Jefri Bolkiah

Jefri Bolkiah, also known as Prince Jefri, is a member of the Brunei royal family and is the brother of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, father of Faiq Bolkiah and the uncle of Prince Mateen. Born on November 6, 1954, Jefri is the sixth child of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit.

Throughout his career, Jefri Bolkiah has held various political positions within the Brunei government. He served as the Minister of Finance from 1986 to 1998, where he played a key role in managing the country's finances and investments in Brunei and overseas.

During this period, he oversaw the successful completion of several significant community projects in Brunei, including the creation of Jerudong Park, an expansive amusement and theme park located in Kampong Jerudong. Additionally, he spearheaded the development of The Empire Hotel & Country Club, a luxurious 522-room establishment that was subsequently reimagined as an upscale resort destination.

Jefri's tenure as Minister of Finance was marred by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and embezzlement of billions of dollars from the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), the country's sovereign wealth fund.

He gained infamy both in Brunei and internationally due to his lifestyle and controversial business dealings during the peak of his career while serving as the Minister of Finance. Eventually, he was succeeded by his brother, Hassanal Bolkiah. Since retiring, he has chosen to reside in Brunei, now leading a more private life focused on spending time with his family.

Despite his controversial reputation and legal battles, Jefri Bolkiah remains a prominent figure in Brunei and is seen as a member of the royal family. His legacy is a complex one, characterized by both his successes in business and politics as well as the incidents and controversies that have surrounded him.

Jefri enjoys sports such as polo, golf, and tennis. He has competed in various polo tournaments around the world and is known for his passion for the sport. His son, Faiq Bolkiah, currently plays as a forward for Maritimo in Portugal's Primeira Liga. He has also represented Brunei's national team in international competitions.