Who really prepares for crisis to befall Brunei?

DEAR Editor,

First of all, kudos to The Brunei Times (BT) for being a responsible corporate citizen for publishing the letters on "oil and time running out for Brunei" ...much as I am certain it is "shocking" to the majority of Bruneians. But, isn't the truth always?

I read with immense interest the letters and opinions expressed with regards to how and what Brunei should do when it runs out of it primary commodity/export — oil and gas which has in the past four decades, turned Brunei from a backwater state into a rapidly developing and modern sultanate. With the wealth derived from this commodity which the world today can't consume enough of, we all know and envy its citizens who have and are benefiting immensely from the generosity of His Majesty and the wealth of the country — free education, housing, medical, tax free goods and income and well-paying jobs in the public sector amongst others. It is indeed the envy of many, many governments of the world to have such privileges to elevate the standards of living of its people where unemployment is by choice and not economic situation.

His Majesty is one of the richest man in the world today and I have the deepest respect for him in that he had been so selflessly giving the country's billions to improving the lives of his people. But, I do not envy him because, in my opinion His Majesty is "poor", because his people do not truly appreciate such benevolence. And because they have taken, they do not want to repay His Majesty back by doing their part. Honestly, from the lot, how many Bruneians truly are grateful for such privileges? How many truly understand, how, where and why such is provided? And, how many are truly conscious and passionate about giving back to the country and the community? Very sad to say, only a handful.

Are we not taught, "it is in giving that we receive"? What have the people of Brunei given back to His Majesty and their country?

Like BMMR, I am not Bruneian but have been in the country more than 25 years. Without a doubt, I love Brunei, and have "fitted" in right from the start. But to date, despite the imminent danger of Brunei's oil and gas running out, despite the many Bruneians who have benefited from higher education and have come back and are working with the ministries, had many discussions, talks, plans, grandiose ideas, consultants, advisers, etc, what actually has been done to effectively counter this "crisis"? I recently read with interest and bemusement that Brunei is prepared for any crisis should befall, but has any ministry or team found an answer to crisis manage when the wealth from oil and gas runs out?

We have "Candid Friend" from Singapore suggesting Brunei should start with hiring McKinsey a consulting firm, etc... Brunei does not have a "financial problem" right now to hire the best advisers, planners, consultants and economic minds to determine and get the best plans implemented... but do you think such great plans will work or anyone interested in "helping" Brunei if in 30 years time it is depleted of wealth?

Hard fact: When Brunei went into "recession" in the mid-1990s, how many "foreigners" stayed on to help out? Most left because there was no money to keep them in Brunei.

Seriously speaking, no number of consulting firms or long term plans will work if its very own people do not have the mindset and pull up their socks to make it work. Brunei can avert this "oil and time running out for Brunei" crisis through the genuine efforts of its people, by the people, for the people; especially those who are actually now serving in the government (about 80 per cent of the workforce!) who are paid to do just that but are fearful, lack the motivation or passion to do their best. Most times, its self-interest and profit that motivates. To succeed in any plan or project undertaken, its people have to understand that for the good of the country, for its future generations, there must be "sacrifices" for future good, to take responsibility because the ultimate intention is pure and be selfless.

I hope and pray for the lovely people of Brunei to do seriously do some soul-searching, open their hearts and minds to question themselves and motives, most important be realistic. If you have half of Brunei "coming to their senses" and doing their part then Brunei, you have the brightest future ever for generations to come with or without oil and gas! Remember, Brunei BOLEH!

JW, Jalan Muara