Sultan shakes up cabinet, names sons to gov’t roles

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei’s monarch announced a major cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, creating new key portfolios and appointing two of his younger sons to their first ministerial positions. The shake-up, which marks the first major cabinet overhaul since 2022, sees the highest number of female appointments in the nation’s history, placing women in key leadership roles including education minister and across three deputy minister portfolios. The sultan also announced the appointment of three coordinating ministers, new roles aimed at strengthening policy coordination across government as Brunei enters a critical phase in implementing its national blueprint, Wawasan 2035. Among other key changes is the restructuring of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism into the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry — a move aimed at “accelerating the development of priority sectors,” His Majesty said. Most cabinet ministers have retained their positions to ensure “continuity and stability,” the notable exception being the long-serving religious affairs minister, who will be retiring. Royal family steps into key portfolios In a televised broadcast, His Majesty said he would continue to hold the key roles of Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Finance. The Crown Prince, HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, 52, […] This story 'Sultan shakes up cabinet, names sons to gov’t roles' appeared first on The Scoop.