[3][2] These were the main points made by Pehin Yahya Bakar during a public forum on 5 September 2012, at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore, about protecting nature in the Heart of Borneo (HoB).

Expanding on his first call to action, the Minister urged a revitalization and fresh focus on the three nations' Heart of Borneo goal, which they announced in Bali in 2007.

We must stay focused and commit more resources in order to preserve the last remaining tropical rainforests of the world – especially in the Heart of Borneo (HoB).

He made this remark yesterday during a discussion session for Bruneian SMEs held at the Design and Technology Building in Anggerek Desa and sponsored by the US-Asean Business Council (US-ABC).

[5] During a speech begin by him at the International Day of Forests 2014 Launch Ceremony and the "GREENING THE CITY, SAVING THE PLANET: MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE TREE AT A TIME" Program Launch, he emphasized the need to strike a balance between social-economic development and environmental stability, and that the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has taken several proactive steps to further protect and manage the nation's forest resources.

[8] Yahya was bestowed the Manteri title of Yang Berhormat (The Honourable) Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama on 11 July 1996.