The recently introduced new ruling to disallow people belonging to any political organisation to become members of any village consultative councils in the country is in line with the government policy to ban its employees from getting involved in any political organisations or any political activities.

This was stated by Sharifah Salma binti Dato Syed Hussein Al-Kaff, the Assistant Commissioner of Police at the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in a reply to a letter of inquiry from the National Development Party (NDP).

The letter was handed over to Awang Haji Aminorashid Haji Ghazali, the Secretary General of NDP on Wednesday when he went to ROS to follow up on the matter. He was accompanied by several other senior members of NDP. 

NDP earlier last month wrote to ROS following a report that a new ruling has been introduced in the so-called ‘Green Book’ of rules of the Board of Sponsors and Village Consultative Council. Under the new rule, those who are a member of any political parties are no longer allowed to become a member of any village consultative councils.

Many NDP members, especially those who have been playing very active role in village consultative council in the past, felt distressed over the new ruling that suddenly put them in an awkward position in their respective community.

The situation was made worse by the attitude of some ignorant members of the village consultative council who allegedly took advantage of the new ruling to outcast those belonging to any political parties.

This unhealthy development that could split Brunei small community into two unnecessary camps has caused great concern, especially to NDP that now has over 1000 members all over the country.

But thanks to ROS quick action to clarify the matter that consequently arrest the spiraling anxiety of many members of NDP.

According to ROS, the Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that the new ruling is in line with the government policy that disallow any government employees or any members belonging to any government-sponsored organisations from active involvement or association with any political parties.

Hence the village consultative council is an extension of a government body the same rule applies to the members of this organisation. Its members are therefore bound by government policies, stated ROS.

However, ROS was assured that, though members of any political parties are not allowed to sit as a committee member in the village consultative council, the community-base organisation will not prevent any members of a political party to support, assist or to participate in organizing any activities drawn up by the council

"They are most welcomed to work hand in hand and together with the village consultative council. The council is also allowed to appoint any members of a political organisation to sit as a member in its sub committee", stated ROS.

Meanwhile sdra Mahmud Morshidi Othman, the Deputy President of NDP in a statement thanks ROS for its quick action in clarifying the matter.

“NDP appreciates very much the initiative taken by ROS to put to rest such unnecessary controversy over the issue of the new ruling”, said sdra Morshidi.

“Indeed the absence of a clear explanation on the need to introduce such new ruling, especially now with the prevailing phobia clouding over our political climate will give rooms for people to speculate and make assumption”.

“People need clear signal. We need to know precisely on whether we are very serous or not in allowing healthy political organisation to operate actively in the country. We need to know if we are welcomed or not?”

“The reply from ROS is very clear that the door is not closed on us. There is still room for political party to contribute and participate in nation building together and hands in hands with village consultative council”, said the Deputy President.