Hassanal Bolkiah carried out the fifth reshuffle of his government on 22 October 2015, [1] replacing nine cabinet ministers. [2] The announcement was delivered during a televised speech at 2:20 pm. The previous cabinet had been reshuffled in 2010 for a five-year term, [1] followed by the next one in 2018. [3]
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Most notably, the sultan appointed himself as minister of trade and foreign affairs, a role previously held by his brother, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, since 1984. [4] The 2015 cabinet reshuffle further consolidated the sultan's authority, with him taking over the foreign affairs and trade portfolio following his brother's retirement. [5] Simultaneously, the sultan retained control of key portfolios, including finance, defence, and the prime ministership. [6] This reorganisation represented a significant step in centralising power within the monarchy, [5] with Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah being the only remaining direct member of the royal family in the new administration as the senior minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). [4]
A possible reason for the cabinet reshuffle could be the sultan's emphasis on the importance of effective governance in fostering the nation's gratitude. During the televised announcement, he highlighted the critical role of the government and its machinery—comprising leaders, officials, and employees—stating that justice is the cornerstone of all good deeds. The sultan warned that without justice, welfare and blessings would inevitably diminish, which could have influenced his decision to reorganise the cabinet and reinforce the centralisation of power. [7]
On 26 October 2015, members of the newly formed cabinet were sworn in for a five-year term during a ceremony at the palace. [8] Three days later, on 29 October, the sultan chaired the first cabinet meeting following the reshuffle, which was also held at the palace. [9]
