Type of Government
Brunei is an independent sovereign Sultanate which is governed on the basis of a
written Constitution.
His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan is the supreme executive authority in
Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty has occupied the position of Prime Minister since
resumption of independence in 1984.
Brunei's administrative system is centred on the Prime Minister's Office which has
provided the thrust behind His Majesty's aim to introduce greater efficiency in the
Government. In his National Day speech in 1987, His Majesty pointed out that it was
essential to keep the country's administrative machinery up-to-date in line with
the development of Brunei as an independent nation. His Majesty has followed a combination
of traditional and reforming policies, moving away from a structure of a Chief Minister
and State Secretary to a full ministerial system with specified portfolios.
Structure
Prime Minister's Office
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Religious Affairs
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources
Ministry of Communications
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Development
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
Since 1 January 1984, the Council of Ministers has been known as the Council of
Cabinet Ministers.
Several Councils also advise and assist His Majesty:
- The Privy Council is presided over by His Majesty The Sultan and Yang
Di-Pertuan. Its main functions are to advise His Majesty on matters relating to prerogatives
of the royal pardon, and on constitutional matters, and bestow state honours and
titles.
- The Council of Succession determines, subject to the Constitution and
the Succession and Regency Proclamation 1959, the succession to the throne.
- The Religious Council advises His Majesty as the head of the religion
pertaining to the Islamic faith.
