Awang Halbi bin Mohd Yussof

Halbi Mohd Yussof (; born 22 June 1956) is a Bruneian politician who currently serve as a Minister at the Prime Minister's Office. 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).

Early life

Halbi was born in Kampong Kilanas, Bandar Seri Begawan on 22 June 1956.

Military career

From 1 February 2001 to 14 March 2003, Brigadier General Halbi became the 4th commander of the RBLF. On 8 January 2005, he received a farewell call from Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces, Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor and discussed on improving the relations of both countries via bilateral military relationships. Him alongside Mohd Yasmin Umar and Abdul Halim Mohd Yussof visited recentlly arrived RSS ''Steadfast'' (70) at Muara Naval Base during the opening ceremony of Exercise Pelican on 3 June 2008. 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. The handover ceremony between Halbi and Aminuddin Ihsan was held at Tutong Camp, Tutong on 31 December 2009.

Political career

In 2010, Halbi was appointed as Brunei's High Commissioner to Malaysia. On 30 May 2015, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Home Affairs, which he would hold until 21 October 2015, in which he would be reappointed to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. 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 alongside find ways to improve youth development and sports in both countries. During an official government announcement on 30 January 2018, it became known that Halbi has been appointed as the Second Minister in the Ministry of Defence.

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. Later on 14 August, he made an introductory visit to Singapore, meeting with Ng Eng Hen in the aim to strengthen the relationships of Brunei and Singapore. 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.

In July 2022, during the national cabinet reshuffle, Halbi was appointed as the newly incumbent Minister at the Prime Minister's Office. 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. As the acting Minister of Health on 25 July, he noted the downward trend in COVID-19 cases in Brunei.

Honours

National

* Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Third Class (SMB) – (1986)
* Order of Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang First Class (DPKT) – Dato Paduka Seri – (15 July 2003)
* Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal (PHBS)
* Silver Jubilee Medal – (5 October 1992)
* Royal Brunei Armed Forces Silver Jubilee Medal – (31 May 1986)
* General Service Medal
* Long Service Medal (Armed Forces)
* Proclamation of Independence Medal – (1 January 1984)

Foreign

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

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Halbi Mohd Yussof
1956 births
Government ministers of Brunei
Members of the Legislative Council of Brunei
Living people
Bruneian military leaders