Bandar Seri Begawan - Discussing the topic on Public Service Department (JPA), Yang Berhormat Awg Hj Zulkipli bin Hj Abdul Hamid talked about the Executive Development Programme for senior government officers organised by JPA, which is usually handled by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) as well as a similar programme organised by the Ministry of Defence (MinDef), normally handled by foreign universities.

The above stated programmes open up opportunities to government senior officers to learn the principles, approaches and practices in the formulation of policy, public management and governance. The programme will provide an in-depth understanding and teaching for the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes in the government sector.

Yang Berhormat Awg Hj Zulkipli suggested to the council that JPA and MinDef should accept qualified senior officers in the private sector to participate in the Executive Development Programme.

Yang Berhormat Awg Hj Zulkipli believed that the involvement of private sector into the programme has various benefits. Among the benefits are enhancing the programmes being offered, increase the interaction between the government and private sectors as well as achieving 'Brunei Incorporated' which promotes the cooperation between government and private sector in tackling issues in the country, especially those relating to business and the economy.

It will also enable the participants from both sectors to exchange views in handling the issues and if there are differences in views between the two so that a constructive discussion on the pros and cons could be made. The private sector is affected by government policies especially those relating, to business. With the presence of participants from the private sector, feedback could be obtained. This would make government officers aware that the formulation and implementation of policies have consequences and whatever policies suggested need to be given careful considerations and thought so that the policies may reach their intended objectives and provide benefits to the country.

In response to the matter, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdul Rahman bin Hj Ibrahim replied that he will look into this matter carefully. These programmes, explained Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdul Rahman, is understood to be participated by government officials as a criteria to apply to senior positions. However, the suggestions made by Yang Berhormat Awg Hj Zulkipli will be taken into considerations.