On 22 January 2026, the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam officially opened the Legal Year 2026, marking the start of the new judicial calendar and setting out key priorities for the year ahead.
The annual ceremony brought together members of the Judiciary and the legal fraternity and began with a traditional Guard of Honour parade by the Royal Brunei Police Force, inspected by Supreme Court Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong.
In his address, the Chief Justice reviewed the Judiciary’s work and reforms over the past year and outlined strategic priorities for 2026, placing emphasis on the Judiciary’s contribution to Brunei Darussalam’s Vision 2035.
Outlining key developments over the past year, the Chief Justice said work is underway on an upgraded Judiciary Case Management System, JCMS 2.0, with a targeted launch in 2027. Civil procedure reforms are ongoing, with comprehensive studies reviewing the Rules of the Supreme Court, while insolvency reform remains a priority through a committee tasked with reviewing the current bankruptcy and insolvency framework. Family justice initiatives have also progressed, with working groups examining divorce, adoption and juvenile court processes.
The Chief Justice also updated on the work of the Joint Legal Affairs Committee, comprising the Judiciary, the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Law Society. Achievements included the completion of the second edition of the Personal Injury Award Guidelines, progress on amendments to the Legal Profession Act and Rules, and the endorsement of a pilot Court Friends Scheme aimed at improving access to justice for litigants in person.
Looking ahead, initiatives for 2026 include enhanced student engagement through a proposed Open Day in Court programme, a pilot Judicial Internship Programme, reform of juvenile justice with an emphasis on rehabilitation and restorative practices, and the development of guidelines on the responsible use of artificial intelligence by court users. Guidance on admission to the Bar will also be reviewed in collaboration with the Law Society.
Speeches were also delivered by Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah Haji Mohammed Taib, and Law Society Vice President On Hung Zheng, on behalf of Law Society President Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Ahmad Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa.
The ceremony was attended by senior ministers, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II; Chief Syarie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Salim Haji Besar; and Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sufian Haji Sabtu, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Security and Law), along with members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, enforcement agencies and students from educational institutions.
As reported on LexBru at
Investment confidence and reform agenda underscored at Legal Year 2026
For further information, see also:
The Law Society’s Speech at
Law Society emphasises professional standards, engagement and credibility
The Attorney General’s Speech at
Attorney General highlights prosecutions, legal reform and cautious use of AI
