Oil doesn’t determine country’s welfare, says representative

Danial Norjidi

AS THE 11th Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting drew to a conclusion yesterday, LegCo members delivered their closing remarks.

In his closing remarks, YB Awang Haji Zulkipli bin Haji Abdul Hamid spoke on how the country’s economy faces challenges, with the global oil prices having fallen 50 per cent since last year, considering that oil and gas represents more than 90 per cent of the Brunei’s exports.

However, we should not assume that the oil determines the country’s welfare, he said. “We should learn that among the richest and most developed countries in the world are those that either do not possess or possess very little natural resources.”

“We must take a positive approach and understand the challenges faced during this time as an opportunity to change the situation in a better direction,” he said.

“In the face of the current economic climate is not only the challenge of the government’s financial deficit but also a knowledge deficit, which is in greater need of attention and action.”

He highlighted that the country needs to have the ability to acquire and generate knowledge for improving and moving towards a knowledge-based economy.

Towards this, the country needs quality human capital that is knowledgeable and skilled. He asserted the need to enhance the capacity of Brunei’s human capital in a focused and continuous way.

“The country’s human capital will be the deciding factor of our future prosperity and will allow the country to contribute high added value to the global value chain and the world economy, which will take the country forward and contribute to human development.”

Brunei’s human capital is its most important asset that will be able to shape a brighter and more resilient future, he added.

On his third point, he spoke on the need to put more confidence and belief in our own people to contribute towards the country’s development and progress.

“If not our own people, then who else?” he asked.

Meanwhile, YB Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Zasia binti Sirin in her closing remarks referred to the point of developing a positive mindset among the people of this country as mentioned in the titah of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the opening day of the 11th Legislative Council meeting.

She highlighted that creating this positive mindset “is the responsibility of all parties entrusted as leaders at all levels, including managers, administrators and so on, including, without limitation, members of the Legislative Council in this hall, because we all have been mandated to serve the people and residents categories of various roles.”

YB Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, in his closing remarks, spoke in regards to diversifying and developing the economy outside of oil and gas, saying that the agricultural and agrifood sectors along with the tourism industry can be major contributors.

In Tutong, there are many large enterprises being run, such as the farming of shrimp, fish, poulty, quales, buffaloes and goats, as well as fruits and paddy. In addition, the district has a food and beverage processing plant, he said.

“If all these products can be combined in a planned and systematic way, the Tutong district can become a halal hub,” he said.

He noted that the construction of new centres is concentrated in the Brunei-Muara district due to the ease of connectivity with centres administration.

“I hope that this halal hub can be built in the rural areas that are large in Tutong, as this will indirectly promote the area and spur population growth while also providing employment opportunities to the residents of the district.”

He also went on to highlight that the tourism sector can help diversify the economy because it can serve as a way of boosting the market for foreign exchange and promote the products of this country internationally, while also making Brunei a holiday destination that can create more employment opportunities.

“Therefore, if the essential products are assisted, developed and improved, the tourism sector will be able to prove lucrative to the country,” he said.

As examples, he suggested improving the elements of arts and culture in tribal villages, Kampong Ayer, at long houses and also at homestays. He also suggested enhancing and adding to heritage items at museums and galleries.

Ecotourism, however, is the most exciting field in which to develop the country’s tourism sector, he added.


Sumber - Borneo Bulletin