BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

FOR the first time, the gates of the new $70 million State Legislative Council (LegCo) building will be opened today to play host to the Council's first meeting this year.

Sitting atop a 26-acre site on Jalan Kebangsaan in the capital, the blue-domed structure, designed by Akitek Alamreka architect Pg Ismail Pg Hj Mahmud, was officially opened last year.

The building has distinct Bruneian characteristics while incorporating tall columns, breathtaking flights of stairs and symmetrical motifs, which signifies order, strength and stability, explained Pg Ismail.

Three key elements of the national philosophy, Malay Islamic Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja), are emphasised in the building's structure and interior architecture.

Each of the columns at the main entrance is designed with a combination of traditional patterns such as Daun Lukut and Air Muleh, while the walls are decorated with a combination of intricately-designed brocade of Brunei Malay Songket such as Bunga Melor Bintang and Bunga Bersusun Indah Damai.

It also has several symbolic elements such as the five and nine columns at Porte Cocher, symbolising the declaration of the Brunei Constitution in 1959.

Meanwhile, the eight and four columns leading to the Legislative Chamber on the third level embodies Brunei full independence in 1984.

The main dome on the roof of the central main block is surrounded by 29 windows and columns displaying the rule of the 29th monarch, and portrays Islamic architecture and a natural environment.

Its tip is the highest point of the building that symbolises the harmony and sanctuary of meetings to be held at the Legislative Council building.

The building consists of four floors, approximately taking up 21,200 sq m. Level I accommodates a banquet hall, gym, staff canteen, surau, store and a covered car park.

Level II houses the main entrance hall and reception, committee meeting room, auditorium and office floor for administrative staff.

Level III houses the main chamber, which can accommodate 450 public seats, library and offices, while Level IV includes a room for technicians, reporters and translators.

Overall, the landscape with water elements gives a natural look to the site. A recreational area will also be provided at the building near the lake for the use of the public.

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Sobrina Rosli
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

BRUNEI once again will be able to observe the meeting of the State Legislative Council, which convenes today for its fourth session since 2004. The meeting plays a vital role in setting the sultanate's development plan, and will be launched by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzadin Waddaulah today.

The council comprises of both government and non-government members. Chosen legislative members will include ex-officio members of government ministers and prime ministers, prominent persons and achievers who are recognised as contributors to the country in areas of business, religion and society as well as district representatives. A main speaker and clerk to the Legislative Council will also be present.

Some members including the speaker are holders of traditional offices in their personal capacity who fill the "cheteria" and artistocratic hierarchies. The "cheteria" is a group of traditional palace-relevant office holders who compose the upper level of nobility.

Other members are chosen by their capacity and role in each and every level of society.

All members are chosen by appointment of the sovereign's power.

The sitting for legislative members at the chamber will be divided into left and right. The left is made up of non-government members while the right represents government members. The left members take the opportunity to raise issues and represent their constituencies with the members on the right responding.

The first day will start off with the members pronouncing the oath of allegiance upon orders conveyed by the speaker followed by the "titah" of His Majesty. The meeting will then be directed to resume the next day.

Spirited discussions and debate will commence over the whole period of the meeting, covering a broad range of issues. It will be a transparent platform for communication and proposals, plans of policy implementation and reviews.

There will be vigorous exchange of views from various groups and societies who form the council. The meeting enhances the government's voice to the community, giving the society a clearer picture of the directions of government policies and strategies.

Last year 26 council members were involved in the discussion on the budget expenditure for the fiscal year 2007/2008. The budget allocation for the fiscal year 2008/2009 is also expected to be discussed in this year's council meeting.

Issues raised last year include improved community infrastructure and facilities; proper rehabilitation of drug offenders; support for local businesses; the increased construction of schools and the improvement of housing development schemes.

Budget allocation for 2007 covered priority areas of national safety and security; development of the private sector and non-oil sector; human resources development, capacity building and youth development; development of infrastructure and public utilities; and public awareness programmes.

The state legislative council had a 21-year absence. Its last sitting before suspension was in December 27, 1983. It was re-opened on September 25, 2004 after a study at national and regional levels.

The need for the reopening is mainly due to ensuring the productive time-consuming process of nation building via fulfilling a range of criteria, in this case through the legislative council. It is also to strengthen policy and structural decision making and ensuring political stability.

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Hadi DP Mahmud
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

FOUR years since its revival, Brunei's State Legislative Council (LegCo) continues to play one of the most important roles in setting the national development agenda. Today marks another milestone for the highly-respected body when the first meeting of the 2008 session commences at the council's brand-new venue in the capital.

Having demonstrated its significance in bringing together the demand from the public and the government's policies, the council has seen fruitful results from its meetings over the years. During a session in 2006, council members requested for more efficient application procedures for business licences, which resulted in requiring fewer steps to apply for certain licences.

When the Council reviewed the immigration policy towards foreign investors in the sultanate, much headway was made for foreign investors who have significantly contributed to the country's economic development — they are now able to acquire permanent resident status.

Last year saw 26 members sit in a LegCo session, including His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, cabinet ministers, senior government officials and prominent businessmen.

The Council consisted of its speaker; ex-officio members (prime minister and ministers); titled persons; persons who have achieved distinction; district representatives; and, clerk to the Council.

Brunei's 1959 Constitution provided for a 33-seat Legislative Council, or Majlis Mesyuarat Negeri, with 16 directly-elected members. The body was disbanded in 1962 by His Majesty's father, Almarhum Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddin Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, following a state of emergency, which saw the banning of the left-wing Parti Rakyat Brunei (PRB) or Brunei People's Party.

In 1970 the Council was replaced by an appointed body by a decree of His Majesty. An elected Legislative Council is being considered a part of constitutional reforms. His Majesty abolished the parliament in 1984 after Brunei gained full independence from Britain. On September 24, 2004, His Majesty revived the State Legislative Council.Its predecessor, the Brunei State Council, known as Majlis Mesyuarat Negeri, functioned for little more than half a century from 1907 until the promulgation of the Brunei Constitution on September 29, 1959.

With its early beginning as a legislative-cum-advisory body to the British Resident's administration, the State Council, according to acclaimed scholar Professor Dr Haji B A Hussainmiya, became a 'battleground' for Brunei leaders who reinforced the sovereignty of the Sultan versus the colonial intentions of the then British Protectorate administration.

More than ever, the Bruneian public now enjoys the existence of such a body that directly communicates with the government and leaders on behalf of the masses.

This year's meeting will put the Council to a test, with the hope of securing a better, stronger and more advanced society in Brunei.

The Brunei Times