In order to generate competitive economic growth and to preserve the welfare of the people of the country in the long run, priority will continue to be given to aspects of security, peace and stability of the nation.

Such focus is in line with the security strategy in Brunei Vision 2035 which is aimed at preserving the political stability, protecting the country’s sovereignty as well as connecting the defence capabilities with political capabilities.

To achieve this objective, 18.55 per cent or B$1,049,054,830 of the newly apportioned $4.9-billion Consolidated Fund for the 2010/2011 financial year has been allocated for Defence and Public Security.

The allocation of millions also aims to help raise the effectiveness in disaster management and control of disease outbreak.

The figure was revealed by the Minister of Finance II, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim, on the third day of the Legislative Council yesterday, as he was outlining the newly established consolidated fund,

Speaking on the funds being allocated for disaster management and control of disease outbreak, he said “$5 million will be available for the Ministry of Home Affairs to handle its operation and management of Natural Disaster, while another $5 million will be allocated under the control of the Ministry of Health in handling of the threat of epidemic diseases. Another $5 million will be made available for the Ministry of Finance in handling natural disasters and the outbreak of epidemics.

“An additional allocation has been made available specifically to enhance effectiveness in electricity supply management in the country,” YB Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abd Rahman said.

“This is a step to further strengthen basic infrastructures in the country that take into account the improvements in standard of living and security for the people in the country as well as to help increase the nation’s competitiveness in attracting investment into the country.”

In regards to the nation’s efforts in combating the spread of H I N1 for the 2009/2010 financial year, the Minister of Finance II said, “In addition to the allocation approved by the Legislative Council, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to allocate an additional sum of $16.7 million in handling the problem of the outbreak of Influenza A H1N1.”

Meanwhile to speed up efforts in the repair, maintenance and upgrading of infrastructure and other public facilities like the drainage system, water and electricity supply as well as connecting systems, the allocation acts as an additional supplement to the National Development Plan. The minister said “an allocation of $40.4 million has been made available” for such efforts.

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