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Mar 16 2009

His Majesty approves Sustainability Fund

Monday, 16 March 2009

By Azlan Othman

His Majesty delivers the titah. - PHOTOS: JASON LEONG & AZROL AZMI

His Majesty, HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah inside the Legislative Council building.

Above & below: His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah during the Royal Salute.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday announced the formation of the Sustainability Fund to further consolidate the nation's financial status in the long term and also announced a $30 million allocation to speed-up renovation, maintenance and upgrading works following the flood and landslide disaster this year.

The announcements were made in the monarch's titah at the opening of this year's Legislative Council meeting yesterday, where the ruler also called on members to express their views without fear, doubt or hesitancy, especially on matters relating to the country and people's welfare.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

His Majesty said, as in the past, members should use the Legislative Council as a platform to generate new and relevant ideas in assisting the government to outline the necessary developmental strategies. It is also hoped to portray a better image of our system compared to various systems worldwide that are incapable to even stabilise the situation.

"Through our existing system we have proved our capability to bring more benefits to the country far exceeding the others. We uphold peace and stability with the grace of Allah and are now enjoying peace and prosperity, which others find it hard to achieve of late.

"Less than a month ago, we celebrated the Silver Jubilee anniversary of our National Day. The 25-year period can be categorised as a step forward in testing us whether we are eligible to be called an independent nation.

"In my opinion, the eligibility refers to the nation's capability, whether we are capable to develop on our own and succeed to shape a better future.

"In this context, we feel that we did not lag behind but are in a better position in every field as a result of the achievement of our system. This is not an assumption, but a reality," said the ruler.

"As a matured nation, we also face a big test. But we are safe as we are able to manage on our own in every possible way we can. Among the big tests is the current global economic crisis. It is regarded as the worst since the global recession 80 years ago around 1927-1929.

"The crisis hits the market, devalues currencies, lays off workers and destroys the financial system. At the end of 2008, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted the world's economy to expand at only 2.2 per cent this year.

"But the latest forecast by IMF shows that it may only expand by 0.5 per cent, the lowest in 60 years. But still, certain parties have forecasted that even 0.5 per cent growth is still too optimistic.

"All countries worldwide are experiencing a sluggish growth, be it developed or developing countries. For instance, countries that usually enjoy double-digit growth are now experiencing growth in single digit. For countries that were forecast to experience double-digit growth, the downfall is painful.

"Under such catastrophic economic downturn, many countries have taken emergency steps by laying-off many employees. If it is just 1000-2000, it is a normal phenomenon. But it has reached tens of thousands of employees and in populated nations, some 20 million rural employees working in urban factories and laid-off were forced to go back to their rural areas. It signals that the world is in danger," His Majesty said.

"But praise to Allah, the socio-economic situation of our nation at present remains stable and strong though the government's revenue is slightly affected due to the drop in the global oil prices.

"Our ability to sustain is assisted by our policy and our nation's prudent spending. In addition, our nation's economic and growth activity does not rely on debt (leverage). Dependency on debt has driven many nations into their worst poverty level.

"The drastic drop in oil prices has prompted us to be wise in our spending, including avoiding wastage. There is a need to intensify economic activities, the government sector, in particular, whilst not forgetting to chart new measures in order to face competition once the economy recovers.

"The nation is also fortunate in that the surge in oil prices several years ago contributed to the surplus in the government's revenues. The surplus should be managed wisely to gain returns to further consolidate the nation's fiscal strength in the long term," said the Sultan.

In this context, His Majesty consented for the establishment of the Sustainability Fund under the Ministry of Finance. For the control and management of the fund, the monarch has consented to set up the Sustainability Fund Order effective March 11, 2008.

"In handling the government spending, the monarch said we should also take note of matters beyond our control such as the recent extraordinary floods and landslides. The natural disaster left a huge impact on many people. Besides giving out assistance, we should also make moves in upgrading the infrastructure network to ensure that no basic facilities or necessities are weak that could not be tackled.

In fact, an allocation for such events has been provided and if needed an additional allocation can be recommended. For instance, His Majesty has consented for an allocation totalling $30 million to speed up efforts and renovation works, maintenance and upgrading the level of infrastructure and other public amenities following the recent natural disaster.

"The relevant government agencies are required to work simultaneously in carrying out their respective responsibilities without delay.

"I see that there are many abandoned works that need to be speeded up. Some projects that have just started have suddenly stopped. Why did it stop? What went wrong? Does it possibly indicate the reason for such big floods. All these require analysis and answers to overcome a repeat situation in the future.

"I believe that the Legislative Council members would not neglect such matters, but will give full attention to anything that relates to the welfare of the people and the nation without fear, doubt or hesitancy," His Majesty added.

Earlier, His Majesty received a royal salute and inspected a guard of honour mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force. The meeting was adjourned yesterday and will be continued Saturday afternoon.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin, March 13, 2009

Last Updated ( Monday, 16 March 2009 )

Mar 11 2008

Call for change in 50-year land lease system

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

Syed Rory Malai Hassan
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Members want lease to be converted into ownership

REPRESENTATIVES of the state from all four districts yesterday questioned the Minister of Development on the issue of ownership of land deeds which were acquired through a leasing period of 50 years during State Legislative Council yesterday.

The representatives of the state said that this system had been around since the administration of the British Resident and the government should consider revising the system so that the 50-year lease can be converted into permanent ownership.

According to Hj Sulaiman Hj Arshad, the state representative of Temburong District, some of these land ownership deeds were granted to the owners through the recommendations of lower officers of the British Resident administration.

He added that the old system creates many complications and confusions especially for those who are unable or incapable of renewing their leases for another 50 years due to low income.

The representatives added that the ministry should realise that due to low income the owners are unable to renew their leases for another 50 years even with the current monthly payment for seven years which is also quite high for them.

With the revision of the system, the representatives added, land owners will only have to pay the annual land tax.

The issue was raised by the representatives as some have questioned the state's decision to grant permanent ownership of land to those with Temporarily Owned Land (TOL) which according to the government ideally should be used for development purposes.

The minister in a bid to clarify the situation said that it is a common misconception that land ownership was granted by the British Resident during its administration and that land ownership was claimed by Bruneians by the previous state legislative council members.

Land ownership was granted to the owners as a means for them to carry out economical activities such as stated in the land grants.

However, the government soon realised that most of these land owners are not using the lands as stated in the deeds instead are using the land as speculative instruments. There are instances where the previous commissioner of land had said that land codes that were used at the time were duplicated from the British Resident without proper safeguards.

Therefore, the minister added, what has happened was that a few uneducated were ready to pawn off their land in the hope of getting profit in terms of loans or putting them up as collateral for loans.

Not knowing the consequences of these actions, he said , many have defaulted which in turn resulted in the loss of the rights to the lands which have now been sold off.

He said the government has discovered that when it tried to reclaim the land for development purposes it had to acquire the land by purchasing at much higher price.

What the government realised then was that the system that was in place at that time was not protecting the best interest of the government (meaning people and most importantly the future generations).

In view of this problem, he said a new system was introduced in the early 50s which is the leasing system so that the land will no longer be used as a speculative instrument which is being practised even to this day.

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Mar 11 2008

Budget set to promote tourism low

Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Sobrina Rosli BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN Tuesday, March 11, 2008 THE adequateness of the budget allocation to be used to promote Brunei was raised at the State Legislative Council meeting yesterday. YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Goh King Chin, a non-governmental member to the council raised several issues, among others the insufficiency of the budget shared out to the Department of Tourism amounting to a meagre $1,543,716. The member stressed the need to change mindset and exert efforts to alter the trend of oil and gas dependency in the country. He suggested the development of a sustainable tourism industry can support various economic activities in the country, this he says has proven successful in some countries. Pressing on the insufficient amount of the tourism budget, he said that it was not enough to promote Brunei internationally on a large scale. This includes the collaboration with other media agencies such as the CNN, BBC, ESPN and Star Sports to organise international sports events such as golf and tennis while promoting Brunei. He highlighted the way towards this would require larger sums of budget allocation. Another concerned raised was the state of the road from Tutong to the Belait district. The member said that the road was inadequate and there was a possibility of untoward incidents involving drivers and commuters. The first part of the road from the Tutong district is two-laned, further down the middle it becomes one lane, towards reaching the Belait district, the road breaks again to two lanes. This he says is a concern adding it may pose dangers and test the patience of drivers. In relation to this, he also highlighted the importance of an adequate road system as the area is not only known for its oil and gas industry but is also to be considered for the development of a methanol industry in the near future. Bringing a land issue into the dialogue, the member noted the approval of the "Strata title" but questioned when it would be used in effect in Brunei's land system. "Strata title" is a devised form of ownership. In the State Legislative Council Meeting held last year the member raised two issues, whereby this year he raised them again to investigate developments. Firstly was the eligibility for permanent residents to purchase a home, secondly was the development of a flyover in the capital near the Chung Hwa secondary school in the capital to ensure the safety of the school children and ease traffic congestion. Considerations towards the "Strata title" and the eligibility of purchasing homes among permanent residents will increase the prices of land and buildings, boosting the country's economy. Courtesy of The Brunei Times
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 March 2008 )

Mar 11 2008

178,000 tourist arrivals last year

Tuesday, 11 March 2008
By Azlan Othman YB Pehin Dato Dr Awg Hj Ahmad. About $1.54 million was allocated for the tourism budget in the 2008-2009 financial year, which recorded a 12.8 per cent growth in 2007 with 178,000 tourists visiting the Sultanate last year. This was revealed by Minister of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR), YB Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awg Hj Ahmad, at the legislative council session which entered its sixth day yesterday. However, YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Goh King Chin said the budget is not enough to promote Brunei tourism, including sports, globally like advertising which he proposed, in the CNN, BBC, ESPN and Star Sports. YB Dato Paduka Awg Hj Puasa. - PHOTOS: JASON LEONG The issues raised by members yesterday morning focused on the departments under the MIPR. The Minister also highlighted the responsibility of the public themselves in assisting in the tourism campaign. "In Brunei, based on the statistics of tourist arrivals (178,000) against the population (391,000), shows that one tourist is looked after by 1.5 people compared to Singapore where there is one tourist for every 2.5 people. 10 million tourists visited Singapore which has a population of four million. In Malaysia, there is one tourist for every 1.5 people", he added. YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin. Responding to a question from YB Dato Paduka Hj Idris, the Minister said tourism last year contributed about $328 million to the Gross Domestic Product (KDNK) in 2007 compared to $275 million in 2004. The Minister also revealed that there are plans to improve the Ulu Temburong National Park and UBD field studies and research centre, but said there is no plan to set up a golf course in Temburong as proposed by Temburong legislative member, YB Hj Sulaiman Hj Ahad. Currently, there are 44 chalets under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department at the park. The Minister also said that BSP Sdn Bhd also plans to make "sky scaffolding" at Sg Liang Recreational Park like those at the Ulu Temburong national park. Sg Liang park received about 23,000 tourists two years ago but the number of visitors dropped at Sg Lalak recreational park. Asked about the follow-up action made by the Minister himself and officials from his ministry after their visits to the plantations together with the people which was also touched on by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the opening of the session last week, which was raised by YB Hj Sulaiman Ahad, the Minister said the visits were part of their tasks where assessment was later made by the heads of department on actions taken and whether they were satisfied or otherwise with the developments. On the microbe project under the Heart of Borneo between MIPR and Japanese National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) and our rights if such a project is accepted worldwide as well as the issue of sustainable development as raised by YB Dato Paduka Hj Idris, the Minister said there is a biodiversity centre in Sg Liang under an eight-year plan and the MoU between Forestry and NITE is still in the process, so too is the legal framework. On the need to inform the public about the Heart of Borneo (HoB) project's implementation, objectives and control as inquired by YB Dato Paduka Hj Puasa, the Minister said that the policy has been agreed upon by the three Borneo countries, while the consultation report to implement it is now under discussion. Meetings have been held in Brunei, Jakarta and soon in Kuching. A council will be established, subject to the three leaders' approval from Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. "We have no problem on this. We are just awaiting the decision made by the central governments of Malaysia and Indonesia," he said. The approved 2008-2009 budget of MIPR yesterday include for the Ministry itself which stands at $13,985,720.00, Forestry ($8,203,095.00), Fisheries ($8,398,708.00), Agriculture ($29,550,791.00), Brunei Industrial Development Authority, BINA ($3,940,816.00) and Department of Tourism Development ($1,543,716.00). Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin, March 11, 2008
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 March 2008 )

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