Brunei's Relevance: A Country's Impact And Influence

Brunei is a small but wealthy country located in Southeast Asia. It is officially known as Brunei Darussalam, which translates to 'Abode of Peace'. With a population of just under half a million, it is one of the world's few remaining absolute monarchies, led by the Sultan, who is also the head of state and prime minister. Brunei has one of the highest standards of living globally, thanks to its bountiful oil and gas reserves. The country gained independence from British rule in 1984 and has since pursued an isolationist policy, maintaining its sovereignty and conservative Islamic values. With a unique cultural heritage, a high Human Development Index ranking, and a strategic location, the question arises: Is Brunei relevant on the world stage?

Brunei's economic diversification

Brunei's economy is heavily dependent on its hydrocarbon resource wealth, which provides more than half of the nation's income. The government has expressed concern about this oil dependence, which leaves the country vulnerable to economic shocks and market fluctuations. As a result, Brunei has outlined plans to reduce its dependency on oil and develop other industries.

Since the late 20th century, Brunei has attempted to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons by introducing policies and initiatives to develop sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and financial services. However, these efforts have not yet led to a significant shift away from oil and gas.

In early 2021, the Bruneian government released a new blueprint for achieving economic growth through diversification. The plan focuses on five priority sectors: downstream oil and gas, food, tourism, information and communications technology (ICT), and services. The government aims to enhance the growth of the non-oil and gas private sector, which averaged 2.6% since 2010, by encouraging Bruneian-owned businesses to be more ambitious and explore new market opportunities.

To create a "future-ready" workforce and attract foreign direct investment (FDI), the government is working to improve infrastructure and governance. High-value industries such as finance, high-tech manufacturing, and logistics are also being targeted to create more employment opportunities and increase in-country value.

The success of economic diversification in Brunei is crucial to enhancing the country's growth potential, strengthening its resilience to external shocks, and providing more jobs. While there is no proven strategy for countries to move away from hydrocarbon revenues, Brunei is committed to long-term investment and policy developments to create a variety of internationally competitive industries.

Brunei's foreign relations

Brunei prioritises its membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which it joined in 1984, just a week after gaining independence. It also became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and the East Asia Summit in the same year. Brunei hosted the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2000 and the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2002.

Brunei has close ties with Singapore, which operates its own military training area in the Bruneian jungle. This relationship is partly due to the Sultan's father's close friendship with Lee Kuan Yew. Brunei and Singapore also share an interchangeable currency regime, with the currencies of both countries maintained at par.

Brunei has extensive relations with the Muslim world and the Arab world, and the Sultan himself has close personal ties with leaders of many Arab Gulf countries. The country is also a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and is a moderating voice within the organisation, reflecting the Sultan's views on Islam and its role in politics.

Brunei's other diplomatic relationships include those with the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia. The country has a history of relations with the Philippines dating back to the 10th to 13th centuries, and the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in 2009 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture and trade.

Brunei's political system

The country has been ruled by the same family for over six centuries, with the current Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, in power since 1967. The Sultan also serves as the state's prime minister, finance minister, and defence minister. Brunei's political system is governed by the constitution and the national tradition of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), which combines Islamic law, Malay culture, and monarchical rule.

While Brunei gained independence from British rule in 1984, the Sultan has maintained his position as the country's absolute ruler. The country has not held national elections, and the Sultan has retained his power by providing extensive social services to the population, including free education and healthcare. The lack of national elections limits legitimate political involvement and keeps opposition forces from gaining prominence.

Brunei's legislative council, which has no legislative power, consists of 33 members who are appointed by the Sultan. The council's role is consultative, and it advises the Sultan on matters of national administration and policy approval. The country's legal system is based on English common law, although Islamic law (Sharia) takes precedence in some cases.

Brunei's culture and society

Brunei's culture is also influenced by its history as the seat of the Malay Empire and its experience of European invasion. The country has a rich blend of cultures, customs, and beliefs, with significant Chinese, Indian, and indigenous groups contributing to its cultural makeup. While Islam is the official religion, the country also allows the practice of other faiths and beliefs, with Christians and Buddhists making up the largest proportion of non-Muslims.

Brunei's society is governed by Islamic principles and etiquette, with gender relations and daily life influenced by religious teachings. For example, alcohol is banned in the country, and Muslims must pray five times a day. The Sultan of Brunei, who comes from a family line dating back to 1405, is considered the defender of Islam and plays a crucial role in promoting the religion.

Brunei's unique cultural identity is further shaped by its arts, architecture, and cuisine. The nation's Arts and Handicraft Centre showcases traditional crafts such as boat-making, silversmithing, and weaving. The introduction of Islam has also added distinct artistic forms, with mosques and other Islamic sites featuring intricate mosaics and gilded Holy Korans. Bruneian cuisine offers a fusion of flavours influenced by various nations, including Arab, Indian, Chinese, European, and indigenous cuisines.

Brunei's history

The history of Brunei is a tale of a once-powerful sultanate that has endured wars, piracy, and colonial expansion, eventually emerging as an independent nation in the 20th century. Here is a brief overview of Brunei's history, focusing on key events and periods.

Early History and the Bruneian Empire

European Colonialism and Decline

In the 16th century, Brunei began to face competition from European colonial powers, particularly the Spanish in Luzon and Visayas, and the British in Labuan, Sarawak, and North Borneo. The decline of the Bruneian Empire accelerated in the 19th century, with the sultan ceding territories to the White Rajahs of Sarawak, resulting in Brunei's current small landmass and separation into two parts.

British Protectorate and Independence

In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate, with the British signing a "Treaty of Protection" to secure their influence in the region. This marked a significant loss of sovereignty for Brunei, as it handed over control of its foreign affairs to the British. During this period, oil was discovered in Brunei, which became a significant economic resource. Brunei remained a British protectorate until 1984 when it regained its independence.

Post-Independence Brunei

Since independence, Brunei has been led by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has ruled since 1967. The country's wealth is largely derived from its extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, with economic growth transforming Brunei into an industrialised nation. In recent years, Brunei has faced international criticism for its implementation of a strict Islamic Sharia Penal Code, which includes harsh punishments for various offences.

Frequently asked questions