Assalamu’alaikum everyone. Today, His Majesty turns 80. It feels a bit strange writing that number down. Eighty. For a country as young as Brunei in its modern form, His Majesty’s reign has basically been the entire timeline most of us have known. I honestly wanted to mark this one properly,…
Category: Brunei & Governance
Commentary on Brunei’s national policy, governance, and public affairs
Brunei & Governance
Healthcare Reform, One Year On: What’s Changed Since
A year ago I wrote about the healthcare reform that ended free treatment for permanent residents and foreign spouses in Brunei. It felt like a big shift at the time, and honestly, it still is. But a lot has happened since, so I thought it was worth revisiting where things…
Brunei & Governance
Less Than a Decade to Go…
Before sharing these thoughts, it is only fair to acknowledge that I am certain these are matters already under active consideration by His Majesty and His Government. What follows are simply the reflections of a concerned Bruneian who loves this country and hopes, however modestly, to contribute to our shared…
Brunei & Governance
More Than a Cabinet Reshuffle
The unveiling of Brunei Darussalam’s new Cabinet yesterday has understandably attracted significant public attention. Much of the discussion has centred on the appointment of new ministers, the entry of younger leaders into government, and the elevation of several familiar faces into more prominent roles. Yet beyond the headlines and photographs,…
Brunei & Governance
Thoughts While Watching a Distant War…
The news over the past few days has felt surreal. On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel launched a massive coordinated strike on Iran. Within hours, airstrikes were reported across Tehran and ballistic missiles were flying across the Gulf. Just like that, the Middle East tipped into a…
Brunei & Governance
When the Tap Goes Silent
Last week’s water disruption was uncomfortable. Buckets replaced showers. Routines became workarounds. It was inconvenient, but also humbling. For a brief moment, we were reminded how dependent we are on something we usually take for granted. How quickly comfort slips when a basic need falters. This was not a crisis….
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