(Bandar Seri Begawan, 11th) Legislative Council member Sulaiman pointed out at the 21st Legislative Council's second meeting held on Saturday that the government has made positive progress in implementing development agendas.
He said that in order to empower caring, strong, and resilient families and to build a caring, inclusive, and equal society.
He emphasized that some households still live in hardship and require appropriate support. He highlighted that many poor families are unable to receive housing assistance because they do not have land ownership.
He stated that while he understands the legal importance of land ownership, he called for more flexible and humane solutions. These suggestions include: establishing special mechanisms such as long-term lease agreements or Temporary Occupation Licenses (TOL); strengthening cooperation between relevant agencies and grassroots institutions; and formulating long-term policies to ensure that assistance efforts are not hindered by issues of land ownership.
He hopes that no family will continue to live in poverty due to bureaucratic restrictions that can be properly addressed.
Speaking on social security, he expressed concern that unrestrained digital lifestyles could negatively affect youth and families. From 2012 to 2022, mobile phone users increased by 12.5% to 528,723, and broadband penetration rose to 85.89%, reflecting the increasing digital connectivity of Bruneians.
He stressed the necessity of parental guidance to prevent children from overusing digital devices, as this can impact their psychological and emotional development.
He suggested that a dedicated law should be drafted to address issues of parents or guardians neglecting their children's digital lifestyle.
Meanwhile, with the promotion of government development projects such as the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge, the transformation of Temburong District has connected the district with other parts of the country, promoting local infrastructure, economic and social development. As infrastructure expands and facilities improve, the district can develop in tourism, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
To increase Temburong residents' access to social facilities, it is crucial to provide modern and comprehensive infrastructure. With these infrastructures, the district will be more competitive and become a more attractive new investment destination.
This will also support the initiative to revitalize economic activities in Bangar town, making them more vibrant and competitive, thereby bringing numerous benefits to the local community.
Legislative Council member Muhammad Danial stated that when planning national development, equality must be prioritized to ensure that rural development keeps pace with national progress; this is a key strategic step for achieving the Brunei Vision 2035.
Balanced rural development is essential to narrowing the urban-rural gap and ensuring that all share in the fruits of development. Strategic plans must be formulated to revitalize rural areas whose populations have decreased due to relocation to new housing projects, and efforts must be made to attract residents through infrastructural support, economic opportunities, and modern amenities.
To achieve the goal of 85% home ownership rate by 2035, the government must implement strategic initiatives, including revitalizing rural areas through planned and integrated housing development.
Legislative Council member Mohamad Ali emphasized that resources must be allocated responsibly and prudently in accordance with the principles of transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness. In a challenging global economic environment and the need for prudent public financial management, resource allocation must never be taken lightly. These recommendations should be seriously considered and it is hoped that they will be effectively implemented, not just remain empty talk.
As a policy document guiding the country's development direction, the Brunei Vision 2035 requires all agencies to work together to ensure that policies and initiatives implemented truly align with these goals. Through prudent budget management, strategic international engagement, and a focus on long-term development in line with the Brunei Vision 2035, the country will continue to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. This is to ensure that policies remain sustainable, relevant, and consistently impactful.
Legislative Council member Ravi noted that although measures have been introduced to improve the skills and market competitiveness of the local workforce, many people are still underemployed and take on work outside their profession or enter the informal sector in order to survive.
"Quality of life means not only having a job or income, but also having stable housing, mental health, access to medical care, education, and opportunities for a good environment."
He welcomed the government's measures and suggested a people-oriented and comprehensive approach to meet the current realities faced by the public
He said that in order to empower caring, strong, and resilient families and to build a caring, inclusive, and equal society.
He emphasized that some households still live in hardship and require appropriate support. He highlighted that many poor families are unable to receive housing assistance because they do not have land ownership.
He stated that while he understands the legal importance of land ownership, he called for more flexible and humane solutions. These suggestions include: establishing special mechanisms such as long-term lease agreements or Temporary Occupation Licenses (TOL); strengthening cooperation between relevant agencies and grassroots institutions; and formulating long-term policies to ensure that assistance efforts are not hindered by issues of land ownership.
He hopes that no family will continue to live in poverty due to bureaucratic restrictions that can be properly addressed.
Speaking on social security, he expressed concern that unrestrained digital lifestyles could negatively affect youth and families. From 2012 to 2022, mobile phone users increased by 12.5% to 528,723, and broadband penetration rose to 85.89%, reflecting the increasing digital connectivity of Bruneians.
He stressed the necessity of parental guidance to prevent children from overusing digital devices, as this can impact their psychological and emotional development.
He suggested that a dedicated law should be drafted to address issues of parents or guardians neglecting their children's digital lifestyle.
Meanwhile, with the promotion of government development projects such as the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge, the transformation of Temburong District has connected the district with other parts of the country, promoting local infrastructure, economic and social development. As infrastructure expands and facilities improve, the district can develop in tourism, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
To increase Temburong residents' access to social facilities, it is crucial to provide modern and comprehensive infrastructure. With these infrastructures, the district will be more competitive and become a more attractive new investment destination.
This will also support the initiative to revitalize economic activities in Bangar town, making them more vibrant and competitive, thereby bringing numerous benefits to the local community.
Legislative Council member Muhammad Danial stated that when planning national development, equality must be prioritized to ensure that rural development keeps pace with national progress; this is a key strategic step for achieving the Brunei Vision 2035.
Balanced rural development is essential to narrowing the urban-rural gap and ensuring that all share in the fruits of development. Strategic plans must be formulated to revitalize rural areas whose populations have decreased due to relocation to new housing projects, and efforts must be made to attract residents through infrastructural support, economic opportunities, and modern amenities.
To achieve the goal of 85% home ownership rate by 2035, the government must implement strategic initiatives, including revitalizing rural areas through planned and integrated housing development.
Legislative Council member Mohamad Ali emphasized that resources must be allocated responsibly and prudently in accordance with the principles of transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness. In a challenging global economic environment and the need for prudent public financial management, resource allocation must never be taken lightly. These recommendations should be seriously considered and it is hoped that they will be effectively implemented, not just remain empty talk.
As a policy document guiding the country's development direction, the Brunei Vision 2035 requires all agencies to work together to ensure that policies and initiatives implemented truly align with these goals. Through prudent budget management, strategic international engagement, and a focus on long-term development in line with the Brunei Vision 2035, the country will continue to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. This is to ensure that policies remain sustainable, relevant, and consistently impactful.
Legislative Council member Ravi noted that although measures have been introduced to improve the skills and market competitiveness of the local workforce, many people are still underemployed and take on work outside their profession or enter the informal sector in order to survive.
"Quality of life means not only having a job or income, but also having stable housing, mental health, access to medical care, education, and opportunities for a good environment."
He welcomed the government's measures and suggested a people-oriented and comprehensive approach to meet the current realities faced by the public