Prince Abdul Mateen gets government role

Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei has a new government role after being appointed by his father, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

The 34-year-old popular royal is now the Minister of Foreign Affairs, succeeding his father in the role. He regularly joins his father on foreign visits, so the appointment is no surprise.

Prince Mateen, as he is commonly known, accompanied his father to the coronation of King Charles III and the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito of Japan, among other events.

The Prince isn’t the only member of the family to gain new government roles.

Prince Mateen’s oldest brother, Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, has kept his role as the Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prince Abdul Malik gained his first cabinet role as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.

This was the first government shakeup since 2022, and new ministerial roles have also been created. He also reorganised the Primary Resources and Tourism Ministry into the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said, “This is intended to accelerate the development of priority sectors, strengthen economic diversification efforts, support sustainable economic growth and create meaningful employment opportunities.”

The Sultan revealed in a televised address that he would retain his positions as Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Finance Minister.

He will celebrate his Diamond Jubilee in October 2027.