The Official Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the 18th Legislative Council session commenced yesterday morning at Dewan Majlis Building in Jalan Dewan Majlis. This marks the start of deliberation of the National Budget for the Financial Year 2022/2023.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, Speaker of the Legislative Council.

Also present were His Majesty's son and brother, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office as Ex-Officio Member, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.

This is the 18th year since the Legislative Council reconvened in 2004. It becomes a platform for Members of the Legislative Council as the people's representative to highlight national issues and deliberate on key strategic issues in scrutinising and contributing ideas to Government policies for the people and the country's interest as well as well-being.

His Majesty's arrival at Dewan Persidangan Dewan Majlis was accompanied by the procession bringing in the Ceremonial Mace of the Legislative Council. There are 36 Members of the Legislative Council comprising Ex-Officio Members; Titled Persons; Persons Who Have Achieved Distinction; and District Representatives, symbolising unity of Brunei Darussalam.

Doa Selamat was read by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

The First Meeting of the 18th Legislative Council is chaired by the Speaker of the Legislative Council, and will deliberate on the Supply Bill 2022/2023.

Source: Radio Television Brunei