Brunei Sultan Appoints Two Sons, More Women to Cabinet in Reshuffle

Brunei's ruler announced a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday that created three new ministerial positions and appointed two of his younger sons to government posts. The sultan said he would retain the roles of prime minister, defence minister and finance minister.

His second eldest son was named Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, while his second youngest son was appointed foreign minister. The eldest son retained his position as Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office. Three new ministerial roles were created to improve policy coordination across government departments.

Ministry will be reorganized as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The sultan stated the reorganization aims to accelerate development of priority sectors, strengthen economic diversification, support sustainable growth and create employment opportunities.

The reshuffle also produced the highest number of female cabinet appointments to date, including the education minister and three deputy ministers.

Regional context The changes come as Brunei faces higher subsidy costs to maintain low fuel prices amid a global energy crisis. Last month the government began restricting foreign-registered vehicles with fuel tanks less than three-quarters full from entering the country to curb smuggling.

An energy department statement on Wednesday said a special committee had been formed to monitor and coordinate responses to the effects of the Middle East conflict.