Brunei - 'Choosy' Job Applicants No More

Bandar Seri Begawan - The stereotyping of local jobseekers as 'choosy' is no longer a common connotation reflecting the mentality of today's forward thinking and progressive Bruneians.

However, locals still do not make the private sector as their first choice for employment, according to YB Awg Hj Ramli bin Hj Lahit at the Eighth Legislative Council meeting yesterday.

He said some of the main factors why locals do not opt for private sector jobs is because of its unattractive salary packages, short contractual terms, lack of fringe benefits and less sense of job security, a big contrast to jobs in the government sector.

"I suggest a study to be done to review low salaries being paid to local employees and to attract more locals to work in the private sector by introducing living allowances for them," YB Awg Hj Ramli said.

YB Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Awg Othman, Minister of Home Affairs, in his reply also agreed that the 'choosy' connotation is on the wane. The ministry, he said, is taking realistic approaches in matching the jobseekers with prospective employers and in providing relevant training. "There were several suggestions raised during our discussions and I have noted them to be studied carefully."

The minister said the job environment and security should not always be the responsibility of the government but should also be given crucial attention by the private sector. According to him, laws and regulations pertaining to the protection and rights of employees are already in place and this ensures job security for the local employees.

The minister said they have no rights to set a minimum salary threshold for local employees because it can affect the progress and development of the private sector in many ways.

"What we emphasise more on is in-service training schemes and the provision of rights and laws for the protection of employees."

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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