BRUNEI
(Negara Brunei Darussalam)
Updated 14 October 2006
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Government type: Constitutional Sultanate
Independent: 1 January 1984 (from UK)
Chief of State: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)
Crown Prince: Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah
Cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch.
State Religion: Islam
Statistics
Population: 381,900 (UN, 2006 est.) Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%, other 12%
Religions (estimated): Muslim 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other 10%
Unemployment rate: 4.8% (2004)
Brunei Darussalam is a small, wealthy, Islamic country. It has been ruled by the same family for more than 600 years.
Political Development & Human Rights
The present ruler, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, is both the chief of state and head of government. He also serves as minister of defense, minister of finance, Chancellor of the national university, Inspector General of the Royal Brunei Police Force, and head of the Islamic faith. The legislative council has a limited role in recommending and approving legislation. There is no organized opposition. Citizens did not have the right to change their government peacefully, and civil servants are not permitted to join political parties.
Since early 1990s, the Government has reinforced the legitimacy of the hereditary monarchy and the observance of traditional and Muslim values by asserting a national ideology known as the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), or Malay Islamic Monarchy. The principles have been adopted as the basis for government, and all meetings and ceremonies commence with a Muslim prayer.
- The women are denied equal status with men in areas such as employment, divorce, inheritance, and custody of children. Religious authorities strongly encouraged Muslim women to wear tudung (headscarf). Most government departments and the uniformed services require all female personnel, Muslims and non‑Muslims alike, to wear tudung. Tudung is also part of the uniforms in all government schools, including the national university and colleges.
- The "stateless" persons and permanent residents, mostly ethnic Chinese, are persons born and raised in the country who are not automatically accorded citizenship. They do not enjoy full privileges of citizenship, e.g. the right to own land. However the amended nationality law allows access to free education at government schools and other vocational and technical institutions. Permanent residents over age 50 can acquire citizenship by passing an oral test.
Religious Freedom
The law states, "The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be the Muslim religion according to the Shafi'i sect of that religion: Provided that all other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony by the person professing them in any part of Brunei Darussalam." The government controls mosques, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs prepares the weekly Friday sermons delivered in mosques countrywide. The government restricts the practice of non‑Islamic religions and non‑Shafi'i Islamic groups.
- There are laws against those whom the government considers to be promulgating radical Islam, non-Muslims who attempt to proselytize, and religious groups that do not belong to the official religion. Registration is required by law for a group to worship communally. The laws also discourage Muslims from learning about other faiths and forbid persons of other faiths from proselytizing. At the same time, Islamic authorities organize a range of activities to explain and propagate Islam, and offer financial incentives, housing, and new mosques for new converts.
- The construction of non-Muslim places of worship is not permitted.
- Born Muslims face official and societal pressure not to leave Islam. Permission from the Ministry of Religious Affairs must be obtained, and there are so far no reports of anyone requesting such permission.
- The Ministry of Education requires courses on Islam and MIB in all schools (except the International School of Brunei and Jerudong International School). The teaching of other religions is prohibited. Private Christian schools are reportedly not allowed to give Christian instruction and are required to give instruction on Islam.
- The government routinely censors magazine articles on other faiths by blacking out or removing photographs of crucifixes and other religious symbols. Public display, distribution, and sale of items featuring non‑Islamic religious symbols are prevented.
- Residents are required to carry an identity card that states the bearer's religion.
- The Societies Order 2005 compels all organizations, including religious groups not specifically mentioned in the constitution to register and provides the names of all members. Approval to register is at the discretion of the Registrar of Societies or Commissioner of Police. Individuals who participate in or influence others to join unregistered organizations can be fined, arrested, and imprisoned.
- In July 2006, the congregation of Gereja Parit in Daerah Temburong received a notice from the land office to demolish the church on grounds of illegally built on government land (SEAPC 06).
Slight improvement has seen the Government sponsoring a multi-faith delegation to the International Conference on Faith and Service in Manila in March, and to the East Asian Religious Leaders Forum held in Bali, Indonesia in February. The Government has also approved a request from Anglican St. Andrews Church to undertake a major refurbishment of its buildings.
According to International Religious Freedom Report 2006, there are 107 mosques and prayer halls, 7 Christian churches, several Chinese temples, and 2 Hindu temples in the country. There are no missionaries working in the country.
The Church
There are 8 Malay-speaking congregations (including 4 house-churches) in Brunei. The St. Andrews Malay-speaking congregation is reported to be the largest with 750 members. These churches are closely monitored by the government.
As a result of social and legal pressures, evangelism and church growth are hindered. Oppression has led the Church to be apprehensive in preaching the gospel. Many Christians meet in homes rather than in churches.
Despites the challenges, Christian activities still go on even though in a guarded manner. There are cross-border activities (e.g. training, rallies and camps) in neighboring Sarawak and involving especially the tribal Christians.
It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken,” nor to your land will it any longer be said, “Desolate”; but you will called, “My delight is in her,” and your land, “Married”; for the Lord delights in you and to Him your land will be married (Isaiah 62:4).
Remember, O Jehovah, what has been to us; look down and see our shame (Lamentation 5:1)
Look among the nations, and behold and wonder marvelously; for I will work a work in your days which you will not believe, not even if it is declared to you (Habakkuk 1:5).
Continue to pray:
- Sultan and Prime Minister Sir Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and his cabinet ministers to rule the nation with wisdom, justice and righteousness.
- Fair treatment for women, both Muslims and non-Muslims.
- Greater freedom to choose a religion of one’s own choice.
- Breakthrough in the land through intercession.
- Restoration of family institution [Brunei has high divorce rate]
- The Church:
- Unity of all denominations
- Blessings and encouragement for pastors/leaders
- Wisdom, courage and commitment for Christians as salt & light, to be the agents of reconciliation.
- Against the spirit of fear
- Favour from the authorities
- God’s intervention on the predicament of Gereja Parit in Daerah Temburong
- Christians to rise above social and legal pressure, be strong and courageous, steadfast in faith and continue reach out to friends and neighbours with the love of Christ, faithfully instruct their children in the ways of the Lord.
Reference:
- CIA Factbook, 5 October 2006.
- Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2005, released March 2006
- International Religious Freedom Report September 2006
- Amnesty International 2006
- Human Rights Watch World Report 2006
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunei
- Robbie B. H. Goh, Christianity in Southeast Asia. Singapore: ISEAS Pub., 2005.
- The 4th Southeast Asia Prayer Consultation (SEAPC), 10-14 October 2006. Batam, Indonesia.
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