‘Hear people’s concerns, respond timely’: as HM ushers new cabinet line-up
RIGHT from the onset of the titah, His Majesty began by praising the Al-Mighty atas nikmat keamanan at a time when much of the world are bracing from the direct effects of the war in the Middle East, and the blessing of tranquility and stability that Brunei Darussalam has achieved.
Now at the implementation phase of the blueprint, first announced in 2007, to achieve the national goals set for Wawasan Brunei 2035, satu mercu tanda penting bagi negara indeed as the much-anticipated titah decreed, that now less than a decade away, the journey still on this roadmap rests on the wisdom and disciplined leadership as well as shared sense of cohesion and liability amongst cabinet ministers.
The monarch then duly abolished the sitting cabinet and approved of several major readjustments beginning with the summary appointment of two princes, after taking into account their natural interest and early exposure to the government’s management systems.
Declaring tawakal before Allah SWT, His Majesty proclaimed the appointments of the new ministerial and deputies line-up starting with the monarch himself continuing as Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance.
Second in command, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah reprises the post of Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office with a new role as Deputy Chair of the Executive Council on Wawasan 2035.
Following the royal hint, it was much expected for His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik’s name be called out by His Majesty – as a Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, whilst also reaffirming HRH’s role as Chair of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation.
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen was indulged a more elaborate introduction in HRH’s appointment as Brunei’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, “whilst continuing a career in the armed forces,” and as the country’s newest statesman, His Majesty listed out HRH’s additional active roles in the Executive Council for Wawasan 2035, “specifically to push economic development and national trade through diplomatic relations, strategic cooperation and international investment.”
Three new posts were created – coordinating ministers – perhaps borrowing from the Singapore model; to coordinate national security policies appointed to YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Maj Gen (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohd Halbi Bin Hj Mohd Yussof by reinforcing all ministries efforts to safeguard the nation; whilst YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Abd Manaf Bin Hj Metussin will coordinate economic policies by minimising economic wastage within the ministries tasked to advance primary sectors as YB Dato Seri Setia Hj Ahmaddin Bin Hj Abd Rahman coordinates social and manpower policies. The new Coordinating Minister for Economic Policy was also appointed to lead the newly restructured Ministry of Economy, Trade and Investment.
The formerly known as Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism portfolio now renamed Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, or METI for short, was His Majesty explained, “to accelerate the development of the primary sectors as well as embrace efforts to diversify in order to ensure sustainable economic growth as well as achieve meaningful employment.”
Seven sitting ministers – namely YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Maj Gen (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Bin Hj Mohd Yussof as Minister at PMO, YB Dato Seri Setia Hj Ahmaddin Bin Hj Abd Rahman as Minister of Home Affairs, YB Dato Seri Setia Hj Erywan Bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Hj Mohd Yusof as second Minister of Foreign Affairs, YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Bin Abdullah as second Minister of Finance (Investment), YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Isham Bin Hj Jaafar as Minister of Health, YB Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Juanda Bin Hj Abd Rashid as Minister of Development, YB Datin Seri Setia Dr Hjh Romaizah Binti Hj Mohd Salleh as Minister of Education – were reappointed to continue on their incumbent functions and duties for cohesion and stability. The second Minister of Finance was also called upon by His Majesty to “be responsible in leading investment portfolios locally and internationally as well as monitor performances of government-linked companies.”
The four deputy ministers appointed to full ministerial rank – YB Dato Seri Paduka Hj Sufian Bin Hj Sabtu as Minister at PMO (Security & Legal), YB Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohd Azmi Bin Hj Mohd Hanifah as Minister at PMO (Energy), YB Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohd Tashim Bin Pengiran Hj Hassan as the new Minister of Religious Affairs and YB Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohd Riza Bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos as Minister of Transport and Info-Communications – came with a comment by His Majesty that their appointments was also hoped to bring “new perspectives and ideas”.
Over the course of their four-year term, His Majesty urged the new ministers “serve as one team, provide the best services to His Majesty’s subjects, listen to their concerns, provide timely responses, with full commitment and integrity to carry the country forward to achieve the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.”
Towards the end of the monarch’s titah, His Majesty read out in clipped procession, the names of the new deputy ministers at the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Development and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry – Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hjh Zety Sufina Binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Hj Sani, Puan Dr Nor Imtihan Binti Hj Abd Razak and Puan Hjh Tutiaty Binti Hj Abd Wahab – quietly shattered another progressive glass ceiling for the country, as this 2026 cabinet now includes four women. The highest number appointed at this level, one minister and three deputy ministers, sent in to do what has traditionally been a man’s job.