Brunei Political Situation
In recent years, religion has played an important role in shaping Brunei. ‘True Islam' is presented as synonymous with the rule of the Sultan. The national ideology is espoused though Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy, or MIB) which supports absolute monarchy though a fusion of Islamic values and Brunei Malay culture.
The Sultan retains autocratic powers, which were put on a firmer legal footing in the constitutional amendments passed in September 2004. With the Sultan's absolute rule and near proscription of political parties there is little political activity. Crown Prince Billah Bolkiah is being increasingly involved in the Government as Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's office. A cabinet reshuffle in May 2005 included a new Education Minister and an additional Minister - Second Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister.
A tentative political liberalisation remains on the government's agenda. In September 2004, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced that the Legislative Council would reconvene. A new legislature with five indirectly elected members was convened in September 2005. Plans have been announced to introduce a legislature of 45 members, 15 of whom would be elected by popular vote, but no timetable for an election has been given. In August 2005 a third political party was legalized, the Parti Pembangunan (National Development Party).
Brunei's recently introduced Internet code of practice stipulates that Internet content viewed in the Sultanate must not provoke dissatisfaction towards the Sultan or encourage political reform other than through legitimate channels.
Last updated: 04 December 2008
