Brunei's Absolute Monarchy: A Modern Dictatorship?

Brunei is an absolute monarchy ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has been in power since 1967. The country has been labelled a dictatorship due to the Sultan's absolute power, with no elected representatives at the national level and significant restrictions on freedom of the press and assembly. Brunei has been criticised for arbitrary detention, limits on freedom of speech and religious freedom, discrimination against women, and restricted labour rights. The Sultan's government has also been accused of exploiting foreign workers and benefitting financially from the country's oil and gas fields. While Brunei's citizens enjoy extensive public assistance and the country is ranked as one of the most developed in Asia, there is limited space for political opposition and genuine political activity.

Brunei is an absolute monarchy

There are no elected representatives at the national level, and no national-level electoral laws. The Sultan appoints members of the unicameral Legislative Council, and Brunei has not held direct legislative elections since 1962. The Sultan wields broad powers and is advised by appointed bodies and the appointed legislature.

The National Development Party (NDP) is the country's only registered party, and it has pledged loyalty to the Sultan. There is no realistic opportunity for the opposition to gain power, and genuine political activity by opposition groups is extremely limited.

The Sultan's powers are laid out by the written constitution, which has been amended several times, granting him almost absolute power. However, his powers are still limited by the constitution and custom, and he cannot overrule a judicial decision.

Brunei's system of government has been described as a "dictatorship", with the Sultan's government accused of arbitrary detention, restrictions on freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association, as well as religious freedom and discrimination against women.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the head of state and prime minister

Hassanal Bolkiah became Sultan of Brunei in 1967 following the abdication of his father, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. Brunei was a British protectorate until 1984, and Bolkiah became the prime minister of Brunei upon its independence.

As the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah is the absolute monarch and head of government. Under Brunei's 1959 constitution, the sultan is the head of state with full executive authority, including emergency powers since 1962. In 2006, he amended the constitution to declare himself infallible under Bruneian law.

In addition to being the head of state and prime minister, Hassanal Bolkiah also holds several other portfolios. He is the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Finance. As the Minister of Defence, he is the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and holds honorary positions in the armed forces of several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Pakistan. He is also the Inspector General of Police of the Royal Brunei Police Force.

Hassanal Bolkiah has been ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the world, with a net worth of approximately $30 billion as of 2023. He is known for his lavish spending, including a collection of approximately 2,500 cars, which he has since auctioned off.

There are no elected representatives at the national level

Brunei is an absolute monarchy, with the Sultan exercising executive power. The current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, has been the absolute ruler of the country since 1967, and in 2006, he changed the constitution to declare himself infallible.

The National Development Party (NDP) is Brunei's only registered political party. It was permitted to register in 2005 after pledging loyalty to the Sultan and has no formal political role. There are no national-level elections, and genuine political activity by opposition groups is extremely limited. The Sultan's power is further consolidated by restrictions on freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association. Online speech is monitored by the authorities, and academic freedom is limited, with scholars practising self-censorship.

The Sultan exercises broad powers under a state of emergency imposed in 1962

Brunei is an absolute monarchy, with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as its head of state and prime minister. The Sultan has ruled the country since 1967, and in 2006, he changed the constitution to declare himself infallible. The Sultan's powers were further bolstered by a state of emergency imposed in 1962, when Brunei was still governed as a British protectorate.

Under the state of emergency, the Sultan has the authority to give executive directions to the state on any matter. The state of emergency also allows the Sultan to issue ordinances on state subjects and empowers the Parliament to make laws on any subject mentioned in the state list. These laws remain in operation for six months after the emergency has ceased.

The state of emergency has also impacted the life of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly. During a national emergency, the Sultan can extend the normal term of the Lok Sabha beyond its usual tenure for one year at a time, up to a maximum of six months after the emergency has ceased. Similarly, the Sultan can extend the tenure of a state legislative assembly by one year during a national emergency, with the extension lasting for a maximum of six months after the emergency ends.

The state of emergency has also affected the fundamental rights of citizens. When a proclamation of a national emergency is made, the six fundamental rights under Article 19 of the Constitution are automatically suspended. These rights are automatically revived after the expiry of the emergency. However, the 44th Amendment Act clarified that Article 19 can only be suspended when the national emergency is declared on the grounds of war or external aggression and not in the case of armed rebellion.

In addition to the above, the Sultan can also suspend, by order, the right of citizens to move any court for the enforcement of fundamental rights during a national emergency. This suspension can last for the duration of the emergency or a shorter period and must be approved by both houses of Parliament. It is important to note that the 44th Amendment Act prohibits the suspension of the right to move the court for the enforcement of fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 20 and 21.

Brunei's constitution was changed in 2006, declaring the Sultan infallible

Under Brunei's 1959 constitution, the Sultan is the head of state and government, with full executive authority. This includes emergency powers that have been in place since the 1962 Brunei revolt, which are renewed every two years. The Sultan also serves as the country's prime minister, finance minister, and defence minister. With the 2006 amendment, the Sultan's power is further shielded from scrutiny and challenge, effectively concentrating more authority in his hands.

The Sultan's dominance is evident in the absence of national-level elections and the lack of a robust opposition. The unicameral Legislative Council, whose members are appointed by the Sultan, holds no political power independent of him. While elections are held for village-level councils, these play a consultative role, and candidates are vetted by the government. The National Development Party (NDP) is the only registered political party in Brunei, having been permitted to register in 2005 after pledging loyalty to the Sultan. However, the NDP has no formal political role and holds no power to challenge the Sultan's authority.

The Sultan's influence extends beyond politics, as he and his family control much of the country's oil and gas wealth. Additionally, the Sultan's family owns several businesses, including the Dorchester Collection, a group of luxury hotels. The Sultan's power is further bolstered by the country's legal system, which provides for a dual judicial system of secular and Sharia courts, with all senior judges appointed by him.

The changes to Brunei's constitution in 2006, declaring the Sultan infallible, have significant implications for the country's governance and the balance of power. By shielding the Sultan from scrutiny and accountability, the amendment reinforces the concentration of authority in his hands, potentially limiting opportunities for political participation and dissent.

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