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Legislative Council of Brunei

Coordinates:04°54′48″N114°56′55″E/ 4.91333°N 114.94861°E/4.91333; 114.94861
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Legislative Council of Brunei

Majlis Mesyuarat Negara Brunei

مجليس مشوارت نڬارا بروني
Coat of arms or logo
Type
Type
History
Established18 October 1959[1]
Preceded byState Council
Leadership
Speaker
Abdul Rahman[2]
since 11 February 2015
Hassanal Bolkiah
since 1 January 1984
Structure
Seats37[3]
Political groups
National Development Party
Length of term
5 years
Elections
First election
18 October 1959
Last election
20 January 2023[4]
Meeting place
Legislative Council Building,Bandar Seri Begawan,Brunei
Website
Legislative Council of Brunei
Constitution
1959 Constitution of Brunei
this article is part of a series on the
politics of
Brunei Darussalam
Sultan
Constitution
Prime Minister
Cabinet
judiciary
administrative divisions
foreign relations
iconPolitics portal

TheLegislative Council of Brunei(Malay:Majlis Mesyuarat Negara Brunei;Jawi:مجليس مشوارت نڬارا بروني;abbrev:Legco) is a nationalunicamerallegislatureofBrunei.The council comprises 36 appointed members, that only has consultative tasks.[5][6]UnderBrunei's 1959 constitution,His MajestyHassanal Bolkiahis thehead of statewith full executive authority, including emergency powers since 1962. The Council holds its sitting annually in March at the Legislative Council Building inBandar Seri Begawan.

History[edit]

The period of theState Councilcame to an end in September 1959 with the adoption of Brunei's first codified Constitution. The Legislative, Executive, andPrivy Councils took the role of the council itself.[7]The Legislative Council was established in 1959 by virtue of Article 23 of Brunei's Constitution of 1959. The 1959 constitution included five advisory bodies, including a Legislative Council, and granted the sultan full executive authority. When theleft-wingBrunei People's Party(BPP), which aspired to overthrow the monarchy, gained all 10 of the council's elected seats in 1962,Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien IIIinvalidated the results.[8]Its first sitting was held atLapauon 21 October 1959.

Following the nation's first election on 30 and 31 August 1962, the Legislative Council's initial meeting was held on 10 October 1962. Part of the constitutional rules governing general elections were suspended in 1962, and members' seats were filled by royal appointment beginning on 28 August 1963.[9]Upon the establishment of the new Legislative Council in September 1962, the party attempted to forward a motion aimed at stopping theformation of Malaysia.The council meeting was rescheduled until 5 December because it was afraid of losing the discussions. The BPP sent a resolution to thegovernment of Bruneito be presented in the next council meeting prior to its convening.[10]

The Brunei People's Independence Front Party (BAKER) party's Secretary-General II, Zainal Abidin Puteh, presented a motion during the May 1968 Legislative Council Meeting that called for Brunei to become independent and establish ademocratic systemof governance. He insisted throughout the conference that a poll be conducted by the government to determine the people's desires for independence and constitutional progress. A spokesperson of the BAKER party, Pengiran Mohammad Samli bin Pengiran Lahab, also called for the introduction of a democratic type of governance in Brunei in May 1968.[11]

On 12 April 1970, the 1965-elected council was dissolved after completing their 5-year term. The 1970 elected-council was dissolved on 15 December 1977 with the approval of the Sultan of Brunei, according to the Chapter 55 of the 1959 Constitution. The Sultan has agreed to reform and re-elect several members from the previous council. A new council was officially reconvened on 22 December 1977.[12]SultanHassanal Bolkiah dissolved the council on the following day. The inaugural meeting of the council took place on 27 December 1983, and it was disbanded on 13 February 1984.[13]Hence, legislative powers were fully vested in the Sultan.

After a 21-year hiatus, the Sultan reconvened on 25 September 2004, with the proposed modification to the 1959 constitution as its first item on the agenda. The Council approved a constitutional proposal that would have increased its size to 45 seats, 15 of which would be elected. The Sultan disestablished the council on 1 September 2005 and, on the following day, reestablished the Council based on the amended version of Brunei's Constitution.[13]Five members of the new Legislative Council, who were indirectly elected to representvillage councils,were appointed by the Sultan in September 2005. In 2006 and 2007, plans for a 45-member legislature with 15 seats up for public vote were still on the table, but elections were still not scheduled by year's end. All state authority remains in the hands of thesultan's familyand chosen successors, and the Internal Security Act (ISA) keeps the sultan's personal authority largely untouched.[8]

The Legislative Council met in 2006 and 2007 to examine government spending, suggesting that it has adopted budget review as a regular duty in recent years. The plans for elected Council members, Brunei's 2006 membership in theAsian Development Bank,and government initiatives to promote the private sector while combatingcorruptionandradical Islamare all considered preparations for the anticipated depletion of the nation'soil and gas reserves,which currently make up 90% ofstate revenues.This modest increase in Council activity and increased focus on government spending are all part of these preparations. With the money, the government has long been able to stave off calls for political reform by keeping the majority of the populace in work, lavishing them with benefits, and exempting them from paying income tax.[8]

A member of the Council asked information from the second finance minister of the nation during a meeting in March 2007 regarding government investment organizations like the Workers Trust Fund and theBrunei Investment Agency(BIA). TheMinister of Home Affairs,a member of the sultan's appointedcabinet,urged for prudent use of the national budget in April in yet another sporadic appeal for accountability.[8]On 6 March 2007, the Sultan gave his permission to be present at the International Convention Centre inBerakasfor the opening ceremony of the first sitting of the Legislative Council's third session. Additionally present werePrince Mohamed Bolkiah,Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commerce,andPrince Al-Muhtadee Billah,Crown Princeand Senior Minister in thePrime Minister's Office.The People's Awareness Party (PAKAR) was completely disbanded, and the president of theBrunei National Solidarity Party(PPKB) was forced to resign. In addition, the government's Registrar of Societies tightened its supervision over political party activity in 2007.[13]

The first meeting of the fourth session of the Legislative Council began on 4 March 2008 at the new building in Jalan Kebangsaan. The Sultan officiated the grand opening by signing a plaque shortly after receiving the Royal Salute and inspecting theguard of honourby the personnel of theRoyal Brunei Police Force(RBPF).[14]

Roles[edit]

Since 1959, the council has played significant roles towards Brunei; not only to consider and approve budgets and revenue estimates, but also to advise the Sultan on the drive of the Government, to review policies implemented by the Government and to pass bills and motions brought by the Government and other members of the council.

Legislative procedure[edit]

The Council follows the practice of otherCommonwealth parliaments.All bills presented in the Council go through three readings. All bills, however, must obtain prior approval from the Cabinet prior to their presentation in the council. Once a bill is passed, a bill must obtain Royal Assent in order to turn such bill to an Act.

Speakers of Legislative Council[edit]

No. Portrait Name Term of office Ref
Took office Left office
1
Ali Mohamed Daud March 1959 1 September 1962 [15]
2
Abu Bakar Salleh 10 October 1962 1963 [16]
3
Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar June 1963 19 February 1971 [17]
4
Alam Abdul Rahman 14 July 1971 30 November 1974
5 Abu Bakar Umar 1 December 1974 12 December 1981
6
Kemaluddin Al-Haj 12 December 1981 13 February 1984 [18][19]
Council dissolved
(6)
Kemaluddin Al-Haj 25 September 2004 1 March 2011 [20][21]
7
Isa Ibrahim 1 March 2011 11 February 2015 [22][23]
8
Abdul Rahman Taib 11 February 2015 Incumbent [24]

Membership[edit]

The Council comprisesthe Sultan,the Crown Prince,[25]cabinet ministersand three types of members: members with titles, members representing districts, and members among outstanding Bruneians. All members, other than the Sultan, are appointed by the Sultan in accordance with Article 24 of Brunei Constitution. The rest of the deputies outside of the cabinet, which are deputies ex-officio of the LegCo, are appointed for five year terms.

The subsequent list as below are returning members of LegCo appointed by Sultan on 20 January 2023 as announced inBorneo Bulletin.[26]

Cabinet ministers[edit]

Since 24 October 2023 (a reshuffling of the Cabinet which had served since 30 January 2018), the Council consists of the following ex-officio deputies:[27]

Ministry Minister
Prime Minister's Office
Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Development
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Finance and Economy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism
Ministry of Religious Affairs

Titled and clergy persons[edit]

Title Name Notes
Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya

Dato Paduka AwangHaji

Judin Asar Clerkto the LegCo
Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji

Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Former Minister of Finance II and at the Prime Minister's Office
Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji

Adanan Mohd Yusuf Former Minister of Health and Home Affairs
Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji

Suyoi Osman Former Minister of Health, Development and Education

Functionalseats[edit]

Pursuant to Second Schedule of Article 24 (1) (a) (iii),[28]these seats are given to persons who have achieved distinction in their own professional field or for good contribution to communities across Brunei.

Title Name Notes
Hajah Safiah Abdul Salam
Mr Lau How Teck
Ms Chong Chin Yee
Dr. Haji Mahali Momin
Haji Salleh Bostaman Zainal Abidin
Hajah Rosmawatty Abdul Mumin
Pengiran Haji Isa Aliuddin

District representatives[edit]

These deputies of the districts are appointed by the Sultan among those village heads and penghulu of townships (mukim), which since the 2010s are elected directly by the people of their areas.

Districts Name Notes
Belait1 Salleh Othman PenghuluofMukim Bukit Sawat
Belait2 Lim Swee Ann Village headofKampong Bukit Sawat
Tutong1 Tekpin Ya’akub Penghulu ofMukim Ukong
Tutong2 Abdul Aziz Hamdan Village head ofKampong Sengkarai
Temburong Sulaiman Nasir Village head ofKampong Labu EstateandKampong Piasau-Piasau
Brunei-Muara1 Amran Maidin Penghulu ofMukim Lumapas
Brunei-Muara2 Lawi Lamat Village head ofKampong Subok
Brunei-Muara3 Zainol Mohamed Village head ofKampong Putat
Brunei-Muara4 Mohamad Ali Tanjong Village head ofKampong Lumapas 'B'
Brunei-Muara5 Daud Jihan Village head ofKampong Belimbing

Legislative Council Building[edit]

Since achieving independence, this is the first time that the nation held the council meeting at the new grand parliament building on 4 March 2008, the construction for which began in March 2005 under the 8th National Development Plan. Three blocks make up the structure. In addition tooffice spaceand aconference room,the building has abanquet hall,library,meeting rooms,auditorium,surau,gym,VIP rooms, andcanteen.It also has aparade groundin front of the building, parking, a landscaped area, and a three-acrelake.Judin Asar, the council'sclerk,claimed that the new structure would help the council carry out its mission to provide better services to the government and country, particularly those pertaining to the privy council, legislative council, and cabinet ministers meetings.[14]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^"MAJLIS MESYUARAT NEGARA".DOKUMEN-DOKUMEN PERLEMBAGAAN CONSTITUTIONAL DOCUMENTS.p. 32, 76.
  2. ^"Brunei Darussalam".5 July 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 2 February 2020.Retrieved2 February2020.
  3. ^"Ahli-Ahli".Archivedfrom the original on 2021-09-08.Retrieved2021-09-08.
  4. ^"New Legislative Council appointed » Borneo Bulletin Online".New Legislative Council appointed.2023-01-20.Retrieved2023-01-21.
  5. ^"Brunei Darussalam"(PDF).United Nations(Human Rights Council): 4.Retrieved27 August2022.
  6. ^"Brunei".United States Department of State.Retrieved2022-08-27.
  7. ^Hussainmiya, B. A. (September 2000).""Manufacturing Consensus": The Role of the State Council in Brunei Darussalam ".Journal of Southeast Asian Studies.31(2).Cambridge University Press:349.Retrieved2014-09-14.
  8. ^abcdRefugees, United Nations High Commissioner for."Refworld | Freedom in the World 2008 - Brunei".Refworld.Retrieved2023-03-11.
  9. ^"Majlis Mashuarat Negeri di-bubarkan"(PDF).Pelita Brunei.1970-04-15. p. 1.Retrieved2023-09-17.
  10. ^"BRUNEI'S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN 1966 AND 1984: CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES OVER ITS SECURITY AND SURVIVAL".docplayer.net.Retrieved2024-04-17.
  11. ^"BRUNEI'S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN 1966 AND 1984: CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES OVER ITS SECURITY AND SURVIVAL".docplayer.net.Retrieved2024-04-17.
  12. ^"Ahli2 M.M.N. yang di-susun semula"(PDF).Pelita Brunei.1977-12-28. p. 1.Retrieved2023-07-17.
  13. ^abc"Sultanate - News | Negara Brunei Darussalam | Sultan officiates LegCo meeting".sultanate.com.Retrieved2023-03-11.
  14. ^ab"Sultan opens new Legislative Council building".bn.china-embassy.gov.cn.Retrieved2023-03-11.
  15. ^Horton, A. V. M. (2005-01-01)."Negara Brunei Darussalam: obituaries 2005".Borneo Research Bulletin.36:16–29.
  16. ^"Pembukaan Rasmi Majlis Meshuarat Negeri Yang Baru"(PDF).Pelita Brunei.1962-10-17. p. 5.Retrieved2023-07-19.
  17. ^"Speaker M.M. Negeri Meninggal Dunia"(PDF).Pelita Brunei.24 February 1971. pp. 1, 4–5.
  18. ^"Masyarakat mainkan peranan bantu banteras jenayah rasuah » Media Permata Online".Masyarakat mainkan peranan bantu banteras jenayah rasuah.2021-12-11.Retrieved2023-01-29.
  19. ^"Majlis Mesyuarat Negara: Acuan Kebruneian » Media Permata Online".Majlis Mesyuarat Negara: Acuan Kebruneian.2017-03-20.Retrieved2023-01-29.
  20. ^"DEWAN MAJLIS"(PDF).Majlis Mesyuarat.25 September 2004. p. 1.
  21. ^"DEWAN MAJLIS"(PDF).Majlis Mesyuarat.1 March 2011. p. 1.
  22. ^"DEWAN MAJLIS"(PDF).Majlis Mesyuarat.1 March 2011. p. 1.
  23. ^Md Zain, Nurliah (2 March 2016)."MMN wadah permuafakatan"(in Malay).Bandar Seri Begawan:Pelita Brunei.Archivedfrom the original on 9 September 2021.Retrieved9 September2021.
  24. ^"New Legislative Council appointed » Borneo Bulletin Online".New Legislative Council appointed.2023-01-20.Retrieved2023-01-21.
  25. ^He is a member of Cabinet of Brunei. Therefore, he is a member of the Council.
  26. ^"New Legislative Council appointed » Borneo Bulletin Online".New Legislative Council appointed.2023-01-20.Retrieved2023-01-21.
  27. ^Hj Abu Bakar, Rasidah; Bandial, Ain (7 June 2022)."HM: New cabinet must carry out duties with" full loyalty and responsibility "".The Scoop.Archivedfrom the original on 6 July 2022.Retrieved19 July2022.
  28. ^"Archived copy"(PDF).www.agc.gov.bn.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2021-08-31.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

External links[edit]

04°54′48″N114°56′55″E/ 4.91333°N 114.94861°E/4.91333; 114.94861

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