Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah Haji Mohammad Taib outlined key developments in prosecutions, legal reform and international cooperation, while emphasising the need for caution and accountability in the use of technology, during her address at the Opening of the Legal Year 2026 today.
In her speech, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah said the enduring role of the law in maintaining order, fairness and confidence in institutions remains constant, even as the administration of justice must continue to adapt to changing circumstances. She said the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the work of the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) over the past year and the challenges ahead for the justice system and legal profession.
On prosecutions, she said the Criminal Justice Division conducted 304 prosecutions in the past year, with 90 per cent of cases resulting in sentences, while the remainder are still undergoing trial. She highlighted several complex and high-impact cases, including Brunei Darussalam’s first Macau scam prosecution involving a foreign national and losses exceeding BND800,000. The case, she said, underscored the growing challenge of technology-enabled crime and the importance of consistent and timely enforcement to maintain public and business confidence.
Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah also stressed the importance of capacity building across law enforcement agencies, noting that prosecuting officers drawn from different agencies must be guided by common standards and professional responsibilities. She said a Basic Prosecution Training Course was conducted earlier this month, alongside 19 specialised training programmes in 2025 covering investigation processes, evidence handling and digital-evidence cases.
In safeguarding vulnerable groups, she said the Communication and Strategy Division played a central role in child protection matters. In 2025, seven new cases involving 10 children and two young persons were referred to AGC, resulting in 13 Interim Protection Orders and one Final Protection Order issued by the Juvenile Court.
On regional and international cooperation, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah said AGC supported negotiations on key trade agreements under ASEAN, including upgrades to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement and the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. She also highlighted the signing of the Sanur Bali Declaration establishing the ASEAN Prosecutors and Attorneys General Meeting, as well as the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition, describing both as significant steps in strengthening cooperation against transnational and technology-enabled crime.
Addressing economic and national development, she said the Civil Division recorded a seven per cent increase in referrals for contracts, memorandums of understanding and legal advisory work in 2025. These included major initiatives such as the 30MW solar power project, petroleum agreements and joint ventures, ensuring that national projects are supported by sound legal frameworks.
Turning to technology and innovation, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah said AGC supported the Government’s digital transformation agenda, including the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Order 2025. She said while artificial intelligence presents opportunities to enhance efficiency and legal research, it must be used carefully, with human oversight and professional accountability remaining central.
Looking ahead, she said AGC will continue to strengthen coordination and efficiency across the legislative ecosystem through initiatives such as the Draft Legislation Database and the forthcoming Legislation Electronic Drafting and Online System. She also emphasised the importance of professional responsibility, particularly at the point of admission to the Bar, noting that pupillage and admission are not mere formalities but safeguards of public confidence in the legal profession.
In concluding, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah reaffirmed AGC’s commitment to fairness, competence and public trust in discharging its responsibilities, saying the Chambers’ work remains central to the administration of justice, national development and the upholding of the rule of law in Brunei Darussalam.