Study on best way to tackle crime needed

A STUDY should be made to find the best and most comprehensive approach to tackling crimes, said Permanent Secretary (Security and Enforcement) at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), because like many rapidly developing countries, Brunei is not spared from the threats of crime that threaten the harmony, sovereignty and national security of the country.

"We look into the question of whether our efforts as the people in Brunei to ensure that our pride will continue to survive in the long run, whether the measures already taken by the government, private sector and local communities in this country would be enough to tackle crime in the country," Dato Paduka Hj Hamdan Hj Abu Bakar said yesterday.

He said this in a speech made during a mini forum yesterday for the 11th Executive Development Programme for Middle Management Officers (EDPMMO). The forum was titled "Jenayah Di Bumi Darussalam: Bersama Kita Menanganinya"(Crime in the Land of Darussalam: Tackling it Together).

He explained that criminals will always try to be more sophisticated, learning new steps, tactics and also taking note of the weaknesses of the security agencies and surrounding communities. They are also experts at in finding the opportunity and the appropriate time to commit a crime.

The permanent secretary said he hopes that the group discussions between managers, leaders and practitioners in the public service with academics perspective will provide other views for more holistic approaches in looking for ways to look at the various angles in tackling crime.

The forum was also attended by the heads and deputy heads of department, senior government officers, lecturers from UBD and ILIA as well as students from the Meragang Sixth Form Centre.

The EDPMMO is a development programme to provide the current knowledge on approaches and best practices in public and corporate sector as well as foreign for the participants. In addition to that, the programme is aimed to improve their leadership qualities, understanding the managerial environment and organisation as well as to address the issues of the public sector.

The forum was held at the Theater Hall, Ground Floor, Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement Building in Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The Brunei Times