| Rokiah Mahmud |

THE Information Department is looking into a number of proposals regarding rebranding of Pelita Brunei with better written articles and the use of info-graphics.

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud was responding to a question by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman on using outsourced writing service in Pelita Brunei newspaper on the fourth day of the LegCo meeting yesterday.

He added that the matter will be reviewed. Articles are being obtained from outside resources that were being used for Pelita Brunei.

This is mainly to increase readership and to add more writing variations in supporting journalism in the country.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti explained that Pelita Brunei has provided platforms for locals to write in its columns as a source of income and also to enable them to develop creativity by winning prizes for the columns such as Minda Pembaca, Lensa and Cerpen.

Answering a question by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit on the Program Muzakarah Penerangan (PMP), he said it served as a platform for the community to have the opportunity to hold dialogue sessions along with government and non-government agencies.

This is mainly to obtain spot explanations from related agencies on issues and problems.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti said the effectiveness of this programme depends on the participation of departments and public response.

The PMP programmes coordinated by the Information Department have shown success in gathering responsible agencies to explain matters on related issues.

“More time is needed to handle issues such as budget allocation. It will be monitored from time to time and action will be taken by the relevant agency. Under this programme, government agencies have a platform to further provide information on their roles and responsibilities as well as on government policies and achievements.”