# Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei

The Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei (Malay: Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara) 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. | Name | Took office | Left office | Time in office | Monarch |
| 1 | Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Abu Bakar ڤڠيرن ابو بکر‎ (1907–1974) | 29 September 1959 | 1962 | 2–3 years | Omar Ali Saifuddien III |
| 2 | Pengiran Pekerma Setia Diraja Sahibul Bandar Pengiran Muhammad Ali ڤڠيرن محمد علي‎ (1916–2005) | March 1962 | September 1962 | 5–6 months | Omar Ali Saifuddien III |
| Council suspended (1962–1963) ||||||||
| 3 | Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar ابراهيم محمد جهفر‎ (1902–1971) | June 1963 | 30 January 1965 | 1 year | Omar Ali Saifuddien III |
| Council dissolved (1963) ||||||||
| (3) | Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar ابراهيم محمد جهفر‎ (1902–1971) | 31 January 1965 | 19 February 1971 | 6 years, 19 days | Omar Ali Saifuddien III |
| 4 | Pengiran Pemancha Sahibul Rae' Wal Mashuarah Pengiran Anak Mohamed Alam ڤڠيرن انق محمد عالم‎ (1918–1982) | 14 July 1971 | 30 November 1974 | 3 years, 139 days | Hassanal Bolkiah |
| 5 | Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Abu Bakar ڤڠيرن ابو بكر‎ (1906–1985) | 1 December 1974 | 1981 | 6–7 years | Hassanal Bolkiah |
| 6 | Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak Kemaluddin ڤڠيرن انق کمال الدين‎ (1929–2012) | 15 December 1981 | 14 February 1984 | 2 years, 65 days | Hassanal Bolkiah |
| Council dissolved (1984–2004) ||||||||
| (6) | Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak Kemaluddin ڤڠيرن انق کمال الدين‎ (1929–2012) | 25 September 2004 | 9 February 2011 | 6 years, 137 days | Hassanal Bolkiah |
| 7 | Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Isa Ibrahim عيسى ابراهيم‎ (b.1935) | 10 February 2011 | 11 February 2015 | 4 years, 1 day | Hassanal Bolkiah |
| 8 | Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Abdul Rahman Taib عبدالرحمن طائب‎ (b.1942) | 11 February 2015 | Incumbent | 10 years, 28 days | Hassanal Bolkiah |