BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

SOME 20 officers are currently undergoing the “Construction Contracts: Negotiation, Administration and Risk Management” workshop conducted by the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

The two-day course, which ends today, aims to provide detailed insights into issues and practicalities relating to construction agreements, common procurement structures and the “pros and cons of using standard forms”.

The workshop also covers factors to take into account when considering project structures, key issues of risk allocation to consider in negotiation and drafting, and issues relating to associated consultancy agreements.

The session was facilitated by Robert Palmer and William Coulthard from the law firm Ashurst (Singapore & Perth Office). They provided an overview of risk allocation issues, practical clauses and remedies.

Contract administration and related consultancy agreements, obligations concerning sub-contractors, collateral warranties and methods of dispute resolution for construction contracts were also discussed.

The training saw the participation of five officials from the Ministry of Defence.

Solicitor General Naimah Mohd Ali attended as guest of honour.

The Head of Civil Division, Suhana Sudin, said the training was aimed at providing the officers with better understanding and enhanced knowledge of procurement structures and contract options, contract administration, suppliers and sub-contractors.

She added that several divisions under AGC are involved in drafting of contracts and act as advisors to other government legal departments.

“We would like to learn more about (construction) contracts, to be more familiar, adverse and advanced in the topic,” she said.

The participants comprised officers from the Criminal Justice Division, International Affairs, Legislative Drafting and Research and Law Review Division, she said.

The Brunei Times