Hassanal Bolkiah carried out the third reshuffle of his government on 24 May 2005, appointing one senior minister, three ministers, and five deputy ministers. The announcement was delivered during a televised speech at 5:20 pm. The previous cabinet had been reshuffled in 1988, followed by the next one in 2010.
The cabinet reshuffle introduced minor adjustments aimed at improving governance, though many ministers retained their positions, and the sultan continued to serve as prime minister, finance minister, and defence minister. The newly expanded cabinet comprised 16 positions, including Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah as senior minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), along with 14 ministers and 10 deputy ministers.
According to the sultan's televised speech, the cabinet reshuffle was aimed at maintaining national security, prosperity, and effective governance. The sultan highlighted Brunei's ability to stand alongside other nations through strong administration, adherence to laws, and disciplined leadership. The reshuffle sought to enhance government efficiency and ensure continued progress in various sectors. The sultan also expressed gratitude to outgoing officials for their contributions, wishing them continued well-being and success.
On 30 May 2005, members of the newly formed cabinet were sworn in for a five-year term during a ceremony at the palace. On 2 June, the sultan chaired the first cabinet meeting following the reshuffle, which was also held at the palace. Cabinet-level changes Colour key Minister Position before reshuffle Result of reshuffleAl-Muhtadee BillahNoneBecame Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's OfficeAbu Bakar ApongMinister of HealthBecame Minister of CommunicationsAbdullah BakarPermanent Secretary at the Ministry of CommunicationsBecame Minister of DevelopmentYahya BakarPermanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office Became Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's OfficeMohammad DaudNoneBecame Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Deputy Minister of Finance Became Minister of Finance IIIsa IbrahimMinister of Home AffairsLeft the governmentAhmad JumatMinister of DevelopmentBecame Minister of Industry and Primary ResourcesLim Jock SengPermanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeBecame Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade IIHussain Mohammad YusofMinister of Culture, Youth and SportsLeft the governmentSuyoi OsmanDeputy Minister of EducationBecame Minister of HealthZakaria SulaimanMinister of CommunicationsLeft the governmentAbdul Rahman TaibMinister of Industry and Primary ResourcesBecame Minister of EducationAdanan YusofDeputy Minister of Home AffairsBecame Minister of Home Affairs
Junior ministerial changes Colour key Minister Position before reshuffle Result of reshuffleHazair AbdullahPermanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's OfficeBecame Deputy Minister of HealthYusoff Abdul HamidAmbassador of Brunei to BelgiumBecame Deputy Minister of CommunicationsHamdillah Abdul WahabManaging Director and CEO of Brunei LNGBecame Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary ResourcesYahya IbrahimDeputy Minister of Religious AffairsLeft the government Eusoff Agaki IsmailDeputy Minister at the Prime Minister's OfficeLeft the government Badaruddin OthmanActing Chairman of the Public Service CommissionBecame Deputy Minister of Religious AffairsPengiran Ibnu BasitDeputy Minister of DefenceLeft the government Pengiran MohammadSpecial Duties Officer (National Education Council) at the Ministry of EducationBecame Deputy Minister of EducationYasmin UmarPermanent Secretary (Policy and Administration) at the Ministry of DefenceBecame Deputy Minister of Defence
Later changes Between the 2005 and 2010 cabinet reshuffles, several minor changes were introduced. The minor cabinet reshuffle on 22 August 2008 saw Yahya Bakar reappointed as minister of industry and primary resources, replacing Ahmad Jumat. Ahmad, in turn, was reappointed as minister of culture, youth, and sports, succeeding Mohammad Daud. Meanwhile, Mohammad was reappointed as minister of energy at the PMO, taking over from Yahya. In November 2009, Yusoff Abdul Hamid was appointed as ambassador of Brunei to the United States. Colour key Minister Position before reshuffle Result of reshuffle Effective fromYahya BakarMinister of Energy at the Prime Minister's OfficeBecame Minister of Industry and Primary Resources22 August 2008Mohammad DaudMinister of Culture, Youth and SportsBecame Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office22 August 2008Ahmad JumatMinister of Culture, Youth and SportsBecame Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports22 August 2008Yusoff Abdul HamidDeputy Minister of CommunicationsBecame Ambassador of Brunei to the United StatesNovember 2009
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