2018 Bruneian cabinet reshuffle

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Hassanal Bolkiah Hassanal Bolkiah at the Enthronement of Naruhito (1).jpg
Hassanal Bolkiah

Hassanal Bolkiah carried out the sixth reshuffle of his government on 30 January 2018, [1] [2] replacing some of the nation's longest-serving ministers. The announcement was delivered during a televised speech at 2:30 pm. [3] While the previous cabinet had been reshuffled in 2015 for a five-year term, [4] [3] the sultan unexpectedly introduced this significant change at the start of 2018. [5]

Contents

The reshuffle saw six ministers replaced, two women appointed as deputy ministers, and several other promotions introduced. Among those replaced were Yasmin Umar, the minister of energy and industry, and Lim Jock Seng, the minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and minister of foreign affairs and trade II. [6] [7] In the PMO and Ministry of Education, two female deputy ministers took office, marking a notable step forward. Meanwhile, the sultan retained control of the key portfolios of foreign affairs, finance, defence, and the prime ministership. Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah continued his role as senior minister in the PMO, while Isa Ibrahim, a trusted confidante of the sultan, returned to the cabinet as a PMO minister. [8]

The government provided no clear explanation for the reshuffle, [a] which came after the abrupt dismissal of Zulkarnain Hanafi as health minister on 1 December 2014. [10] [11] Addressing the nation, the sultan emphasised that the reshuffle aimed to bring fresh perspectives to senior leadership and accelerate the country's development, particularly in achieving the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035. He also reaffirmed his commitment to combating corruption, a priority that gained prominence after Brunei dropped three places in Transparency International's global rankings, from 38 in 2013 to 41 in 2016. Notably, the nation improved its position to 32 in 2017. [8]

On 1 February, the new government was sworn in at the palace to commence their national duties for the designated term. The sultan attended the ceremony at his palace, where the grand chamberlain, Pengiran Alauddin, read the letters of appointment. [12] A week after the reshuffle, on 7 February, a Special Cabinet Ministers Meeting was held at the palace. [13]

This was the last major cabinet reshuffle before the COVID-19 pandemic in Brunei, and was followed by one more reshuffle in 2022. [14]

Cabinet-level changes

Colour key
  •      Joined the Cabinet
  •      Left the Cabinet
Minister [2] Position before reshuffleResult of reshuffle [4]
Abdul Mutalib Mohd Yusof.jpg Abdul Mutalib Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs Became Minister of Communications
2023 Majlis Ramah Mesra Temburong 91.jpg Amin Liew Abdullah Deputy Minister of Finance Became Minister of Finance II
Mr. Abdullah, Dato Bahrin (Cropped).jpg Bahrin Abdullah Minister of Development Left the government
Aminuddin Ihsan (2014).jpg Aminuddin Ihsan High Commissioner of Brunei to the United Kingdom Became Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
Dato Abdul Mokti Mohd Daud.jpg Abdul Mokti Daud Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Became Minister at the Prime Minister's Office
Dato Suhaimi Gafar in 2018.jpg Suhaimi Gafar Deputy Minister of Development Became Minister of Development
Abdul Rahman Ibrahim (2024).jpg Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Minister of Finance II Left the government
Isa bin Ibrahim in 2024.jpg Isa Ibrahim NoneBecame Minister at the Prime Minister's Office
Lim Jock Seng (2013).jpg Lim Jock Seng Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II
Minister at the Prime Minister's Office 		Left the government
Mat Suny Mohd Hussein in 2019.jpg Mat Suny NoneBecame Minister of Energy and Industry
Halbi Mohd Yussof - 53890736418.jpg Halbi Mohammad Yussof Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Became Minister of Defence II
Suyoi Osman in 2016.jpg Suyoi Osman Minister of Education Left the government
Mustappa Bin Haji Sirat in 2012.jpg Mustappa Sirat Minister of Communications Left the government
Hamzah Sulaiman on 10 April 2018.jpg Hamzah Sulaiman Permanent Secretary (International, Economic, Finance, Research and Development) at the Prime Minister's OfficeBecame Minister of Education
Yasmin Umar, 2013 (cropped).jpg Yasmin Umar Minister of Energy and Industry Left the government
Erywan Yusof - Foreign Minister of Brunei (53632209445) (cropped).jpg Erywan Yusof Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Became Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II

Junior ministerial changes

Colour key
  •      Joined the Cabinet
  •      Left the Cabinet
Minister [2] Position before reshuffleResult of reshuffle [4]
Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman - 53889574747.jpg Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance Became Deputy Minister of Finance
Hamdan Abu Bakar Deputy Minister (Media and Security) at the Prime Minister's Office Left the government
Elinda C.A. Mohammad Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister's Office
Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau [b] 		Became Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office
Roselan Daud.jpg Roselan Daud Deputy Minister (Corporate, PENGGERAK and Economy) at the Prime Minister's Office Left the government
Jamain Julaihi Deputy Minister (Energy and Industry) at the Prime Minister's Office Left the government
Hisham Hanifah.jpg Hisham Hanifah Deputy Minister of Finance Left the government
First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Muhammad Tamit (cropped).jpg Abdul Aziz Mohd Tamit Deputy Minister of Defence Left the government
Pengiran Bahrom in 2016.jpg Pengiran Bahrom Deputy Minister of Education Became Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs
Brunei National Day 2024 09.jpg Romaizah Salleh Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education Became Deputy Minister of Education
Matsatejo Sokiaw in 2022.jpg Matsatejo Sokiaw Managing Director of PetroleumBRUNEI [c] Became Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry

Later changes

Between the 2018 and 2022 cabinet reshuffles, several minor changes were introduced. The first occurred on 18 April 2018, when the Department of Energy and Industry was elevated to ministerial level and renamed the Ministry of Energy and Industry. [15] Later, on 31 July 2018, it was restructured and renamed the Ministry of Energy (Energy and Manpower) and Industry, [16] also referred to as the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry. [15] On 10 August 2018, Marzuke Mohsin was appointed deputy minister of development. [17]

On 20 September 2018, the Brunei government announced significant reforms, including renaming two ministries: the Ministry of Finance became the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was renamed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Abdul Manaf Metussin was promoted to deputy minister of finance, alongside several new appointments for permanent and deputy permanent secretaries, senior special duty officers, and ambassadors. These changes, approved by the sultan, were broadcast on national television. [18] The oath-taking ceremony for both Marzuke and Abdul Manaf was held on 2 October 2018. [17] Lastly for the year, the Ministry of Communications was renamed to the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications on 15 December 2018. [19]

Under the direction of the sultan, the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry was reorganised and renamed the Ministry of Energy on 18 November 2019 to focus exclusively on energy-related matters. As part of this restructuring, the Manpower Council within PMO was replaced by the Manpower and Employment Council, and the industry portfolio was transferred to the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE). Additionally, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Corporate and Industry) was reassigned to the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, while Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan was transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. [20] These changes came into effect on 19 November 2019. [15] [21]

Elinda C.A. Mohammad's tenure as director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and deputy minister in the PMO ended prematurely on 18 January 2020. [22] One of the final changes since the 2018 reshuffle occurred on 20 May 2022, when the Ministry of Energy was restructured into the Department of Energy under the PMO. Mat Suny stepped down, and Deputy Minister Matsatejo Sokiaw assumed leadership of the energy portfolio. [23] [24] As in previous instances, no explanation for the restructuring was provided in the official announcement. [25]

Colour key
  •      Joined the Cabinet
  •      Left the Cabinet
  •      Portfolio renamed
MinisterPosition before reshuffleResult of reshuffleEffective from
Mat Suny Mohd Hussein in 2019.jpg Mat Suny Minister of Energy and Industry Became Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry 31 July 2018
Matsatejo Sokiaw in 2022.jpg Matsatejo Sokiaw Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry Became Deputy Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry 31 July 2018
Marzuke Mohsin Permanent Secretary (Technical and Professional) at the Ministry of Development Became Deputy Minister of Development 10 August 2018
Brunei-Philippines MOA 2024-3 Abdul Manaf Metussin (cropped).jpg Abdul Manaf Metussin Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Became Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy 20 September 2018
2023 Majlis Ramah Mesra Temburong 91.jpg Amin Liew Abdullah Minister of Finance II Became Minister of Finance and Economy II 20 September 2018
Erywan Yusof - Foreign Minister of Brunei (53632209445) (cropped).jpg Erywan Yusof Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Became Minister of Foreign Affairs II 20 September 2018
Abdul Mutalib Mohd Yusof.jpg Abdul Mutalib Minister of Communications Became Minister of Transport and Infocommunications 15 December 2018
Mat Suny Mohd Hussein in 2019.jpg Mat Suny Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Became Minister of Energy 18 November 2019
Matsatejo Sokiaw in 2022.jpg Matsatejo Sokiaw Deputy Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Became Deputy Minister of Energy 18 November 2019
Elinda C.A. Mohammad Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Left the government18 January 2020
Mat Suny Mohd Hussein in 2019.jpg Mat Suny Minister of Energy Left the government20 May 2022
Matsatejo Sokiaw in 2022.jpg Matsatejo Sokiaw Deputy Minister of Energy Became Deputy Minister of the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office 20 May 2022

Notes

  1. ↑ In his televised speech, Hassanal Bolkiah emphasised the importance of appointees conducting themselves with honour, loyalty, and fairness. He urged cabinet members to give due consideration to petitions, grievances, and constructive suggestions from their subordinates. [9]
  2. ↑ Non-ministerial position
  3. ↑ Non-ministerial position

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References

  1. ↑ "Brunei ruler replaces top ministers in surprise Cabinet reshuffle". www.straitstimes.com. The Straits Times. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 Abdullah Asgar (31 January 2018). "Pelantikan Menteri-Menteri Kabinet baharu" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. pp. 3–4. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  3. 1 2 "HM announces surprise cabinet reshuffle - full list of new appointees". thescoop.co. The Scoop. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 Ain Bandial (30 January 2018). "HM: Cabinet reshuffle is of 'vital importance'". thescoop.co. The Scoop. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  5. ↑ Dosch & Sidhu 2019, p. 204.
  6. ↑ "Brunei's Sultan announces gov't reshuffle". www.xinhuanet.com. Xinhua. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  7. ↑ "Brunei ruler replaces top ministers in surprise cabinet reshuffle". Reuters . 30 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  8. 1 2 Dosch & Sidhu 2019, p. 205.
  9. ↑ "His Majesty Announces a Reshuffle of the Council of Cabinet Ministers". www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn. Radio Television Brunei. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  10. ↑ "Brunei ruler replaces top ministers in surprise cabinet reshuffle". www.theborneopost.com. Reuters. 31 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2025– via Borneo Post Online.
  11. ↑ Thambipillai 2018, p. 86.
  12. ↑ "Swearing-In Ceremony for New Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers" (PDF). Brunei Darussalam Newsletter. Vol. 33, no. 2. Department of Information. February 2018. p. 1. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  13. ↑ "Cabinet Ministers Special Meeting". www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn. Radio Television Brunei. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  14. ↑ Rasidah Hj Abu Bakar; Ain Bandial (7 June 2022). "HM: New cabinet must carry out duties with 'full loyalty and responsibility'". thescoop.co. The Scoop. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  15. 1 2 3 "Introduction". memi.gov.bn. Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  16. ↑ "His Majesty changes Ministry of Energy and Industry to Ministry of Energy (Energy and Manpower) and Industry, appoints senior officers". Borneo Bulletin Online. 31 July 2018. Archived from the original on 21 July 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  17. 1 2 Azrol Azmi (3 October 2018). "Sultan attends swearing-in ceremony of deputy ministers". Borneo Bulletin Online . Archived from the original on 3 October 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  18. ↑ Rasidah Hj Abu Bakar (19 September 2018). "Gov't renames foreign affairs and finance ministries". thescoop.co. The Scoop. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  19. ↑ "Over BND53M budget for MTIC". csb.gov.bn. Borneo Bulletin. 21 March 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2025– via Cyber Security Brunei.
  20. ↑ Hakim Hayat (19 November 2019). "MEMI renamed as Ministry of Energy". Borneo Bulletin Online. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  21. ↑ "MEMI is now Ministry of Energy". The Bruneian. 19 November 2019. Archived from the original on 28 February 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  22. ↑ Jabatan Perdana Menteri (20 January 2020). "Tidak lagi dalam jawatan". www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  23. ↑ "Ministry of Energy absorbed by PMO". thescoop.co. The Scoop. 20 May 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  24. ↑ "Ministry of Energy abolished". Borneo Bulletin Online. 21 May 2022. Archived from the original on 30 July 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  25. ↑ "Brunei's Ministry of Energy abolished under Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's order" . Xinhua. 23 May 2022. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2025– via The Star.
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