Key facts
- Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced a cabinet reshuffle in Brunei.
- Prince Abdul Malik appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.
- Prince Abdul Mateen appointed Foreign Minister.
- Three new ministerial roles were created.
- The reshuffle occurs amid global energy crisis pressures.
- The changes precede the Sultan's diamond jubilee.
Brunei's ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, has announced a significant cabinet reshuffle, appointing two of his younger sons to ministerial roles and establishing new government portfolios. Prince Abdul Malik was appointed as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and Prince Abdul Mateen was appointed as Foreign Minister. The reshuffle, the first since 2022, comes as Brunei navigates the pressures of a global energy crisis and ahead of the Sultan's upcoming diamond jubilee celebrations marking 60 years on the throne. The Sultan, who is 79 and recently underwent knee surgery, retained the key roles of prime minister, defence minister, and finance minister. Three new ministerial roles were created to strengthen policy coordination, and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism was reorganized. Brunei has seen increased oil and gas exports due to the conflict in the Middle East but faces rising subsidy costs. Measures have been implemented to deter fuel smuggling, and a special committee was formed to address the effects of the Middle East conflict. Prince Abdul Mateen, known for his social media presence, was named foreign minister.