On 2 October, Pengiran Bahrin, Brunei's representative to the United Nations General Assembly, strongly denounced apartheid, calling it "an evil system... degrading the dignity of mankind."

[18] Pengiran Bahrin announced that, effective 30 January 1991, Brunei's laws on the unlawful possession of weapons, including airguns and explosives, would be amended.

The revised regulations introduced stricter penalties, replacing the previous maximum fine of $1,000 with imprisonment ranging from five to fifteen years and a minimum of three strokes of whipping.

These included the Emergency (Kidnapping) Order, which granted police special investigative powers and mandated the death penalty for abduction for ransom.

A legal presumption of trafficking was established for individuals found in possession of specified amounts of controlled substances, while the Misuse of Drugs Act was amended to revise penalties.

[20] Pengiran Bahrin emphasised the urgent need for more students to pursue legal careers to fill critical roles within the attorney general's chambers and the judiciary.

Pengiran Bahrin highlighted potential inconsistencies between Hong Kong law and Brunei's judicial system, which is based on the Melayu Islam Beraja philosophy.

He proposed bilateral arrangements for collaboration due to the differing legal systems among member states and stressed the need for a coordinated approach in areas governed by international conventions.

The rise of more conservative factions around the sultan, including Abdul Aziz Umar's appointment as acting head of the Brunei Investment Agency and the growing influence of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, was seen as part of this transformation.

[27] Pengiran Bahrin is married to Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Mohammad Ali, who serves as the president of the Brunei Darussalam National Anti-Drug Association.

[28] Among their children is Pengiran Izad Ryan, who works as a counsel and holds the position of vice president of the Law Society of Brunei Darussalam.