Hazair Abdullah

Hazair bin Haji Abdullah
Born	(1953-08-06) August 6, 1953 Kampong Lurong Dalam, Kampong Ayer, Brunei
Occupation(s)	Nobleman, politician
Years active	1979–2015
Known for	Deputy Minister of Health (2005–2010), Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (2010–2015)

Hazair bin Haji Abdullah (born 6 August 1953) is a distinguished Bruneian noble and political figure who held the position of Deputy Minister of Health from 2005 until 2010, followed by his role as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports from 2010 to 2015. He also represented Brunei at the ASEAN Human Rights Commission and led Royal Brunei Airlines along with its affiliated companies between 2003 and 2005. Beyond these roles, Hazair contributed as a leader in various committees including the Public Service Reform Committee, Public Service Day Committee, E-Government Executive Committee, Police Commission, Criminal Law Act Advisory Committee, and served as deputy chairman of the Employee Trust Fund.

Early life and education

Born on 6 August 1953 in Kampong Lurong Dalam, Kampong Ayer, Hazair received his early education at Berakas Primary School and Delmia Satu Primary School before attending Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College. He graduated with a B.A. (Hons) in Politics and International Relations from North Staffordshire Polytechnic in 1979. Furthering his expertise, he completed a Diploma Course in Foreign Service at Oxford University between 1985 and 1986. Additionally, he attended the Senior Executive Program at the London Business School in 1977 and undertook a Foreign Service Course in Canberra in 1982.

Political career

Hazair commenced his professional journey as an education officer in 1979, subsequently advancing through various administrative capacities within the Education Department, Personnel Department, and the Office of the General Counsel to His Majesty the Sultan. His diplomatic assignments included postings at Brunei’s High Commissions in Kuala Lumpur and London. Between 1986 and 1991, he served as senior administrative officer at the Prime Minister's Department (JPM), followed by his appointment as Director of Information from 1991 to 1996. He then acted as JPM permanent secretary from 1997 until 2005.

His entry into ministerial duties began with his appointment as Deputy Minister of Health (2005–2010). After the cabinet reshuffle in 2010, he assumed the role of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. During the 10th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council meeting, Hazair underscored ASEAN’s commitment to human development and regional collaboration under Brunei’s presidency theme "Our People, Our Future Together," emphasizing social responsibility alongside inclusive progress.

On 3 June 2014, Hazair called upon Bruneian youth to respond thoughtfully to international criticisms concerning the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013. He pointed out that despite external opposition, there remained robust domestic backing for Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s enforcement of syariah law.

For Brunei’s 31st National Day in 2014, the theme "Generation with a Vision" was maintained to encourage ongoing dedication to youth empowerment. Hazair concluded his ministerial service following the cabinet reshuffle on 22 October 2015.

e-Government

At the Canada Innovation Forum on 29 November 2001, Hazair outlined crucial elements driving Brunei’s governmental shift toward adopting E-government. He identified three fundamental strategies forming the foundation of e-Government initiatives, highlighting that the third phase centers on mobilizing social resources to boost capacity, capability, and innovation within an economy propelled by ICT. He emphasized that successful integration of the e-Government Programme into Brunei’s national priorities depends on strong dedication and collaboration throughout the civil service alongside a comprehensive grasp of implementation challenges.

Recycling

Dato Hazair demonstrates strong commitment to the country’s recycling efforts. During his participation in a community initiative where locals could trade recyclable materials for rice, he shared his thoughts on the program:

Personal life

Hazair is wedded to Rosnah binti Johari, and together they have four children—comprising two sons and two daughters. Their family home is located in Jalan Muara, Kampong Salambigar.

Books

Titles and styles

On 10 April 2004, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah bestowed upon Hazair the prestigious manteri title of , accompanied by the formal style .

Honours

Among the distinctions awarded to Hazair are:

• First Class of the Order of Setia Negara Brunei (PSNB; conferred on 15 July 2011), granting him the title Dato Seri Setia
• Fourth Class of the Order of Setia Negara Brunei (PSB; awarded on 15 July 1990)
• Second Class of the Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei (DPMB), with the title Dato Paduka
• Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
• Excellent Service Medal (PIKB)
• Long Service Medal (PKL)
• Proclamation of Independence Medal (1997)
• Sultan of Brunei Silver Jubilee Medal (5 October 1992)