What Type of Government Does Brunei Have?
Brunei is a small but wealthy country located on the sunny side of the South China Sea. It has been under the rule of a monarchy since its independence in 1984, and the Sultan of Brunei has been its head of state ever since. In this article, we’ll take a look at the type of government Brunei has and how it works in practice.
Understanding the Monarchy of Brunei
The Sultan of Brunei is the head of state and he is assisted by the Royal Family, a 9-member Council of Succession, and a 5-member Privy Council. The current ruler of Brunei is Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah. He ascended to the throne in 1967 and has not be deposed since.
The Sultan holds all executive powers in the country and is assisted by the Royal Family. The Royal Family is comprised of the Sultan’s siblings, their children, and their spouses. It serves as an advisory body to the Sultan and its members are regularly consulted regarding important government matters.
The Council of Succession is a nine-member body that is tasked with succession planning and succession legislation. Its members are appointed directly by the Sultan and are responsible for keeping the Sultan up to date on current affairs. Additionally, the Council is responsible for evaluating potential candidates for the position of crown prince or princess if the current heir is unable for some reason to ascend to the throne.
The Privy Council is the topmost decision-making body in Brunei. This 5-member council is responsible for monitoring and reviewing government policies and making sure those policies remain consistent with the teachings of the religion of Islam. They also advise the Sultan on matters relating to the Sultanate’s internal and external policies.
Brunei’s Legislature
The Brunei legislature, which is known as the Majlis Mesyuarat Negara (National Assembly), is made up of a 36-member assembly elected by popular vote. It is the primary legislative body in the country and is responsible for the formation of laws, the introduction of reform, and the ratifying of international agreements.
The National Assembly is led by the Prime Minister and members are recommended by the Sultan. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Sultan and has the ability to propose and pass legislation without the need for approval from the Sultan. The Sultan has the right to veto any law passed by the National Assembly, however.
What Kind of Laws Are Enforced in Brunei?
Law and order in Brunei is heavily influenced by the teachings of Islam, and the Sharia law is enforced by the Royal Family. Sharia laws are based on a moral code, and the government has enacted a number of laws that restrict the behavior of its citizens. These laws include prohibition against adultery, premarital sex, and homosexuality, and gambling and prostitution are also banned.
Consequences for breaking Sharia law can include a jail sentence, fines, and corporal punishment, and the status of certain crimes can even change from criminal to civil proceedings at the discretion of the court. Non-Muslim citizens are exempt from certain sections of Brunei’s Sharia law, including the death sentence for certain crimes.
Brunei is a unique country with a unique type of government. The Sultan is the ultimate ruler of Brunei, and he is assisted by a Royal Family, Council of Succession, and Privy Council. The legislative branch of the government is made up of the 36-member National Assembly and the Prime Minister has the ability to pass legislation without needing approval from the Sultan. Sharia law is heavily enforced in Brunei, though non-Muslims are exempt from sections of the law pertaining to criminal proceedings. All in all, Brunei is an interesting place to visit and observe its unique type of government.
