Hadi DP Mahmud
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, March 10, 2008

THE Belait District representative of the State Legislative Council voiced out concerns that the Belait District Office's 2008/2009 fiscal year budget allocation would not be sufficient to develop the interior areas of the district.

The Legislative Council on Saturday passed the Belait District Offices' annual budget allocation of $4,797,480, which Hj Mohd Shafiee Ahmad said was "too small to make new developments in the interior".

He added: "The interior parts of the district will develop slowly and its inhabitants could migrate to town.

As a consequence this will leave the interior villages empty — the same misfortune that befell Kg Kuala Balai a long time ago."

Kuala Balai, located further up the Belait River, was previously the old historic administrative capital of the Belait district. However, when oil was discovered in Padang Berawa (now called Seria), a new administrative centre for the district was established at the mouth of the Belait River.

Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof, however, said the Belait District was "not left out" of the development plans.

"The Sungai Liang Industrial Park is a part of Belait District. This shows that the district is not left out, but will be developed together with the whole country," he said.

According to the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), the Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SIP) project is estimated to draw in approximately US$1.3 billion of total investments and has the potential to create up to 1,065 permanent jobs directly related to the SIP activities.

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Monday, March 10, 2008

THIS refers to the report 'Call to review citizenship rules' published in The Brunei Times dated March 9, where it was inadvertently reported that a foreigner would be considered for citizenship if he or she has invested more than $500,000 in Brunei and has been living in Brunei for the past 20 years.

It should read a foreigner would be considered for permanent residency if he or she has invested more than $500,000 in Brunei and has been living in Brunei for the past 20 years. The error is regretted.

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

By Azaraimy HH & P Marilyn
    

The fourth day of the Legislative Council session yesterday saw discussions on the education system and issues pertaining to it.

Among the issues were: inadequate allowances for overseas students and school infrastructure.

Minister of Education YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Rahman acknowledged some of the issues raised by the representatives, but assured these were old issues as the ministry has either tackled or is in the process of addressing these matters.

The minister revealed that the ministry may announce new allowances for overseas students, amid the rising cost of living.

On poor conditions of student hostels, the minister said there are efforts being made to repair the facilities, adding that given the dwindling number of students who have opted to stay at hostels, it may not be economically prudent to repair these facilities as the fund could be used for more pressing issues.

On the issue of the credibility of the 21st Century Education to create a globally competitive future generation, the minister called for more faith in the new system, reminding the representatives that it is "not a gimmick, but a representation of commitment by the ministry to create a system that follows the new global economy".

He also said, "It is the primary mission of the Ministry of Education to provide an overall education system that enables all students to achieve their maximum potential."

On the issue of drug abuse among students, the minister said most of these students use drugs outside of the school premises, though measures have already been taken by relevant authorities to weed out the problems.

A member of the Legislative Council, meanwhile, suggested a private university be allowed to set up a branch in the country so as to allow students a more affordable alternative.

The minister, in response, said the ministry has never denied foreign universities from setting up branches in the country.

"We must keep in mind that these universities have to consider the economic weights before establishing branches here," he added.

He also said to date, no overseas university has expressed interest in setting up an institution here, though Brunei does have the advantage of being a peaceful and conducive place.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin, March 9, 2008