The Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei () is a pivotal figure in the governance process, responsible for managing the proceedings and voting within the council, ensuring transparency in legislative decisions. Appointed by the Head of State, the Speaker ranks fourth in the state hierarchy and does not assume the role of interim head of state during transitions. This position is vital for maintaining democratic principles and accountability within Brunei's legislative framework.
Functions The Speaker of the Legislative Council in Brunei plays a crucial role in managing the council's proceedings and voting process. When a question is posed to the council, the Speaker collects the votes by calling for "Ayes" and "Noes." If no member requests a division, the Speaker declares the result based on the voices heard. However, if a division is called, each member must verbally cast their vote, and the Speaker or chairman announces the results. In the event of a tie, the Speaker has the authority to cast the deciding vote. The Speaker also oversees the maintenance of the council's minutes, which are recorded by the Clerk. These minutes detail all decisions and significant matters, and they are signed by the Speaker. If a member identifies inaccuracies in the minutes, they must raise these through a personal explanation, submitting the issue to the Speaker for resolution. Additionally, any member wishing to ask a question must submit it in writing to the Clerk at least seven days in advance unless special approval is granted by the Speaker for shorter notice.
Appointments The speaker of the Legislative Council is appointed by the head of state, who has the authority to designate the speaker, even when selected from outside the parliament. In the state hierarchy, the Speaker ranks fourth, following the Sultan, the crown prince (who is the Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office), and the special advisor to His Majesty the Sultan. Unlike in other countries, the Speaker does not serve as the interim head of state in the event of the Sultan's death or incapacity. The Speaker's mandate continues between legislative terms, and while the term of the Speaker differs from that of the house, there is no fixed election date or term length established. The Sultan appoints the Speaker through an official Instrument under the Seal of Brunei Darussalam, and while the Speaker may be chosen from among the council members, if no Speaker is appointed or the position is vacant, references to the Speaker in the Constitution are interpreted as references to the prime minister. The Speaker serves at His Majesty's pleasure for a period specified in the appointment and can resign by addressing a letter to the Sultan. If the Speaker is appointed from among the council members, they must vacate the office if they cease to be a member. The Speaker is required to attend and preside over all Legislative Council meetings, and in their absence, another member, either appointed by the Speaker or, if none is appointed, the highest-ranking member present, will preside.
List of speakers No.PortraitNameTook officeLeft officeTime in officeMonarchRef1Pengiran Abu Bakar29 September 195919622–3 yearsOmar Ali Saifuddien III2Pengiran Muhammad AliMarch 1962September 19625–6 monthsOmar Ali Saifuddien IIICouncil suspended (1962–1963)3Ibrahim Mohammad JahfarJune 196330 January 19651 yearOmar Ali Saifuddien IIICouncil dissolved (1963)(3)Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar31 January 196519 February 1971Omar Ali Saifuddien III4Pengiran Anak Mohamed Alam14 July 197130 November 1974Hassanal Bolkiah5Pengiran Abu Bakar1 December 197419816–7 yearsHassanal Bolkiah6Pengiran Anak Kemaluddin15 December 1981 14 February 1984Hassanal BolkiahCouncil dissolved (19842004)(6)Pengiran Anak Kemaluddin25 September 20049 February 2011Hassanal Bolkiah7Isa Ibrahim10 February 201111 February 2015Hassanal Bolkiah8Abdul Rahman Taib11 February 2015IncumbentHassanal Bolkiah
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