HM: ASEAN needs to be bolder

Rachel Thien
KUALA LUMPUR

ASEAN needs to be bolder in striving for deeper integration that goes beyond the economy, said His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

In his titah at the Southeast Asian leaders’ summit yesterday, His Majesty said ASEAN’s aspirations to be a community should focus not only on economic integration, but also on being a “highly competitive, innovative and relevant part of the global value chain”. The monarch said community-building is a constantly evolving process, and as ASEAN moves beyond 2015, it is necessary for the regional bloc to continue building on the achievements over the past decades to achieve greater integration.

ASEAN therefore needs to maintain its momentum and be bolder in striving for even deeper integration, His Majesty said, while giving Brunei's support to the priorities laid out by Malaysia as this year’s chair.

To achieve the ASEAN Community and generate further confidence in the region's political and economic stability, the Sultan said ASEAN's work this year must demonstrate its political will to fulfil all its commitments.

Public expectations will be high to see what positive steps ASEAN has taken towards realising an economic community that comprises a single market and production base that is inclusive, more dynamic and resilient to external shocks, His Majesty added.

The Sultan also touched on ASEAN’s progress in facilitating the cross border flow of goods, services and investments.

He said ASEAN has also succeeded in forming strong links with key economies outside ASEAN, which have brought the regional grouping greater economic prosperity.

As global economies become more integrated and interdependent, His Majesty said ASEAN needs the cooperation and support of all its partners.

To be a successful regional community in the wider global community of nations, His Majesty believes that ASEAN needs to further their cooperation with current and future potential partners.

His Majesty said since 1967, ASEAN has contributed to the peace and stability enjoyed by more than 600 million people in this region.

On the economic front, the monarch said ASEAN has enabled the region's overall trade to grow from US$10 billion ($13.3 billion) in 1967, to US$2.3 trillion ($3.06 trillion) in 2013.

Earlier, the monarch joined other leaders at the opening of the 26th ASEAN Summit at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak said this is “ASEAN’s time”, and that it is imperative measures were established to continue the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib said in realising the AEC, removing barriers to trade goes beyond reducing tariffs and include the elimination of non-tariff barriers, such as overly burdensome regulation that hampers free and fair trade.

“We must accelerate programmes to harmonise standards, increase capital market and financial integration, and promote the freer movement of goods, services, investments and talents between our countries,” he said.

“It has been estimated that if infra-ASEAN trade was boosted from 24 per cent to 40 per cent, the incremental impact on the ASEAN economy could be 2.5 trillion dollars annually. It would result in a further seven trillion dollars spending on infrastructure.”

The prime minister said this year will be a milestone in the history of ASEAN, and that the vision of creating a single economy will be realised by the end of the year.

He also pointed out concerns over the South China Sea territorial dispute, saying that ASEAN must address the issue in a proactive, but also positive and constructive way.

“Respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must be the basis of the rules of engagement and activities in the South China Sea. As chairman, Malaysia hopes that we will achieve progress in our efforts towards the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct,” he said.

Accompanying His Majesty were Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister's Office YB Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng and Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office YB Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar.

Meanwhile in the afternoon, His Majesty flew over to Langkawi and joined his counterparts for the 26th ASEAN Summit Retreat and the closing ceremony of the sum-mit. Following the retreat and closing of the summit, the monarch and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha joined a barbeque dinner at Lang-kawi's Westin Hotel's poolside, hosted by the Malaysian prime minister and his spouse.

Accompanying His Majesty to the retreat were YB Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman, YB Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng and YB Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yasmin.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

MNLF affirms solidarity with MILF

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Exclusive: Japan considering joint U.S. air patrols in South China Sea - sources

By Nobuhiro Kubo, Tim Kelly and David Brunnstrom

(Reuters) - Japan's military is considering joining the United States in maritime air patrols in the South China Sea in response to China's increasingly assertive pursuit of territorial claims, a Japanese and a U.S. source familiar with the discussions said.

News of the deliberations came as Japan and the United States unveiled new defense guidelines during a visit to Washington by Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe, reflecting his plans for Japan to take on a wider security role beyond the direct defense of its home islands.

While no concrete plans had yet been formulated, Japan could join U.S. patrols in the South China Sea, or operate patrols in rotation from the Japanese island of Okinawa on the edge of the East China Sea, the Japanese source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

So far the discussion is within the Japanese military, but any move to begin patrols would need civilian approval.

Japanese air patrols in an area where China is pushing disputed territorial claims, including though a massive program of land reclamation, would risk antagonizing Beijing.

But defense officials in Tokyo worry that doing nothing would allow China to eventually impose its authority over a region through which $5 trillion of sea-borne trade passes ever year - much of it heading to and from Japan.

"We have to show China that it doesn't own the sea," said the Japanese source.

FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION

A U.S. military source said a decision to begin flights in the South China Sea could prompt Tokyo to ask the Philippines for access to air bases under disaster relief training and other joint training exercises. This would give Japanese aircraft added range to stay out on patrol longer, he said, also speaking on condition of anonymity.

A senior Philippine military source said such access would not currently be possible, because Manila does not have any military co-operation agreement with Tokyo similar to the pact it has with Washington, which allows U.S. ships to use its bases to re-fuel, re-supply and make emergency repairs.

But Philippine President Benigno Aquino, one of the most vocal regional critics of China's reclamation program, is due to meet Abe in Tokyo in June, when the South China Sea issue is certain to be discussed.

U.S. President Barack Obama told reporters after talks with Abe on Tuesday that the two countries shared concerns about China's reclamation and construction activities in the South China Sea and were "united in our commitment to freedom of navigation and respect for international law".

He said the new defense guidelines meant U.S. and Japanese forces would be more flexible, and that Japan would "take on greater roles and responsibilities in the Asia-Pacific".

Neither he nor Abe detailed what those roles might be.

Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida dodged questions about the possibility of joint patrolling of Asian sea lanes when pressed at a news conference with U.S. counterparts on Monday, saying legislation in Japan had still to be worked out and regional countries consulted.

Speaking at a daily briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the United States and Japan were "not involved in the South China Sea issue" and should not do anything to "complicate the situation".

REGIONAL COUNTERWEIGHT

The United States has a squadron of Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) P-3 Orion patrol planes and a squadron of new Boeing (BA.N) P-8 Poseidon sub-hunting aircraft in the region, six of which are stationed in Okinawa.

Japan operates a fleet of 70 P-3s in the seas around Japan and is due to deploy about 20 new Kawasaki Heavy (7012.T) P-1 patrol aircraft with twice the range of the older Orions over the next five years.

In an interview in January, Admiral Robert Thomas, commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, told Reuters that Washington would welcome Japanese air patrols in the South China Sea, because their presence would provide a stabilizing counterweight to a growing fleet of Chinese fishing and naval vessels.

Thomas's comment, which was criticized by the Chinese government, was quietly welcomed by some Japanese defense officials. It helped "break down a psychological barrier" that had made discussion about possible operations in the South China Sea a taboo, a Japanese defense ministry source told Reuters.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said it was "not aware of any official plans or proposals for Japan to patrol the South China Sea" but welcomed "a more active role for Japan in ensuring stability and security in East Asia and globally, including in addressing maritime security challenges".

A senior U.S. defense official said last week details of future activities would have to be worked out as Japan completed domestic legislation needed to expand the role of its defense forces as it reinterprets the limits of its pacifist post-war constitution.

China claims about 90 percent of the 3.5 million sq km (1.35 million sq mile) South China Sea. The Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam also claim large parts.

At a regional summit in Malaysia on Monday the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) released their most critical statement yet of China's building of man-made islands on disputed reefs, which Washington and Tokyo worry will become military bases to police the area.

ASEAN said that China's reclamation program "eroded trust and confidence and may undermine peace, security and stability".


Sumber - Reuters

Sebar luaskan sikap pemedulian kerajaan terhadap masyarakat

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Selasa, 21 April. - Sebagai usaha berterusan untuk meningkatkan hubungan dua hala di antara pihak kerajaan dengan rakyat dan rakyat dengan kerajaan, Jabatan Penerangan, Jabatan Perdana Menteri (JPM) hari ini meneruskan Program Sua Muka atau 'Personal Contact' ke kediaman Ketua Kampung Perpindahan Mata-Mata, Pengiran Haji Mohd. Salleh bin Pengiran Haji Abd. Rahman.

Rombongan diketuai oleh Pegawai Penerangan sebagai Ketua Unit Hubungan Masyarakat, Bahagian Kenegaraan dan Kemasyarakatan, Awang Ali Termizzi bin Haji Ramlli / Ramli serta para pegawai dan kakitangan yang lain di Jabatan Penerangan, JPM.

Dengan  dikendalikan oleh Unit Hubungan Masyarakat, Bahagian Kenegaraan dan Kemasyarakatan jabatan berkenaan, program tersebut terus menjalinkan kolaborasi yang lebih erat dalam hal ehwal kemasyarakatan yang diharap dapat membina minda kesedaran sivik masyarakat yang menjurus ke arah cintakan agama, bangsa, raja dan Negara, selaras dengan aspirasi kerajaan dan rakyat Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Selain itu, program ini berkenaan juga berhasrat untuk  menyebarluaskan sikap pemedulian pihak kerajaan terhadap masyarakat, membarigakan maklumat dan program serta perkembangan dan kemajuan mukim dan kampung selaras dengan pencapaian dan perkembangan semasa yang dijalankan atau diusahakan oleh Majlis Perundingan Mukim dan Kampung (MPMK) dalam sama-sama menjayakan projek atau program yang dirancangkan.

Sehubungan itu, dalam menyahut fungsi Jabatan Penerangan, selaku mata, telinga dan lidah kerajaan, menerusi program ini jua, maklumat-maklumat seperti isu-isu semasa dan dasar kerajaan dapat dikongsikan bersama di samping menerima maklum balas yang perlu diambil perhatian dan diambil tindakan oleh pihak-pihak yang berkenaan.

Sememangnya program yang menjurus kepada mendekati orang ramai secara bersua muka adalah masih relevan dalam zaman yang canggih ini kerana ia lebih bersifat ‘personal’  dan interaksi akan lebih berkesan serta dapat memberikan jalinan muhibah yang baik.

Oleh itu, hubungan baik yang terjalin antara warga Perkhidmatan Awam dan masyarakat akan dapat mewujudkan kemakmuran dan keharmonian masyarakat dan negara di mana ia disifatkan sangat  penting dalam  memelihara perpaduan dalam  kehidupan bermasyarakat.

Sifat integriti antara pemimpin akar umbi dan masyarakat setempat adalah penting untuk menunjukkan bahawa Kerajaan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam melalui Jabatan Penerangan sangat prihatin terhadap apa jua perkembangan, kemajuan serta masalah-masalah yang dihadapi oleh rakyat.

Kefahaman mengenai pemedulian pihak kerajaan terhadap rakyat juga adalah sangat penting untuk mengangkat kredibiliti kerajaan di mata masyarakat. Dengan adanya program sebegini ia akan dapat memupuk semangat kekitaan dan bertanggungjawab terhadap negara serta menyemai hubungan yang erat antara kerajaan dengan rakyat - rakyat dengan kerajaan.


Sumber - Pelita Brunei

‘Silence won’t prevent teen pregnancy’

Ak Md Khairuddin Pg Harun
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

SILENCE would not help in preventing teen pregnancies, the Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council president said yesterday.

Iswandy Ahmad said reproductive health is not openly discussed in Brunei, and the attitude of waiting for others to take action on social issues would only exacerbate the problem. Responding to the 3,405 teen pregnancies recorded from 2004 to 2013, he said a silent community is one of the reasons for the high numbers. “Young people are exposed to many things that may confuse them. Without proper life skills, education, right attitude and self-dignity, these social issues like teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are bound to happen,” he told The Brunei Times.

He said parents and teachers must help teenagers navigate in today’s world. “Teenagers nowadays have access to all kinds of information from their friends and the Internet. Showing them love and having an open ‘let’s talk about anything’ policy will help them feel free to speak to adults about matters that they need to know about,” said Iswandy.

“Any form of education should start at home, and reproductive health education — including aurat (covering parts of the body based on Islam) between mahram (legally married couple) and non-mahram — should be done at home to form a healthy social relationship,” he added.

Iswandy said reproductive health education is not an eve-ryday topic to be discussed openly as Asian culture is generally respectful. “Nonetheless, appropriate ways need to be addressed. For example, parents must relate teenage pregnancy to unhealthy relationships, where religion and society forbid the act of zina (fornication),” he said.

The president said reproductive health education includes Islamic teachings such as aurat, mandi wajib (full body cleansing) and fiqh munakahat (provisions of Islamic law on marriage). “We should not just copy and paste other countries’ ways. We should adapt to the culture in Brunei.”

Hj Saili Hj Chuchu, education officer at the Department of Schools, said parents should share the responsibility of educating their children on reproductive health so that they would understand the repercussions of pre-marital sex.

“Parents should stress the importance of culture and Islamic values to their children. We need to remind our children to stay away from zina (illegal sexual intercourse). At home, parents must strengthen their aqidah (faith),” he said, adding that the actions of children mirror that of their parents.

Parents should always remind their children that Islam prohibits unmarried males and females to be alone in a room as it may raise fitnah (false accusation). “When parents remind their young children at home about the repercussions of sexual activities outside marriage, the children would have strong Islamic values when they grow up,” he said.

Ali Yusri Abdul Ghafor, acting head/assistant director of Counselling and Career Section of the Department of Schools, said reproductive health education should be integrated with Islamic values and the MIB (Malay Muslim Monarchy) doctrine. “When we (school counsellors) are approached by students about topics pertaining to reproductive health education, we would remind them about Islamic values such as the sin of pre-marital sex and tell them about the moral obligation of preserving our MIB concept,” he said.

Ali Yusri, who has been counselling students since 1998, said the curiosity of students about reproductive health should be approached carefully to prevent the students from being misled about sexual intercourse.

Mazlan Hanif from Kg Rimba said he has never talked about reproductive health to his children. “It would be strange to teach your children on how to put on a con-dom. I think teaching this would make your children more curious about sex rather than preventing it,” said the 51-year-old father, who has four children.

He fears that teaching reproductive health to children would encourage them to experience pre-marital sex. “If we start to teach children on how to have safe sex, wouldn’t that encourage them to learn how to have sexual intercourse by putting on condoms and taking birth control pills?

“Even if you manage to teach your children about sex, you won’t get a response from them. Instead, they will talk with their friends. Now boys and girls become friends not like in the past. They will talk about it and who knows what will happen,” he added.

Another parent, Wahab, said: “Some parents are not aware that their children can access porn on the Internet and at the tip of their fingers. If this is left unchecked, it would be a problem.”


Sumber - The Brunei Times

Brunei must protect national food security

Daniel Wood
BELAIT

GLOBAL food developments in production, distribution and consumption, new and emerging pathogens, as well as antimicrobial resistance mean that national food security is constantly battling new threats.

The Ministry of Health (MoH), at the Belait district World Health Day 2015 Forum yesterday, said that it was well aware of the clear and present danger of food contamination posed by an increasing trend in tourism and trade.

Unsafe food has been related to some two million deaths annually, with the majority of them happening among children. Food contaminated by dangerous bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicals have been proven to cause more than 200 diseases, including diarrhoea and cancer.

"Food safety faces many new threats such as changes in production technology, climate change, micro-organism change… All these issues… emphasise the need to strengthen the national food security system," said Dr Maimunah Hj Mokim, Senior Medical Officer, District Health Office, Belait.

MoH in statement to the press said that it would remain on constant alert, ensuring continuous monitoring to guarantee and protect public health. The Ministry recommended that Brunei adopt World Health Organization's (WHO) "from farm to plate" approach in global efforts to increase food safety.

This requires all stakeholders in the food production chain to play their roles, employing simple and practical methods described in WHO's food safety handbook Five Keys to Safer Food.

These are: keep clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook food thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.

Four panel speakers from various health departments discussed a range of topics under the overarching theme of food safety, consistent with WHO's theme for 2015. Among the topics discussed were public food safety, food contamination by controlled products, food-related health risks and food safety from an Islamic perspective.

Some 200 people from the public and private sector, including food business owners, school food programme suppliers and canteen operators, farmers, food manufacturers and health professionals turned up for the event, participating in a question-and-answer session at the end of the presentations.

Participants also discussed food safety provisions under the Public Health Act (Food) Chapter 182.

Present as guest of honour was Belait District Officer Hj Haris Othman.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

Over 3,000 teen pregnancies in 10 years

Izzati Jalil
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Maternal and Child Health Clinic has recorded over 3,000 teen pregnancies in 10 years, including an 11-year-old girl becoming the youngest mother in Brunei, a medical officer at the Health Promotion Centre said.

Dr Hjh Norol-Ehsan Hj Abd Hamid said a total of 3,405 teen pregnancies were reported from 2004 to 2013.

She said that even though the number of teen pregnancies seemed high, it does not give a clear picture as there are still those who are not registered at the health clinic.

The medical officer gave a talk on infectious diseases and teen pregnancies to Sayyidina Husain Secondary School students and staff yesterday.

She went on to say that the teen birth rate has declined almost continuously over the past decade, noting the drop of 456 unplanned teen pregnancies in 2004 to 264 in 2013. While there was a drop in the pregnancy rate for the 10-19 age group from 2004 and 2013, she said reported cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the sultanate have increased.

Dr Hjh Norol-Ehsan said statistics showed that there were 50 reported cases of teens suffering from STIs in 2000, while 68 cases were recorded in 2010.

Even though there’s only been an increase of 18 cases within a span of 10 years, the numbers are still alarming, she added.

“You may think you like someone so much that you engage in sexual activities with your girlfriend or boyfriend, but you must remember the risks and consequences that come with it,” she told the Year Nine students.

“What if you impregnate someone’s daughter or become pregnant just because you’re too in the moment? Who is going to be held accountable for the child? You must be responsible for your behaviour,” she continued.

The medical officer added that adolescents who are exposed to early sexual experiences are influenced by what they see on the media or even friends.

“With the easy access of media, you may feel curious to know more about sex or how it feels like, so that’s why youngsters engage in illicit activities despite it being forbidden by Islam,” she said.

Speaking to The Brunei Times, Dr Hjh Norol-Ehsan said she hoped the students would be able to share the knowledge with their peers who may not know about the consequences of having multiple sex partners.

“Some of the students don’t talk about it openly with their parents at home, so instead they talk among their friends and some of the information shared may not be accurate. Hopefully today will give them a more accurate outlook on teenage pregnancy and sex,” she said. A total of 216 students from Sayyidina Husain Secondary school attended the talk, which was held to raise awareness on the effects of unplanned pregnancy.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

27 World War II bombs found on Jln Ong Sum Ping

THE Royal Police Force (RBPF) last night confirmed that 27 unexploded bombs from World War II were discovered on Jln Ong Sum Ping.

In a press statement, the police said construction workers found the mortar bombs that were believed to be from the World War II era during the Japanese occupation of Brunei.

According to bruneiresources.com, 10,000 Japanese troops arrived at Kuala Belait during the Second World War on December 16, 1941. The Japanese occupation ended in 1945.

The statement said the supervisor of the construction workers lodged a police report around 11.35am yesterday.

As a result of the discovery, a part of Jalan Ong Sum Ping was closed yesterday.

The RBPF urged members of the public to refrain from touching or disturbing any suspicious or dangerous items.

The public are advised to inform the police by calling 993 or contact the nearest police station.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

3 Examples Of Exemplary Leadership Among Our ASEAN Neighbours

Written by Arief Irsyad

Everyone dreams of living in a country that is developed and advanced in terms of the people's mentality and social development.

But to get there, it all depends on a leader's wisdom navigating the nation towards that dream.

Malaysia is surrounded by immediate neighbours who exemplify at one point or another inspired leadership which charted the growth of Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia to greater heights.

An Iconic Leader In The Eyes Of The Nation

After the passing of Lee Kwan Yew, the Father of Modern Singapore, many people debated his role and influence in shaping Singapore's political scene over several decades.

Nevertheless, Singaporeans still look up to Lee whom they still consider as their greatest leader so far.

He proved his mettle as a capable leader in being able to reign in any political rift in his country.

Thanks to his firm stand in upholding the Sedition Act and Internal Security Act (ISA), politics in Singapore is civilized and orderly.

It is undeniable that like any other country, there exists opposing voices in Singapore who criticize Lee's administration but they do so respectfully.

While making known their disagreement over policies involved in governing the nation, the opposition never made personal attacks and always placed the country's interests above all else.

This was evident during his passing, the people of Singapore united in showing their love towards their former Prime Minister.

Even after Lee had retired from active politics, he was still highly regarded and continued to serve as advisor whose views were highly-respected just as when he was the country's leader.

In the eye of Singaporeans, he remains a great man.

No one can beat the greatness of Singaporeans spirit of unity and love for Lee Kwan Yew, the Father of Modern Singapore.

Loyalty To A Supreme Leader

Brunei Darussalam stands unique among its ASEAN neighbours as it is ruled by an absolute monarch, who in this modern age has managed to cement his reign of what is a model Islamic country in Southeast Asia.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has succeeded in commanding the undivided loyalty of his subjects who wholeheartedly embrace him as their King and accord him the respect he deserves.

Brunei is not like any other countries in Asia because there is no political party there. It really is all about one king and one voice.

Brunei is among the Islamic countries which has successfully implemented Hudud as a whole and the people of Brunei agree and respect Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's decision.

There is no known opposition or resistance to his leadership as His Highness' tolerant and caring attitude has endeared him to his people.

Always with the interest of his nation at heart, he has been known to alight from his vehicle to direct traffic in Brunei.

As a result, the people of Brunei think highly of their ruler. His sincerity in caring for his nation and its people is reflected in the loyalty he commands in return from his subjects.

Brunei Darussalam is a small country but years ahead in comparison to other Islamic nations in Asia because of they have the right spirit and attitude in implementing Allah’s law.

People Power As A True Reflection Of Democracy

Indonesia is a shining example of a republic where the people’s voices reign supreme when choosing their leader which has seen seven presidents been installed and removed by people power.

Compared to its neighbours, it might appear less successful in terms of education and economy, but when it comes to exercising their democratic right, Indonesians exhibit uncommon spirit when opposing leaders that they deem as unfit to rule.

History stands witness during the historic episodes when Sukarno, Indonesia Father of Independence’s ruling, kings and sultans were overthrown by commoners because of the united show of people power. Indonesia protects its belief in a republic fiercely governed by a democratically elected leader, the president.

Starting from Sukarno, Suharto, Gusdur, Habibi, Megawati Suekarnoputri, Susilo Bambang Widoyono and now Joko Widodo, all were rightfully elected by the people in response to changing times.

For instance, Sukarno’s leadership enjoyed immense popular support followed by Suharto who exercised military rule during his era.

That Habibi’s ruling only lasted a few months have clearly proven that the support of Indonesians for their leader is crucial in determining the direction of the nation.

Indonesians do not have any qualms about changing their leader.

When the poeple stand together, there is nothing that can break their unity and combined power to determine the future of a nation or bring down a goverment which no longer enjoy the people's support.

We need to follow in the footsteps of these three Southeast Asian countries in terms of putting the interests of the nation, the people and its leadership above all else.

There are many ways to foster togetherness and unity as shown in these three countries which above all else benefitted from exemplery leadership which propelled their country forward.


Sumber - Malaysian Digest

Brunei Darussalam’s banks weather oil price volatility

Banks in Brunei Darussalam have so far weathered the impact of falling oil prices, winning plaudits from credit rating agencies for their resilience and stability.

Credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) said in early March that the Sultanate’s strong economic base had dampened the effects of the drop in oil prices on the banking sector, echoing the view of the central banking authority, the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD), earlier in the year.

“In our view, the low loan-to-deposit ratio and strong net external creditor position of the Brunei banking system mitigates [oil price-related] risks,” said S&P. Speaking about oil exporters more broadly, the agency noted the decline in global prices would result in lower government revenues and exports, reducing banking liquidity and potentially slowing sector growth and triggering an increase in non-performing loans. Nevertheless, it said that earnings buffers are sufficient to absorb losses in Brunei, alongside the six GCC member states, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Nigeria, and it did not expect them to experience losses beyond its normalised estimates.

Strong capital levels

According to the AMBD, bank assets and deposits registered marginal declines of 3.7% and 4.3% respectively year-on-year in 2014, loans rose by 1% to $5.7bn and asset quality continues to improve. “The key financial soundness indicators in the banking sector were maintained at healthy levels [in 2014]. Strong capital and high liquidity levels, together with sustained earnings and improved credit risk management, resulted in maintaining financial system stability,” the AMBD said in a statement.

The positive outlook for banks is an achievement given that oil and gas account for more than half of the Sultanate’s economy and over 90% of exports. Oil revenues have helped foster a strong banking sector; many among the affluent population are able to bank with more than one institution and the government is a significant source of deposits. As S&P noted in March, “The banks are likely to maintain their substantial deposits from a wealthy government and its related entities, and the retail sector.”

The rise of Islamic banking in recent years has also helped the sector to flourish. Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) reported solid growth last year with a 7% increase in revenues and a 16% rise in profit, according to a recent statement from the Asian Banker. In February, S&P affirmed its BBB+ long-term rating for Baiduri Bank − the Sultanate’s biggest conventional bank − citing its stability. “We affirmed the ratings to reflect Baiduri’s stable businesses, sound management and strategy, and expected government support tempered by a loan book with high single-name concentration,” said Amit Pandey, S&P credit analyst.

Challenging times ahead

The endorsement is not to say banks will escape the oil price slump unscathed. Credit reform and the government's widening budget deficit are seen as the two main challenges. “A protracted weakness in oil price may enhance the challenges for the banking system. However, that is not our base case view on oil prices as of now,” added Pandey.

Minister of Finance II Pehin Dato Abd Rahman Ibrahim announced a total budget of $6.4bn for the 2015/16 fiscal year in March, with revenues projected at $4.12bn, about $1.5bn lower than last year. This will lead to a budget deficit of $2.28bn, representing about a tenth of GDP, which is among the highest in the ASEAN region.

“What we know for sure, these low oil prices will give significant impact and pressure to the economy of this country, as our private companies in the hydrocarbon sector recorded lower revenue, not to mention lower government revenue from the country’s main source of income,” said the minister.

However, reforms that have already been put in place and debt consolidation achieved through stricter financial measures are helping the banking sector.

Last October, the AMBD deregulated rates on housing loans, revoking regulations on profit rates on residential property financing for Islamic banks as well as interest rates on residential property loans for banks. In March 2013, the AMBD implemented a cap on interest rates or annualised profit rates for residential financing of 4.5%.

Speaking to OBG last year, the managing director of BIBD, Javed Ahmad, said the new regulations had been effective at limiting the amount of personal financing, establishing a fixed-rate pricing framework and setting a minimum deposit rate for investors.


Sumber - Oxford Business Group