Just before midnight on 31 December 1983, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan Sir Muda Hassanal Bolkiah, 29th ruler of Brunei, began reading the Proclamation of Independence to a crowd of 30,000 gathered at the Taman Haji Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien, Bandar Seri Begawan. He declared Negara Brunei Darussalam (Brunei, Abode of Peace) — “which has never been a colony” — “an independent, sovereign and democratic Malay Muslim monarchy based on Islamic teachings”. A 21-gun salute heralded the New Year, and also marked a new era in the long history of this ancient country.

The proclamation outlined the special treaty relationship between Britain and Brunei which dated from 1847. In 1888, Britain assumed responsibility for Brunei's defence and external affairs. Brunei achieved internal self-government under its 1959 constitution which remains in force. The 1959 constitution was promulgated during the reign of His Majesty's father, His Royal Highness the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Jeneral Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, the 28th Sultan, who abdicated in 1967 in favour of his son.1 The 1979 Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation with Britain led to Brunei's full independence on 1 January 1984. With the reading of the proclamation, Britain relinquished its last responsibilities for the state's defence and foreign affairs.

Immediately following the proclamation ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan unveiled his new cabinet. The Sultan's personalized rule continues with his holding the offices of Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister of Home Affairs. He named six other ministers, including his father, His Royal Highness the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (Minister of Defence), and two of his younger brothers, the Perdana Wazir Prince Mohamed Bolkiah (Minister of Foreign Affairs) and the Pengiran Digadong Prince Jefri (Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports cum Deputy Minister of Finance).

In addition, His Majesty named three cabinet ministers who are not members of the immediate royal family. Pengiran Bahrin bin Pengiran Haji Ahas was named Minister of Law and concurrently Minister of Communication. Pengiran Bahrin is a law graduate of Birmingham University. He also obtained his Master of Law from London University and is a barrister of Gray's Inn in London. Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Aziz was named Minister of Education and Health.