Legislative Council of Brunei
The Legislative Council of Brunei is the unicameral legislature of Brunei. As of the most recent composition, the Council consists of 34 members, including cabinet ministers who serve ex officio, all of whom are appointed by the Sultan. The Sultan of Brunei, who also serves as Prime Minister, holds full executive authority under the Constitution of 1959, which grants him extensive powers, including emergency authority first invoked in 1962.
The Council convenes annually, typically in March, at its building in Bandar Seri Begawan. Proceedings are presided over by the Speaker of the Council, who is also appointed by the Sultan. While the Council's role is largely consultative, it participates in legislative processes including the review of national budgets, the introduction and passage of bills, and the discussion of government policy.
History
Early Establishment and Constitutional Foundations (1959–1962)
The period of the State Council came to an end in September 1959 with the adoption of Brunei's first codified Constitution. The Legislative, Executive, and Privy Councils took the role of the council itself. The Legislative Council was established in 1959 by virtue of Article 23 of Brunei's Constitution. The 1959 constitution included five advisory bodies, including a Legislative Council, and granted the sultan full executive authority. When the left-wing Brunei People's Party, which aspired to overthrow the monarchy, gained all 10 of the council's elected seats in 1962, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III invalidated the results.Following the nation's first election on 30 and 31 August 1962, the Legislative Council's initial meeting was held on 10 October 1962. Part of the constitutional rules governing general elections were suspended in 1962, and members' seats were filled by royal appointment beginning on 28 August 1963. Upon the establishment of the new Legislative Council in September 1962, the party attempted to forward a motion aimed at stopping the formation of Malaysia. The council meeting was rescheduled until 5 December because it was afraid of losing the discussions. The BPP sent a resolution to the government of Brunei to be presented in the next council meeting prior to its convening.
The Brunei People's Independence Party party's Secretary-General II, Zainal Abidin Puteh, presented a motion during the May 1968 Legislative Council Meeting that called for Brunei to become independent and establish a democratic system of governance. He insisted throughout the conference that a poll be conducted by the government to determine the people's desires for independence and constitutional progress. A spokesperson of the BAKER party, Pengiran Mohammad Samli bin Pengiran Lahab, also called for the introduction of a democratic type of governance in Brunei in May 1968.
On 12 April 1970, the 1965-elected council was dissolved after completing their 5-year term. The 1970 elected-council was dissolved on 15 December 1977 with the approval of the Sultan of Brunei, according to the Chapter 55 of the 1959 Constitution. The Sultan agreed to reform and re-elect several members from the previous council. A new council was officially reconvened on 22 December 1977. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah dissolved the council on the following day. The inaugural meeting of the council took place on 27 December 1983, and it was disbanded on 13 February 1984. Hence, legislative powers were fully vested in the Sultan.
Reinstatement and Proposed Reforms (2004–2005)
After a 21-year hiatus, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah reconvened the Legislative Council on 25 September 2004, with the proposed modification to the 1959 constitution as its first item on the agenda. The Council approved a constitutional proposal that would have increased its size to 45 seats, 15 of which would be elected. The Sultan disestablished the council on 1 September 2005 and, on the following day, reestablished the Council based on the amended version of Brunei's Constitution, commencing the first session. Five members of the new Legislative Council, who were indirectly elected to represent village councils, were appointed by the Sultan in September 2005.In 2006 and 2007, plans for a 45-member legislature with 15 seats up for public vote were still on the table, but elections were still not scheduled by year's end. All state authority remains in the hands of the House of Bolkiah and chosen successors, and the Internal Security Act keeps the sultan's personal authority largely untouched.
The Legislative Council met in 2006 and 2007 to examine government spending, suggesting that it has adopted budget review as a regular duty in recent years. The plans for elected Council members, Brunei's 2006 membership in the Asian Development Bank, and government initiatives to promote the private sector while combating corruption and radical Islam are all considered preparations for the anticipated depletion of the nation's oil and gas reserves, which currently make up 90% of state revenues. This modest increase in Council activity and increased focus on government spending were all reported as part of these preparations. With the money, the government has long been able to stave off calls for political reform by keeping the majority of the populace in work, lavishing them with benefits, and exempting them from paying income tax.
A member of the Legislative Council asked information from the second finance minister of the nation during a meeting in March 2007 regarding government investment organizations like the Workers Trust Fund and the Brunei Investment Agency. The Minister of Home Affairs, a member of the sultan's appointed cabinet, urged for prudent use of the national budget in April in yet another sporadic appeal for accountability.
On 6 March 2007, the Sultan gave his permission to be present at the International Convention Centre in Berakas for the opening ceremony of the first sitting of the Legislative Council's third session. Additionally present were Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commerce, and Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. The People's Awareness Party was completely disbanded, and the president of the Brunei National Solidarity Party was forced to resign, with the party dissolving by 2008. In addition, the government's Registrar of Societies tightened its supervision over political party activity in 2007.
The first meeting of the fourth session of the Legislative Council convened on 4 March 2008 at the newly completed Dewan Majlis building on Jalan Kebangsaan. The session was officially opened by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah by signing a plaque shortly after receiving the Royal Salute and inspecting the guard of honour by the personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force. He was accompanied by Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
Roles
Since its creation in 1959, the Legislative Council has played significant roles towards Brunei; not only to consider and approve budgets and revenue estimates, but also to advise the Sultan on the drive of the Government, to review policies implemented by the Government and to pass bills and motions brought by the Government and other members of the council.Legislative procedure
The Legislative Council of Brunei adheres to procedures similar to those observed in other Commonwealth parliamentary systems. All bills introduced in the Council undergo three readings. Prior to being tabled, however, each bill must receive approval from the Council of Cabinet Ministers.Following passage by the Legislative Council, a bill requires Royal Assent to become an Act. In accordance with the Council's Standing Orders, statements by members must be addressed to the Speaker or, in the context of committee sessions, to the committee chair. For legislation to take effect, it must be published in the official government gazette.
Speaker of the Legislative Council
The Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei is responsible for presiding over sessions of the council, managing its proceedings, and overseeing the voting process. The Speaker is appointed by the Sultan of Brunei and is ranked fourth in the national order of precedence. Unlike in some other parliamentary systems, the Speaker does not assume the role of acting Head of State during periods of transition. The position plays a central role in facilitating the functions of the Legislative Council, which is a key institution within Brunei's governance structure.Sessions
- 1st session
- 2nd session
- 3rd session
- 4th session
- 5th session
- 6th session
- 7th session
- 8th session
- 9th session
- 10th session
- 11th session
- 12th session
- 13th session
- 14th session
- 15th session
- 16th session
- 17th session
- 18th session
- 19th session
- 20th session
- 21st session
Membership
To be eligible for membership in the Legislative Council, a person must be a citizen of Brunei Darussalam and at least 21 years old. However, there are several disqualifications that apply. Firstly, a person who has pledged allegiance or loyalty to a foreign power or has acquired citizenship or exercised the rights of citizenship in another country may not become a member. Similarly, anyone who has demonstrated disloyalty or dissatisfaction toward the Sultan through actions or speech is excluded. Secondly, individuals who have been declared mentally unsound under any law in Brunei Darussalam are also disqualified.
Any individual who has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to death, imprisonment, or a fine of B$1,000 or more, whether in Brunei or elsewhere, is not eligible for membership either.