Prime Minister's Office of Brunei
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO), known in Malay as Jabatan Perdana Menteri (JPM), is the largest and most influential cabinet-level ministry within the government of Brunei. Established on January 1, 1984, coinciding with the nation's independence, the PMO serves as the immediate administrative hub for the Prime Minister and oversees a vast array of critical government functions.
Since its inception, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has served as the country's first and only Prime Minister. The office is designed to coordinate high-level state affairs, ensuring that the executive branch operates efficiently across various sectors of public administration.
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Key Facts
- Established: January 1, 1984.
- Headquarters: Bandar Seri Begawan (Istana Nurul Iman and Jalan Perdana Menteri).
- Workforce: 5,767 employees as of 2024.
- 2022 Budget: $385 million BND.
- Scope: Oversees 19 different government departments.
- Leadership: Led by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, supported by a Senior Minister, Special Advisor, and other Ministers.
Leadership and Administration
The PMO is managed by a hierarchical structure of ministers and deputy ministers to ensure comprehensive governance. The leadership includes:
- Prime Minister: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
- Senior Minister: Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah (position introduced in 2005).
- Ministers: Awang Isa Awang Ibrahim (Special Advisor), Awang Halbi Mohd. Yussof, and Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah.
- Deputy Ministers: Azmi Hanifah (Energy), Mohammed Riza Mohammed Yunos, and Sufian Sabtu.
Departmental Oversight
The Prime Minister's Office manages the largest portfolio in the Bruneian cabinet, overseeing 19 departments that handle everything from national security to royal customs. These departments are categorized by their specific mandates:
Legal and Judicial Affairs
- Attorney General's Chambers (AGC): The office of the country's attorney general.
- State Judiciary Department: Oversees both civil and sharia courts.
- Audit Department: The office of the auditor general.
Security and Intelligence
- Internal Security Department (KDN): Responsible for domestic security.
- Royal Brunei Police Force: The national police force.
- Anti-Corruption Bureau (BMR): The primary agency for combating corruption.
- Narcotics Control Bureau (BKN): Tasked with stopping the smuggling and spread of narcotics.
- Brunei Research Department: The nation's foreign intelligence service.
Public Service and Administration
- Public Service Commission (SPA): A constitutional body managing civil service appointments and discipline.
- Public Service Department (JPA): General public service administration.
- Civil Service Institute (IPA): Training and development for civil servants.
- Management Services Department: Implements the Tekad Pemedulian Orang Ramai (TPOR) customer service charter.
- Manpower and Employment Council (MPEC): Established in 2020 to address unemployment.
State, Culture, and Communication
- Jabatan Adat Istiadat Negara (JAIN): Manages royal and state ceremonies.
- State Mufti Department: The office authorized to issue state fatwas (religious rulings).
- Information Department: Publishes the government newspaper, Pelita Brunei.
- Radio Television Brunei (RTB): The sole public broadcaster.
- Councils of State Department: Oversees the Privy Council, Council of Cabinet Ministers, and Legislative Council.
Energy Sector
The Energy Department manages the petroleum industry and the broader energy sector. Notably, this was a separate ministry from 2018 until it was absorbed back into the PMO in 2022.
The PMO Building Complex
The physical infrastructure of the PMO reflects its importance to the state. A major building complex in Bandar Seri Begawan was completed in December 2012, funded under the 10th National Development Plan (RKN 10). The project cost B$ 131.5 million and was designed by principal architect Nizam Wahab of OWMP International.
The six-story complex spans 92,000 square metres (approximately 990,000 sq ft). Its architecture is characterized by symmetry, featuring two wings surrounding a central dome and decorated with water fountains. The interior is designed for practical governmental use, featuring custom theatre seating to match the building's formal style.
Summary of PMO Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Jabatan Perdana Menteri (JPM) |
| Founded | January 1, 1984 |
| Headquarters | Bandar Seri Begawan |
| Number of Departments | 19 |
| Annual Budget (2022) | $385 million BND |
| Staff Count (2024) | 5,767 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Prime Minister of Brunei?
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has been the Prime Minister of Brunei since the office was established upon the country's independence on January 1, 1984.
What is the role of the Senior Minister at the PMO?
The position of Senior Minister (Menteri Kanan) was introduced in 2005 and is currently held by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah to support the Prime Minister in governing the ministry.
Which departments fall under the PMO's jurisdiction?
The PMO oversees 19 departments, including the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Attorney General's Chambers, the Energy Department, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau, among others.
How much is the annual budget for the PMO?
For the 2022–23 fiscal year, the allocated budget was approximately B$ 385 million, which represented a 10.8 percent decrease from the previous year.
What is the significance of the PMO building's architecture?
The building is a six-story symmetrical complex with a central dome and two wings, designed to provide practical space for multiple government agencies while maintaining a traditional governmental aesthetic.