The State Secretary (; Jawi: ستياءوسها كراجأن) was established to manage Brunei’s internal administrative functions and support the (chief minister). Reserved for Malay Muslims, the position became a key figure under the 1959 Constitution, overseeing departmental coordination, advising the Sultan of Brunei, and holding a seat in the Council of Ministers. The state secretary's office was located at the Secretariat Building in Bandar Seri Begawan.
History The 1888 Protectorate Agreement and the 1905–1906 Supplementary Treaty between Brunei and the United Kingdom were initially enacted to protect Brunei's territorial sovereignty, particularly from external threats. However, as Brunei's governance evolved to meet modern demands, especially during the adoption of a new constitution, a call to reassess these treaties emerged, particularly from residents of the Belait District. In response to these developments, the British Resident system, which had dominated Brunei's administration, was abolished. The role of the Resident, once the chief administrator, was downgraded to an advisory position to the sultan of Brunei and the State Council. This shift officially paved the way for the creation of new roles such as the chief minister and the state secretary, which were essential to modernising Brunei's political structure and adapting to contemporary governance needs.
Functions The state secretary was established to support the chief minister in overseeing Brunei's administrative functions. The position was specifically reserved for Malay Muslims and required nomination by the sultan. Under the 1959 Constitution, the state secretary became the principal officer managing internal administrative affairs, ensuring departmental coordination and policy consultation. The state secretary also held a seat in the Council of Ministers, Executive Council and worked alongside other key officials like the attorney general and the state financial officer to implement the sultan's executive authority. Additionally, in legal matters involving government personnel, documents signed by the state secretary, such as those certifying employment details, were accepted as conclusive evidence in court.
List of secretariats Symbols
PortraitName Took office Left office Time in officeMonarchRef –Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar19411945 3 yearsAhmad Tajuddin1Wan Ahmad Umar29 September 19591 January 1962Omar Ali Saifuddien III2Raja Azam1 January 196218 January 1964Omar Ali Saifuddien III3Pengiran Muhammad Yusuf18 January 19641 June 1967Omar Ali Saifuddien III –Taib Besar1 June 196725 March 1970Omar Ali Saifuddien III4 Pengiran Abdul Momin 25 March 197015 May 1972Hassanal Bolkiah –Matnor McAfee15 May 197215 February 1973Hassanal Bolkiah5 Abdul Aziz Umar 1 July 19741 September 1981Hassanal Bolkiah6 Abdul Rahman Taib 1 September 198131 December 1983Hassanal Bolkiah See also Prime Minister of Brunei Government of Brunei Politics of Brunei
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