Legislative Council meeting to open March 7 The session will see the announcement of the gov't budget for the next financial year

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting — Brunei’s annual parliamentary session — will open next week on Thursday, March 7, the Department of Councils of State has announced.

Discussions will be held over a two-week period covering the 2019/2020 government budget, national policies and development plans.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah will officiate the opening at the Legislative Council building on Jalan Dewan Majlis.

The meeting will be chaired by Speaker of the Legislative Council, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Laila Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdul Rahman Dato Setia Hj Mohamed Taib, for the fifth year running.

The council comprises a total of 36 members, including His Majesty the Sultan; His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; the 14 cabinet ministers; and 20 appointed members which include state dignitaries, grassroots leaders and representatives from various professional, social and religious groups.

This is the 15th sitting of the council since it was revived in 2004.

There will be two sessions of debate on each day of the LegCo meeting — from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 4.30pm — and it is open to the public after the official opening ceremony.

In a media statement, the Department of Councils of State reminded visitors to dress appropriately in either office attire of traditional Malay dress. Students are permitted to wear school uniforms.

Casual clothing such as t-shirts, leggings, short skirts, tight pants or shorts are not permitted. Flip flops, facial piercings and caps are also not allowed.

Visitors must bring along their identification card in order to obtain security passes.