget, we should strive to ensure the government expenditure does not continuously increase, and look for alternative finance to fund government projects and to partake in public-private partnership (PPP). If more PPPs are made, more government income can be saved, and it will benefit them.

“Since we are in the Endemic Phase, it is time to rise again for the sake of the current and future generations. Let us bring hope to the youth, fill them with self-belief so they can achieve Brunei Vision 2035. Private sector initiatives enable enhancement in productivity as an engine of economic growth, inspiring innovation and strengthening the economy. It is hoped that the government will encourage this ecosystem to enhance private sector businesses.”

She added, “For the past five years, Cabinet ministers have injected hope and supported the private sector and its initiatives, with industry partners and the public. The whole-of-nation and whole-of-government efforts are crucial to tackle issues that require coordination and close ties,” she added.

LegCo member Yang Berhormat Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii said, “Enabling inclusive opportunity and empowering the community will always be practised to attain our vision.”

Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Awang Haji Ash’ari lauded Cabinet ministers for providing answers at the LegCo Meeting, and for the guidance offered throughout her five-year term as a LegCo member.

Commending the initiatives undertaken for people with different abilities (OKU), women and senior citizens, she said, “It is a crucial step in building a competitive and sustainable society.

The Industrial Revolution 4.0’s (4IR) impact on the community and environment should be taken into consideration to ensure the social, cultural skills and Brunei identity will not disappear. This can be done by means of holding awareness programmes.”

Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa said, “The 2025 target of securing 200 megawatts for solar energy requires thorough planning to assist the nation achieve low carbon in the near future,” before lauding the government’s move to plant 500,000 saplings.

Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad called for better human capital management in the public and private sectors, government-linked companies (GLCs) and those who are self-employed.

He said issues surrounding the revision of government servants’ salaries, mental health, stimulus and assistance to COVID-19 affected sectors, annual leave and working days, as well as setting a minimum wage to empower the private sector have been previously raised and discussed. Underlining that the pandemic has increased the price of meat, vegetables, vehicles and cooking oil, he said, “it is expected that the price of food is uncertain during the pandemic”.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin