Kuala lumpur: The Legislative Council delegation from Brunei Darussalam participated in the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), which took place from September 16th to 22nd in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The delegation was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, Speaker of the Legislative Council. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam underscored the importance of this year's Assembly theme, 'Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable ASEAN,' highlighting the role of Parliaments in fostering inclusiveness and accelerating progress towards sustainability.
According to Radio Television Brunei, His Majesty emphasized the need for aligning policies to ensure no one is left behind. The Sultan highlighted the crucial role of Parliaments in shaping policies and laws to drive social progress, economic equity, and environmental sustainability while strengthening inter-parliamentary diplomacy to enhance regional cooperation and trust. His Majesty expressed confidence in AIPA's role as a pillar in ASEAN, crucial for fostering a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable region for future generations.
In his statement at the First Plenary Session, the Speaker of the Legislative Council highlighted the parliament's role in supporting ASEAN's direction through legislative, oversight, and representation functions. He emphasized that sustainable growth should include economic development, environmental protection, social harmony, and good governance. The Speaker also stressed the importance of providing opportunities for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities to participate in development processes.
Yang Berhormat welcomed discussions on key issues for ASEAN Community development, including the empowerment of women and youth, climate change, digital inclusion, and inclusive economic growth. These areas are priorities for Brunei Darussalam and will be supported alongside AIPA Member Parliaments and partners to achieve a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous ASEAN.
In his opening speech, Malaysian Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized Parliament's role in ensuring accountability and voicing people's aspirations. He urged AIPA to play a more active role through initiatives providing tangible benefits and stressed the importance of preserving ASEAN's centrality by rejecting corruption and ensuring inclusive economic growth.
Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Dato' Doctor Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Malaysia and AIPA President, highlighted Parliament's role in supporting ASEAN integration through law-making processes. He called for strengthening AIPA's relations with ASEAN institutions and external partners and expanding youth and women's involvement in Parliament towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The AIPA General Assembly included various events, such as committee meetings, dialogue sessions, and plenary sessions, with the national delegation led by the Speaker of the Legislative Council. Datin Paduka Doctor Dayang Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Hurairah, the Clerk of the Legislative Council, also participated in the assembly.