June 17, 2026
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam placed particular emphasis on the issue of unemployment, which must be addressed more effectively and called for the need of intensified efforts to create more employment opportunities for local citizens, alongside gradually reducing reliance on foreign labour.
The government must continue to work closely with the economic and industrial sectors to ensure more quality job opportunities are created for locals.
“I am also of the view that government-linked companies (GLCs) must continue to strengthen their role as key drivers of employment opportunities in the country. I hope that GLCs will grow to become among the main contributors to job creation after the oil and gas sector, while also contributing to human capital development and more sustainable economic growth.”
His Majesty said this in a titah following the conclusion of the 92nd Cabinet Ministers’ Meeting at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.
“I am very pleased to hear the presentations delivered as well as the views put forward. These presentations provide a clear picture of the direction, priorities and focus of the government in implementing the national development agenda,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty hopes that this coordination mechanism will continue to strengthen the whole-of-government approach that His Majesty has consistently emphasised in efforts to achieve the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.
With less than a decade remaining, no ministry can operate in isolation (silo) and coordinating ministers must serve as the main link, uniting all government efforts, priorities and actions towards achieving common goals for the well-being of the people and the nation’s progress, said the monarch.
His Majesty also emphasised the roles and responsibilities of the coordinating ministers appointed in the recent Cabinet reshuffle, stating that the position of a coordinating minister is not merely a title, but a significant trust to ensure that ministries under the sectors of national security, economy, social and manpower move in alignment with the intended objectives. Coordinating ministers must function as the primary leaders in addressing cross-cutting issues involving sectors under their jurisdictions and are responsible for ensuring that implementation gaps between ministries do not widen.
To enable this role to be carried out more effectively, His Majesty has granted coordinating ministers the mandate to issue appropriate directives to align the actions of the relevant ministries when dealing with cross-cutting national issues.
However, in carrying out these responsibilities, coordinating ministers must ensure that any decisions involving the formulation of new policies, policy changes with strategic implications for the nation, significant allocation or distribution of resources, as well as inter-ministerial coordination that has major national impact, must first obtain His Majesty’s consent. His Majesty also wishes to see that every KPI and consented target is followed by clear, directed and focused actions and each ministry must ensure that these KPIs and targets are translated into concrete action plans, complete with implementation timelines, clearly assigned responsibilities and effective monitoring mechanisms.
Coordinating ministers must ensure that ministries under their coordination have robust implementation plans, fully understand their responsibilities and move in alignment towards achieving the set outcomes.
They are also responsible for monitoring progress, identifying challenges or weaknesses, and ensuring corrective actions are taken promptly when necessary, His Majesty added.
His Majesty noted that at the same time, every blueprint, strategy and plan outlined must be continuously reviewed to remain relevant to evolving conditions and current challenges.
With the world moving rapidly and the global landscape constantly changing, the government must always be ready to adapt its approaches and priorities to be more responsive, effective and capable of delivering tangible impact to the people, His Majesty said.
His Majesty also emphasised that national security is not limited to military and defence aspects alone, but also encompasses closely interrelated social and economic dimensions.
Several fundamental aspects must always be given attention, including political stability, economic security, energy security and food security, said His Majesty, adding that all these elements form the foundation of national stability, prosperity and resilience, and must always be ensured at a strong and secure level.
On economic growth, focus must be given to strengthening the financial sector and continuously attracting foreign investment.
In this regard, His Majesty emphasised the importance of closer collaboration with the Ministry of Development in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), including through the provision of land, infrastructure and necessary supporting facilities to facilitate investors in operating and expanding in the country.
His Majesty hopes that all matters discussed in this meeting will be translated into effective follow-up actions, with a spirit of cooperation, accountability and a high sense of responsibility.
“Our success will not be measured by planning alone, but by outcomes felt by the people and the visible impact on national development.”
His Majesty prays that Allah the Almighty continues to guide and bless all efforts, grant strength and wisdom in carrying out the entrusted responsibilities, and bestow success that brings great benefit to the nation and its people.