His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has outlined the paramount roles of the Legislative Council. According to His Majesty, it carries an open message that the government and people are working hand in hand, in upholding the elements in the system that is being practices, which has brought many benefits to the country. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said it is a platform that has brought good to the rakyat and citizens of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty was speaking at the official opening of the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Legislative Council, Wednesday.
Speaking about the meeting itself, His Majesty said it will focus for the first time on discussing state expenditures. In this regard, His Majesty urged members of the council not to be afraid of contributing constructive ideas because this is as good an opportunity to achieve meaningful success for Brunei Darussalam. In the process of nationhood through this constitution, His Majesty spoke of his wish to together ensure the genuineness and effectiveness of the outcomes of the meeting.
As emphasized in the titah, the Monarch reminded that efforts towards diversifying the economy also constitute an important agenda. In His Majesty’s view, the country still relies on the oil and gas resources; as such the Monarch proposed that the country exploited potentials in agriculture. His Majesty does not want to see the country lag behind in implementing economic diversification efforts. The nation, the Monarch said, cannot depend of outsiders forever. In fact, it is an obvious mistake if environmental and political factors that arise are not considered.
Thus in this regard, all government and private sectors should support national efforts in diversifying the country’s economic resources. His Majesty said the nation must be brave to explore and be determined to avoid losses that cause sluggishness.
(16th Mar 2006)
