The Many Ministries Of Brunei: A Comprehensive Overview

Brunei has between 13 and 14 ministries, which are the primary executive branches of the Government of Brunei. These include the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications.

Brunei's Ministry of Finance and Economy

There are 13 ministries in Brunei, including the Ministry of Finance and Economy. This ministry was established on 1 January 1984, upon Brunei's independence. It is a cabinet-level ministry responsible for the country's monetary, fiscal, and economic policies and development. The incumbent minister is Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. He is supported by a second minister and two deputy ministers.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy oversees several departments, including the Treasury Department, the Royal Customs and Excise Department, and the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics. The Treasury Department operates under the "1983 Financial Regulation" law and considers official circulars from the ministry and the Prime Minister's Office. The Royal Customs and Excise Department leads the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) indicator Trading Across Borders (TAB).

The Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) aims to drive Brunei's sustainable economic growth through visionary planning and innovative implementation involving all societal sectors. It also focuses on providing high-quality, internationally-recognised statistics. This aligns with the Wawasan Brunei 2035 vision. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the Ministry of Finance and Economy was allocated a budget of B$1 billion, reflecting an eight percent increase from the previous year.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy plays a crucial role in shaping and executing Brunei's monetary and economic strategies. With its various departments and mandate, the ministry works to promote the country's economic development and stability.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

There are 13 or 14 ministries in Brunei, one of which is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). This ministry is responsible for handling Brunei's external relations, the management of its international diplomatic missions, and the nation's foreign trade policy. It was established immediately upon Brunei's independence on 1 January 1984. The ministry is headquartered in Bandar Seri Begawan and is currently led by a minister and a second minister. The incumbents are Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, and Erywan Yusof, respectively.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was formerly known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT). In 2005, the government merged the ministry with the former International Relations and Trade Department of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. The addition of "Foreign Trade" to the ministry's name was to reflect the full scope of its responsibilities. From 2005 until 2018, Lim Jock Seng was the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade. In the fiscal year 2022–23, the ministry was allocated a budget of B$127 million, a 4.3% increase from the previous year.

Ministry of Home Affairs

There are 13 or 14 ministries in Brunei, including the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) is a cabinet-level ministry in the government of Brunei. It is responsible for the country's administrative divisions, municipal areas, immigration, labour, fire and rescue services, prison and rehabilitation institutions, and national disaster management. The ministry is headquartered in Bandar Seri Begawan and was established on 1 January 1984, upon Brunei's independence.

MoHA is currently led by a minister, with Ahmaddin Rahman taking office on 7 June 2022. The minister is assisted by a permanent secretary and two deputy permanent secretaries. The ministry's departments include the Brunei-Muara District Office, Belait District Office, Tutong District Office, Temburong District Office, Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department, and the Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Department, among others.

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the ministry was allocated a budget of B$128 million, a 1.5% decrease from the previous year.

Ministry of Education

There are 13 ministries in Brunei, including the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) in Brunei is a cabinet-level ministry that was established on 1 January 1984, immediately after the country gained independence. The MoE is responsible for overseeing and regulating the education system in Brunei, ensuring that all citizens have access to quality education and training. The ministry's primary role is to develop and implement policies and programs that promote the growth and development of the education sector. It covers primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as vocational and technical training programs. The MoE also works closely with other government agencies, educational institutions, and stakeholders to ensure that the education system meets the country's needs.

In higher education, the MoE plays a crucial role in accrediting and regulating institutions, ensuring they provide high-quality education and training to students. It provides funding and support to help improve facilities, programs, and services. The ministry is committed to promoting lifelong learning and providing opportunities for all citizens to acquire new skills and knowledge. It offers a range of programs and initiatives aimed at adult education, continuing education, and professional development, enhancing employability and earning potential, and contributing to the country's economic growth.

The MoE has introduced several new divisions and units over the years, including the Planning and Information Unit, the Secondary Division, the Publication Unit, and the External Activities Division. In 1989, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health were split into two distinct ministries, resulting in a more regional approach to texts, school curriculum, and certification. The ministry has also established various new bodies and departments to support educational changes and achieve national educational goals, such as the National Approval Recognition Council and the Department of Technical Education.

The MoE is currently led by Romaizah Mohd Salleh, who took office on 7 June 2022. The ministry is headquartered in Bandar Seri Begawan and has a budget of B$583 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism

There are 13 to 14 ministries in Brunei, one of which is the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT). This ministry is responsible for overseeing agriculture, fishing, forestry, and tourism in the country. It is a cabinet-level ministry, currently led by Abdul Manaf Metussin, who took office on June 7, 2022.

The ministry was previously known as the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) until it was renamed to reflect a functional restructuring. The oversight of the petroleum and non-primary industries was transferred to the Prime Minister's Office, and the new name reflects an emphasis on developing the tourism industry.

The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism manages five departments: the Agriculture and Agrifood Department, the Department of Fisheries, the Forestry Department, and the Tourism Development Department. Each of these departments works to support and develop the primary sectors of Brunei's economy.

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the ministry was allocated a budget of B$96 million, a significant 40% increase from the previous year. This increase in budget allocation further underscores the government's commitment to developing and supporting these key sectors. The ministry's headquarters are in Bandar Seri Begawan.

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