Brunei's sultan announces cabinet shake-up, appoints sons as ministers

Brunei's ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, announced a major cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, creating new key portfolios and appointing two of his younger sons as ministers. This move is seen as a potential indicator of succession planning in the small, oil-rich nation.

The shake-up, the first since 2022, comes as Brunei faces pressures from a global energy crisis, exacerbated by the U.S.-Iran conflict. It also precedes Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's diamond jubilee celebration next year, marking his long reign since 1967. The 79-year-old monarch, who holds multiple government roles, has made fewer public appearances this year following knee replacement surgery.

In a televised address, Sultan Hassanal stated he would retain his positions as prime minister, defense minister, and finance minister. His second eldest son, Prince Abdul Malik, was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, marking his first cabinet position. His second youngest son, Prince Abdul Mateen, known for his polo skills and social media popularity, was named foreign minister, a role previously held by the Sultan himself. The Crown Prince, Al-Muhtadee Billah, kept his position as Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Sultan also announced the creation of three new ministerial roles aimed at enhancing policy coordination. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism will be reorganized into the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. "This is intended to accelerate the development of priority sectors, strengthen economic diversification efforts, support sustainable economic growth and create meaningful employment opportunities," he stated. The reshuffle also saw the highest number of female cabinet appointments to date, including the minister of education and three deputy ministers.

Brunei has benefited from increased exports of crude oil, refined products, and gas due to the war in Iran, but faces rising subsidy costs to maintain low fuel prices. Measures like barring foreign vehicles with low fuel levels have been implemented to deter smuggling and conserve domestic supplies. A special committee has been formed to monitor and coordinate responses to the effects of the Middle East conflict.

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This is intended to accelerate the development of priority sectors, strengthen economic diversification efforts, support sustainable economic growth and create meaningful employment opportunities.