INTRODUCTION
The proclamations of Independence on the
1st January 1984 had opened a new era to Brunei Darussalam as a fully
independent and sovereign nation state. On this occasion, the
reorganization of the Government was announced with the establishment of
ten ministries including the Ministry of Defence. The establishment of
the Ministry of Defence marked the beginning for Brunei Darussalam to be
responsible for handling its own defence matters, which were previously
the responsibility of British Government.
With the
establishment of the Ministry, the first Minister of Defence was
appointed. He was Al Marhum Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi
Waddien, who was then called Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Begawan
Sultan Sir Muda Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'dul Khairi Waddien, the
father of His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei
Darussalam. On the demise of the Al Marhum on 7 September 1986, His
Majesty assumed the position of Minister of Defence.
The
Ministry of Defence was re-organized and re- structured towards the end
of 1986. The current organization structure together involves the Royal
Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Malay Reserve Unit and the Gurkha
Reserve Unit. The establishment of the Ministry of Defence signifies a
new and modern transformation for Brunei Darussalam. With the current
organization structure, the Ministry of Defence is headed by the
Minister of Defence who is being assisted by the Deputy Minister of
Defence. Further, in fulfilling the needs of defence matters and
decision making process both internally and externally in order to
achieve the capability of national defence policy, the ministry has
formed up two sections within the organization which consists of the
Civilian Staff Division and Military Staff Division.
The
Civilian Staff Division is headed by a Permanent Secretary, who
is responsible for four directorates: Directorate of Finance and
Acquisition, Directorate of Administration and Manpower, Directorate of
Development and Work Services, and Directorate of Defence Policy. While
the Military Staff Division is headed by the Commander of Royal Brunei
Armed Forces who is the principal adviser on defence and operational
military matters to the Defence Minister. There are five directorates in
this division: Operations, Intelligence, Personnel, Logistics and Force
Capability Development.
Vision
To Deliver Robust, Responsive and Resource Efficient Armed Forces.
Mission
To Defend Our Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity and Uphold the Constitution and the Malay Islamic Monarchy Philosophy.
Role
- To implement defence policy
- To enhance force capability
- To promote defence diplomacy
- To contribute to nation building