(Bandar Seri Begawan, 14th) Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence, Pehin Dato Haji Halbi, stated that civil servants accused of criminal cases involving dishonest behavior (such as theft, breach of trust, corruption, or offenses related to their position) will be immediately suspended upon receiving a report from a government agency. According to disciplinary regulations, they will also forfeit half their salary and all allowances.
The minister made this statement in response to concerns about civil servants who have been on long-term suspension without resolution, raised in parliament. He emphasized the importance of ensuring justice and preventing undue delays in disciplinary action.
Member of Parliament Mahari raised this issue in the 21st Legislative Council meeting.
The minister emphasized that the Public Service Commission (PSC) requires government agencies to provide complete, instant, and systematic information when considering disciplinary action against officers. Decisions are based on investigation reports, trial records, and information from enforcement agencies to determine if disciplinary action is necessary.
He also clarified that Brunei's criminal law does not set a statute of limitations for prosecution, meaning there is no time limit for when criminal charges can be brought to court.
The minister added that prosecution procedures fall under the jurisdiction of the courts and adhere to a comprehensive legal framework and due process.
He reiterated that the judiciary is independent of the Prime Minister's Office, which is part of the executive branch, to ensure court proceedings are not influenced by the minister.
The minister said that this separation of powers is essential for upholding justice and the rule of law in Brunei.
The minister made this statement in response to concerns about civil servants who have been on long-term suspension without resolution, raised in parliament. He emphasized the importance of ensuring justice and preventing undue delays in disciplinary action.
Member of Parliament Mahari raised this issue in the 21st Legislative Council meeting.
The minister emphasized that the Public Service Commission (PSC) requires government agencies to provide complete, instant, and systematic information when considering disciplinary action against officers. Decisions are based on investigation reports, trial records, and information from enforcement agencies to determine if disciplinary action is necessary.
He also clarified that Brunei's criminal law does not set a statute of limitations for prosecution, meaning there is no time limit for when criminal charges can be brought to court.
The minister added that prosecution procedures fall under the jurisdiction of the courts and adhere to a comprehensive legal framework and due process.
He reiterated that the judiciary is independent of the Prime Minister's Office, which is part of the executive branch, to ensure court proceedings are not influenced by the minister.
The minister said that this separation of powers is essential for upholding justice and the rule of law in Brunei.