Local Leaders Hail New Societies Act
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Leaders of non-governmental organisations held high praises for the new Societies Act that calls for clubs, companies, partnerships and associations to register themselves or risk being tined or jailed.

The new order also disqualifies members from becoming office-bearers, advisers and employers of registered societies if they have been convicted of offences against this order here or outside the country.

Persons who have been detained, restricted, supervised, banished or deported as well as un-discharged bankrupts are also disqualified.

The public said the new order shall force all associations to be registered as there were instances where organisations such as fan clubs were found operating without being registered.

"It is a move in the right direction that will see associations be led by proper people," they said.

Dr Hj Mohd Hatta bin Hj Zainal Abidin, the president of Parti Perpaduan Kebangsaan Brunei (PPKB), said his party welcomes the new Societies Act, which is introduced to improve the standard of living of Bruneians.

However, he hopes any new regulations in the future be discussed by members ofthe Legislative Council before it becomes law.

"Members of the newly revived Legislative Council are qualified people who have been appointed by His Majesty to discuss any order before it becomes law," he said.

Dr Hj Abdul Latif bin Chuchu, the president of Persekutuan Peniaga-Peniaga Melayu Brunei (PPPMB), also welcomed the new order, which will give rise to genuine and true activists.

"The new order calls for people with clean records to lead clubs, companies, partnerships and associations and in the long run, organisations will be run by genuine and honest people," he said. Hj Emran bin HJ Yahya, the Vice President I of PPKB and Trade Secretary of PPPMB, also welcomed the new order. "Un-discharged bankrupts should not have been allowed to run organisations until they have put their own houses right," he said.

"The new order is in line with those in other countries," he added.

Meanwhile, office-bearers who are in conflict with the new regulations said they will resign from their posts to avoid being fined. Violators of the order will be liable to fines or jail or both. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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