An Islam-Centric Civil Service: A Way Forward

Abstract

The Brunei Civil service has been expanding substantively in terms of size and the role it plays in socio-economic development since Brunei gained independence in 1984. This is made possible because of the availability of funds derived mainly from oil and gas revenues. However, for long-term sustainability of socio-economic development of Brunei in the future, an efficient and effective Civil Service is crucial. While there have been initiatives to reform the Civil Service, the success rate in bringing about change in the administration of public affairs has been limited. This paper examines the contributing factors to such failures and argues that with effective and proper infusion of Islamic values in the government system would bring added value to the enhancement of the Civil Service quality. This paper also proposes some thoughts as a way forward in establishing an Islam-centric Civil Service.