Photo: Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network
Parliaments will continue to be a vital pillar within Asean, as they will remain central in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Asean or the well-being of its people and future generations, said Brunei king Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the 46th Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly at the World Trade Centre (WTC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
His Majesty also highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, ‘Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Asean’, noting that it aptly reflects the region’s shared aspirations and underscores the critical role of Parliaments in shaping Asean’s future direction.
The Brunei leader also stressed the importance of aligning policies and fostering inclusivity to ensure that Asean’s progress towards sustainability leaves no one behind, emphasising that Parliaments play a vital role in legislating policies that promote social development, economic justice, and environmental sustainability, while also strengthening inter-parliamentary diplomacy to enhance regional cooperation and trust.
The 46th AIPA General Assembly, running until Monday and hosted by the Parliament of Malaysia, saw Brunei’s contingent led by Speaker of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Rahman Mohamed Taib, accompanied by 12 Legislative Council (LegCo) members. Clerk to the LegCo and officials from the Secretariat of the LegCo were also present.
As part of Brunei Darussalam’s statement at the First Plenary Session, Speaker of the Legislative Council Awang Abdul Rahman said that Parliaments, as the voice of the people, play a crucial role in supporting Asean’s direction through their legislative, oversight, and representative functions.
He emphasised that regional growth must remain inclusive and beneficial to all, particularly vulnerable groups. Sustainable development, he stressed, should encompass economic growth, environmental stewardship, social harmony, and good governance.
He underscored the need to create greater opportunities for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities to participate in the development process.
The Speaker of the Legislative Council welcomed discussions at the 46th AIPA General Assembly on key issues vital to Asean Community development, including women and youth empowerment, climate change, digital inclusivity and inclusive economic growth.
“These priorities,” he affirmed, “align closely with Brunei Darussalam’s national agenda and will continue to be advanced in partnership with AIPA members and external partners toward building a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Asean,” he added.
Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim officiated the opening ceremony on Thursday.
During his keynote address, the prime minister underscored the role of Parliaments in ensuring accountability and voicing the aspirations of the people.
He highlighted the importance of inclusive participation from all sectors of society, from youth, women, rural communities and marginalised groups, while upholding integrity and transparent governance.
He urged AIPA to play a more active role through programmes and initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to citizens, stressing the need to preserve Asean centrality by rejecting corruption, avoiding abuse of power, and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia and President of AIPA Tan Sri Datuk (Dr) Johari bin Abdul also emphasised in his address the vital role of Parliaments in supporting Asean integration through legislative review and enactment.
He added that parliamentary legitimacy depends on its ability to voice the aspirations of the people while ensuring laws are grounded in justice, inclusivity, and transparent governance.
The AIPA President also underlined the importance of parliamentary leadership in building bridges for peace, stability, and inclusive progress in the region.
Looking ahead to Asean Vision 2045, he rallied for the strengthening of AIPA’s engagement with Asean institutions, external partners and expanding youth and women’s participation in parliamentary roles.
In the lead-up to the plenary sessions, several key events were held, which included the Executive Committee Meeting, the Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) Forum, the AIPA-Asean Hearing, and the Young Parliamentarians (YPA) Session.
The general assembly is slated to continue with committee meetings, dialogues, and plenary discussions, culminating in the adoption of a Joint Communiqué at the close of the session. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
