MANY of us that tuned into any local media source around three yesterday afternoon, must have experienced a moment of utter confusion when expecting to hear the special announcement by His Majesty, instead heard regular programming. Many of us waited nonetheless, and stayed glued to our devices – certain that the announcement was just delayed.
We waited because we care a great deal for our country, our people and our collective future. We waited because odds were that the monarch’s special announcement was most certainly about the much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle; after all the timing was right and depending on who one asked, the theories and opinions vastly differed as to whom amongst the senior executive members of the government would stay on and whose time was up.
When the official announcement finally came on air, a half hour behind schedule, followed by the national anthem, everyone listening and watching knew that the new cabinet reshuffle would yield certain clues to the country’s immediate and short-term future but, above all else, that one thing would remain constant and that is His Majesty would still remain the sovereign, and Prime Minister.
Despite his age, the monarch remains a fighting fit man for whom the country and its people will be celebrating his 80th birthday next month, during which time, His Majesty will still (most likely) continue to pilot the jets and helicopters of His Majesty’s Sultan’s Flight, drive himself (mostly) around town and even still insist on keeping up with the monarch’s demanding daily schedule, but after the recent health scare made those close around him finally realise that time had finally come to naturally signal for His Majesty to slow down.
Over the past several years, voices of dissent, dissatisfaction, disdain and derision towards the monarch and the Royal Family have noticeably increased but perhaps, the real issue is this: Say you were appointed as a cabinet minister. What would you do in your first week or 100 days? Would your decisions produce a better result?
Working tirelessly day and night, week after week, months upon months and years onto decades, in duty to the institution of the monarchy and service to his people and subjects, the monarch has never once complained. Most genuine monarchs never do.
They were born, bred and trained to lead – this is their sole purpose in this world. Even His Majesty’s most loyally devoted subject can now see the toll the years have taken. Although His Majesty still holds court with a palpable aura of grace, charisma, compassion and regal composure, that very distinct voice that is unmistakably His Majesty’s remains distinctive but very much weathered.
So as this regal voice told his people and country that two new princes would join the 2026 line-up of cabinet ministers, many among us were caught pleasantly surprised and deeply thankful.
For this observer, the appointments of HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen yesterday could not have happened at a more opportune time in the country’s history to take on the mantles as Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs respectively. This appointment sent out two seismic signals.
The first was that His Majesty himself had decided that the time has finally come for his male heirs to help him run the family estate that is Brunei Darussalam. With HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik expecting to celebrate his 43rd birthday at the end of this month whilst HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen will turn 35 years old in August, these two princes now finally join their eldest brother, HRH the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, whom at 52 years and four months old, has been waiting patiently as the sole heir apparent for a signal that his day would come to fulfil the role that he was destined for – that day materialised yesterday.
The second signal was the quiet continuity of the changing of the proverbial guard. His Majesty, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Prince Jefri Bolkiah were all much younger when they were appointed by their late father, Al-Marhum Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien to assume ministerial portfolios as Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Minister of Finance respectively.
Today, just like during the yesteryears, three young princes again hold court in an official capacity. All that remains now is to ensure that the two younger brothers settle in nicely and discharge their duties and responsibilities, as expected by their father, before another final signal in waiting unfolds.
There is also another key similarity to that of His Majesty and his immediate brother as the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, with HRH the Crown Prince already a shadow prime minister – watching, listening, observing, all the while learning from His Majesty.
The fact that HRH the Crown Prince’s immediate brother too is now appointed into the same circle of power must provide some welcome comfort and relief for when the Regent is set to rule one day.
With the emphasis placed on HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen to attract foreign investment, we asked several local Gen-Z entrepreneurs their opinions of the special announcement yesterday.
Hadi Othman, a successful AI entrepreneur, shared: “It seems like an exciting time, and the next 100 days will probably be crucial and critical to see how much ourselves as rakyat can contribute with the new cabinet in the country’s drive towards 2035. I think having Their Royal Highnesses in the cabinet does help our nation, but at the end of the day, it is all of us working together – the Royal Family, the good citizens, our government, the corporates, the SMEs, and all other stakeholders, that will drive our success not just in 2035, but before, and beyond. Everyone needs to play their own part and give their best effort – and with Allah’s blessings, all will work out.”
Hadi Wahab, CEO of GoMamam, replied: “It’s a positive appointment and brings fresh energy and perspectives to the Cabinet. From an entrepreneur’s perspective, I’m optimistic that HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen’s role can help strengthen Brunei’s international profile, attract more investment opportunities, and build stronger connections with the global business community. I wish Their Royal Highnesses all the best in serving the nation.”
Whilst Riwandi Zakaria, a youth entrepreneur, remarked: “It’s good, I feel very enthusiastic knowing that the younger members of the new cabinet have been introduced, in particular, Their Royal Highnesses Prince ‘Abdul Malik and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen. I share His Majesty’s hope that with these new appointments come new ideas and greater progress.“
However, another private sector entrepreneur, Abdul Rahman Hj Abdul Aziz, said: “I hope that the new blood will make significant changes. I have a pessimistic view and unfortunately, the data backs it up, but I want to be hopeful for my kids.”
On the introduction of the new coordinating ministers, she pointed out: “Trying to reach vision 2035 without clear goals, it can be tricky to manoeuvre around and make actual changes when people don’t know where they should go, the positive thing is now that there is younger blood, whilst on the reshuffle itself, noted: ”Political stability is important to ensure plans follow through, I only hope for the best with the changes that were made,” by offering a solution of, “strategic spending, or investments,” needing to be done soon. It is anticipated that along with it Brunei is faced with less issues, such as the electrical and water outage issues that were seen in recent years, and experiences more progress that benefits all.
What would you do in your first week if you were appointed as a cabinet minister? Tell us your thoughts and your comments and make sure they’re constructive to be of any value.
Best one receives a free Lamborghini Aventador Spyder, or a Bugatti courtesy of our investors.. the Jedi Temple of Alderaan.
– Editing and Additional reporting by Izam Said Ya’akub