ABSTRACT
Since independence, Brunei has been trying to find an equilibrium between western values and processes and its own traditional Bruneian practices and values. On the one hand, Brunei strives to assert its own identity in the region as an independent Malay Muslim monarchy. To do so, it employs a model of statehood that had its genesis in the 14th century. Brunei’s monarch, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah,2 claims direct descent from the first Bruneian Sultan3 who converted to Islam in 1362, and he also claims lineage from the Prophet Mohammad.4 To endorse and protect the three pillars of the nation’s identity, Brunei has employed a nationalistic state ideology, known as Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). The ideology is designed to promote and protect the dominance
* Lecturer, TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, Brisbane. 1 Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace. Daru’ L-Salam is an honorific Arabic title that was adopted
by the government at the time of independence in 1984. 2 His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan
and Yang Di-Pertuan, Negara Brunei Darussalam. 3 Awang Alak Betatar.
