new Legislative Council members effective 1 June 2011

The newly appointed members of the Legislative Council effective 1 June 2011 are as follow:-

English version (from RTB News, 31st May 2011):-

By command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, following the dissolution of the Legislative Council, it is hereby announced that His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to the appointment of new members of the Legislative Council, as follows:

Speaker - The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Ibrahim.

A) Ex-Officio Members (Prime Minister and Ministers) according to Section 1 Subsection (a) (i) of the Second Schedule of Article 24 Sub Article (1)

1) His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance

2) His Royal Highness Crown Prince Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office

3) His Royal Highness Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal Waqar Pengiran Muda Mohamed Bolkiah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

4) The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Education

5) The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Health

6) The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Development

7) The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Communications

8) The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources

9) The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister's Office

10) The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Awang Lim Jock Seng, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

11) The Honourable Pehin Datu Singamanteri Retired Colonel Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office

12) The Honourable Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Muhammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Religious Affairs

13) The Honourable Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Home Affairs

14) The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports


B) Titled Persons according to Section 1 Subsection (a) (ii) of the Second Schedule of Article 24 Sub Article (1)

15) Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Doctor Haji Mohd. Yusuf bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim

16) The Honourable Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal

17) The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Yaakub bin Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Zainal

C) Persons Who Have Achieved Distinction according to Section 1 Subsection (a) (iv) of the Second Schedule of Article 24 Sub Article (1)

18) The Honourable Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Goh King Chin

19) The Honourable Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Awang Haji Othman bin Uking

20) The Honourable Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Salbiah binti Haji Sulaiman

21) The Honourable Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdullah bin Haji Mohd. Jaafar

22) The Honourable Awang Haji Morsidi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Abdul Rahman

23) The Honourable Awang Haji Zulkifli bin Haji Abd Hamid

24) The Honourable Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Zasia binti Sirin

D) District Representatives according to Section 5 Subsection (1) of the Second Schedule of Article 24 Sub Article (1)

25) The Honourable Awang Haji A. Ahmad bin Hussin, Penghulu Mukim Berakas 'A', Brunei and Muara District

26) The Honourable Awang Haji Gapor @ Haji Mohd. Daud bin Karim, Ketua Kampong Belimbing, Mukim Kota Batu, Brunei and Muara District

27) The Honourable Awang Haji Tahamid bin Haji Nudin, Penghulu Mukim Gadong 'A' Brunei and Muara District

28) The Honourable Awang Haji Jumat bin Akim, Ketua Kampong Putat, Mukim Lumapas, Brunei and Muara District

29) The Honourable Awang Haji Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad, Ketua Kampong Lumut 1, Mukim Liang, Belait District

30) The Honourable Awang Haji Mohd Yusof bin Dulamin, Ketua Kampong Mumong, Mukim Kuala Belait, Belait District

31) The Honourable Orang Kaya Jaya Putera Dato Paduka Awang Haji Muhammad Taha bin Abd Rauf, Penghulu Mukim Keriam, Tutong District

32) The Honourable Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, Penghulu Mukim Telisai, Tutong District

33) The Honourable Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Ahad, Ketua Kampong Belingos, Mukim Bangar, Temburong District

E) Clerk to The Legislative Council

Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Awang Judin bin Haji Asar.

The date of the appointment of new members of the Legislative Council is effective from Wednesday, 28th of Jamadilakhir, 1432 corresponding to 1st of June, 2011.

Malay version (from Pelita Brunei, 1st June 2011):-

Pelantikan keahlian Majlis Mesyuarat Negara yang baru

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Selasa, 31 Mei. - Pada menjunjung titah perintah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, berikutan dengan pembubaran Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, dengan ini dimaklumkan bahawa Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam telah mengurniakan titah perintah bagi pelantikan keahlian Majlis Mesyuarat Negara yang baru, seperti berikut:-

Yang Di-Pertua
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Ibrahim.

A) Ahli-Ahli Rasmi Kerana Jawatan (Perdana Menteri dan Menteri-Menteri) menurut Ceraian1 (a) (i) dari Jadual Kedua Perkara 24 (1):-

1) Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, Perdana Menteri, Menteri Pertahanan dan Menteri Kewangan.

2) Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Menteri Kanan di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.

3) Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar Pengiran Muda Mohamed Bolkiah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri dan Perdagangan.

4) Menteri Pendidikan, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.

5) Menteri Kesihatan, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd. Yusof.

6) Menteri Pembangunan, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman.

7) Menteri Perhubungan, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar.

8) Menteri Perindustrian dan Sumber-Sumber Utama, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar.

9) Menteri Kewangan II (Kedua) di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.

10) Menteri Hal Ehwal Luar Negeri dan Perdagangan II (Kedua), Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Awang Lim Jock Seng.

11) Menteri Tenaga di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Kolonel (B) Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar.

12) Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman.

13) Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman.

14) Menteri Kebudayaan, Belia dan Sukan, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah.

B) Orang-Orang Bergelar Menurut Ceraian 1 (a) (ii) dari Jadual Kedua Perkara 24 (1):-

15) Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran (Dr.) Haji Mohd. Yusuf bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim.

16) Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

17) Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Yaakub bin Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Zainal.

C) Orang-Orang Yang Telah Mencapai Kecemerlangan Menurut Ceraian 1(a)(iv) dari Jadual Kedua Perkara 24(1):-

18) Yang Berhormat Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Goh King Chin.

19) Yang Berhormat Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Awang Haji Othman bin Uking.

20) Yang Berhormat Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Salbiah binti Haji Sulaiman.

21) Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdullah bin Haji Mohd. Jaafar.

22) Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Morsidi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Abdul Rahman.

23) Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Zulkifli bin Haji Abd. Hamid.

24) Yang Berhormat Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Zasia binti Sirin.

D) Wakil Yang Dilantik Dari Daerah-Daerah menurut Ceraian 5 (1) dari Jadual Kedua Perkara 24 (1):-

25) Penghulu Mukim Berakas 'A', Daerah Brunei dan Muara, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji A. Ahmad bin Hussin.

26) Ketua Kampung Belimbing, Mukim Kota Batu, Daerah Brunei dan Muara, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Gapor@Haji Mohd. Daud bin Karim.

27) Penghulu Mukim Gadong 'A', Daerah Brunei dan Muara, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Tahamid bin Haji Nudin.

28) Ketua Kampung Putat, Mukim Lumapas, Daerah Brunei dan Muara, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Jumat bin Akim.

29) Ketua Kampung Lumut 1, Mukim Liang, Daerah Belait, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohd. Shafiee bin Ahmad.

30) Ketua Kampung Mumong, Mukim Kuala Belait, Daerah Belait, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohd. Yusof bin Dulamin.

31) Penghulu Mukim Keriam, Daerah Tutong, Yang Berhormat Orang Kaya Jaya Putera Dato Paduka Awang Haji Muhammad Taha bin Abd. Rauf.

32) Penghulu Mukim Telisai, Daerah Tutong, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit.

33) Ketua Kampung Belingos, Mukim Bangar, Daerah Temburong, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Ahad.

E) Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara:-

Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Awang Judin bin Haji Asar.

Tarikh lantikan Ahli-Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Negara yang baru itu berkuat kuasa mulai hari Rabu, 28 Jamadilakhir 1432 Hijriah bersamaan 1 Jun 2011 Masihi.

Sources:
English version - RTB News, 31st May 2011, available at http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/?c=newsDetail&news_id=21001
Malay version - Pelita Brunei, 1st June 2011, available at http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn

Titah KDYMM di Majlis Pembukaan Persidangan Musim Permesyuaratan ke-7 Majlis Mesyuarat Negara

Photos (c) Infofoto 2011

Titah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam di Majlis Pembukaan Persidangan Musim Permesyuaratan Ke-7 Majlis Mesyuarat Negara (MMN) pada hari Selasa 27 Rabiulawal 1432 / 1 Mac 2011

Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen, Wabihee Nasta’eenu ‘Alaa Umuriddunyaa Waddeen, Wassalatu Wassalamu ‘Alaa Asyrafil Mursaleen, Sayyidina Muhamaddin Wa’alaa Aalihee Wasahbihee Ajma’een, Waba’du.

Alhamdulillah, beta bersyukur ke hadrat Allah Subhanahu Wataala kerana mengizinkan kita dapat berkumpul di Majlis Pembukaan Persidangan Musim Permesyuaratan Ketujuh Majlis Mesyuarat Negara pada hari ini.

Beta terlebih dahulu, ingin mengucapkan tahniah kepada Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim di atas perlantikannya sebagai Yang Dipertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara yang baru.

Beta berharap semoga Yang Dipertua akan dapat menjalankan tugas dan kewajipan dengan sebaik-baiknya, demi mempertingkatkan lagi martabat Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, sebagai sebuah institusi yang sama-sama berperanan untuk kepentingan negara.

Di kesempatan ini juga, beta ingin merakamkan penghargaan beta kepada Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak (Dr.) Kemaludin Al-Haj ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Haji Mohd. Yassin di atas khidmat bakti, tenaga dan buah fikiran yang telah disumbangkannya selama menjadi Yang Dipertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara.

Beta gembira mengikuti perkembangan persidangan yang telah berjaya memainkan peranannya untuk membincang dan membahas isu-isu utama pembangunan semasa.

Namun kita belum dapat berpuas hati, kerana setiap hari kita terus berhadapan dengan pelbagai perubahan dan cabaran untuk menguji kecekapan dan kewaspadaan kita. Sebagai contoh, baru saja ekonomi dan kewangan dunia sedikit pulih daripada cengkaman krisis yang dramatik, tiba-tiba giliran inflasi pula mula membebankan kehidupan sejagat, sehingga menggugat keharmonian dan kestabilan beberapa negara di dunia.

Alhamdulillah, kita di negara ini masih terpelihara dari tekanan inflasi tersebut, berkat adanya dasar dan usaha kerajaan untuk terus membantu rakyat dan penduduk melalui subsidi-subsidi dalam beberapa keperluan asasi. Kita hanyalah dikehendaki bersyukur dan mengelakkan sebarang pembaziran serta penyalahgunaan ke atas subsidi-subsidi yang dihulurkan itu.

Ingat, sebarang penyalahgunaan, seperti penyeludupan keluar barang-barang subsidi itu, hukumnya adalah haram dan satu jenayah. Maka oleh itu, semua agensi penguat kuasa bagi pencegahan adalah berkewajipan menanganinya.

Lain lagi isu bayaran yang tertunggak bagi kemudahan dan utiliti-utiliti yang disubsidi itu. Jumlahnya bukanlah sedikit, tetapi sehingga beratus juta ringgit.

Di samping membawa kerugian kepada kerajaan, ia juga turut melibatkan soal tabiat yang tidak baik, yang perlu diubah dan dikikis.

Beberapa bulan kebelakangan, fenomena bencana alam berlaku di beberapa bahagian dunia. Ada yang sampai mengakibatkan kerosakan-kerosakan besar, kesusahan dan juga nyawa terkorban.

Di negara kita juga turut mengalami banjir di beberapa tempat bahagian yang rendah, terutama kawasan-kawasan pendalaman. Namun alhamdulillah, kejadian-kejadian tersebut telah dapat ditangani dengan usaha dan semangat padu di kalangan agensi kerajaan dan orang ramai.

Sungguhpun begitu, beta tetap berharap, akan adanya rancangan dan tindakan oleh agensi-agensi berkenaan bagi mengurangkan kemungkinan banjir yang berulang-ulang.

Menyebut lagi tentang ekonomi dan kewangan. Walaupun pendapatan banyak, namun ia bukanlah jaminan bagi kestabilan dan kekukuhan kewangan, andainya ia tidak diurus dengan cekap dan berhemah.

Ini, dapat diambil iktibar daripada krisis hutang yang dialami oleh beberapa negara di dunia, yang berpunca daripada pelbagai sebab, antaranya perbelanjaan besar di luar kemampuan, pembaziran, rasuah dan lain-lain.

Untuk kelangsungan ekonomi dan kewangan, kita juga perlu meningkatkan produktiviti, yang bersinonim dengan peningkatan kapasiti. Oleh itu, kerajaan beta tetap mengutamakan peningkatan kapasiti (capacity building), demi menyedari, akan hebatnya saingan dari arus deras globalisasi. Ia juga penting untuk mengisi sebarang kehendak dan peluang pekerjaan dan perniagaan.

Maka untuk itu, kerajaan beta, secara berterusan telah menyediakan peruntukan yang bersesuaian kepada kementerian dan jabatan, bukan sahaja untuk meningkatkan keupayaan tenaga kerja masing-masing, malahan juga dapat diambil peluang oleh belia-belia yang sedang mencari pekerjaan di sektor awam dan swasta.

Sehubungan itu beta juga gembira melihat latihan-latihan bersepadu yang diberikan kepada anak-anak muda untuk meningkatkan kemahiran perniagaan mereka. Penekanan kepada pendidikan teknikal dan vokasional yang dikuatkan oleh Kementerian Pendidikan adalah bertepatan pada masanya.

Kerajaan juga sedang menjana iklim perniagaan yang lebih kondusif. Pada misalnya, baru-baru ini beta telah memperkenankan penubuhan Jawatankuasa Pandu ‘Ease of Doing Business’ bagi tujuan untuk memudah cara business di negara ini, dan juga untuk meningkatkan kedudukan negara dalam indeks pencapaian ‘Ease of Doing Business’.

Beta berharap, semua lapisan rakyat dan penduduk, khasnya pihak swasta dan para belia, akan dapat sama-sama bergiat lebih progresif untuk mempelbagaikan aktiviti ekonomi negara ini. Kita janganlah terlepas peluang atau tertinggal di belakang disebabkan oleh sikap banyak menunggu atau asyik menonton sahaja.

Akhirnya beta menyeru kepada Ahli-ahli Majlis Mesyuarat supaya dapat meneruskan serta melipatgandakan usaha masing-masing dalam memeduli permasalahan rakyat dan penduduk negara ini, sama ada mereka yang bermastautin di kawasan bandar mahupun di kawasan-kawasan pendalaman. Apa jua permasalahan itu kita tangani dengan baik dan sempurna dengan jalan berunding dan hati yang terbuka dalam dewan yang mulia ini.

Sekian, Wabillahit Taufiq Walhidayah, Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Source: Press Room, Information Department

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/

MIB Council

(illustration from Brunei Times)

BY COMMAND of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Setia Hj Abd Rahman Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohamed Taib, Minister of Education, has been appointed as the chairman of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) National Executive Council for a three-year term effective August 15, 2009.

Meanwhile, Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Setia Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Md Zain Hj Serudin was appointed as the vice-chairman of the council.

A total of 18 members have been appointed to the MIB National Executive Council.

The secretariat of the council, consisting of 11 appointed members, is now headed by director of the Academy of Brunei Studies (APB) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Dr Siti Norkhalbi Hj Wahsalfelah, who is also secretary to the MIB National Executive Council.

The first meeting of the council was held yesterday at the Senate Room of UBD's Chancellor Hall, chaired by Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman.

Several topics were discussed at the closed-door meeting, including the coordination, administration, budget and further dissemination of plans as well as consolidation of the national philosophy.

The council's secretariat office is currently based at the APB at UBD.

Among some of the roles of the secretariat is to manage administrative work of the MIB National Executive Council and other committees on MIB, to coordinate as well as supervise lectures and public talks on MIB at the university and outside it.

Their roles also include editing articles on Brunei written by the university academic staff prior to presentation or publication and coordinating interpretation of MIB statements of the national philosophy.

A committee for the MIB concept was established in 1985 and upgraded to become a national MIB concept in 1990. In 2001, it was further upgraded to become the MIB National Executive Council.

In May this year, His Majesty in his titah raised the issue of the efficacy of the MIB National Council and asked whether the council was still active during a special MIB forum organised by people who are bestowed with titles.

The monarch enquired whether there was any shor-tage of qualified persons to chair the council or if the council was deemed no longer relevant.

His Majesty also expressed confidence that the MIB concept has been fully embraced by the nation and that it is not merely a slogan but a system which guides people's way of life.

extracted from The Brunei Times, 2nd October 2009

Members of Legislative Council

Image (c) Infofoto 2009

• Speaker

(Yang Di-Pertua Dewan)

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pg Anak (Dr.) Haji Kemaludin ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Mohd Yassin

• Members

(A) ex-officio Members (Prime Minister and Ministers)

Ahli-Ahli Rasmi Kerana Jawatan (Perdana Menteri dan Menteri-Menteri) Menurut Ceraian 1(a) (i) dari jadual Perkara 24(1)

• His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam - Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Finance Minister
  
• His Royal Highness Crown Prince Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah - Senior Minister at Prime Minister’s Office
• His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohd Taib - Minister of Education
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr. Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain bin Haji Serudin - Minister of Religious Affairs
  
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Ahmad bin Haji Jumat - Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
  
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong - Minister of Communications
  
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof - Minister of Home Affairs
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman - Minister of Health
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar - Minister of Development
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (R) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud - Minister of Energy at Prime Minister's Office
  
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar - Minister of Industry and Primary Resources
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim - Minister of Finance II
  
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II

(B) Titled Persons

Ahli-Ahli Yang Dilantik

Orang-orang yang Bergelar menurut ceraian 1(a)(ii) dari Jadual Kedua Perkara 24(1)

• Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Dr. Haji Mohd Yusof bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim
• Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (R) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Mohd Yasmin bin Haji Umar - Deputy Minister of Defence

(C) Persons who have achieved distinction

Ahli-Ahli Yang Dilantik

Orang-Orang Yang Telah Mencapai Kecemerlangan menurut ceraian 1(a)(iv) dari Jadual Kedua Perkara 24(1)

• Yang Berhormat Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awang 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 Mohd Yunos bin Mohd Noh

(D) District Representatives

Ahli Yang Dilantik Mewakili Daerah-Daerah menurut ceraian 5(iv) dari Jadual Kedua Perkara 24(1)

• Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Bakar bin Mansor - Penghulu of Mukim Lumapas, Brunei Muara District
  
• Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad - Ketua of Kampong Lumut 1, Mukim Liang, Belait District
  
• Yang Berhormat Orang Kaya Jaya Putera Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohd Taha bin Abd Rauf - Penghulu of Mukim Keriam, Tutong District
• Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Ahad - Ketua of Kampong Belingos, Mukim Bangar, Temburong District

(E) Clerk to Legislative Council

Jurutulis Majlis Mesyuarat Negara

• Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Judin bin Haji Asar

Councils of State

image (c) Majlis Mesyuarat Negara website

As stipulated in the 1959 Constitution of Brunei Darussalam, there shall be three Councils which are handled by the Department of Councils of State, namely:-
A. The Privy Council - Section 5(1);

B. The Executive/Ministers' Council - Section 10; and
C. The Legislative Council - Section 23.

A. Structure of the Privy Council

The establishment of the Council is in accordance with the requirement of Section 5(1) of 1959 Constitution of Brunei Darussalam, whose members consist of:

1. Ex-Officio Members i.e the Wazirs and 11 Cabinet Ministers; and
2. Appointed Members.

Their tenure of membership is only during the pleasure of His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan who presides at meetings of the Privy Council.

B. The Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers is established in accordance with Section 10 of the 1959 Constitution. The existing membership is as follows:

1. Prime Minister
2. Minister of Defence
3. Minister of Finance
4. Minister of Foreign Affairs
5. Minister of Home Affairs
6. Minister of Education
7. Minister of Industry and Primary Resources
8. Minister of Religious Affairs
9. Minister of Development
10. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
11. Minister of Health
12. Minister of Communications

The Council of Cabinet Ministers meet regularly and is presided over by His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

C. The Legislative Council

The Legislative Council is established in accordance with Section 23 of the 1959 Constitution of Brunei Darussalam and its Members shall be appointed in accordance with Section 24. However the Legislative Council is not reconstituted following dissolution in 1984. On 25 September 2004 His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam has consented officiating the re-establishment of the Legislative Council.

Source: Website of Majlis Mesyuarat Negara (MMN)