The National Development Plan (NDP) or natively known as (RKN), is the name assigned by the government of Brunei to a plan designed to carry out Wawasan Brunei 2035 and diversify the economy by putting projects, programs, and initiatives into action. The RKN and planning were carried out under the direction of the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS).
In 17 National Housing Scheme (RPN) zones covering a total area of , 30,296 homes were built under the Landless Indigenous Citizens' Housing Scheme (STKRJ) and the Land Scheme since the scheme's introduction in 1984. Under the two housing schemes, it has used land lots comprising hectares across four districts have been awarded since the program's inception in 1984. This information was disclosed on 9 February 2023. The program is administered and maintained nationally by the Housing Development Department (JKP).
Background In the 16th century the Brunei empire was a prosperous and well-managed maritime power. But by the late 19th century, internal conflicts and abuses by foreign and local actors led to its decline, with Brunei approaching collapse by 1904. Widespread corruption, abuses of power, and a poorly planned system contributed to its deterioration, demonstrating how inadequate preparation and unclear future planning can severely undermine a state's stability.
During the British Residence period (1906–1959), Brunei experienced significant administrative and economic changes. With a population of around 20,000 between 1906 and 1941, it wasn't until the 1960s that Brunei's demographic size began to approach the approximately 25,000 people from the mid-1850s. The first British resident, Malcolm McArthur, played a crucial role in stabilising the country's governance and geographical order by implementing key reforms. He established police stations, civil and criminal courts, mail services, customs offices, and wharves. These foundational developments set the stage for Brunei's economic recovery and growth, even before the commercial exploitation of its oil resources. Subsequent British Residents observed rapid trade growth and the country's transition towards true prosperity following years of decline.The discovery and commercialisation of oil marked the beginning of a transformative period for Brunei. Among the top oil producing nations in the world by the 1930s was Brunei, particularly inside the British Commonwealth. Due to its economic growth, Brunei was able to shift from "rags to riches." But this progress was halted due to World War II. The Japanese occupation and subsequent Allied bombing strikes completely devastated Brunei. Seria's oil wells were set on fire, and Brunei Town was severely damaged, with just a Chinese temple still standing. With the sultanate in ashes, the war's devastation halted Brunei's economic growth.
Following the Second World War the government gave food distribution and the restoration of basic necessities first priority. Reconstruction of about 200 business houses and new government offices handled much of the war damage by early 1953 as rehabilitation activities got underway swiftly. During Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III's reign, Brunei saw substantial advancements in its political system and infrastructure. His assistance was essential in bringing Brunei from under British protectorate to full independence. The 1959 Constitution of Brunei, which abolished the British Resident's power and installed a British High Commissioner in its place, was one of his greatest accomplishments. By doing this, the Sultan was given his internal sovereignty back and became the ultimate executive head of government. The five-year national development plans were introduced by the Sultan to support Brunei's post-war reconstruction and modernisation.
RKN in the 20th century RKN 1 (1953–1958)
Initiated in 1953 and spanning from 1953 to 1958, the first national development plan (RKN 1) played a crucial role in the transformation of Brunei. Prior to its establishment, Brunei was seen as a less developed and economically deprived country. The strategy signaled a paradigm change that helped Brunei become a nation with high GDP per person and a high standard of living. A "bloodless revolution" was how observers characterised the advancement because of the extent of the improvements made, which was especially remarkable considering Brunei's tiny population at the time. the nation's first 5-Year Development Plan was started when the State Council authorised $100 million for the five-year term, because of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III's leadership. The principal objectives were to improve living conditions, modernise the nation while maintaining the framework of the Melayu Islam Beraja, raise Brunei's standing in Southeast Asia, and expand the non-oil and gas sector. To monitor the plan's execution, E. R. Bevington, a British expatriate from the Colonial Office in Fiji, was named Commissioner of Development.
The $100 million was distributed across a number of important projects:
Increasing access to healthcare and education Putting relocation plans into action Water supply Enhancing fishing practices and agricultural practices Extending communication networks and highways Building structures such as bridges and power plants Installing phone and television networks Under RKN 1, infrastructure development received nearly 59% of the budget, with 21.77% going to welfare, health, and education. The plan gave increasing social welfare a lot of attention, which raised Bruneians' standard of life significantly. A pension plan for the disabled and those over 60 was one of the major social welfare projects implemented; it began in 1957 and paid $20 per month. Due to the plan's sustained emphasis on social welfare, qualified Bruneians now receive $250 each month, a testament to the program's enduring success. Important projects completed during this time were the building of new wharves at Brunei Town and Kuala Belait, the construction of the main road connecting Brunei to Tutong and Belait, and the preliminary design for a future port at Muara. In Brunei Town and Kuala Belait, automatic phone exchanges were installed, along with the Old Airport. In addition, a hospital and more than thirty new schools were constructed in Kuala Belait. The plan also highlighted the need for economic diversification away from the oil sector, putting out plans for things like improved waste gas use, improved agricultural practices, rubber replanting, and a sharper emphasis on the fishing sector.
More than 59.78% of the funding for the first national development plan was earmarked for building infrastructure, with 21.77% going toward welfare, health, and education. It acknowledged that Brunei's economy needed to be more diversified than only the oil sector. Initiatives including better using waste gas, enhancing agricultural practices, planting rubber again, and highlighting the fishing industry were all part of the plan. Despite this, the majority of attempts for economic diversity failed. The waste gas schemes for the production of cement, nitrogen fertiliser, aluminum, and other materials never came to be. After the Korean War, rubber prices fell, making replanting unsuccessful.
The concept also called for the construction of a deepwater Muara Port. The necessary power was obtained, and research was done to provide electricity to remote regions. Under the strategy, efforts were undertaken to eradicate malaria with the assistance of the World Health Organization. Malaria cases decreased from 300 in 1953 to just 66 in 1959 as a result of effective efforts. Additionally, from 20 deaths per thousand in 1947 to 11.3 deaths per thousand in 1953, the death rate was reduced. This has been linked to improvements in drainage, public cleanliness, and the availability of piped fresh water for the populace. The entire amount spent on education by 1958 was $4 million. With the development of new roads and the 1954 completion of Old Airport renovation, communications were also enhanced. Under the plan, a $14 million gas industrial facility was constructed.
By authorising the construction of mosques and suraus across Brunei, the Sultan also significantly contributed to the country's Islamic revival. His efforts were most notable for the 1958 opening of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, representing the Islamic tradition of Brunei. Brunei witnessed a transition under his direction that set the stage for its current identity and system of government.
Other than that, the government started relocating Kampong Ayer's population to the land in the 1950s with the goal of granting them the ability to own property and raise crops to support themselves. The first relocation plan was implemented in 1952 when Kampong Bunut Perpindahan was established. A second migration that resulted in the creation of Kampong Burong Pingai Berakas and Kampong Pancha Delima in 1953 came after this. The development of Kampong Pengiran Siraja Muda Delima Satu, Kampong Anggerek Desa, and Kampong Orang Kaya Besar Imas in 1954 marked the beginning of larger relocation efforts. With the founding of Kampong Jaya Setia and Kampong Jaya Bakti in 1960, Kampong Ayer underwent its third relocation plan.
RKN 2 (1962–1966) Following the first plan, the second national development plan for 1962–1966 sought to advance social conditions and the economy. But prior to the start of RKN 3 in 1975, there existed a space. With a budget of $543 million, the RKN 2 seeks to advance and enhance Bruneians' social, cultural, and economic spheres of existence. The plan consists of fourteen clearly defined goals, such as:
Diversification of the economy Increasing productivity to raise per capita income Preserving a high degree of employment and a comparatively steady level of prices Establishing a sufficient and all-encompassing national education system Constructing a thorough national health system Supplying sufficient infrastructure for public services Encouraging and facilitating the private sector's involvement A Planning Committee with representatives from several ministries was entrusted with creating their own plans for this plan, which was introduced four years after the first. The plan's formulation also involved input from eight advisory groups. Diversification and the reduction of regional growth inequalities were the main economic goals of NDP 2, with a sustained increase in per capita GDP being given top priority. A national health care, a comprehensive education system, and increased income distribution equity were among the other main objectives. With an emphasis on enhancing fisheries and forest productivity, as well as raising agricultural output through pilot projects for both new and current crops including coffee, groundnuts, and maize, the main objective was to provide necessary economic and social infrastructure.
As with RKN 1, transportation, communications, and infrastructure received around 54% of the entire budget, with housing and education receiving the greatest shares. NDP 2 had a B$492 million overall budget, but like the first plan, it had poor budget management, which led to significant spending increases, especially in education, where spending more than doubled between 1966 and 1968. The plan's timeline was greatly expanded; some of its actions persisted until the end of 1972.