HM Sultan Brunei Opens 13th Legislative Council

7 March 2017
Bandar Seri Begawan

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khaki Waddien, Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade opened the 13th session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) which was held yesterday at the LegCo building in Jalan Dewan Majlis.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office as Ex-Officio Member of the LegCo; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah were also present during the event.

His Majesty and other members of the royal family upon arrival were welcomed by LegCo Speaker YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib.

After receiving the royal salute, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were ushered into the Legislative Council Chamber Hall.

His Majesty shortly delivered a titah after which a Doa Selamat was read by State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

The LegCo Speaker announced that the first meeting of the 13th LegCo session was adjourned to 9am on March 7 where the session will discuss the minutes of the 12th session that was held from March 5 to 22, 2016.

The 13th LegCo Meeting will be chaired by LegCo Speaker YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman and assisted by LegCo Clerk 1 Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Judin bin Haji Asar and LegCo Deputy Clerk Rose Aminah binti Haji Ismail.

Throughout the meeting, a bill will be presented and discussed to be supported and approved as the Supply Bill issued from the Collection of Monies of the Consolidated Fund for specific purposes throughout 2017-2018. The discussion or deliberation is also expected to focus on matters related to efforts in diversifying the economy.

For the Financial Year 2016-2017, $5.6 billion were allocated for the National Budget. The allocation took into account the government's financial capabilities based on the government's projected revenue for the said Financial Year, as well as the government's need to finance operational expenditures and support the implementation of projects in line with the focus of the allocated expenditure.

The Financial Year 2016/2017, among other things focused on the government's expenditure towards facilitating business which has supported business activities as well as investments that can help to generate economic activities and create job opportunities for local youths. Priorities were also given due attention to enhance the country's productivity in economic activities and public services as the government's mechanism in providing quality and cost effective services in generating a sustainable and competitive economy, as well as building the human capital capacity which focused on empowering and preparing the nation's youth as they are the country's hope in continuing as well as leading the planned economic development agenda.

The 13th Legislative Council Meeting will deliberate on the budget allocation proposals under the National Budget for the Financial Year 2017-2018 for government ministries and departments. The session will also discuss budget allocation for the National Development Plan, motion vote of thanks, questions and proposals that have been given notice, as well as the Supply Bill. The meeting is hoped to act as a medium to initiate new and innovative ideas that are capable of creating a big and meaningful impact to the people, religion and the nation.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin