His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented for a minor reshuffle of the Cabinet line-up with the transfer of three ministers.

A press release from the Office of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam stated that by command of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, it was announced that His Majesty has consented for the transfer of three Cabinet Ministers.

Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Hj Ahmad bin Hj Jumat, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources is now the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Hj Mohammad bin Hj Daud is now Minister of Energy in the Prime Minister's Office.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, Minister of Energy in the Prime Minister's Office, is now the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources.

Meanwhile, in another press release, it was announced that His Majesty has also consented for the appointment of Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Hj Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong, Minister of Communications as the Chairman of Board of Directors of Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) to succeed Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yahya.

The transfer of ministers and the appointment of Chairman of Board of Directors of Brunei Investment Agency are effective from today, Friday, 20th of Syaaban, 1429 Hijrah corresponding to 22nd August 2008.

A major reshuffle of the Cabinet happened in May 2005, which saw the ministers' list expanded to 16 members with the introduction of the Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, the Minister of Energy, the position of Finance Minister II, State Mufti and Attorney General. The last expansion in 1988 saw the addition of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

Also a first in the 2005 reshuffle was the introduction of three new Deputy Minister posts created in the Ministry of Development, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. - Borneo Bulletin (22nd August 2008)