Halbi bin Mohammad Yussof

In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Yussof is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Halbi. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.

Halbi bin Mohammad Yussof (Malay: Pehin Datu Lailaraja lieutenant General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof); born (1956-06-22) 22 June 1956 (age 67),^[3][4] is a Bruneian nobleman, military officer and politician who currently serves as a Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Defence II.^[5] He is a former member of the Legislative Council of Brunei, and previously served as the Minister of Defence II from 2018 to 2022, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports from 2015 to 2018, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), and Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF).

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Halbi Mohammad Yussof DPKT SMB PGAT GCCT
Minister Halbi in 2023
Minister at the Prime Minister's Office
Incumbent
Assumed office 7 June 2022; 22 months ago (2022-06-07) Serving with Isa Ibrahim and Amin Liew Abdullah
Monarch	Hassanal Bolkiah
Deputy	Riza Yunos Sufian Sabtu
Preceded by	Abdul Mokti
Minister of Defence II
Incumbent
Assumed office 27 February 2023; 13 months ago (2023-02-27)
Preceded by	Office reconvened
In office 30 January 2018 – 7 June 2022
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Office abolished
6th Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports^[1]
In office 22 October 2015 – 29 January 2018
Preceded by	Hazair Abdullah
Succeeded by	Aminuddin Ihsan
Other positions 4th Deputy Minister of Home Affairs In office 29 May 2010 – 22 October 2015 Minister Badaruddin Othman Preceded by Dani Ibrahim Succeeded by Office abolished 7th Commander Royal Brunei Armed Forces^[2]^[3] In office 28 March 2003 – 31 December 2009 Preceded by Jaafar Abdul Aziz Succeeded by Aminuddin Ihsan^[3] 4th Commander Royal Brunei Land Forces In office 1 February 2001 – 14 March 2003 Preceded by Jaafar Abdul Aziz Succeeded by Abdu'r Rahmani
Diplomatic positions High Commissioner of Brunei to Malaysia In office March 2010 – 29 May 2010
Personal details
Born	Halbi bin Mohammad Yussof (1956-06-22) 22 June 1956 (age 67)^[3]^[4] Kilanas, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
Alma mater	Royal Military Academy Sandhurst^[3]^[4]
Profession	Military officer, diplomat and politician
Military service
Allegiance	Brunei
Branch/service	Royal Brunei Land Forces
Years of service	1973–2009
Rank	Major General
Commands	Second Battalion RBLF Directorate of Strategic Planning Royal Brunei Land Forces Royal Brunei Armed Forces

Early life

Halbi was born in Kampong Kilanas, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on (1956-06-22) 22 June 1956 (age 67).^[4]

Military career

 

Commander Halbi together with U.S. Marines during CARAT 2002.

On 11 August 1975; 48 years ago (1975-08-11), Halbi enlisted in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) (Malay: Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei, ABDB), then known as the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment (RBMR) (Askar Melayu Diraja Brunei, AMDB).^[3] Following completion of six months basic training, on 6 February 1976, Halbi became an Officer Cadet whilst attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, England, in the United Kingdom. On 7 April 1977, he graduated from the Standard Military Course No 13 at Sandhurst, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.^[3]

From 1 February 2001 to 14 March 2003, Brigadier General Halbi became the fourth commander of the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF).^[6] In 2004, he oversaw the Brunei Defence White Paper, along with its update in 2007.^[2] On 8 January 2005, he received a farewell call from Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces, Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, and discussed improving the relations of both countries via bilateral military relationships.^[7] He alongside Yasmin Umar and Abdul Halim Mohd Yussof visited recently arrived RSS Steadfast (70) at Muara Naval Base during the opening ceremony of Exercise Pelican on 3 June 2008.^[8] After that on 10 November 2009, Major General Halbi made his last visit to Singapore, which was concluded with a meeting with Desmond Kuek and inspection of the Guard of Honour.^[9] The handover ceremony between Halbi and Aminuddin Ihsan was held at Tutong Camp, Tutong on 31 December 2009.^[2]

Military courses

Halbi has attended the following military training courses and staff colleges:^[3]

• Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, England, United Kingdom – initial officer training, Standard Military Course No 13, 6 February 1976 to 7 April 1977;
• Platoon Commanders' Battle Cadre, United Kingdom, 1982;
• Manpower and Security Officers' Course, Singapore, 1984;
• Junior Staff Course, Malaysia, 1985;
• Overseas Joint Warfare, Australian Defence College, Australia, 1987;
• All Arms Tactic Course, United Kingdom, 1987;
• Command and Staff College, Quetta, Pakistan, 1989;
• Royal College of Defence Studies, Seaford House, London, England, 2000.

Ranks and promotions

Halbi was promoted to the following ranks during his military service in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF):^[3]

• Second Lieutenant (2nd. Lt; Malay: Leftenan muda), 7 April 1977; 47 years ago (1977-04-07)
• Brigadier General (Brg. Gen; Brigedier jeneral)
• Major General (Maj. Gen; Mejar jeneral), 1 March 2003; 21 years ago (2003-03-01)

Appointments and commands

During his military service, Halbi has held the following commands or offices of appointment within the, or relating to Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF):^[3][6]

• Military Assistant to the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces
• Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF)
• Staff Officer Grade 1 (SO1) Operations Directorate of Operations and Plans
• Acting Director Minister of Defence Office / Directorate of Strategic Planning
• 4th Commander Royal Brunei Land Forces, 1 February 2001 to 14 March 2003
• 7th Commander Royal Brunei Armed Forces, 28 March 2003.

Political career

In 2010, Halbi was appointed Brunei's High Commissioner to Malaysia.^[10] On 30 May 2015, he was appointed the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Home Affairs, which he would hold until 21 October 2015,^[11] in which he would be reappointed to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.^[1] On 18 November 2015, Minister Halbi met with Khairy Jamaluddin during the ASEAN+ Young Leaders Summit in order to tighten relationship between Brunei and Malaysia to find ways to improve youth development and sports in both countries.^[12] During an official televised announcement by the Sultan on 30 January 2018, it became known that Halbi had been appointed the Second Minister in the Ministry of Defence.^[13]

 

Defence minister Halbi with Delfin N. Lorenzana at Bolkiah Garrison on 19 May 2022

In response to the 2017–2018 North Korea crisis on 11 February 2018, Minister Halbi and Erywan Yusof agreed with Taro Kono to apply pressure on North Korea, including the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions during the 45th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.^[14] Later on 14 August, he made an introductory visit to Singapore, meeting Ng Eng Hen with the aim to strengthen the relationships of Brunei and Singapore.^[15] The 16th International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao was greeted by Minister Halbi at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, during his visit to Manila on 30 August 2019.^[16]

In June 2022, during the national cabinet reshuffle televised by the Sultan, Halbi was appointed the newly incumbent Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.^[17]Japan's Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi congratulated Halbi on his newly appointed position, followed up by raising concerns on regional security, the issues caused by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine in international order, and strengthening of relationships between the two nations militarily on 21 June 2022.^{[18][failed verification]} As the acting Minister of Health on 25 July, he noted the downward trend in COVID-19 cases in Brunei.^[19]

Honours

 

Halbi with his national honours in 2024

National

Main article: Orders, decorations, and medals of Brunei

•   Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Third Class (SMB),^[4][6] 1986^[3]
•   Order of Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang First Class (DPKT)^[4] – Dato Paduka Seri,^[20] 15 July 2003^[3]
•   Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal (PHBS)^[20]
•   Silver Jubilee Medal, 5 October 1992^[21]
•   Royal Brunei Armed Forces Silver Jubilee Medal, 31 May 1986^[22]
•   General Service Medal^[21]
•   Long Service Medal (Armed Forces)^[21]
•   Proclamation of Independence Medal, 1997^[21]

Foreign

•   Indonesia:
  •   Bintang Yudha Dharma Utama (BYD),^[4][21] 20 December 2004^[3]
  • Marine Corps Honorary Member of the Indonesian National Armed Forces - Navy, 21 December 2004^[4][3]
  • Honorary Pilot Wing (First Class) and Honorary Member of The Special Unit Corps, (Korpaskhas) Air Force of Indonesia's Armed Forces, 9 November 2006^[4][3]
•   Jordan:
  •   Grand Cordon of the Order of Independence, 13 May 2008^[3]
•   Malaysia:
  •   Order of Military Service Courageous Commander (PGAT),^[4][21] 23 November 2004^[3]
  • 10th Para Brigade Malaysian Army Airborne Wing (Honorary Member of the elite force), 7 September 2007^[4][3]
•   Pakistan:
  •   Hilal e-Imtiaz (Military), 28 June 2006^[4][3]
  • Command and Staff College (Quetta-Pakistan) Centenary Medal, 2006^[4]
•   Philippines:
  •   Philippine Legion of Honor Commander (CLH), 24 May 2006^[4][3]
  • Combat Commander's Kagitingan Badge - Philippine Army, 27 Nov 2009^[3]
  • Philippine Navy Command at Sea Badge - Philippine Navy, 27 Nov 2009^[3]
  • PAF Gold Wing Badge - Philippine Air Force, 27 Nov 2009^[3]
•   Singapore:
  •   Pingat Jasa Gemilang (PJG)^[4][6]
  •   Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (DUBC), November 2004^[4][9]
•   Thailand:
  •   Order of the Crown of Thailand First Class (PM (GCCT)), 27 July 2009^[3]

References

1. "Brunei New Cabinet Ministers 2015". BruneiResources.blogspot.com. The Daily Brunei Resources. 22 October 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
2. "Commander RBAF hands over duty and welcomes a new leader". MinDef.gov.bn. Tutong Camp, Brunei Darussalam: Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 31 December 2009. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
3. "Commander RBAF hands over duty and welcomes a new leader". MinDef.gov.bn. Tutong Camp, Tutong, Brunei Darussalam: Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 31 December 2009. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
4. "Keluaran Khas Sempena Pelantikan Menteri-Menteri Kabinet dan Timbalan-Timbalan Menteri" [Special issue in conjunction with the appointment of Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers] (PDF). www.PelitaBrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei, Government of Brunei Darussalam. 12 June 2010. p. 7. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
5. "Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja lieutenant General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof - Minister at the Prime Minister's office and Minister of Defence II". www.PMO.gov.bn. Brunei Darussalam: Prime Minister's Office. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
6. "RBLF History". MinDef.gov.bn. Bolkiah Garrison, Brunei Darussalam: Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
7. "Farewell call from Malaysian CDF at MinDef". MinDef.gov.bn. Bolkiah Garrison, Brunei Darussalam: Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 8 January 2005. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
8. "Bruneian Deputy Minister of Defence Visits RSS Steadfast". MinDef.gov.bn. Muara Naval Base, Brunei Darussalam: Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. 3 June 2008. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
9. "Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces makes farewell call" (PDF). www.NAS.gov.sg. Singapore: MINDEF Singapore. 10 November 2009. p. 1. Retrieved 3 March 2023 – via National Archives of Singapore.
10. Jason Leong (4 March 2010). "News | Negara Brunei Darussalam | His Majesty grants audiences to envoys". Sultanate.com. Sultanate. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
11. Azlan Othman; Waleed PD Mahdini (30 May 2010). "News | Negara Brunei Darussalam | Sultan reveals major cabinet reshuffle". Sultanate.com. Sultanate. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
12. Siaran Akhbar. "Brunei - Malaysia terokai bidang pembangunan belia dan sukan" [Brunei - Malaysia explores the field of youth development and sports]. www.PelitaBrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Kuala Lumpur: Pelita Brunei, Government of Brunei Darussalam. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
13. "HM announces surprise cabinet reshuffle - full list of new appointees". TheScoop.co. Scoop Media. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
14. "Japan-Brunei Foreign Ministers' Meeting". www.MOFA.go.jp. Tokyo, Japan: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 11 February 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
15. "Brunei Defence Minister II makes introductory visit to Singapore". www.MinDef.gov.sg. Singapore: Ministry of Defence, Government of Singapore. 14 August 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
16. "Brunei deploys 16th International Monitoring Team to Mindanao". DFA.gov.ph. Bolkiah Garrison, Bandar Seri Begawan: Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines. 13 September 2019. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
17. "HM announces major cabinet shakeup — full list of appointees – The sultan makes changes to top posts; appoints Brunei's first female cabinet minister". TheScoop.co. Scoop Media. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
18. "Japan Ministry of Defense". www.MoD.go.jp. Japan Ministry of Defense. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
19. James Kon; Adib Noor (26 July 2022). "Weekly COVID rate showing downward trend: Minister". BorneoBulletin.com.bn. Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
20. "DEWAN MAJLIS - AHLI RASMI KERANA JAWATAN (PERDANA MENTERI DAN MENTERI-MENTERI)" (PDF). Majlis Mesyuarat. 24 February 2022. p. 2.
21. Shaping The Force TODAY (PDF). Defence White Paper. 2007.
22. "USPACOM commander awards Legion of Merit to former commander, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (Honors)". www.pacom.mil. Retrieved 20 October 2022.

Political offices
Preceded by Office established Office reconvened	Minister of Defence II 30 January 2018 – 7 June 2022 27 February 2023 – present	Succeeded by Office abolished Incumbent
Preceded by Hazair Abdullah	7th Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports 22 October 2015 – 29 January 2018	Succeeded by Aminuddin Ihsan
Preceded by Dani Ibrahim	4th Deputy Minister of Home Affairs 29 May 2010 – 22 October 2015	Succeeded by Office abolished
Military offices
Preceded by Jaafar Abdul Aziz	7th Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces 28 March 2003 – 31 December 2009	Succeeded by Aminuddin Ihsan
Preceded by Jaafar Abdul Aziz	4th Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Forces 1 February 2001 – 14 March 2003	Succeeded by Abdu’r Rahmani