The Director's Cut

It's not too bad this time, but like I've said, I like my Emma-isms.

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Citizen Participation 101

By EmmaGoodEgg

The Malay term “gotong-royong” means to share a burden or help one another to accomplish a certain task. There is no neat phrase in English for it. Traditionally it is a strong social obligation to help those in need with your time or resources, and knowing that when woe betide your turn came, the same people you helped will readily reciprocate. In the old days, the villagers gave any excuse to have a “gotong-royong”; be it to build new shelter for a neighbour whose house burnt down, or Awang Bungsu needs a new roof because his is leaking after the December rain, and everyone merrily chips in the time and effort. Everyone is your neighbour.

The most apparent benefit of a “gotong-royong” may be in Awang Bungsu’s case a new roof, but an intangible product of goodwill is the creation of better citizens. In the context of citizen bloggers, some wax lyrical or write with interest on the failings of the nation. This form of involvement does have its benefits as one could say it encourages debate and stimulate action. However, it is heartening to note that some of us go a step further than just posting about it. An admirable example that comes to mind is when Brunei resident blogger BorgKingKong rallied photobloggers (http://borgkingkong.blogspot.com/2006/12/calling-all-volunteer-photographers.html), to help in a project for Pusat Ehsan, a day centre that cares for the needs of individuals with physical and mental disabilities. The Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association run Pusat Ehsan, better known to those in Brunei as PAPDA. There is no doubt we are a caring nation. This is evident in the numerous non-government organisations (NGO), societies and charities in Brunei Darussalam dealing with various social issues involving women, children, youth, drugs and special need and citizen volunteers like BorgKingKong and those like him. A selfless involvement in these endeavours has always been encouraged. When one has undertaken an unselfish concern for the greater good the subtle changes in character is not easily measured, but it is there.

The most important thing is to get off your backside and get involved in your community. As residents, we must take responsibility for our society and encourage the spirit of “gotong-royong”. In December 2006, many reported on a Brunei Marathon that ended in disarray and confusion. However consider that many worthwhile endeavours are often easier said than done. Perhaps those who complained the loudest were the ones who did not participate. Anonymous incendiary comments that were made about the Marathon are laced with defeatist attitudes; the feeling that it is not worth striving because the fight is lost for sure. A lesson learnt is that the marathon organizers could benefit with better support from the community and government.

Our way of life has changed considerably and traditional modes of interaction have given way to new ones such as online communities. Less and less people live in a traditional kampong structure. We form bonds and associations away from the physical place we live. Extended families are spread out, we associate more with people at work or in schools than our neighbour. I for one feel that I don’t take enough interest in my immediate space. I believe it is not just me, I’ve asked around and no one seemed to know the name of their Ketua Kampong.

One opportunity for more participation in your locale is the election of the Ketua Kampong or Village Head. According to the information available on the Ministry of Home Affairs website (http://www.daerah-brunei.gov.bn/objectives.htm) one of the key roles of the District Office is to support Penghulus (Head of a Mukim) and Ketua Kampongs promote closer links and more effective communication between the Government and the people by evaluating their complaints and requests. Should this not mean that when residents feel that their kampong road needs sidewalks because it gets pretty hairy for those who jog or walk because they dangerously teeter on the roadside, the person they should really speak to is their Ketua Kampong? The website does say that the Ketua Kampong bears the responsibility to relay your needs to Government and to act as a go-between.

Returning to participation how many of us have taken an interest in the process of selecting our community representative. It is a point to ponder that actually offering one’s self for the post of Ketua Kampong is a good thing and produces a sense of responsibility quite unlike posting about it or reading the newspapers.

I should add that the nominees for the Ketua Kampong must be between 30 – 60 years of age, and male. However, because it is gives us a chance to have a certain amount of control on who represents us, one should invoke the old adage “bloggers can’t be choosers” and focus on the ability to participate in our communities.

To offer what little free time you have may just be the best thing for Brunei. Remember we may be small, but we strive to be perfectly formed.

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Comments

[EmmaGoodEgg]

Dear MumMe, Thank you for the clarification on Pusat Ehsan. It is appreciated :) xx

[MumMe]

Just thought I would put some facts rights, Pusat Ehsan is completely independent of PAPDA and although users are/could be PAPDA members, Pusat Ehsan is run by the Patron and a board of trustees who run the organisation administratively and financially alongside staff employed by Pusat Ehsan.

Thank you for your mention on the organisation. Pusat Ehsan has always been supported with kindness and good-will of many people. Too many to mention, too many to thank and these are all people who have reached in their hearts and lent a helping hand.