Brunei’s Big Promises: LegCo Unveils Bold Plans, But Can They Deliver?

Brunei’s future is on the line. Bold plans, billion-dollar budgets, and sweeping reforms - yet scepticism lingers. Will grand promises turn into real progress? Or will execution gaps and delays continue to frustrate Bruneians? As LegCo debates economic transformation, infrastructure overhauls, and social reforms, the nation watches closely. Will this be the turning point or just another cycle of unmet expectations?

By Malai Hassan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan, March 6, 2025?– The sixth day of Brunei’s Legislative Council (LegCo) deliberations exposed a nation in transition.

Bold economic blueprints clashed with real-world frustrations. Lofty promises met scrutiny.

Policymakers unveiled grand strategies, yet public concerns remained.

The government set out sweeping plans: digital transformation, climate commitments, and economic diversification.

Ministers spoke of progress. Legislators pressed for results. The public, however, seeks tangible benefits.

Beneath the polished narratives, hard truths emerged. Brunei’s economic future remains uncertain.

Economic Realities: Vision Versus Ground Truths

LegCo debates centred on Brunei’s push for sustainability and economic resilience.

The?Brunei Darussalam Climate Change Policy (BNCCP)?was hailed as a landmark commitment. Targets were met, and emissions fell. Yet, scepticism lingered.

YB Hajah Rosmawatty questioned the direct impact of green initiatives. She asked whether local businesses truly benefited.

The Minister’s response was telling:?“Brunei’s green industry is still in its infancy.”?

That admission exposed a gap. Climate policies exist. Green jobs, however, remain scarce.

Foreign technology dominates solar projects. Local participation is minimal.

Critics argue that Brunei risks becoming a passive observer in its sustainability drive.

Without skilled local involvement, economic diversification remains rhetorical.?

$34 million has been allocated?under the?CREATES?initiative to spur innovation in renewables, but execution challenges remain.

Brunei’s digital transformation was another focal point.?Brunei Digital Identity (BDI),?a national digital ID, is set for rollout.

It promises efficiency. The public, however, questions security and usability. A six-month pilot aims to address concerns, yet past digital initiatives have faced slow adoption.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence governance is taking shape. The formation of the?Working Group on AI Governance & Ethics?with?24 agencies?signals a regulatory push.

The government wants Brunei to embrace AI, but oversight is crucial to prevent ethical pitfalls.

Foreign investment strategies were also dissected. Industrial expansion demands robust infrastructure.

YB Pengiran Haji Isa raised concerns over electricity stability. Can Brunei sustain incoming investments? Ministers assured adequacy.

Two new power plants are planned. Energy security, they claim, is guaranteed. Yet, power-hungry industrial projects demand long-term solutions.

The government now encourages private companies to integrate solar solutions. But who bears the cost? Investors? Consumers? The discussion left economic implications unanswered.

Infrastructure: Promises and Persistent Shortfalls

Brunei’s infrastructure overhaul dominated proceedings.?A total of B$750 million?has been allocated for national development projects under?RKN-12, covering water security, roads, and flood mitigation.

Water security remains a national concern. The?Bukit Barun Water Treatment Plant?expansion promises a 29% capacity boost.

On paper, future shortages seem mitigated. Yet, rural areas continue to report intermittent supply. Upgrades are slow. Officials blame technical constraints.

Flood mitigation strategies sparked scrutiny. January’s torrential rains left many homes inundated. Flash floods are worsening.

The government rolled out plans:?Sungai Kedayan flood mitigation, Pasai/Mulaut drainage projects, and new stormwater retention ponds.?

Yet, historical delays haunt such promises. Cost overruns plague projects. Will new initiatives succeed where past efforts failed?

Residents in flood-prone areas remain sceptical. They’ve heard solutions before. Execution is what counts.

Brunei’s road network is also under transformation. The?Tungku Highway widening?aims to reduce congestion. The?Tanah Jambu-Mentiri flyover promises smoother commutes. These projects excite motorists.

But delays and cost escalations have plagued road expansions before. Potholes remain a daily frustration. Some roads in national housing schemes are deteriorating. Progress must translate into on-the-ground impact.

Public Transport Revamp: Can It Deliver?

A new?public transportation overhaul?is on the way, but details remain vague.

Under a?Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model,?the government will work with private firms to modernise Brunei’s bus system. A?10-year contract is under negotiation,?with a focus on sustainable, efficient transport.

The?government has committed B$40 million toward infrastructure improvements, including new bus terminals and digital tracking systems.

However, one challenge remains: ridership is still low. The government is reviewing?financial incentives?to attract investment, but public engagement is key. Will Bruneians embrace a revamped system, or will empty buses continue to haunt the roads?

Housing and the Middle-Income Squeeze

Brunei’s housing agenda continues to face scrutiny. The?National Housing Scheme (RPN)?remains the backbone of homeownership.

New projects are underway:?RPN Lugu Phase 2, Tanah Jambu Phase 7, and Kampong Lumut Phase 7.?

Despite progress, backlogs persist. Demand outweighs supply. Young families remain on waitlists. Homeownership feels increasingly unattainable.

A bigger issue looms:?middle-income earners not qualifying for government housing yet unable to afford private homes.?

The government is considering?public-private partnerships (PPPs)?to fund affordable housing. Private developers may receive incentives to build low-cost homes. Will this work? The private sector’s role in housing remains untested.

Meanwhile, older RPN estates are deteriorating. Roof leaks, broken drainage, and neglected parks plague ageing developments.

Rehabilitation programs exist.?B$100 million has been allocated?for the refurbishment of ageing RPN estates, but progress is slow. Execution lags. Homeownership must be more than just a policy. It must ensure lasting livability.

Public Sentiment: Confidence or Concern?

LegCo’s sixth day offered a paradox. Brunei’s leadership showcased ambition.

The nation’s roadmap looks bold. Yet, gaps in execution persist. Policies sound promising. Real-world results, however, remain elusive.

Economic diversification is the government’s mantra. Yet, oil dependency lingers.

Infrastructure is expanding. Yet, aging systems struggle.

Youth policies are proactive. Yet, societal issues persist.

Bruneians want change they can feel: efficient transport, uninterrupted water, economic opportunity.

These are not mere aspirations; they are necessities.

Government rhetoric must translate into reality.

Ministers spoke with confidence. Legislators challenged with urgency. The public, watching from afar, remains cautiously hopeful.

The next LegCo session will reveal whether today’s promises become tomorrow’s progress. (MHO/03/2025)

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