Brunei Darussalam: Making a Concerted Effort

Summary

It has been a very busy and auspicious 2007 for Brunei Darussalam. All strata of society appeared united in their combined effort to transform Brunei Darussalam into a more successful and developed model of a Malay Islamic state. Economic and social development occupied centre stage as various public and private sector initiatives were pursued resolutely. It was also the fortieth year of the reign of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, a reminder of the event on 5 October 1967 when the young Sultan became the twenty-ninth ruler of the country on the abdication of his father, the late Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien. The anniversary was celebrated with much pomp and display of affection for a ruler who has earned his people's support. The “Melayu Islam Beraja” (Malay Islamic Monarchy) country had further reasons to celebrate with the birth of the Sultan's grandson and son of the Crown Prince, Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah. The young prince, Abdul Muntaqim, born in March 2007, will be the likely bearer of the unbroken line of the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam.

Visions for the State

The Sultan as Yang Di Pertuan (Head of State and Government) had a record- breaking schedule of meetings, both in and outside the country. Numerous scheduled events saw him addressing crucial issues of the state, extolling the ethos of commitment to economic and social development. A recurrent theme in his addresses dealt with the acquisition of knowledge and skills and issues related to youth, in fact, interrelated concerns on the future of Brunei Darussalam.

One of the reasons cited for the slow take-off of the programme of diversi- fication, away from the dependence on the government and hydrocarbon sectors, was the reluctance of investors to contribute to the state's industrialization efforts. Not only was size the usual excuse, a more factual concern was the lack of skilled local labour force. Thus steps were being taken to address some of the related shortfalls, and hence the emphasis in his majesty's speeches.