Last week’s water disruption was uncomfortable. Buckets replaced showers. Routines became workarounds. It was inconvenient, but also humbling. For a brief moment, we were reminded how dependent we are on something we usually take for granted. How quickly comfort slips when a basic need falters. This was not a crisis….
Category: Brunei & Governance
Commentary on Brunei’s national policy, governance, and public affairs
Brunei & Governance
Clean Toilets as a Licensing Requirement? Yes Please!
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…
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. I was having teh-c kosong and roti cucur the other day, thinking about the Wawasan 2035 meeting His Majesty chaired. We only have about ten years left. So the real question is simple. Are we actually on track for a Brunei our kids can be proud of. His…
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…