Call for better inter-dept dialogue

CONTINUOUS consultation among ministries and government departments, as well continuous reviews of development policies should be emphasised to ensure that national development goals are met.

Speaking yesterday during the launch of the national forum on policy implementation, the Minister of Communication stressed the need for regular communication between government agencies.

"(This is important) to ensure the individual visions of ministries, their strategic plans and initiatives are aligned with each other towards the same national development goals," said Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.

Continuous reviews of development plans or policies are also important, he added. This function is carried out by the Brunei Economic and Development Planning Department, which he applauds for "doing its job well by publishing a quarterly review of our economy". The minister also pointed out that full support and involvement of all sectors and resources - people, technology, organisation, finance and leadership - is also crucial for successful implementation of any policy or plan, as are commitment, capacity and communication.

Jointly organised by the Centre of Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) and the Universiti of Brunei Darussalam, the forum 'Perspectives on Implementation Strategies for National Development Policies' was meant to facilitate discussion and dialogue regarding policy making and implementation.

According to the Executive Director of CSPS, Dr Azaharaini Haji Mohd Jamil, the outcome of the forum would be recorded and used as reference when in policy revision processes in the future. Several policy experts from New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and Thailand as well as from Brunei were featured in the forum to provide varying perspectives on the issue.

The forum is part of the CSPC's agenda. A newly established organisation that acts as the country's first formal, non-government think-tank of Brunei Darussalam, the centre has the core objective of advancing and disseminating knowledge and promotion of research on Brunei Darussalam.

It is currently engaged in two research projects: the first is on concerns of economic diversification, while the other looks at social security. The centre is looking forward to conduct two more research activities: education, and unemployment and youth issues. Following the national forum yesterday, a similar forum will be held today to cater to UBD undergraduates and postgraduates, where they will discuss the major themes in Brunei's national development.

The Brunei Times