Brunei’s Leaders Face Mounting Pressure as LegCo Debates Inflation, Healthcare, and Jobs

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, MARCH 2025: The 5th Day of Brunei’s Legislative Council (LegCo) session exposed urgent national issues, from inflation to public healthcare, taxation, labour policies, and economic sustainability.

Lawmakers engaged in critical debates, challenging government leaders on subsidy sustainability, healthcare accessibility, foreign workforce policies, and Brunei’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties.

Ministerial responses highlighted policy adjustments and strategic reforms. However, concerns remained over execution timelines, enforcement mechanisms, and whether these measures would bring tangible relief to the people.

Inflation, Subsidy Pressures, and Fiscal Concerns

Government subsidies, now reaching BND 400 million annually, continue shielding citizens from soaring costs, yet questions persist over long-term affordability and fiscal burden.

LegCo members pressed for targeted subsidy reforms, urging direct financial aid for low-income groups while pushing for stronger diversification efforts.

Some called for a tiered subsidy structure based on income levels, while others recommended tax incentives for local businesses to ease inflation’s impact.

"We must ensure subsidies reach those who truly need them and do not encourage over-reliance," one member stated, emphasising fiscal responsibility and accountability.

Some members also questioned whether Brunei should rethink its approach to food security, advocating increased domestic food production to reduce import dependency.

Hajj Costs, Accessibility Concerns, and Pilgrim Support Measures

The rising cost of Hajj pilgrimage packages and the long waiting period for Bruneian pilgrims were heavily debated, with lawmakers urging reforms.

LegCo members voiced affordability concerns, noting that many citizens struggle to fulfil this religious obligation due to financial constraints and travel quotas.

The Minister of Religious Affairs acknowledged these concerns, announcing that the government is reviewing pricing structures and travel arrangements to ease burdens on pilgrims.

"Hajj is a fundamental religious duty, and we must explore ways to make it accessible without imposing excessive financial strain," the Minister stated.

Discussions also touched on the efficiency of Hajj registration systems and the possibility of financial aid schemes for lower-income pilgrims.

Healthcare Crisis: Long Waiting Periods, Dental Shortages, and Insurance Gaps

The healthcare sector was a focal point, with concerns over long waiting periods for specialist treatments, dental service shortages, and the need for digitalisation.

The Minister of Health acknowledged these issues, outlining measures such as increased workforce recruitment, technology adoption, and public-private collaborations to alleviate pressure.

He announced plans to introduce digital health records by 2026, aiming to streamline patient management and reduce wait times.

LegCo members, however, remained sceptical, demanding clear implementation timelines, measurable performance indicators, and accountability in monitoring progress, warning that prolonged delays would further strain public confidence.

Mandatory medical insurance for foreign workers was also debated, with members questioning its affordability for businesses and enforcement effectiveness to prevent policy loopholes.

Foreign Workforce, Immigration Reforms, and Local Employment Protections

Brunei’s new Long-Term Pass policy seeks to attract foreign investors and skilled professionals, granting five-year residency for those contributing to national economic growth.

LegCo members raised concerns about potential job market competition, urging strict employment eligibility to prevent displacing local workers from high-skilled jobs.

"Investment is welcome, but our policies must prioritize Bruneians in the job market," one member argued, reflecting broader national employment anxieties.

Additionally, data from the Labour Department revealed a post-pandemic surge in foreign workers, with key industries like construction and retail heavily reliant on non-local labour.

Tackling Unpaid Municipal Taxes and Strengthening Economic Accountability

A staggering BND 26 million in unpaid municipal taxes prompted calls for stricter enforcement, digital tax reforms, and improved collection mechanisms to bolster national revenue.

The Minister of Home Affairs assured LegCo of upcoming system enhancements, including the introduction of an online tax payment system to improve compliance and reduce tax evasion.

He urged businesses and property owners to fulfil obligations to support public infrastructure projects.

SME Support, Economic Diversification, and Growth Strategies

LegCo members highlighted persistent struggles faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), stressing limited access to financing, bureaucratic hurdles, and slow adaptation to digital transformation.

Government officials pledged increased financial support, training programs, and simplified regulatory procedures, though some members urged faster execution to prevent further business stagnation.

"SMEs are the backbone of our economy. Delays in support mechanisms only weaken our long-term economic resilience," one member stated, pushing for more proactive reforms.

Environmental Protection, Illegal Logging, and Sustainability Efforts

LegCo members raised concerns over environmental degradation, illegal logging, and wildlife trafficking, urging stronger enforcement and policy interventions to safeguard Brunei’s natural resources.

The Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism assured that enforcement measures are being enhanced, with increased surveillance, digital tracking, and stricter penalties for offenders.

"Illegal logging threatens our ecosystem and national sustainability," the Minister stated.

"We are expanding patrols and deploying drone technology to combat these unlawful activities."

Members also pressed for better public engagement, advocating educational campaigns to raise awareness of environmental conservation and community-driven sustainability programs.

?Conclusion: Public Expectations and Government Accountability

Brunei’s leaders face mounting pressure to ensure these legislative discussions translate into meaningful, timely action benefiting businesses, workers, and the broader public.

LegCo members cautioned against policy delays, emphasizing that public patience is thinning, and economic challenges require swift, transparent execution of promised reforms.

Public trust hinges on government efficiency - bold policies must yield measurable outcomes, or frustrations will escalate, shaping future economic and political discourse in Brunei. (MHO/03/2025)