Section 4
Functions and duties of Authority
(1)
It shall be the function and duty of the Authority —
(a)
to promote the efficiency and international competitiveness of the postal industry in Brunei Darussalam;
(b)
to ensure that postal services are reasonably accessible to all people in Brunei Darussalam and are supplied as efficiently and economically as practicable and at performance standards that reasonably meet the social, industrial and commercial needs of Brunei Darussalam;
(c)
to promote the development of postal systems and postal services in accordance with, as far as practicable, recognised international standard practice;
(d)
to promote and maintain fair and efficient market conduct between persons engaged in commercial activities connected with the operation and provision of postal systems and postal services for the conveyance of postal articles in Brunei Darussalam;
(e)
to promote the effective participation of all sectors of the
Brunei Darussalam postal industry in markets, whether in
Brunei Darussalam or elsewhere;
(f)
to exercise licensing and regulatory functions in respect of postal systems and postal services in Brunei Darussalam;
(g)
to exercise regulatory functions in respect of the determination and approval of prices, tariffs, charges and the provision of postal services and other related services;
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(h)
to act internationally as the national body representative of
Brunei Darussalam in respect of postal matters;
(i)
to advise the Government on national needs and policies in respect of all postal matters and on matters pertaining to the Authority generally; and
(j)
to further the advancement of technology relating to postal systems and postal services.
(2)
In discharging the functions and duties imposed on it by subsection (1), the Authority shall have regard to the following —
(a)
efficiency and economy;
(b)
the social, industrial and commercial needs of
Brunei Darussalam for postal services;
(c)
the state of and trends in the development of postal systems and postal services and the evolution of standards and protocols used in the postal industry, both in Brunei Darussalam and elsewhere;
(d)
fostering the development and expansion of postal services in the world in collaboration with foreign postal administrations, other countries and international organisations;
(e)
maintaining fair competition between persons engaged in the provision of postal systems and postal services for the conveyance of postal articles;
(f)
enabling persons providing postal systems and postal services in Brunei Darussalam to compete fairly in the provision of such systems and services outside Brunei Darussalam;
(g)
the provision of postal services at rates consistent with efficient service;
(h)
the promotion of research and development in the field of postal systems and postal services; and
(i)
collaboration with educational institutions for the promotion of technical education in the field of postal systems and postal services.
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(3)
The Authority may undertake such other functions as the Minister may, by notification published in the Gazette, assign to the Authority, and in so doing, the Authority is deemed to be fulfilling the purposes of this Act, and the provisions of this Act apply to the Authority in respect of such functions.
(4)
Nothing in this section shall be construed as —
(a)
imposing on the Authority, either directly or indirectly, any form of duty or liability enforceable by proceedings before any court to which it would not otherwise be subject;
(b)
precluding the Authority from interrupting, suspending or restricting any postal service provided by the Authority; and
(c)
precluding the Authority from ensuring the provision of any special service for any person or section of the public where the special service is required.