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| Brunei King Suiltan Hassanal Bolkiah |
Unfinished journey (81)
(Part eighty-one, 14 September 2014, 19:56 pm)
State of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam has recently
launched a new warship operation:
HIS Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee
Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and
General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces commissioned the Royal Brunei Navy’s
warship, the KDB Daruttaqwa in a ceremony this morning.
Brunei
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Negara Brunei Darussalam (Malay latin)
نڬارا بروني دارالسلام (Jawi)
Flag Crest
Motto:
الدائمون المحسنون بالهدى
Sentiasa membuat kebajikan dengan petunjuk Allah
"Always in service with God's guidance"
Anthem:
Allah Peliharakan Sultan
God Bless the Sultan
MENU0:00
Location of
Brunei (red)
Location of
Brunei (red)
Capital
and largest city Bandar
Seri Begawan
4°53.417′N 114°56.533′E
Official languages Malay[a]
Recognised English[b]
Other languages[1][2]
Brunei Malay Tutong Kedayan Belait Murut Dusun Bisaya
Ethnic groups (2004[3])
66.3% Malays
11.2% Chinese
3.4% Indigenous
19.1% other
Demonym Bruneian
Government Unitary
Islamic absolute
monarchy
- Sultan Hassanal
Bolkiah
- Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah
Legislature Legislative
Council
Formation
- Sultanate 1368
- British protectorate 1888
- Independence from
the United Kingdom 1
January 1984
Area
- Total 5,765
km2 (172nd)
2,226 sq mi
- Water (%) 8.6
Population
- Jul 2013[4] estimate 415,717[4] (175th)
- Density 67.3/km2
(134th)
174.4/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2012
estimate
- Total $21.907
billion[5]
- Per capita $50,440[5]
GDP (nominal) 2012
estimate
- Total $17.092
billion[5]
- Per capita $39,355[5]
HDI (2013) Steady
0.852[6]
very high · 30th
Currency Brunei
dollar (BND)
Time zone BDT
(UTC+8)
Drives on the left
Calling code +673[c]
ISO 3166 code BN
Internet TLD .bn[7]
a. ^ Under
Article 82: "Official language" of the Constitution of Brunei, Malay
is the official language.
b. ^ Under
Article 82: "Official language" of the Constitution of Brunei,
English is used in official documents (official documents are bilingual; Malay
and English).[8]
c. ^ Also 080
from East Malaysia.
You may
need rendering support to display the Arabic text in this article correctly.
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| Hassanal Bolkiah and his Wife |
Brunei Listeni/bruːˈnaɪ/, broo-ny or /bruːˈneɪ/ broo-nay;
officially the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace[9] (Malay: Negara Brunei
Darussalam, Jawi: نڬارا بروني دارالسلام), is a sovereign state located on the
north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline
with the South China Sea, it is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak,
Malaysia; and it is separated into two parts by the Sarawak district of
Limbang. It is the only sovereign state completely on the island of Borneo; the
remainder of the island's territory is divided between the nations of Malaysia
and Indonesia. Brunei's population was 408,786 in July 2012.[10]
At the peak of Bruneian Empire, Sultan Bolkiah (reigned
1485–1528) is alleged to have had control over most regions of Borneo,
including modern-day Sarawak and Sabah, as well as the Sulu archipelago off the
northeast tip of Borneo, Seludong (modern-day Manila), and the islands off the
northwest tip of Borneo. The maritime state was visited by Spain's Magellan
Expedition in 1521 and fought against Spain in 1578's Castille War.
During the 19th century the Bruneian Empire began to
decline. The Sultanate ceded Sarawak (Kuching) to James Brooke and being force
to install him as the White Rajah, and it ceded Sabah to the British North
Borneo Chartered Company. In 1888 Brunei became a British protectorate and was
assigned a British Resident as colonial manager in 1906. After the Japanese
occupation during World War II, in 1959 a new constitution was written. In 1962
a small armed rebellion against the monarchy was ended with the help of the
British.[11]
Brunei regained its independence from the United Kingdom
on 1 January 1984. Economic growth during the 1990s and 2000s, averaging 56%
from 1999 to 2008, has transformed Brunei into a newly industrialised country.
It has developed wealth from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields. Brunei
has the second-highest Human Development Index among the South East Asia
nations after Singapore, and is classified as a developed country.[12]
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Brunei is ranked fifth in
the world by gross domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity. The
IMF estimated in 2011 that Brunei was one of two countries (the other being
Libya) with a public debt at 0% of the national GDP. Forbes also ranks Brunei
as the fifth-richest nation out of 182, based on its petroleum and natural gas fields.[13]
Etymology
According to legend, Brunei was founded by Awang Alak
Betatar. He moved from Garang, a place in the Temburong District[14] to the
Brunei river estuary, discovering Brunei. According to legend, upon landing he
exclaimed, Baru nah! (loosely translated as "that's it!" or
"there"), from which the name "Brunei" was derived.[15]
It was renamed Barunai in the 14th century, possibly
influenced by the Sanskrit word "varuṇ" (वरुण),
meaning either "ocean" or the mythological "regent of the ocean".
The word "Borneo" is of the same origin. In the country's full name,
Negara Brunei Darussalam, darussalam (Arabic: دار السلام) means "abode of
peace", while negara means "country" in Malay.
History
Main article: History of Brunei
Early history
The tomb of a ruler of Po-ni in Nanjing
In 977 AD, Chinese records began to use the term Po-ni to
refer to Borneo. In 1225 a Chinese official, Chua Ju-Kua, reported that Borneo
had 100 warships to protect its trade, and that there was a lot of wealth in
the kingdom.[16]
In the fourteenth century, Po-ni became a vassal state of
Majapahit, and had to pay an annual payment of 40 katis of camphor. In 1369 the
Sulus attacked Po-ni, looting it of treasure and gold. A fleet from Majapahit
succeeded in driving away the Sulus, but Po-ni was left weaker after the
attack.[17] A Chinese report of 1371 described Po-ni as poor and totally
controlled by Majapahit.[18]
It has been alleged, without any evidence to support this
view though, that the power of the Sultanate of Brunei was at its peak between
the 15th and 17th centuries, with its power extending from northern Borneo to
the southern Philippines.[19] By the 16th century, Islam was firmly rooted in
Brunei, and the country had built one of its biggest mosques. In 1578, Alonso
Beltrán, a Spanish traveler, described it as being five stories tall and built
on the water.[20]
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| Brunei Indegeneus |
War with Spain and decline
European influence gradually brought an end to the
regional power, as Brunei entered a period of decline compounded by internal
strife over royal succession. Since the Spanish regarded Brunei as a pirate
haven [19] Spain declared war in 1578, planning to attack and capture Brunei's
capital at the time, Kota Batu. This was based in part on the assistance of two
Bruneians noblemen, Pengiran Seri Lela and Pengiran Seri Ratna. The former had
travelled to Manila, then the centre of the Spanish colony, to offer Brunei as
a tributary to Spain for help to recover the throne usurped by his brother,
Saiful Rijal.[21] The Spanish agreed that if they succeeded in conquering
Brunei, Pengiran Seri Lela would be appointed as the Sultan, while Pengiran
Seri Ratna would be the new Bendahara.
In March 1578, the Spanish fleet, led by De Sande, acting
as Capitán-General, started from Manila for Brunei. The expedition consisted of
400 Spaniards, 1,500 Filipino natives and 300 Borneans.[22] The campaign was
one of many, which also included action in Mindanao and Sulu.[23][24]
The Spanish invaded the capital on 16 April 1578, with
the help of Pengiran Seri Lela and Pengiran Seri Ratna. The Sultan Saiful Rijal
and Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Abdul Kahar were forced to flee to Meragang then
to Jerudong. In Jerudong, they made plans to chase the conquering army away
from Brunei. Suffering high fatalities due to a cholera or dysentery
outbreak.[25][26] the Spanish decided to abandon Brunei and returned to Manila
on 26 June 1578, after 72 days. Before doing so, they burned the mosque, a high
structure with a five-tier roof.[27]
Pengiran Seri Lela died in August–September 1578,
probably from the same illness suffered by his Spanish allies. There was
suspicion he could have been poisoned by the ruling Sultan. Seri Lela's
daughter had left with the Spanish. She married a Christian Tagalog, named
Agustín de Legazpi de Tondo.[28]
The local Brunei accounts[29] differ greatly from the
generally accepted view of events. What was called the Castilian War was seen
as a heroic episode, with the Spaniards being driven out by Bendahara Sakam,
purportedly a brother of the ruling Sultan, and a thousand native warriors.
Most historians consider this to be a folk-hero account, which probably
developed decades or centuries after.[30] The country suffered a civil war from
1660 to 1673.
British intervention
Boundaries of Brunei (green) since 1890
The British have intervened in the affairs of Brunei on
several occasions. Britain attacked Brunei in July 1846 due to internal
conflicts over who was the rightful Sultan.[31]
In the 1880s, the decline of the Bruneian Empire
continued. The Sultan granted land (now Sarawak) to James Brooke, who had
helped him quell a rebellion and allowed him to establish the Kingdom of
Sarawak. Over time, Brooke and his nephews (who succeeded him) leased or
annexed more land. Brunei lost much of its territory to him and his dynasty,
known as the White Rajahs.
Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin appealed to the
British to stop further encroachment by the Brookes.[32] The "Treaty of
Protection" was negotiated by Sir Hugh Low and signed into effect on 17
September 1888. The treaty said that the Sultan "could not cede or lease
any territory to foreign powers without British consent"; it provided
Britain's effective control over Brunei's external affairs, making it a British
protectorate (which continued until 1984).[19] But, when the Kingdom of Sarawak
annexed Brunei's Pandaruan district in 1890, the British did not take any
action to stop it. They did not regard either Brunei or the Kingdom of Sarawak
as 'foreign' (per the Treaty of Protection). This final annexation by Sarawak
left Brunei with its current small land mass and separation into two parts.[33]
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| Brunei Territory |
British Residents were introduced in Brunei under the
Supplementary Protectorate Agreement in 1906.[34] The Residents were to advise
the Sultan on all matters of administration. Over time, the Resident assumed
more executive control than the Sultan. The Residential system ended in
1959.[35]
Discovery of oil
Petroleum was discovered in 1929 after several fruitless
attempts.[36] Two men, F.F. Marriot and T.G. Cochrane, smelled oil near the
Seria river in late 1926.[37] They informed a geophysicist, who conducted a
survey there. In 1927, gas seepages were reported in the area. Seria Well
Number One (S-1) was drilled on 12 July 1928. Oil was struck at 297 metres (974
ft) on 5 April 1929. Seria Well Number 2 was drilled on 19 August 1929, and, as
of 2009, continues to produce oil.[38] Oil production was increased
considerably in the 1930s with the development of more oil fields. In 1940, oil
production was at more than six million barrels.[38] The British Malayan
Petroleum Company (now Brunei Shell Petroleum Company) was formed on 22 July
1922.[39] The first offshore well was drilled in 1957.[40] Oil and natural gas
have been the basis of Brunei's development and wealth since the late 20th
century.
Japanese occupation
Main article: Japanese occupation of British Borneo
Japanese battleships at Brunei in October 1944
The Japanese invaded Brunei on 16 December 1941, eight
days after their attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States Navy. They landed
10,000 troops of the Kawaguchi Detachment from Cam Ranh Bay at Kuala Belait.
After six days fighting, they occupied the entire country. The only Allied
troops in the area were the 2nd Battalion of the 15th Punjab Regiment based at
Kuching, Sarawak.[41]
Once the Japanese occupied Brunei, they made an agreement
with Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin over governing the country. Inche Ibrahim (known
later as Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Awang Haji Ibrahim), a
former Secretary to the British Resident, Ernest Edgar Pengilly, was appointed
Chief Administrative Officer under the Japanese Governor. The Japanese had
proposed that Pengilly retain his position under their administration, but he
declined. Both he and other British nationals still in Brunei were interned by
the Japanese at Batu Lintang camp in Sarawak. While the British officials were
under Japanese guard, Ibrahim made a point of personally shaking each one by
the hand and wishing him well.[42]
The Sultan retained his throne and was given a pension
and honours by the Japanese. During the later part of the occupation, he
resided at Tantuya, Limbang and had little to do with the Japanese. Most of the
Malay government officers were retained by the Japanese. Brunei's
administration was reorganised into five prefectures, which included British
North Borneo. The Prefectures included Baram, Labuan, Lawas, and Limbang.
Ibrahim hid numerous significant government documents from the Japanese during
the occupation. Pengiran Yusuf (later YAM Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Haji
Mohd Yusuf), along with other Bruneians, was sent to Japan for training.
Although in the area the day of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Yusuf
survived.
The British had anticipated a Japanese attack, but lacked
the resources to defend the area because of their engagement in the war in
Europe. The troops from the Punjab Regiment filled in the Seria oilfield
oilwells with concrete in September 1941 to deny the Japanese their use. The
remaining equipment and installations were destroyed when the Japanese invaded
Malaya. By the end of the war, 16 wells at Miri and Seria had been restarted,
with production reaching about half the pre-war level. Coal production at Muara
was also recommenced, but with little success.
Major-General Wootten of the Australian 9th Division with
Lieutenant-General Masao Baba of the Japanese 37th Division at the surrender
ceremony at Labuan on 10 September 1945
During the occupation, the Japanese had their language
taught in schools, and Government officers were required to learn Japanese. The
local currency was replaced by what was to become known as duit pisang(banana
money). From 1943 hyper-inflation destroyed the currency's value and, at the
end of the war, this currency was worthless. Allied attacks on shipping
eventually caused trade to cease. Food and medicine fell into short supply, and
the population suffered famine and disease.
The airport runway was constructed by the Japanese during
the occupation, and in 1943 Japanese naval units were based in Brunei Bay and
Labuan. The naval base was destroyed by Allied bombing, but the airport runway
survived. The facility was developed as a public airport. In 1944 the Allies
began a bombing campaign against the occupying Japanese, which destroyed much
of the town and Kuala Belait, but missed Kampong Ayer.[43]
On 10 June 1945 the Australian 9th Division landed at
Muara under Operation Oboe Six to recapture Borneo from the Japanese. They were
supported by American air and naval units. Brunei town was bombed extensively
and recaptured after three days of heavy fighting. Many buildings were
destroyed, including the Mosque. The Japanese forces in Brunei, Borneo, and
Sarawak, under Lieutenant-General Masao Baba, formally surrendered at Labuan on
10 September 1945. The British Military Administration took over from the
Japanese and remained until July 1946.
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| Brunei Warship |
Post-World War II
After World War II, a new government was formed in Brunei
under the British Military Administration (BMA). It consisted mainly of
Australian officers and servicemen.[44] The administration of Brunei was passed
to the Civil Administration on 6 July 1945. The Brunei State Council was also
revived that year.[45] The BMA was tasked to revive the Bruneian economy, which
was extensively damaged by the Japanese during their occupation. They also had
to put out the fires on the wells of Seria, which had been set by the Japanese
prior to their defeat.[45]
Before 1941, the Governor of the Straits Settlements,
based in Singapore, was responsible for the duties of British High Commissioner
for Brunei, Sarawak, and North Borneo (now Sabah).[46] The first British High
Commissioner for Brunei was the Governor of Sarawak, Sir Charles Ardon Clarke.
The Barisan Pemuda ("Youth Movement") (abbreviated as BARIP) was the
first political party to be formed in Brunei, on 12 April 1946. The party
intended to "preserve the sovereignty of the Sultan and the country, and
to defend the rights of the Malays".[47] BARIP also contributed to the
composition of the country’s National Anthem. The party was dissolved in 1948
due to inactivity.
In 1959, a new constitution was written declaring Brunei
a self-governing state, while its foreign affairs, security, and defense
remained the responsibility of the United Kingdom.[10] A small rebellion
erupted against the monarchy in 1962, which was suppressed with help of the UK.
Known as the Brunei Revolt, it contributed to the failure to create the North
Borneo Federation. The rebellion partially affected Brunei's decision to opt
out of the Malaysian Federation.[10]
Brunei gained its independence from the United Kingdom on
1 January 1984.[10] The official National Day, which celebrates the country's
independence, is held by tradition on 23 February.
Writing of the Constitution
In July 1953, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III formed a
seven-member committee named Tujuh Serangkai, to find out the citizens’ views
regarding a written constitution for Brunei. In May 1954, the Sultan, Resident
and High Commissioner met to discuss the findings of the committee. They agreed
to authorise the drafting of a constitution. In March 1959 Sultan Omar Ali
Saifuddien III led a delegation to London to discuss the proposed
Constitution.[48] The British delegation was led by Sir Alan Lennox-Boyd,
Secretary of State for the Colonies. The British Government later accepted the
draft constitution.
On 29 September 1959, the Constitution Agreement was
signed in Bandar Seri Begawan. The agreement was signed by Sultan Omar Ali
Saifuddien III and Sir Robert Scott, the Commissioner-General for Southeast
Asia. It included the following provisions:[34]
The Sultan was made the Supreme Head of State.
Brunei was responsible for its internal administration.
The British Government was responsible for foreign and
defence affairs only.
The post of Resident was abolished and replaced by a
British High Commissioner.
Five councils were set up:[49]
The Executive Council
The Legislative Council of Brunei
The Privy Council
The Council of Succession
The State Religious Council
National development plans
A series of National Development Plans was initiated by
the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
The first was introduced in 1953.[50] A total sum of
B$100 million was approved by the Brunei State Council for the plan. E.R.
Bevington, from the Colonial Office in Fiji, was appointed to implement it.[51]
A $US14 million Gas Plant was built under the plan. In 1954, survey and
exploration work were undertaken by the Brunei Shell Petroleum on both offshore
and onshore fields. By 1956, production reached 114,700 bpd.
The plan also aided the development of public education.
By 1958, expenditure on education totaled at $4 million.[51] Communications
were improved, as new roads were built and reconstruction at Berakas Airport
was completed in 1954.[52]
The second National Development Plan was launched in
1962.[52] A major oil and gas field was discovered in 1963, with this
discovery, Liquefied Natural Gas became important. Developments in the oil and
gas sector have continued, and oil production has steadily increased since
then.[53] The plan also promoted the production of meat and eggs for
consumption by citizens. The fishing industry increased its output by 25%
throughout the course of the plan. The deepwater port at Muara was also
constructed during this period. Power requirements were met, and studies were
made to provide electricity to rural areas.[53] Efforts were made to eradicate
malaria, an endemic disease in the region, with the help of the World Health
Organisation. Malaria cases were reduced from 300 cases in 1953 to only 66
cases in 1959.[54] The death rate was reduced from 20 per thousand in 1947 to
11.3 per thousand in 1953.[54] Infectious disease has been prevented by public
sanitation and improvement of drainage, and the provision of piped pure water
to the population.[54]
Independence
On 14 November 1971, His Royal Highness Sultan Hassanal
Bolkiah, which then used the title due to it being a protectorate of the UK,
left for London to discuss matters regarding the amendments to the 1959
Constitution. A new agreement was signed on 23 November 1971 with the British
representative being Anthony Henry Fanshawe Royle.[55]
Under this agreement, the following terms were agreed
upon:
Brunei was granted full internal self-government
The UK would still be responsible for external affairs
and defence.
Brunei and the UK agreed to share the responsibility for
security and defence.
This agreement also caused Gurkha units to be deployed in
Brunei, where they remain up to this day.
On 7 January 1979, another treaty was signed between
Brunei and the UK. It was signed with Lord Goronwy-Roberts being the
representative of the UK. This agreement granted Brunei to take over
international responsibilities as an independent nation. Britain agreed to
assist Brunei in diplomatical matters.[56]
In May 1983, it was announced by the UK that the date of
independence of Brunei would be 1 January 1984.
In 31 December 1983, a mass gathering was held on main
mosques on all four of the districts of the country.
At midnight, on 1 January 1984, the Proclamation of
Independence was read by His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah, which is now addressed
in this manner.[57]
Politics and government
Main article: Politics of Brunei
Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei
The political system in the country is governed by the
constitution and the national tradition of the Malay Islamic Monarchy, the
concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). The three components of MIB cover Malay
culture, Islamic religion, and the political framework under the monarchy.[58]
It has a legal system based on English common law, although Islamic shariah law
supersedes this in some cases.[19]
Under Brunei's 1959 constitution, His Majesty Paduka Seri
Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah is the head of state
with full executive authority. Since 1962, this authority has included
emergency powers, which are renewed every two years. The country has been under
hypothetical martial law since the Brunei Revolt of 1962.[10] Hassanal Bolkiah
also serves as the state's Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Defence
Minister.[59] The Royal family retains a venerated status within the
country.[10] The country has a parliament.
Foreign relations
Main article: Foreign relations of Brunei
Until 1979, Brunei's foreign relations were managed by
the UK government. After that, they were handled by the Brunei Diplomatic
Service. After independence in 1984, this Service was upgraded to ministerial
level and is now known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[60]
Officially, Brunei's foreign policy is as follows:[61]
Mutual respect of others' territorial sovereignty,
integrity and independence;
The maintenance of friendly relations among nations;
Non-interference in the internal affairs of other
countries; and
The maintenance and the promotion of peace, security and
stability in the region.
Embassy of Brunei in Moscow, Russia
With its traditional ties with the United Kingdom, Brunei
became the 49th member of the Commonwealth immediately on the day of its
independence on 1 January 1984.[62] As one of its first initiatives toward
improved regional relations, Brunei joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984, becoming
the sixth member. To achieve recognition of its sovereignty and independence,
it joined the United Nations as a full member on 21 September on that same
year.[63]
As an Islamic country, Brunei became a full member of the
Organisation of the Islamic Conference (now the Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation) in January 1984 at the Fourth Islamic Summit held in Morocco.[64]
After its accession to the Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation forum (APEC) in 1989, Brunei hosted the APEC Economic Leaders'
Meeting in November 2000 and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in July 2002.[65]
Brunei became a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1
January 1995,[66] and is a major player in BIMP-EAGA, which was formed during
the Inaugural Ministers' Meeting in Davao, Philippines on 24 March 1994.[67]
Brunei shares a close relationship with the Philippines
and Singapore. In April 2009, Brunei and the Philippines signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) that seeks to strengthen the bilateral cooperation of the
two countries in the fields of agriculture and farm-related trade and
investments.[68]
Brunei is one of many nations to lay claim to some of the
disputed Spratly Islands.[69] The status of Limbang as part of Sarawak has been
disputed by Brunei since the area was first annexed in 1890.[69] The issue was
reportedly settled in 2009, with Brunei agreeing to accept the border in
exchange for Malaysia giving up claims to oil fields in Bruneian waters.[70]
The Brunei government denies this and says that their claim on Limbang was
never dropped.[71][72]
Brunei was the chair for ASEAN in 2013.[73] It also
hosted the ASEAN summit on that same year.[74]
Subdivisions
Main articles: Districts of Brunei and Mukims of Brunei
Brunei is divided into four districts (daerahs)[75] and
38 subdistricts (mukims).[10]
The daerah of Temburong is physically separated from the
rest of Brunei by the Malaysian state of Sarawak.
No. District Capital Population
(2011 census) Area (km2)
1. Belait Kuala Belait 60,744 2,724
2. Brunei-Muara Bandar
Seri Begawan 279,924 571
3. Temburong Pekan Bangar 8,852 1,304
4. Tutong Pekan Tutong 43,852 1,166
Temburong
The daerah of Brunei-Maura includes Brunei's capital
city, Bandar Seri Begawan, whose suburbs dominate fifteen of the eighteen
mukims in this daerah.
Over 90% of Brunei's total population lives in 15 of the
38 mukims:
Rank Mukim Population Large Towns Daerah
1 Sengkurong 62,400 Jerudong
and Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
2 Gadong B 59,610 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
3 Berakas A 57,500 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
4 Kuala Belait 35,500 Belait
town Belait
5 Seria 32,900 Seria
Town Belait
6 Berakas B 23,400 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
7 Sungai Liang 18,100 small
kampongs (villages) Belait
8 Pengkalan
Batu approx. 15,000 small kampongs Brunei-Muara
9 Kilanas approx. 14,000 Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
10 Kota Batu 12,600 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
11 Pekan Tutong 12,100 Tutong
Town Tutong
12 Mentiri 10,872 small
kampongs Brunei-Muara
13 Serasa approx. 10,000 Muara Town Brunei-Muara
14 Kianggeh 8,540 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
15 Burong
Pinggai Ayer approx. 8,200 Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
Geography
Main article: Geography of Brunei
The panorama of Bandar Seri Begawan, showing Kampong Ayer
in the Brunei River during the 2013 Brunei Regatta
Brunei is a southeast Asian country consisting of two
unconnected parts with a total area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 sq mi) on
the island of Borneo. It has 161 kilometres (100 mi) of coastline next to the
South China sea, and it shares a 381 km (237 mi) border with Malaysia. It has
500 square kilometres (193 sq mi) of territorial waters, and a
200-nautical-mile (370 km; 230 mi) exclusive economic zone.[19]
About 97% of the population lives in the larger western
part (Belait, Tutong, and Brunei-Muara), while only about 10,000 people live in
the mountainous eastern part (Temburong District). The total population of
Brunei is approximately 408,000 as of July 2010, of which around 150,000 live
in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.[76] Other major towns are the port town of
Muara, the oil-producing town of Seria and its neighbouring town, Kuala Belait.
In Belait District, the Panaga area is home to large numbers of Europeans
expatriates, due to Royal Dutch Shell and British Army housing, and several
recreational facilities are located there.[77]
Most of Brunei is within the Borneo lowland rain forests
ecoregion, which covers most of the island. Areas of mountain rain forests
inland.[78]
The climate of Brunei is tropical equatorial.[19] The
average annual temperature is 26.1 °C (79.0 °F), with the April–May average of
24.7 °C (76.5 °F) and the October–December average of 23.8 °C (74.8 °F).[79]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean maximum (°C) 25.8 24.8 27.2 27.1 27.5 27.1 28.4 28.3 28.0 26.5 24.4 24.0
28.3
Mean minimum (°C) 22.1 22.0 22.5 23.9 23.9 24.7 24.1 24.3 25.3 23.1 22.2 23.6
26.2
Average rainfall (mm) 277.7 138.3 113.0 200.3 239.0 214.2 228.8 215.8 257.7 319.9 329.4 343.5
2873.9
Economy
Main article: Economy of Brunei
This small, wealthy economy is a mixture of foreign and
domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village
tradition.[80] Crude oil and natural gas production account for about 90% of
its GDP.[10] About 167,000 barrels (26,600 m3) of oil are produced every day,
making Brunei the fourth-largest producer of oil in Southeast Asia.[10] It also
produces approximately 25.3 million cubic metres (890×106 cu ft) of liquified
natural gas per day, making Brunei the ninth-largest exporter of the substance
in the world.[10]
Substantial income from overseas investment supplements
income from domestic production. Most of these investments are made by the
Brunei Investment Agency, an arm of the Ministry of Finance.[10] The government
provides for all medical services,[81] and subsidises rice[82] and housing.[10]
The national air carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines, is
trying to develop Brunei as a modest hub for international travel between
Europe and Australia/New Zealand. Central to this strategy is the position that
the airline maintains at London Heathrow Airport. It holds a daily slot at the
highly capacity-controlled airport, which it serves from Bandar Seri Begawan
via Dubai. The airline also has services to major Asian destinations including Shanghai,
Bangkok, Singapore and Manila.
Brunei depends heavily on imports such as agricultural
products (e.g. rice, food products, livestock, etc.),[83] motorcars and
electrical products from other countries.[84] Brunei imports 60% of its food
requirements, of that amount, around 75% come from the ASEAN countries.[83]
Brunei's leaders are very concerned that steadily
increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social
cohesion. But, it has become a more prominent player by serving as chairman for
the 2000 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Leaders plan to
upgrade the labour force, reduce unemployment, which currently stands at
6%;[85] strengthen the banking and tourism sectors, and, in general, broaden
the economic base.[86]
It is promoting food self-sufficiency. Brunei renamed its
Brunei Darussalam Rice 1 as Laila Rice during the launch of the "Padi
Planting Towards Achieving Self-Sufficiency of Rice Production in Brunei
Darussalam" ceremony at the Wasan padi fields in April 2009.[87] In August
2009, the Royal Family reaped the first few Laila padi stalks, after years of
attempts to boost local rice production, a goal first articulated about half a
century ago.[88] In July 2009 Brunei launched its national halal branding
scheme, Brunei Halal, with a goal to export to foreign markets.[89]
Laws and human rights
Brunei has numerous courts in its judicial branch. The
highest court is the Supreme Court, which consists of the Court of Appeal and
High Court. Both of these have a chief justice and two judges.[19]
Women
The government has made efforts to protect women's
rights.[90] The law prohibits sexual harassment and stipulates that whoever
assaults or uses criminal force, intending thereby to outrage or knowing it is
likely to outrage the modesty of a person, shall be punished with imprisonment
for as much as five years and caning. The law stipulates imprisonment of up to
30 years, and caning with not fewer than 12 strokes for rape. The law does not
criminalise spousal rape; it explicitly states that sexual intercourse by a man
with his wife, as long as she is not under 13 years of age, is not rape.
Protections against sexual assault by a spouse are provided under the amended
Islamic Family Law Order 2010 and Married Women Act Order 2010. The penalty for
breaching a protection order is a fine not exceeding BN$2,000 ($1,538) or
imprisonment not exceeding six months. During the year[when?] 23 rape cases
were reported; at year's end police were investigating 11 and had forwarded 10
to the Attorney General Chambers.
There is no specific domestic violence law, but arrests
have been made in domestic violence cases under the Women and Girls Protection
Act. The police investigate domestic violence only in response to a report by a
victim. The police were generally responsive in the investigation of such
cases. During the year a total of 62 cases of spousal dispute abuse reported;
at year's end, 55 cases were under investigation, and eight had been forwarded
to the Attorney General Chambers. The criminal penalty for a minor domestic
assault is one to two weeks in jail and a fine. An assault resulting in serious
injury is punishable by caning and a longer prison sentence.
A special unit staffed by female officers has been
established within the police department to investigate domestic abuse and
child abuse complaints. A hotline was available for persons to report domestic
violence. The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport's Department of Community
Development provides counseling for women and their spouses. Based on
individual circumstances, some female and minor victims were placed in
protective custody while waiting for their cases to be brought to court.
Islamic courts staffed by male and female officials offered counseling to
married couples in domestic violence cases. Officials did not encourage wives
to reconcile with flagrantly abusive spouses. Islamic courts recognise assault
as grounds for divorce.
Couples and individuals have the right to decide the
number, spacing, and timing of their children, and have access to contraceptive
devices and methods through the government and private clinics. According to
information gathered by the UN, in 2008 the maternal mortality rate was an
estimated 21 deaths per 100,000 live births. Citizens enjoy free medical and
health care, including skilled attendance during childbirth, prenatal care, and
essential obstetric and postpartum care. Women had equal access to diagnostic
and treatment facilities for sexually transmitted diseases. Women had equal
access to HIV treatment and counseling, as well as follow-up treatment.
In accordance with the government's interpretation of
Qur'anic precepts, Muslim women have rights similar to those of Muslim men in
areas such as divorce and child custody. Islamic law requires that males
receive twice the inheritance of women. Civil law permits female citizens to
pass their nationality on to their children and to own property and other
assets, including business properties. Women with permanent positions in the government
can now apply for travel allowances for their children. They cannot do so for
husbands working in the private sector. With this exception, they receive the
same allowance privileges as their college-educated male counterparts.
According to government statistics, women made up 57 percent of the civil
service force and held 28 percent of senior management posts. Women are not
discriminated against in access to employment and business.
Children
Citizenship is derived through one's parents rather than
through birth within the country's territory. Parents with stateless status are
required to apply for a special pass for a child born in the country; failure
to register a child may make it difficult to enroll the child in school. By law
sexual intercourse with a female under 14 years of age constitutes rape and is
punishable by imprisonment for not less than eight years and not more than
thirty years and not less than twelve strokes of the cane. The intent of the
law is to protect girls from exploitation through prostitution and "other
immoral purposes" including pornography.[90]
Homosexuality
Male and female homosexuality is illegal in Brunei. The
country passed a law that came into force on 22 April 2014 allowing the death
penalty to be administered by stoning for homosexual acts (sexual intercourse
and etc. ) given there is enough evidence (with 4 most trusted witnesses that
never lied when spoken, never repeating the acts of sins and the one who not
taking sides[needs copy edit]) pointing to the action. It has been acknowledged
as a crime in Brunei with the introduction of the Sharia law.[91]
Adultery
The law also stipulates that adultery is to be punished
with death by stoning given there is enough evidences (with 4 most trusted
witnesses that never lied when spoken, never repeating the acts of sins and the
one who not taking sides) pointing to the action. Without 4 qualified
witnesses, there will be no stoning.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Brunei
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque at night
The population of Brunei in July 2013 was 415,717 of
which 76% live in urban areas. The rate of urbanization is estimated at 2.13%
per year from 2010 - 2015. The average life expectancy is 77.7 years.[92] In
2004, 66.3% of the population were Malay, 11.2% are Chinese, 3.4% are
indigenous, with smaller groups making up the rest.[19]
The official language of Brunei is Malay. The Ministry of
Culture, Youth and Sports supports for a lingual movement aimed at the
increased use of the language in Brunei[why?].[93] The principal spoken
language is Melayu Brunei (Brunei Malay). Brunei Malay is rather divergent from
standard Malay and the rest of the Malay dialects, being about 84% cognate with
standard Malay,[94] and is mostly mutually unintelligible with it.[95] English
and Chinese are also widely spoken, English is also used in business, as a
working language, and as the language of instruction from primary to tertiary
education,[96][97][98][99] and there is a relatively large expatriate
community.[100] Other languages spoken include Kedayan, Tutong, Murut and
Dusun.[94]
Islam is the official religion of Brunei,[19] and
two-thirds of the population adheres to Islam. Other faiths practised are
Buddhism (13%, mainly by the Chinese) and Christianity (10%).[19] Freethinkers,
mostly Chinese, form about 7% of the population. Although most of them practise
some form of religion with elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, they
prefer to present themselves as having practised no religion officially, hence
labelled as atheists in official censuses. Followers of indigenous religions
are about 2% of the population.[101] More recently though, the Sultan has
announced strict penalties for those involved in homosexual relationships and
those who leave Islam.[102]
Culture
Main article: Culture of Brunei
Royal Regalia Museum
The culture of Brunei is predominantly Malay (reflecting
its ethnicity), with heavy influences from Islam, but is seen as much more
conservative than Indonesia and Malaysia.[103] Influences to Bruneian culture
come from the Malay cultures of the Malay Archipelago. Four periods of cultural
influence have occurred, animist, Hindu, Islamic, and Western. Islam had a very
strong influence, and was adopted as Brunei's ideology and philosophy. Brunei's
official main language is the Malay language but the English language is also
widely spoken as it is considered a s a compulsory subject in majority of the
schools.[104]
As a Sharia country, the sale and public consumption of
alcohol is banned.[105] Non-Muslims are allowed to bring in a limited amount of
alcohol from their point of embarkation overseas for their own private
consumption.[58]
Media
Media in Brunei are said to be pro-government. The
country has been given "Not Free" status by Freedom House; press
criticism of the government and monarchy is rare.[106] Nonetheless, the press
is not overtly hostile toward alternative viewpoints and is not restricted to
publishing only articles regarding the government. The government allowed a
printing and publishing company, Brunei Press PLC, to form in 1953. The company
continues to print the English daily Borneo Bulletin. This paper began as a
weekly community paper and became a daily in 1990[58] Apart from The Borneo
Bulletin, there is also the Media Permata and Pelita Brunei, the local Malay
newspapers which are circulated daily. The Brunei Times is another English
independent newspaper published in Brunei since 2006.[107]
The Brunei government owns and operates six television
channels with the introduction of digital TV using DVB-T (RTB 1, RTB 2, RTB 3
(HD), RTB 4, RTB 5 and RTB New Media (Game portal) and five radio stations
(National FM, Pilihan FM, Nur Islam FM, Harmony FM and Pelangi FM). A private
company has made cable television available (Astro-Kristal) as well as one
private radio station, Kristal FM.[58] It also has an online campus radio
station, UBD FM that streams from its first university, Universiti Brunei Darussalam'[108]
Defence
Main article: Royal Brunei Armed Forces
Brunei maintains three infantry battalions stationed
around the country.[10] The Brunei navy has several "Ijtihad"-class
patrol boats purchased from a German manufacturer. The United Kingdom also
maintains a base in Seria, the centre of the oil industry in Brunei. A Gurkha
battalion consisting of 1,500 personnel is stationed there.[10] United Kingdom
military personnel are stationed there under a defence agreement signed between
the two countries.[10]
A Bell 212 operated by the air force crashed in Kuala
Belait on 20 July 2012 with the loss of 12 of the 14 crew on board. The cause
of the accident has yet to be ascertained.[109] The crash is the worst aviation
incident in the history of Brunei.
The Army is currently acquiring new equipment,[110]
including UAVs and S-70i Black Hawks.[111]
Infrastructure
Further information: Transport in Brunei
Brunei International Airport
The population centres in the country are linked by a
network of 2,800 kilometres (1,700 mi) of road. The 135-kilometre (84 mi)
highway from Muara Town to Kuala Belait is being upgraded to a dual
carriageway.[58]
Brunei is accessible by air, sea, and land transport.
Brunei International Airport is the main entry point to the country. Royal
Brunei Airlines[112] is the national carrier. There is another airfield, the
Anduki Airfield, located in Seria. The ferry terminal at Muara services regular
connections to Labuan (Malaysia). Speedboats provide passenger and goods
transportation to the Temburong district.[113] The main highway running across
Brunei is the Tutong-Muara Highway. The country's road network is well
developed. Brunei has one main sea port located at Muara.[10]
The airport in Brunei is currently being extensively upgraded.[114]
Changi Airport International is the consultant working on this modernisation,
which planned cost is currently $150 million.[115][116] This project is slated
to add 14,000 square metres (150,000 sq ft) of new floorspace and includes a
new terminal and arrival hall.[117] With the completion of this project, the
annual passenger capacity of the airport is expected to double from 1.5 to 3
million.[115]
With one private car for every 2.09 persons, Brunei has
one of the highest car ownership rates in the world. This has been attributed
to the absence of a comprehensive transport system, low import tax and low
unleaded petrol price of B$0.53 per litre.[58]
A new 30-kilometre (19 mi) roadway connecting the Muara
and Temburong districts of Brunei is slated to be completed in 2018. Fourteen
kilometres (9 mi) of this roadway would be crossing the Brunei Bay.[118]
Health
There are four government run hospitals in Brunei, one
for every district. There are also 16 health centres and 10 health
clinics.[119]
 |
| Bandar Seri Begawan |
Healthcare in Brunei is charged at B$1 per consultation
for citizens.[120] A health centre run by Brunei Shell Petroleum is located in
Panaga. For medical assistance not available in the country, citizens are sent
overseas at the government's expense.[120] In the period of 2011–12, 327
patients were treated in Malaysia and Singapore at the cost to the government
of $12 million.[121]
Brunei has 2.8 hospital beds per 1000 people.[19] The
prevalence of HIV/AIDS is currently at 0.1%,[19] and numerous AIDS awareness
campaigns are currently being held.[122]
7.5% of the population are obese, the highest prevalence
rate in ASEAN.[123][124] Also, studies by the Ministry of Health show that at
least 20% of schoolchildren in Brunei are either overweight or obese.[125]
The largest hospital in Brunei is Raja Isteri Pengiran
Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS) hospital, which has 538 beds,[120] is situated in
the country's capital Bandar Seri Begawan. There are two private medical
centres, Gleneagles JPMC Sdn Bhd .[126] and Jerudong Park Medical Centre. The
Health Promotion Centre opened in November 2008 and serves to educate the
public on the importance of having a healthy lifestyle.[127]
Unfinished journey (81)
(Part eighty-one, 14 September 2014, 19:56 pm)
State of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam has recently
launched a new warship operation:
HIS Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee
Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and
General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces commissioned the Royal Brunei Navy’s
warship, the KDB Daruttaqwa in a ceremony this morning.
Brunei
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Negara Brunei Darussalam (Malay latin)
نڬارا بروني دارالسلام (Jawi)
Flag Crest
Motto:
الدائمون المحسنون بالهدى
Sentiasa membuat kebajikan dengan petunjuk Allah
"Always in service with God's guidance"
Anthem:
Allah Peliharakan Sultan
God Bless the Sultan
MENU0:00
Location of
Brunei (red)
Location of
Brunei (red)
Capital
and largest city Bandar
Seri Begawan
4°53.417′N 114°56.533′E
Official languages Malay[a]
Recognised English[b]
Other languages[1][2]
Brunei Malay Tutong Kedayan Belait Murut Dusun Bisaya
Ethnic groups (2004[3])
66.3% Malays
11.2% Chinese
3.4% Indigenous
19.1% other
Demonym Bruneian
Government Unitary
Islamic absolute
monarchy
- Sultan Hassanal
Bolkiah
- Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah
Legislature Legislative
Council
Formation
- Sultanate 1368
- British protectorate 1888
- Independence from
the United Kingdom 1
January 1984
Area
- Total 5,765
km2 (172nd)
2,226 sq mi
- Water (%) 8.6
Population
- Jul 2013[4] estimate 415,717[4] (175th)
- Density 67.3/km2
(134th)
174.4/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2012
estimate
- Total $21.907
billion[5]
- Per capita $50,440[5]
GDP (nominal) 2012
estimate
- Total $17.092
billion[5]
- Per capita $39,355[5]
HDI (2013) Steady
0.852[6]
very high · 30th
Currency Brunei
dollar (BND)
Time zone BDT
(UTC+8)
Drives on the left
Calling code +673[c]
ISO 3166 code BN
Internet TLD .bn[7]
a. ^ Under
Article 82: "Official language" of the Constitution of Brunei, Malay
is the official language.
b. ^ Under
Article 82: "Official language" of the Constitution of Brunei,
English is used in official documents (official documents are bilingual; Malay
and English).[8]
c. ^ Also 080
from East Malaysia.
You may
need rendering support to display the Arabic text in this article correctly.
Brunei Listeni/bruːˈnaɪ/, broo-ny or /bruːˈneɪ/ broo-nay;
officially the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace[9] (Malay: Negara Brunei
Darussalam, Jawi: نڬارا بروني دارالسلام), is a sovereign state located on the
north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline
with the South China Sea, it is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak,
Malaysia; and it is separated into two parts by the Sarawak district of
Limbang. It is the only sovereign state completely on the island of Borneo; the
remainder of the island's territory is divided between the nations of Malaysia
and Indonesia. Brunei's population was 408,786 in July 2012.[10]
At the peak of Bruneian Empire, Sultan Bolkiah (reigned
1485–1528) is alleged to have had control over most regions of Borneo,
including modern-day Sarawak and Sabah, as well as the Sulu archipelago off the
northeast tip of Borneo, Seludong (modern-day Manila), and the islands off the
northwest tip of Borneo. The maritime state was visited by Spain's Magellan
Expedition in 1521 and fought against Spain in 1578's Castille War.
During the 19th century the Bruneian Empire began to
decline. The Sultanate ceded Sarawak (Kuching) to James Brooke and being force
to install him as the White Rajah, and it ceded Sabah to the British North
Borneo Chartered Company. In 1888 Brunei became a British protectorate and was
assigned a British Resident as colonial manager in 1906. After the Japanese
occupation during World War II, in 1959 a new constitution was written. In 1962
a small armed rebellion against the monarchy was ended with the help of the
British.[11]
Brunei regained its independence from the United Kingdom
on 1 January 1984. Economic growth during the 1990s and 2000s, averaging 56%
from 1999 to 2008, has transformed Brunei into a newly industrialised country.
It has developed wealth from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields. Brunei
has the second-highest Human Development Index among the South East Asia
nations after Singapore, and is classified as a developed country.[12]
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Brunei is ranked fifth in
the world by gross domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity. The
IMF estimated in 2011 that Brunei was one of two countries (the other being
Libya) with a public debt at 0% of the national GDP. Forbes also ranks Brunei
as the fifth-richest nation out of 182, based on its petroleum and natural gas fields.[13]
Etymology
According to legend, Brunei was founded by Awang Alak
Betatar. He moved from Garang, a place in the Temburong District[14] to the
Brunei river estuary, discovering Brunei. According to legend, upon landing he
exclaimed, Baru nah! (loosely translated as "that's it!" or
"there"), from which the name "Brunei" was derived.[15]
It was renamed Barunai in the 14th century, possibly
influenced by the Sanskrit word "varuṇ" (वरुण),
meaning either "ocean" or the mythological "regent of the ocean".
The word "Borneo" is of the same origin. In the country's full name,
Negara Brunei Darussalam, darussalam (Arabic: دار السلام) means "abode of
peace", while negara means "country" in Malay.
History
Main article: History of Brunei
Early history
The tomb of a ruler of Po-ni in Nanjing
In 977 AD, Chinese records began to use the term Po-ni to
refer to Borneo. In 1225 a Chinese official, Chua Ju-Kua, reported that Borneo
had 100 warships to protect its trade, and that there was a lot of wealth in
the kingdom.[16]
In the fourteenth century, Po-ni became a vassal state of
Majapahit, and had to pay an annual payment of 40 katis of camphor. In 1369 the
Sulus attacked Po-ni, looting it of treasure and gold. A fleet from Majapahit
succeeded in driving away the Sulus, but Po-ni was left weaker after the
attack.[17] A Chinese report of 1371 described Po-ni as poor and totally
controlled by Majapahit.[18]
It has been alleged, without any evidence to support this
view though, that the power of the Sultanate of Brunei was at its peak between
the 15th and 17th centuries, with its power extending from northern Borneo to
the southern Philippines.[19] By the 16th century, Islam was firmly rooted in
Brunei, and the country had built one of its biggest mosques. In 1578, Alonso
Beltrán, a Spanish traveler, described it as being five stories tall and built
on the water.[20]
War with Spain and decline
European influence gradually brought an end to the
regional power, as Brunei entered a period of decline compounded by internal
strife over royal succession. Since the Spanish regarded Brunei as a pirate
haven [19] Spain declared war in 1578, planning to attack and capture Brunei's
capital at the time, Kota Batu. This was based in part on the assistance of two
Bruneians noblemen, Pengiran Seri Lela and Pengiran Seri Ratna. The former had
travelled to Manila, then the centre of the Spanish colony, to offer Brunei as
a tributary to Spain for help to recover the throne usurped by his brother,
Saiful Rijal.[21] The Spanish agreed that if they succeeded in conquering
Brunei, Pengiran Seri Lela would be appointed as the Sultan, while Pengiran
Seri Ratna would be the new Bendahara.
In March 1578, the Spanish fleet, led by De Sande, acting
as Capitán-General, started from Manila for Brunei. The expedition consisted of
400 Spaniards, 1,500 Filipino natives and 300 Borneans.[22] The campaign was
one of many, which also included action in Mindanao and Sulu.[23][24]
The Spanish invaded the capital on 16 April 1578, with
the help of Pengiran Seri Lela and Pengiran Seri Ratna. The Sultan Saiful Rijal
and Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Abdul Kahar were forced to flee to Meragang then
to Jerudong. In Jerudong, they made plans to chase the conquering army away
from Brunei. Suffering high fatalities due to a cholera or dysentery
outbreak.[25][26] the Spanish decided to abandon Brunei and returned to Manila
on 26 June 1578, after 72 days. Before doing so, they burned the mosque, a high
structure with a five-tier roof.[27]
Pengiran Seri Lela died in August–September 1578,
probably from the same illness suffered by his Spanish allies. There was
suspicion he could have been poisoned by the ruling Sultan. Seri Lela's
daughter had left with the Spanish. She married a Christian Tagalog, named
Agustín de Legazpi de Tondo.[28]
The local Brunei accounts[29] differ greatly from the
generally accepted view of events. What was called the Castilian War was seen
as a heroic episode, with the Spaniards being driven out by Bendahara Sakam,
purportedly a brother of the ruling Sultan, and a thousand native warriors.
Most historians consider this to be a folk-hero account, which probably
developed decades or centuries after.[30] The country suffered a civil war from
1660 to 1673.
British intervention
Boundaries of Brunei (green) since 1890
The British have intervened in the affairs of Brunei on
several occasions. Britain attacked Brunei in July 1846 due to internal
conflicts over who was the rightful Sultan.[31]
In the 1880s, the decline of the Bruneian Empire
continued. The Sultan granted land (now Sarawak) to James Brooke, who had
helped him quell a rebellion and allowed him to establish the Kingdom of
Sarawak. Over time, Brooke and his nephews (who succeeded him) leased or
annexed more land. Brunei lost much of its territory to him and his dynasty,
known as the White Rajahs.
Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin appealed to the
British to stop further encroachment by the Brookes.[32] The "Treaty of
Protection" was negotiated by Sir Hugh Low and signed into effect on 17
September 1888. The treaty said that the Sultan "could not cede or lease
any territory to foreign powers without British consent"; it provided
Britain's effective control over Brunei's external affairs, making it a British
protectorate (which continued until 1984).[19] But, when the Kingdom of Sarawak
annexed Brunei's Pandaruan district in 1890, the British did not take any
action to stop it. They did not regard either Brunei or the Kingdom of Sarawak
as 'foreign' (per the Treaty of Protection). This final annexation by Sarawak
left Brunei with its current small land mass and separation into two parts.[33]
British Residents were introduced in Brunei under the
Supplementary Protectorate Agreement in 1906.[34] The Residents were to advise
the Sultan on all matters of administration. Over time, the Resident assumed
more executive control than the Sultan. The Residential system ended in
1959.[35]
Discovery of oil
Petroleum was discovered in 1929 after several fruitless
attempts.[36] Two men, F.F. Marriot and T.G. Cochrane, smelled oil near the
Seria river in late 1926.[37] They informed a geophysicist, who conducted a
survey there. In 1927, gas seepages were reported in the area. Seria Well
Number One (S-1) was drilled on 12 July 1928. Oil was struck at 297 metres (974
ft) on 5 April 1929. Seria Well Number 2 was drilled on 19 August 1929, and, as
of 2009, continues to produce oil.[38] Oil production was increased
considerably in the 1930s with the development of more oil fields. In 1940, oil
production was at more than six million barrels.[38] The British Malayan
Petroleum Company (now Brunei Shell Petroleum Company) was formed on 22 July
1922.[39] The first offshore well was drilled in 1957.[40] Oil and natural gas
have been the basis of Brunei's development and wealth since the late 20th
century.
Japanese occupation
Main article: Japanese occupation of British Borneo
Japanese battleships at Brunei in October 1944
The Japanese invaded Brunei on 16 December 1941, eight
days after their attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States Navy. They landed
10,000 troops of the Kawaguchi Detachment from Cam Ranh Bay at Kuala Belait.
After six days fighting, they occupied the entire country. The only Allied
troops in the area were the 2nd Battalion of the 15th Punjab Regiment based at
Kuching, Sarawak.[41]
Once the Japanese occupied Brunei, they made an agreement
with Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin over governing the country. Inche Ibrahim (known
later as Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Awang Haji Ibrahim), a
former Secretary to the British Resident, Ernest Edgar Pengilly, was appointed
Chief Administrative Officer under the Japanese Governor. The Japanese had
proposed that Pengilly retain his position under their administration, but he
declined. Both he and other British nationals still in Brunei were interned by
the Japanese at Batu Lintang camp in Sarawak. While the British officials were
under Japanese guard, Ibrahim made a point of personally shaking each one by
the hand and wishing him well.[42]
The Sultan retained his throne and was given a pension
and honours by the Japanese. During the later part of the occupation, he
resided at Tantuya, Limbang and had little to do with the Japanese. Most of the
Malay government officers were retained by the Japanese. Brunei's
administration was reorganised into five prefectures, which included British
North Borneo. The Prefectures included Baram, Labuan, Lawas, and Limbang.
Ibrahim hid numerous significant government documents from the Japanese during
the occupation. Pengiran Yusuf (later YAM Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Haji
Mohd Yusuf), along with other Bruneians, was sent to Japan for training.
Although in the area the day of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Yusuf
survived.
The British had anticipated a Japanese attack, but lacked
the resources to defend the area because of their engagement in the war in
Europe. The troops from the Punjab Regiment filled in the Seria oilfield
oilwells with concrete in September 1941 to deny the Japanese their use. The
remaining equipment and installations were destroyed when the Japanese invaded
Malaya. By the end of the war, 16 wells at Miri and Seria had been restarted,
with production reaching about half the pre-war level. Coal production at Muara
was also recommenced, but with little success.
Major-General Wootten of the Australian 9th Division with
Lieutenant-General Masao Baba of the Japanese 37th Division at the surrender
ceremony at Labuan on 10 September 1945
During the occupation, the Japanese had their language
taught in schools, and Government officers were required to learn Japanese. The
local currency was replaced by what was to become known as duit pisang(banana
money). From 1943 hyper-inflation destroyed the currency's value and, at the
end of the war, this currency was worthless. Allied attacks on shipping
eventually caused trade to cease. Food and medicine fell into short supply, and
the population suffered famine and disease.
The airport runway was constructed by the Japanese during
the occupation, and in 1943 Japanese naval units were based in Brunei Bay and
Labuan. The naval base was destroyed by Allied bombing, but the airport runway
survived. The facility was developed as a public airport. In 1944 the Allies
began a bombing campaign against the occupying Japanese, which destroyed much
of the town and Kuala Belait, but missed Kampong Ayer.[43]
On 10 June 1945 the Australian 9th Division landed at
Muara under Operation Oboe Six to recapture Borneo from the Japanese. They were
supported by American air and naval units. Brunei town was bombed extensively
and recaptured after three days of heavy fighting. Many buildings were
destroyed, including the Mosque. The Japanese forces in Brunei, Borneo, and
Sarawak, under Lieutenant-General Masao Baba, formally surrendered at Labuan on
10 September 1945. The British Military Administration took over from the
Japanese and remained until July 1946.
Post-World War II
After World War II, a new government was formed in Brunei
under the British Military Administration (BMA). It consisted mainly of
Australian officers and servicemen.[44] The administration of Brunei was passed
to the Civil Administration on 6 July 1945. The Brunei State Council was also
revived that year.[45] The BMA was tasked to revive the Bruneian economy, which
was extensively damaged by the Japanese during their occupation. They also had
to put out the fires on the wells of Seria, which had been set by the Japanese
prior to their defeat.[45]
Before 1941, the Governor of the Straits Settlements,
based in Singapore, was responsible for the duties of British High Commissioner
for Brunei, Sarawak, and North Borneo (now Sabah).[46] The first British High
Commissioner for Brunei was the Governor of Sarawak, Sir Charles Ardon Clarke.
The Barisan Pemuda ("Youth Movement") (abbreviated as BARIP) was the
first political party to be formed in Brunei, on 12 April 1946. The party
intended to "preserve the sovereignty of the Sultan and the country, and
to defend the rights of the Malays".[47] BARIP also contributed to the
composition of the country’s National Anthem. The party was dissolved in 1948
due to inactivity.
In 1959, a new constitution was written declaring Brunei
a self-governing state, while its foreign affairs, security, and defense
remained the responsibility of the United Kingdom.[10] A small rebellion
erupted against the monarchy in 1962, which was suppressed with help of the UK.
Known as the Brunei Revolt, it contributed to the failure to create the North
Borneo Federation. The rebellion partially affected Brunei's decision to opt
out of the Malaysian Federation.[10]
Brunei gained its independence from the United Kingdom on
1 January 1984.[10] The official National Day, which celebrates the country's
independence, is held by tradition on 23 February.
Writing of the Constitution
In July 1953, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III formed a
seven-member committee named Tujuh Serangkai, to find out the citizens’ views
regarding a written constitution for Brunei. In May 1954, the Sultan, Resident
and High Commissioner met to discuss the findings of the committee. They agreed
to authorise the drafting of a constitution. In March 1959 Sultan Omar Ali
Saifuddien III led a delegation to London to discuss the proposed
Constitution.[48] The British delegation was led by Sir Alan Lennox-Boyd,
Secretary of State for the Colonies. The British Government later accepted the
draft constitution.
On 29 September 1959, the Constitution Agreement was
signed in Bandar Seri Begawan. The agreement was signed by Sultan Omar Ali
Saifuddien III and Sir Robert Scott, the Commissioner-General for Southeast
Asia. It included the following provisions:[34]
The Sultan was made the Supreme Head of State.
Brunei was responsible for its internal administration.
The British Government was responsible for foreign and
defence affairs only.
The post of Resident was abolished and replaced by a
British High Commissioner.
Five councils were set up:[49]
The Executive Council
The Legislative Council of Brunei
The Privy Council
The Council of Succession
The State Religious Council
National development plans
A series of National Development Plans was initiated by
the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
The first was introduced in 1953.[50] A total sum of
B$100 million was approved by the Brunei State Council for the plan. E.R.
Bevington, from the Colonial Office in Fiji, was appointed to implement it.[51]
A $US14 million Gas Plant was built under the plan. In 1954, survey and
exploration work were undertaken by the Brunei Shell Petroleum on both offshore
and onshore fields. By 1956, production reached 114,700 bpd.
The plan also aided the development of public education.
By 1958, expenditure on education totaled at $4 million.[51] Communications
were improved, as new roads were built and reconstruction at Berakas Airport
was completed in 1954.[52]
The second National Development Plan was launched in
1962.[52] A major oil and gas field was discovered in 1963, with this
discovery, Liquefied Natural Gas became important. Developments in the oil and
gas sector have continued, and oil production has steadily increased since
then.[53] The plan also promoted the production of meat and eggs for
consumption by citizens. The fishing industry increased its output by 25%
throughout the course of the plan. The deepwater port at Muara was also
constructed during this period. Power requirements were met, and studies were
made to provide electricity to rural areas.[53] Efforts were made to eradicate
malaria, an endemic disease in the region, with the help of the World Health
Organisation. Malaria cases were reduced from 300 cases in 1953 to only 66
cases in 1959.[54] The death rate was reduced from 20 per thousand in 1947 to
11.3 per thousand in 1953.[54] Infectious disease has been prevented by public
sanitation and improvement of drainage, and the provision of piped pure water
to the population.[54]
Independence
On 14 November 1971, His Royal Highness Sultan Hassanal
Bolkiah, which then used the title due to it being a protectorate of the UK,
left for London to discuss matters regarding the amendments to the 1959
Constitution. A new agreement was signed on 23 November 1971 with the British
representative being Anthony Henry Fanshawe Royle.[55]
Under this agreement, the following terms were agreed
upon:
Brunei was granted full internal self-government
The UK would still be responsible for external affairs
and defence.
Brunei and the UK agreed to share the responsibility for
security and defence.
This agreement also caused Gurkha units to be deployed in
Brunei, where they remain up to this day.
On 7 January 1979, another treaty was signed between
Brunei and the UK. It was signed with Lord Goronwy-Roberts being the
representative of the UK. This agreement granted Brunei to take over
international responsibilities as an independent nation. Britain agreed to
assist Brunei in diplomatical matters.[56]
In May 1983, it was announced by the UK that the date of
independence of Brunei would be 1 January 1984.
In 31 December 1983, a mass gathering was held on main
mosques on all four of the districts of the country.
At midnight, on 1 January 1984, the Proclamation of
Independence was read by His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah, which is now addressed
in this manner.[57]
Politics and government
Main article: Politics of Brunei
Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei
The political system in the country is governed by the
constitution and the national tradition of the Malay Islamic Monarchy, the
concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). The three components of MIB cover Malay
culture, Islamic religion, and the political framework under the monarchy.[58]
It has a legal system based on English common law, although Islamic shariah law
supersedes this in some cases.[19]
Under Brunei's 1959 constitution, His Majesty Paduka Seri
Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah is the head of state
with full executive authority. Since 1962, this authority has included
emergency powers, which are renewed every two years. The country has been under
hypothetical martial law since the Brunei Revolt of 1962.[10] Hassanal Bolkiah
also serves as the state's Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Defence
Minister.[59] The Royal family retains a venerated status within the
country.[10] The country has a parliament.
Foreign relations
Main article: Foreign relations of Brunei
Until 1979, Brunei's foreign relations were managed by
the UK government. After that, they were handled by the Brunei Diplomatic
Service. After independence in 1984, this Service was upgraded to ministerial
level and is now known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[60]
Officially, Brunei's foreign policy is as follows:[61]
Mutual respect of others' territorial sovereignty,
integrity and independence;
The maintenance of friendly relations among nations;
Non-interference in the internal affairs of other
countries; and
The maintenance and the promotion of peace, security and
stability in the region.
Embassy of Brunei in Moscow, Russia
With its traditional ties with the United Kingdom, Brunei
became the 49th member of the Commonwealth immediately on the day of its
independence on 1 January 1984.[62] As one of its first initiatives toward
improved regional relations, Brunei joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984, becoming
the sixth member. To achieve recognition of its sovereignty and independence,
it joined the United Nations as a full member on 21 September on that same
year.[63]
As an Islamic country, Brunei became a full member of the
Organisation of the Islamic Conference (now the Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation) in January 1984 at the Fourth Islamic Summit held in Morocco.[64]
After its accession to the Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation forum (APEC) in 1989, Brunei hosted the APEC Economic Leaders'
Meeting in November 2000 and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in July 2002.[65]
Brunei became a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1
January 1995,[66] and is a major player in BIMP-EAGA, which was formed during
the Inaugural Ministers' Meeting in Davao, Philippines on 24 March 1994.[67]
Brunei shares a close relationship with the Philippines
and Singapore. In April 2009, Brunei and the Philippines signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) that seeks to strengthen the bilateral cooperation of the
two countries in the fields of agriculture and farm-related trade and
investments.[68]
Brunei is one of many nations to lay claim to some of the
disputed Spratly Islands.[69] The status of Limbang as part of Sarawak has been
disputed by Brunei since the area was first annexed in 1890.[69] The issue was
reportedly settled in 2009, with Brunei agreeing to accept the border in
exchange for Malaysia giving up claims to oil fields in Bruneian waters.[70]
The Brunei government denies this and says that their claim on Limbang was
never dropped.[71][72]
Brunei was the chair for ASEAN in 2013.[73] It also
hosted the ASEAN summit on that same year.[74]
Subdivisions
Main articles: Districts of Brunei and Mukims of Brunei
Brunei is divided into four districts (daerahs)[75] and
38 subdistricts (mukims).[10]
The daerah of Temburong is physically separated from the
rest of Brunei by the Malaysian state of Sarawak.
No. District Capital Population
(2011 census) Area (km2)
1. Belait Kuala Belait 60,744 2,724
2. Brunei-Muara Bandar
Seri Begawan 279,924 571
3. Temburong Pekan Bangar 8,852 1,304
4. Tutong Pekan Tutong 43,852 1,166
Temburong
The daerah of Brunei-Maura includes Brunei's capital
city, Bandar Seri Begawan, whose suburbs dominate fifteen of the eighteen
mukims in this daerah.
Over 90% of Brunei's total population lives in 15 of the
38 mukims:
Rank Mukim Population Large Towns Daerah
1 Sengkurong 62,400 Jerudong
and Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
2 Gadong B 59,610 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
3 Berakas A 57,500 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
4 Kuala Belait 35,500 Belait
town Belait
5 Seria 32,900 Seria
Town Belait
6 Berakas B 23,400 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
7 Sungai Liang 18,100 small
kampongs (villages) Belait
8 Pengkalan
Batu approx. 15,000 small kampongs Brunei-Muara
9 Kilanas approx. 14,000 Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
10 Kota Batu 12,600 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
11 Pekan Tutong 12,100 Tutong
Town Tutong
12 Mentiri 10,872 small
kampongs Brunei-Muara
13 Serasa approx. 10,000 Muara Town Brunei-Muara
14 Kianggeh 8,540 Bandar
Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
15 Burong
Pinggai Ayer approx. 8,200 Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei-Muara
Geography
Main article: Geography of Brunei
The panorama of Bandar Seri Begawan, showing Kampong Ayer
in the Brunei River during the 2013 Brunei Regatta
Brunei is a southeast Asian country consisting of two
unconnected parts with a total area of 5,765 square kilometres (2,226 sq mi) on
the island of Borneo. It has 161 kilometres (100 mi) of coastline next to the
South China sea, and it shares a 381 km (237 mi) border with Malaysia. It has
500 square kilometres (193 sq mi) of territorial waters, and a
200-nautical-mile (370 km; 230 mi) exclusive economic zone.[19]
About 97% of the population lives in the larger western
part (Belait, Tutong, and Brunei-Muara), while only about 10,000 people live in
the mountainous eastern part (Temburong District). The total population of
Brunei is approximately 408,000 as of July 2010, of which around 150,000 live
in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.[76] Other major towns are the port town of
Muara, the oil-producing town of Seria and its neighbouring town, Kuala Belait.
In Belait District, the Panaga area is home to large numbers of Europeans
expatriates, due to Royal Dutch Shell and British Army housing, and several
recreational facilities are located there.[77]
Most of Brunei is within the Borneo lowland rain forests
ecoregion, which covers most of the island. Areas of mountain rain forests
inland.[78]
The climate of Brunei is tropical equatorial.[19] The
average annual temperature is 26.1 °C (79.0 °F), with the April–May average of
24.7 °C (76.5 °F) and the October–December average of 23.8 °C (74.8 °F).[79]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean maximum (°C) 25.8 24.8 27.2 27.1 27.5 27.1 28.4 28.3 28.0 26.5 24.4 24.0
28.3
Mean minimum (°C) 22.1 22.0 22.5 23.9 23.9 24.7 24.1 24.3 25.3 23.1 22.2 23.6
26.2
Average rainfall (mm) 277.7 138.3 113.0 200.3 239.0 214.2 228.8 215.8 257.7 319.9 329.4 343.5
2873.9
Economy
Main article: Economy of Brunei
This small, wealthy economy is a mixture of foreign and
domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village
tradition.[80] Crude oil and natural gas production account for about 90% of
its GDP.[10] About 167,000 barrels (26,600 m3) of oil are produced every day,
making Brunei the fourth-largest producer of oil in Southeast Asia.[10] It also
produces approximately 25.3 million cubic metres (890×106 cu ft) of liquified
natural gas per day, making Brunei the ninth-largest exporter of the substance
in the world.[10]
Substantial income from overseas investment supplements
income from domestic production. Most of these investments are made by the
Brunei Investment Agency, an arm of the Ministry of Finance.[10] The government
provides for all medical services,[81] and subsidises rice[82] and housing.[10]
The national air carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines, is
trying to develop Brunei as a modest hub for international travel between
Europe and Australia/New Zealand. Central to this strategy is the position that
the airline maintains at London Heathrow Airport. It holds a daily slot at the
highly capacity-controlled airport, which it serves from Bandar Seri Begawan
via Dubai. The airline also has services to major Asian destinations including Shanghai,
Bangkok, Singapore and Manila.
Brunei depends heavily on imports such as agricultural
products (e.g. rice, food products, livestock, etc.),[83] motorcars and
electrical products from other countries.[84] Brunei imports 60% of its food
requirements, of that amount, around 75% come from the ASEAN countries.[83]
Brunei's leaders are very concerned that steadily
increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social
cohesion. But, it has become a more prominent player by serving as chairman for
the 2000 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Leaders plan to
upgrade the labour force, reduce unemployment, which currently stands at
6%;[85] strengthen the banking and tourism sectors, and, in general, broaden
the economic base.[86]
It is promoting food self-sufficiency. Brunei renamed its
Brunei Darussalam Rice 1 as Laila Rice during the launch of the "Padi
Planting Towards Achieving Self-Sufficiency of Rice Production in Brunei
Darussalam" ceremony at the Wasan padi fields in April 2009.[87] In August
2009, the Royal Family reaped the first few Laila padi stalks, after years of
attempts to boost local rice production, a goal first articulated about half a
century ago.[88] In July 2009 Brunei launched its national halal branding
scheme, Brunei Halal, with a goal to export to foreign markets.[89]
Laws and human rights
Brunei has numerous courts in its judicial branch. The
highest court is the Supreme Court, which consists of the Court of Appeal and
High Court. Both of these have a chief justice and two judges.[19]
Women
The government has made efforts to protect women's
rights.[90] The law prohibits sexual harassment and stipulates that whoever
assaults or uses criminal force, intending thereby to outrage or knowing it is
likely to outrage the modesty of a person, shall be punished with imprisonment
for as much as five years and caning. The law stipulates imprisonment of up to
30 years, and caning with not fewer than 12 strokes for rape. The law does not
criminalise spousal rape; it explicitly states that sexual intercourse by a man
with his wife, as long as she is not under 13 years of age, is not rape.
Protections against sexual assault by a spouse are provided under the amended
Islamic Family Law Order 2010 and Married Women Act Order 2010. The penalty for
breaching a protection order is a fine not exceeding BN$2,000 ($1,538) or
imprisonment not exceeding six months. During the year[when?] 23 rape cases
were reported; at year's end police were investigating 11 and had forwarded 10
to the Attorney General Chambers.
There is no specific domestic violence law, but arrests
have been made in domestic violence cases under the Women and Girls Protection
Act. The police investigate domestic violence only in response to a report by a
victim. The police were generally responsive in the investigation of such
cases. During the year a total of 62 cases of spousal dispute abuse reported;
at year's end, 55 cases were under investigation, and eight had been forwarded
to the Attorney General Chambers. The criminal penalty for a minor domestic
assault is one to two weeks in jail and a fine. An assault resulting in serious
injury is punishable by caning and a longer prison sentence.
A special unit staffed by female officers has been
established within the police department to investigate domestic abuse and
child abuse complaints. A hotline was available for persons to report domestic
violence. The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport's Department of Community
Development provides counseling for women and their spouses. Based on
individual circumstances, some female and minor victims were placed in
protective custody while waiting for their cases to be brought to court.
Islamic courts staffed by male and female officials offered counseling to
married couples in domestic violence cases. Officials did not encourage wives
to reconcile with flagrantly abusive spouses. Islamic courts recognise assault
as grounds for divorce.
Couples and individuals have the right to decide the
number, spacing, and timing of their children, and have access to contraceptive
devices and methods through the government and private clinics. According to
information gathered by the UN, in 2008 the maternal mortality rate was an
estimated 21 deaths per 100,000 live births. Citizens enjoy free medical and
health care, including skilled attendance during childbirth, prenatal care, and
essential obstetric and postpartum care. Women had equal access to diagnostic
and treatment facilities for sexually transmitted diseases. Women had equal
access to HIV treatment and counseling, as well as follow-up treatment.
In accordance with the government's interpretation of
Qur'anic precepts, Muslim women have rights similar to those of Muslim men in
areas such as divorce and child custody. Islamic law requires that males
receive twice the inheritance of women. Civil law permits female citizens to
pass their nationality on to their children and to own property and other
assets, including business properties. Women with permanent positions in the government
can now apply for travel allowances for their children. They cannot do so for
husbands working in the private sector. With this exception, they receive the
same allowance privileges as their college-educated male counterparts.
According to government statistics, women made up 57 percent of the civil
service force and held 28 percent of senior management posts. Women are not
discriminated against in access to employment and business.
Children
Citizenship is derived through one's parents rather than
through birth within the country's territory. Parents with stateless status are
required to apply for a special pass for a child born in the country; failure
to register a child may make it difficult to enroll the child in school. By law
sexual intercourse with a female under 14 years of age constitutes rape and is
punishable by imprisonment for not less than eight years and not more than
thirty years and not less than twelve strokes of the cane. The intent of the
law is to protect girls from exploitation through prostitution and "other
immoral purposes" including pornography.[90]
Homosexuality
Male and female homosexuality is illegal in Brunei. The
country passed a law that came into force on 22 April 2014 allowing the death
penalty to be administered by stoning for homosexual acts (sexual intercourse
and etc. ) given there is enough evidence (with 4 most trusted witnesses that
never lied when spoken, never repeating the acts of sins and the one who not
taking sides[needs copy edit]) pointing to the action. It has been acknowledged
as a crime in Brunei with the introduction of the Sharia law.[91]
Adultery
The law also stipulates that adultery is to be punished
with death by stoning given there is enough evidences (with 4 most trusted
witnesses that never lied when spoken, never repeating the acts of sins and the
one who not taking sides) pointing to the action. Without 4 qualified
witnesses, there will be no stoning.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Brunei
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque at night
The population of Brunei in July 2013 was 415,717 of
which 76% live in urban areas. The rate of urbanization is estimated at 2.13%
per year from 2010 - 2015. The average life expectancy is 77.7 years.[92] In
2004, 66.3% of the population were Malay, 11.2% are Chinese, 3.4% are
indigenous, with smaller groups making up the rest.[19]
The official language of Brunei is Malay. The Ministry of
Culture, Youth and Sports supports for a lingual movement aimed at the
increased use of the language in Brunei[why?].[93] The principal spoken
language is Melayu Brunei (Brunei Malay). Brunei Malay is rather divergent from
standard Malay and the rest of the Malay dialects, being about 84% cognate with
standard Malay,[94] and is mostly mutually unintelligible with it.[95] English
and Chinese are also widely spoken, English is also used in business, as a
working language, and as the language of instruction from primary to tertiary
education,[96][97][98][99] and there is a relatively large expatriate
community.[100] Other languages spoken include Kedayan, Tutong, Murut and
Dusun.[94]
Islam is the official religion of Brunei,[19] and
two-thirds of the population adheres to Islam. Other faiths practised are
Buddhism (13%, mainly by the Chinese) and Christianity (10%).[19] Freethinkers,
mostly Chinese, form about 7% of the population. Although most of them practise
some form of religion with elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, they
prefer to present themselves as having practised no religion officially, hence
labelled as atheists in official censuses. Followers of indigenous religions
are about 2% of the population.[101] More recently though, the Sultan has
announced strict penalties for those involved in homosexual relationships and
those who leave Islam.[102]
Culture
Main article: Culture of Brunei
Royal Regalia Museum
The culture of Brunei is predominantly Malay (reflecting
its ethnicity), with heavy influences from Islam, but is seen as much more
conservative than Indonesia and Malaysia.[103] Influences to Bruneian culture
come from the Malay cultures of the Malay Archipelago. Four periods of cultural
influence have occurred, animist, Hindu, Islamic, and Western. Islam had a very
strong influence, and was adopted as Brunei's ideology and philosophy. Brunei's
official main language is the Malay language but the English language is also
widely spoken as it is considered a s a compulsory subject in majority of the
schools.[104]
As a Sharia country, the sale and public consumption of
alcohol is banned.[105] Non-Muslims are allowed to bring in a limited amount of
alcohol from their point of embarkation overseas for their own private
consumption.[58]
Media
Media in Brunei are said to be pro-government. The
country has been given "Not Free" status by Freedom House; press
criticism of the government and monarchy is rare.[106] Nonetheless, the press
is not overtly hostile toward alternative viewpoints and is not restricted to
publishing only articles regarding the government. The government allowed a
printing and publishing company, Brunei Press PLC, to form in 1953. The company
continues to print the English daily Borneo Bulletin. This paper began as a
weekly community paper and became a daily in 1990[58] Apart from The Borneo
Bulletin, there is also the Media Permata and Pelita Brunei, the local Malay
newspapers which are circulated daily. The Brunei Times is another English
independent newspaper published in Brunei since 2006.[107]
The Brunei government owns and operates six television
channels with the introduction of digital TV using DVB-T (RTB 1, RTB 2, RTB 3
(HD), RTB 4, RTB 5 and RTB New Media (Game portal) and five radio stations
(National FM, Pilihan FM, Nur Islam FM, Harmony FM and Pelangi FM). A private
company has made cable television available (Astro-Kristal) as well as one
private radio station, Kristal FM.[58] It also has an online campus radio
station, UBD FM that streams from its first university, Universiti Brunei Darussalam'[108]
Defence
Main article: Royal Brunei Armed Forces
Brunei maintains three infantry battalions stationed
around the country.[10] The Brunei navy has several "Ijtihad"-class
patrol boats purchased from a German manufacturer. The United Kingdom also
maintains a base in Seria, the centre of the oil industry in Brunei. A Gurkha
battalion consisting of 1,500 personnel is stationed there.[10] United Kingdom
military personnel are stationed there under a defence agreement signed between
the two countries.[10]
A Bell 212 operated by the air force crashed in Kuala
Belait on 20 July 2012 with the loss of 12 of the 14 crew on board. The cause
of the accident has yet to be ascertained.[109] The crash is the worst aviation
incident in the history of Brunei.
The Army is currently acquiring new equipment,[110]
including UAVs and S-70i Black Hawks.[111]
Infrastructure
Further information: Transport in Brunei
Brunei International Airport
The population centres in the country are linked by a
network of 2,800 kilometres (1,700 mi) of road. The 135-kilometre (84 mi)
highway from Muara Town to Kuala Belait is being upgraded to a dual
carriageway.[58]
Brunei is accessible by air, sea, and land transport.
Brunei International Airport is the main entry point to the country. Royal
Brunei Airlines[112] is the national carrier. There is another airfield, the
Anduki Airfield, located in Seria. The ferry terminal at Muara services regular
connections to Labuan (Malaysia). Speedboats provide passenger and goods
transportation to the Temburong district.[113] The main highway running across
Brunei is the Tutong-Muara Highway. The country's road network is well
developed. Brunei has one main sea port located at Muara.[10]
The airport in Brunei is currently being extensively upgraded.[114]
Changi Airport International is the consultant working on this modernisation,
which planned cost is currently $150 million.[115][116] This project is slated
to add 14,000 square metres (150,000 sq ft) of new floorspace and includes a
new terminal and arrival hall.[117] With the completion of this project, the
annual passenger capacity of the airport is expected to double from 1.5 to 3
million.[115]
With one private car for every 2.09 persons, Brunei has
one of the highest car ownership rates in the world. This has been attributed
to the absence of a comprehensive transport system, low import tax and low
unleaded petrol price of B$0.53 per litre.[58]
A new 30-kilometre (19 mi) roadway connecting the Muara
and Temburong districts of Brunei is slated to be completed in 2018. Fourteen
kilometres (9 mi) of this roadway would be crossing the Brunei Bay.[118]
Health
There are four government run hospitals in Brunei, one
for every district. There are also 16 health centres and 10 health
clinics.[119]
Healthcare in Brunei is charged at B$1 per consultation
for citizens.[120] A health centre run by Brunei Shell Petroleum is located in
Panaga. For medical assistance not available in the country, citizens are sent
overseas at the government's expense.[120] In the period of 2011–12, 327
patients were treated in Malaysia and Singapore at the cost to the government
of $12 million.[121]
Brunei has 2.8 hospital beds per 1000 people.[19] The
prevalence of HIV/AIDS is currently at 0.1%,[19] and numerous AIDS awareness
campaigns are currently being held.[122]
7.5% of the population are obese, the highest prevalence
rate in ASEAN.[123][124] Also, studies by the Ministry of Health show that at
least 20% of schoolchildren in Brunei are either overweight or obese.[125]
The largest hospital in Brunei is Raja Isteri Pengiran
Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS) hospital, which has 538 beds,[120] is situated in
the country's capital Bandar Seri Begawan. There are two private medical
centres, Gleneagles JPMC Sdn Bhd .[126] and Jerudong Park Medical Centre. The
Health Promotion Centre opened in November 2008 and serves to educate the
public on the importance of having a healthy lifestyle.[127]
There is currently no medical school in Brunei, and
Bruneians wishing to study to become doctors must attend university overseas.
However, the Institute of Medicines had been introduced at the Universiti
Brunei Darussalam and a new building has been built for the faculty. The
building, including research lab facilities, was completed in 2009. There has
been a School of Nursing since 1951.[128] Fifty-eight nurse managers were
appointed in RIPAS to improve service and provide better medical care.[129] In
December 2008, The nursing college merged with the Institute of Medicines at
the Universiti Brunei Darussalam to produce more nurses and midwives.[130] It
is now called the PAPRSB (Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'datul Bolkiah)
Institute of Health Sciences.[131]
There is currently no medical school in Brunei, and
Bruneians wishing to study to become doctors must attend university overseas.
However, the Institute of Medicines had been introduced at the Universiti
Brunei Darussalam and a new building has been built for the faculty. The
building, including research lab facilities, was completed in 2009. There has
been a School of Nursing since 1951.[128] Fifty-eight nurse managers were
appointed in RIPAS to improve service and provide better medical care.[129] In
December 2008, The nursing college merged with the Institute of Medicines at
the Universiti Brunei Darussalam to produce more nurses and midwives.[130] It
is now called the PAPRSB (Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'datul Bolkiah)
Institute of Health Sciences.[131] (Continoe)
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