Hey, fellow Bruneians! If you’ve ever stepped into a hawker centre, mamak stall, or fancy café only to be hit with that unpleasant surprise in the back—yeah, the one that makes you question your life choices—you know exactly what I’m talking about. Clean food? Absolutely essential. But clean toilets? That’s…
Category: Brunei & Governance
Commentary on Brunei’s national policy, governance, and public affairs
Brunei & Governance
Brunei’s Own Road in 1963 – Bukan Menolak Tapi Menjaga
On 27th August 2025, the front page of Pelita Brunei carried a striking photograph: our beloved Sultan, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, shaking hands with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. The headline read, “Hubungan NBD, Malaysia Kekal Erat, Mesra.” It…
Brunei & Governance
A Bruneian’s Take on Healthcare Reform: Balancing Progress and Compassion
As a proud Bruneian citizen, I deeply value the care our government provides for its people. The recent policy change, effective July 1, 2025, which ends free healthcare for non-citizens, including permanent residents with foreign nationalities and foreign spouses of Bruneians, has sparked much discussion. Reflecting on my own experience…
Brunei & Governance
Thoughts on Wawasan 2035
Assalamu’alaikum everyone. Over a teh-c kosong and roti kahwin, I’ve been reflecting on the Wawasan 2035 Supreme Council meeting chaired by His Majesty. With just a decade to go, the question is – are we on track for a Brunei our kids can be proud of? His Majesty’s push to…
Brunei & Governance
MMN 2025 so far…
The 2025 session, which began on February 26, has introduced several noteworthy changes that could impact our daily lives. Let’s break down some of the key highlights: Twice-Yearly LegCo Sessions In a move to enhance governance and ensure more robust discussions on national matters, His Majesty has approved increasing the…
Brunei & Governance
My Thoughts on Growing Grains, Trees, and People
“If you want a year of prosperity, grow grain; 10 years of prosperity, grow trees; 100 years of prosperity, grow people.” I keep coming back to this proverb. Can’t shake it, actually. Maybe because as an anakbrunei, someone who’s watched this country up close for a long time, it names…