| Fizah HAB |
THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) has been allocated $85.13 million in the 2016-17 financial year budget which will allow it to continue investing in the county’s young talents and unleash their potential for national development.
The allocation will cover salaries, recurring expenditure and special expenditure.
The reduction of 14.9 per cent in the provision compared to last year is not a hindrance for the MCYS to continue to perform its duties properly.
In fact, it will be taken as a challenge to carry out its responsibilities in a more efficient and prudent manner through a more cost-effective administration, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, said at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Meeting yesterday.
“The budget will be used preferably on priority areas to support the MCYS vision of ‘Bangsa Brunei Yang Cemerlang’ by maintaining the identity of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), love and loyalty for the Sultan and the Country, and to uphold Malay as the national language based on the philosophy of MIB.
“In addition, the MCYS will also concentrate on core programmes such as the National Day celebration; National Service Programme (PKBN); National Family Day celebration; Community Empowerment Programme; Independent Youth Programme; National Youth Day celebration; and Training Programme at the Youth Development Centre,” the minister explained.
“MCYS also hopes to focus on improving the productivity of the community through promotion of sports, recreational and youth-building activities, particularly through PKBN and skills training at the Youth Centre, eradicating poverty in the country through various community empowerment programmes, preserving and promoting cultural heritage as well as attaining the goal of promoting literacy rate in all four districts.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, speaking during the Legislative Council Meeting yesterday. – DEAN KASSIM
“The ministry will continue to enhance the national sports agenda by strengthening welfare infrastructure, enhancing sports facilities, culture sports, promoting a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation and creating a group of national athletes who can compete in the regional and international arena,” the minister said, adding that nearly $4 million has been allocated for maintenance of sports facilities.
The ministry, through the Community Development Department, provides a system of social network (social safety net) which extends across the country to take care of the welfare of certain segments of the society, especially the poor and those in trouble, he said.
“From April 1, 2015 to February 29, 2016, the government spent a total of $103,799,990 as monthly welfare assistance, old age pension, disability pension and others. The number of recipients is increasing every year for various reasons including the number of elderly and those who face financial hardships.
“In February 2016, the number of recipients of pensions was 31,730 people, while the number of monthly welfare recipients was 6,442 families. Despite the weak economic situation currently, the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, through the MCYS, will continue to perform its responsibility to the citizens and residents of the country in order to ensure their wellbeing,” the minister said.
According to him, two issues will be given special priority by the MCYS this year. One is the issue of children and the ministry thinks that well-being of this group is essential to be maintained. The National Council on Social Issues (KIS) has recently been approved for children’s issues to be addressed specifically. The emphasis will not only facilitate alignment of programmes dedicated to the interests and rights of the child, but it is in line with the country’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
In addition, MCYS will re-examine the need for the provision of specific legislation to safeguard the welfare of persons with disabilities. The ministry will also enhance cooperation with stakeholders such as government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, associations of volunteers and so on for the welfare of the disabled, the minister said.
The ministry will be establishing an academy of culture and arts in the near future to generate creative energy that is required in creative and cultural industries, he added.
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