Doa Rasmi Negara Brunei Darussalam

The National Anthem of Brunei Darussalam "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" is indeed very unique. It is not a mere anthem, it an official prayer for His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam:

Ya Allah
Lanjutkanlah Usia
Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia
Adil Berdaulat Menaungi Nusa
Memimpin Rakyat Kekal Bahagia
Hidup Sentosa
Negara dan Sultan
Ilahi Selamatkan Brunei Darussalam

Lagu: Haji Awang Besar bin Awang Sagap
Senikata: Yura Halim
Sususan Muzik: Mejar (B) Awang Haji Manaf bin Haji Kamis

Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, the Minister of Home Affairs, detailed this in his book "Ilahi Selamatkan Brunei Darussalam", 2010:

Pertama: Semoga Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam dan kerabat baginda dalam 'inayah dan perlindungan Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.

Kedua: Semoga baginda kekal memerintah dalam keadaan bahagia, sihat sejahtera dan aman sentosa.

Ketiga: Semoga baginda dilanjutkan usia, sentiasa berusaha bagi kebajikan sekalian kakitangan dan pegawai kerajaan, rakyat dan negara, disampaikan hajat murni ke arah jalan yang lurus.

Keempat: Semoga Negara Brunei Darussalam sentiasa makmur, maju jaya, selamat, adil pemerintahannya, berkebajikan, berkeberkatan, mewah dan aman, meliputi rakyat jelata (demikian juga negara-negara lainnya).

Kelima: Semoga baginda dijauhkan daripada bala bencana, wabak dan segala penyakit.

Keenam: Semoga baginda dan rakyat baginda sentiasa saling mendukung, terlepas daripada curiga-mencurigai terhadap satu sama lain.


Pada realitinya, kita dapati Negara Brunei Darussalam itu sekarang ini:

• Aman makmur.
• Rakyat menikmati rezeki dan hasil mahsul negeri.
• Berpemerintahan yang adil, berkebajikan.
• Raja dan rakyat sama mentaati Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, tidak zalim, tidak derhaka, tidak mengingkari agama Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala.

Itulah yang kita pohonkan dalam Doa Rasmi dan lirik Lagu Kebangsaan. Dengan itu, itulah tanda-tanda doa kita dimakbulkan. Alhamdulillah.


References:
Badaruddin Othman, 2010, Ilahi Selamatkan Brunei Darussalam, Pusat Dakwah Islamiah.

(Rencana) 'Kita cinta Brunei - kita mendoakannya' Bahagian 1, 6 Julai 2011, Pelita Brunei, Jabatan Penerangan.

Historic moments of Brunei (16th century - 1984)

In conjunction of our 27th National Day of Brunei Darussalam, let's look at the historic moments of Brunei Darussalam. Quote from "Ilahi Selamatkan Brunei Darussalam" by Badaruddin Othman (i.e. Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman), published by Pusat Da'wah Islamiah 2010, pages 23-28 and 53-56:

Timeline of Brunei History

* 1578 - Spanish expedition against Brunei, when Brunei rejected Christianity (Catholic).

* mid 17th century - Civil war in Brunei.

* 1839 - Appearance of James Brooke in Borneo which caused Brunei lost Limbang to Sarawak in March 1890.

* 1846 - (24 Dec) First official Brunei-UK Treaty (cession of Labuan).

*1847 - (27 May) Brunei-UK Treaty of Friendship and Commerce.

* 1878 - Cession of Sabah to Baron von Overbeck and Mr (later Sir) Alfred Dent (1844-1927).

* 1885 - Oath of Umanat or Amanat taken by the Brunei nobles. (pembesar-pembesar Brunei telah diminta bersumpah untuk tidak lagi menyerahkan tanah (wilayah) Brunei yang mereka miliki kepada orang asing).

* 1888 - Brunei, North Borneo, and Sarawak became British Protectorates.

* 1905 - 1906 - Signing of the Brunei-Britain Supplementary Treaty.

* 1929 - Discovery of Seria oil field.

* 1941-1945 - Japanese Military Administration in Brunei.

* 1949 - Formation of the frist Mohammedan Advisory Council under the Pengiran Bendahara (later Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III).

* 1950 - Death of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III becomes the Sultan.

* 1956 - (Jan) Formation of Partai Rakyat Brunei (PRB).

* 1959 - (29 Sept) End of the British Residential Era; promulgation of Brunei's first written constitution and a new Brunei-UK treaty.

* 1962 - (Aug) First general election in Brunei.

(Dec) Crushing of PRB-led uprising. Constitution suspended. Emergency Rule declared.

* 1963 - (Sep) Formation of Malaysia (Peninsula Malaysia + Sabah + Sarawak + Singapore). Brunei did not join, Singapore left in 1965.

* 1967 - Abdication of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (r. 1950-1967), who then became known as the Seri Begawan Sultan (d. 1986). Also widely regarded as the "Architect of Modern Brunei."

* 1971 - (23 Nov) Amended Brunei-British Agreement Signed giving full internal self-government to Brunei.

* 1979 - (7 Jan) Amended Brunei-Britain Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

* 1984 - Independence for Brunei resumed. Menteri Besar system ended and the introduction of full (nominated) cabinet form of government with the Sultan as the Prime Minister.

As a Bruneian, we should be grateful for what we are blessed to a sovereign, fully-independent and democratic Sultanate. Let's fly our national flag proudly!!!

Let's ponder "ask not what country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country". (John Kennedy, 1961).

Negaraku Brunei Darussalam ~~~ Abode of Peace :-)

Functions of the Legislative Council

Photo (c) Infofoto, 2010

According to the Brunei Resources.com, there are 5 Councils formed under the Constitution 1959 of Brunei Darussalam:

1. Council of Ministers (Majlis Mesyuarat Menteri Cabinet) - advises His Majesty in the exercise and performance of his duties.
2. Legislative Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Negera) - advises His Majesty on the enactment of legislations.
3. Privy Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Diraja) - advises His majesty in relation to the exercise of the prerogative of mercy
4. Council of Succession (Majlis Mesyuarat Menangkat Raja) - advises His Majesty on matters related to the succession of the throne.
5. Council of Islamic Religion (Majlis Mesyuarat Agama Islam) - advises His Majesty on matters of Islamic Religion.

I guess a lot of us are unaware or curious with what are the functions of the Legislative Council. RTB news highlighted this last Thursday during the opening of the 1st meeting of 6th session of the Legislative Council:

Among the functions of the Legislative Council are to deliberate and approve legislation, impose financial restrictions, review government policies and other related matters pertaining to the Legislative Council.

The Brunei Legislative Council was established by the late Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, father of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. He ascended the throne as Brunei's 28th ruler at the age of 35. On May 12th, 1953, Almarhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien first expressed his desire to have a constitution for Brunei Darussalam and establish a constitutional government for his rakyat. The Brunei Written Constitution was formally endorsed and signed on September 29, 1959. Signing for Brunei was the architect of Modern Brunei himself, Almarhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, while Great Britain was represented by the British Commissioner General for Southeast Asia, Sir Robert Scott.

The constitution was amended in 1971 and 1984 to include provisions that enabled Brunei to function as an independent sovereign nation state. The motto of the legislative council is to uphold justice in decision-making for the happiness and prosperity of the people and rakyat of Brunei Darussalam. The legislature held its last sitting on December 27, 1983.

On the 15th of July, 2004, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddien Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, consented to reinstate the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam after a 21 year suspension. The reinstatement of the Legislative Council reflects the wisdom of His Majesty in ensuring that the country's future is well-planned towards the future.

The 25th of September 2004, marked another momentous day for the country with the convening of the first meeting of the first session of the Legislative Council after 21 years. This marks yet another moment in history in what has been regarded as a 'ground breaking' step or beginning in the formation of the Legislative Council with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam himself becoming an ex-officio member.

Also becoming ex-officio members are His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Officer at the Prime Minister's Office,
and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister pf Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Other ex-officio members are;

• the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman;
  
• the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Doktor Ustaz Haji Awang Mohamad Zain;

• the Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Doktor Awang Haji Ahmad;
• the Minister of Communication, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar;
• the Minister of Home Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan;
  
• the Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi;
• the Minister of Development, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah;
  
• the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Retired Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad;
  
• the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya;
• the Second Minister of Finance, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman ;
• the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng.

Meanwhile, two appointed titled persons are;

• Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Doktor Haji Mohamad Yusof;
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Retired Colonel Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Mohamad Yasmin

Members also comprise those who have achieved distinction:

• Yang Berhormat Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin;
  
• Yang Berhormat Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Awang Haji Othman bin Uking,
• Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Awang Haji Idris bin Haji Abas,;
  
• Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Ahai,
• Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Awang Haji Puasa bin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Tudin;
• Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Yunos bin Mohamad Noh.

Appointed members for Districts are:

• Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Bakar bin Mansor , Brunei Muara District;
  
• Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohamad Shafiee bin Ahmad for the Belait District;
• Yang Berhormat Orang Kaya Jaya Putera Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Taha bin Abdul Rauf for the Tutong District;
  
• Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Ahad for the Temburong District.

To strengthen the role of the legislative council as part of the nation building machinery, His Majesty has consented to the construction of a magnificent new building for the council in Jalan Kebangsaan. The new Legislative Council Building was constructed on a 10.7 hectare site at a cost of about 62-million dollars under the 8th National Development Plan.

References:
Brunei Resources.com http://www.bruneiresources.com/civilservicebackground.html
RTB News (online) http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/?c=newsDetail&news_id=6521

Good read:
Brunei Times, March 11, 2010. "Brunei's State Legislative Council"
http://www.bt.com.bn/en/news-national/2010/03/11/bruneis-state-legislative-council

Councils of State (website)
http://www.councils.gov.bn/

Guide to common plants and animals in Brunei

I found a very resourceful guide two days ago while I want to do some photocopy services at Ezy Printing, Manggis. This book entitled Some Common Plants and Animals in Brunei Darussalam published by Joan Thurman & I. Poh-Ai Cheong from University of Brunei Darussalam. I appreciate the effort of this publication and was so attracted to the vast diversified flora and fauna that we might not aware in our environment. Some of the plants and animals come with their scientific name and even Bahasa Brunei. This handy guide is indispensable for field trips.

ferns

bugs

basing, orang belanda, etc

Grab a copy of this now at Ezy Printing Manggis at only B$4.00 each.

Public holidays in 2010

Hari-hari Kelepasan Awam

Negara Brunei Darussalam 2010

PADA menjunjung titah perintah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, adalah dimaklumkan bahawa hari-hari dan tarikh-tarikh yang berikut diisytiharkan sebagai Hari-hari Kelepasan Awam Negara Brunei Darussalam pada tahun 2010.

- Awal Tahun Masihi - hari Sabtu, 16 Muharram 1430 bersamaan 2 Januari 2010 (sebagai ganti hari Jumaat 15 Muharram 1430 bersamaan 1 Januari 2010)

- Tahun Baru Cina - hari Isnin, 1 Rabiulawal 1431 bersamaan 15 Februari 2010 (sebagai ganti hari Ahad, 29 Safar 1431 bersamaan 14 Februari 2010)

- Hari Kebangsaan Negara Brunei Darussalam Ke-26 - hari Selasa, 9 Rabiulawal 1430 bersamaan 23 Februari 2010

- Maulud Nabi Muhammad Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam - hari Sabtu, 13 Rabiulawal 1430 bersamaan 27 Februari 2010 (sebagai ganti hari Jumaat, 12 Rabiulawal 1430 bersamaan 26 Februari 2010)

- Hari Ulang Tahun Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei - hari Isnin, 17 Jamadilakhir 1431 bersamaan 31 Mei 2010

- *Israk Mikraj - hari Sabtu, 27 Rejab 1431 bersamaan 10 Julai 2010

- Hari Keputeraan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam Ke-64 - hari Khamis, 3 Syaaban 1431 bersamaan 15 Julai 2010

- *Awal Ramadan (Puasa) - hari Rabu, 1 Ramadan 1431bersamaan 11 Ogos 2010

- *Memperingati Nuzul Al-Qur'an - hari Sabtu, 18 Ramadan 1431 bersamaan 28 Ogos 2010 (sebagai ganti hari Jumaat, 17 Ramadan 1431 bersamaan 27 Ogos 2010)

- *Hari Raya Aidilfitri - hari Sabtu, 2 Syawal 1431 bersamaan 11 September 2010 (sebagai ganti hari Jumaat, 1431 bersamaan 10 September 2010) dan hari Isnin, 4 Syawal 1431 bersamaan 13 September 2010

- *Hari Raya Aidiladha - hari Selasa, 10 Zulhijjah 1431 bersamaan 16 November 2010

- Awal Tahun Hijriah 1432 - hari Selasa, 1 Muharram 1432 bersamaan 7 Disember 2010

- Hari Krismas - hari Sabtu, 19 Muharram 1432 bersamaan 25 Disember 2010

*Tertakluk kepada perubahan

(Source: www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn)

Laws of Brunei

In case anyone of you is interested to study the Laws of Brunei, they are available online at this link:

http://www.agc.gov.bn/LOB/Lob(chapter).html

The official website for Attorney General's Chamber: http://www.agc.gov.bn

National Flag of Brunei Darussalam

The Brunei Darussalam State Flag in its present form, except for the crest, has been in use since 1906 when Brunei became a protected state, following the signing of an agreement between Brunei and Great Britain. The crest was superimposed in 1959 after the promulgation of the Constitution of 29th September, 1959.

Brunei flag in 1906-- 29 Sept 1959

Brunei flag after gaining internal self-government on 29 Sept 1959

The rectangular shaped State flag of four component portions, two parallelograms and two trapeziums - is cut across by a parallelogram from a point 2.5 inches below the top left corner to a point of the same distance from the bottom corner on the right side.

The standard measures 72 inches long by 36 inches wide.

The parallelogram dividing the rectangle in this manner leaves two similar trapeziums at the top and bottom of the flag, with the lower trapezium assuming the inverted form of the upper trapezium.

The parallelogram is again divided into two parallelograms of unequal depths, the upper being 1 inch wider that the lower which is 7.5 inches in width.

The State crest in red superimposes the center of the flag.

The forefingers of the upright arms, which support the red crest, are equidistant at 24 inches from the left and right sides of the flag.

Embodied in the crest in yellow Arabic script is the state motto, which can be roughly translated: "Always Render Service by God's Guidance".

Four colours are incorporated in the flag, red for the crest, yellow for the trapeziums, white for the upper parallelogram and black for the lower parallelogram.

Source:
Text: pp10-12, Bendera dan Lagu Kebangsaan NBD, 2008, Jbt Penerangan
Diagram (not to scale): flag drawn by myself, Crest from the Internet

SPN-21

(image from MoE Portal) (click to enlarge)

I'm sure a lot of us have been wondering what is SPN-21? What does it stand for? What is the significance of changing the current education system? I got these information from the official portal of Ministry of Education:

What is SPN-21?

SPN 21 is the acronym for Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad Ke-21, The National Education System for the 21st Century which has been approved by the Ministry of Education. This system makes provision for several major educational changes.


When is it implemented?

In stages:

• Interim (transitional) stage in 2008 for Year 7 [PSR 2007 cohort]
• At the primary level, it will be implemented in 2009 for Year 1 and Year 4
• Full implementation at primary level in 2011

Why the education system needs to be changed?

SPN 21 aims to:

• meet the social and economic challenges of the 21st Century
• realise the Ministry of Education's vision and mission
• equip students with 21st Century skills
• fulfill the Strategic Themes as outlined in the Ministry of Education’s Strategic Plan (2007-2011)

Rationale for change:

• Brunei Vision 2035
  
  By 2035, Brunei Darussalam is recognised everywhere for:
  • The accomplishment of its well-educated and highly skilled people
  • The quality of life
  • The dynamic and sustainable economy
  
  
• 8 policy directions in the Education Strategy, Brunei Vision 2035
• Fulfillment of the Ministry of Education's mission 'Provide Holistic Education To Achieve Fullest Potential For All'
• Comparison with Education Systems and Curricula of various countries
• Raising students' achievement in the 3 core subjects: English Language, Mathematics and Science
• Increasing the percentage of students' enrollment into higher education from 14% to 30% by 2011
• Strengthen proficiency in Bahasa Melayu
• Local researchers and consultants from overseas have identified certain aspects of the National Education System that need to be improved

What are the benefits of SPN-21?

• Greater emphasis on 'character building'
• No retention from Year 1 to Year 10/11 (except for those with less than 85% attendance
• Multiple pathways to higher education
• Multiple choices of educational programmes based on students' interests, needs and abilities
• Opportunities to pursue 4-year or 5-year programmes before sitting for the Brunei- Cambridge General Certificate of Education 'O' Level examination
• Continuous and seamless curriculum from Years 7-10/11
• Acquisition of basic technical, vocational and business skills that is useful for self-employment and other career opportunities
• Opportunities for technical and vocational education in higher institutions
• Special Educational Needs Programme for students with special needs
• Specialised Education Programme for the gifted and talented
• Opportunities for acquisition of valuable and marketable skills
• Improvement in students' achievement
• Improvement in national standards with benchmarking against international standards
• Improvement in teaching and learning standards

(image from MoE Portal)

Brunei Darussalam Key Indicators 2008

I read from the blog of Brunei Resources, and just found out that the Department of Economic Planning and Development has just published the latest Brunei Darussalam Key Indicators 2008. It is available for download at http://www.depd.gov.bn/download/BDKI%202008.pdf in PDF file.

These images are from the PDF file:

The population of Brunei is now 398,000 at 2008

57% of population aged between 20 - 54 years old

Life expectancy of female is 77.8 and 75.2 for male in 2007

Unemployment rate is 3.7% in 2008, increment of 0.3% from previous year

Oil production was reduced to 193 thousand barrels per day in 2008

We achieved higher literacy rate now, 93.7% compared to 89.2% ten years ago

For more statistics and data, please visit the official website of the JPKE http://www.depd.gov.bn/home.html

Tugu Peringatan Keberangkatan Duli Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Malaysia ke Negara Brunei Darussalam

(p34, Juara Pelajar, Mei-Jun 2004)

(p35, Juara Pelajar, Mei-Jun 2004)

Jam Peringatan adalah merupakan sebuah tugu yang diperbuat daripada simen. Di bahagian keempat penjuru sebelah atasnya diletakkan sebuah jam Seiko. Ianya terletak di Simpang Jalan Sultan dengan Jalan Elizabeth Kedua iaitu di antara bangunan Setiausaha Kerajaan dengan Pejabat Pos Besar, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Istiadat perletakkan batu asas bagi Jam Peringatan ini telah disempurnakan oleh Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Yang Dipertuan Agong Malaysia yang pertama, Persekutuan Tanah Melayu, Tuanku Abdul Rahman pada 11 Julai 1959 bersempena dengan lawatan keberangkatan baginda ke Negeri Brunei bermula dari 6 hingga 12 Julai 1959. Dengan terbinanya Jam Peringatan ini ianya melambangkan keteguhan dan keeratan perhubungan antara Negeri Brunei dan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu.

(Text: website of Pusat Sejarah Brunei)

Wawasan Brunei 2035

The Brunei Darussalam Long-Term Development Plan or Perencanaan Kemajuan Jangka Panjang Negara Brunei Darussalam is a formal document outlining the country's development plans for the next 30 years. It was released by the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), Prime Minister's Office on 19th January 2008. It urges better implementation of development initiatives in order to accelerate economic growth.

Three major components are listed, namely the Wawasan Brunei 2035 or Brunei's National Vision 2035; Outline of Strategies and Policies for Development (OSPD) 2007-2017; and National Development Plan (RKN) 2007-2012.

Quoting from the book:

(page 11)
By 2035, we wish to see Brunei Darussalam recognised everywhere for:
i. The accomplishments of its well-educated and highly skilled people
ii. The quality of life
iii. The dynamic, sustainable economy

As we work towards these aims, we will be united in:
i. our loyalty to our Sultan and our Country
ii. our belief in the values of Islam
iii. our traditional tolerance and social harmony

(pages 13-14)

Achieving Brunei 2035
We will need to develop and implement an integrated and well-coordinated national strategy comprising the following key elements:

1. An education strategy that will prepare our youth for employment and achievement in a world that is increasingly competitive and knowledge-based.

2. An economic strategy that will create new employment for our people and expand business opportunities within Brunei Darussalam through the promotion of investment, foreign and domestic, both in downstream industries as well as in economic clusters beyond the oil and gas industry.

3. A security strategy that will safeguard our political stability and our sovereignty as a nation and that links our defense and diplomatic capabilities and our capacity to respond to threats from disease and natural catastrophe.

4. An institutional development strategy that will enhance good governance in both the public and private sectors, high quality public services, modern and pragmatic legal and regulatory frameworks and efficient government procedures that entail a minimum of bureaucratic "red tape".

5. A local business development strategy that will enhance opportunities for local small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as enable Brunei Malays to achieve leadership in business and industry by developing greater competitive strength.

6. An infrastructure development strategy that will ensure continued investment by government and through public-private sector partnerships in developing and maintaining world-class infrastructure with special emphasis placed on education, health and industry.

7. A social security strategy that ensures that, as the nation prospers, all citizens are properly cared for.

8. An environmental strategy that ensure the proper conservation of our natural environment and cultural habitat. It will provide health and safety in line with the highest international practices. To realise our Vision of Brunei 2035, the strategies listed above will need to be developed by both government and private bodies and implemented as a well-coordinated national strategy.

To purchase a copy of this book, it comes in both Malay and English editions, you can visit the JPKE office at Jalan Ong Sum Ping or bookstores Best Eastern, Bismi and Pustaka Remaja nationwide. The soft cover costs only B$15.00 and the hard cover is B$25.00.

see also: http://www.bedb.com.bn/why_nationalvision.htm