Politics of Brunei
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Brunei |
 This article is part of the series: |
|
|
|
Other countries • Politics Portal |
The Politics of Brunei take place in a framework of an absolute monarchy, whereby the Sultan of Brunei is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Brunei has a Legislative Council with 20 appointed members, that only has consultative tasks. 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, including emergency powers since 1962. The Sultan's role is enshrined in the national philosophy known as Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), or Malay Islamic Monarchy. The country has been under hypothetical martial law since a rebellion occurred in the early 1960s and was put down by British troops from Singapore.
Contents |
[edit] Executive branch
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, whose title has passed within the same dynasty since the 15th century, is the head of state and head of government in Brunei. The Sultan is assisted and advised by five councils, which he appoints. A Council of Ministers, or cabinet, which currently consists of nine members (including the Sultan himself), assists in the administration of the government. The Sultan presides over the cabinet as Prime Minister and also holds the positions of Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance. One of the Sultan's brothers, Prince Mohamed, serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs. There are also three Councils appointed by the Sultan: a Religious Council, which advises on religious matters; a Privy Council, dealing with constitutional matters; and the Council of Succession that determines the succession to the throne should the need arise. The media is extremely pro-government and the Royal family retains a venerated status within the country. There is no elected legislative body. In September 2004, the Sultan convened an appointed Parliament which had not met since independence in 1984, although it lacks any capacity beyond advising the monarch. Due to the absolute rule of the Sultan, Brunei is one of the most politically stable countries in Asia.
[edit] Legislative branch
Under the 1959 constitution there was an elected Legislative Council, or Majlis Masyuarat Negeri, but the last elections were held in 1962, after which it was dissolved following a state of emergency, which saw the banning of the Parti Rakyat Brunei (PRB) or Brunei People's Party. In 1970 the Council was changed to an appointed body by decree of the Sultan; an elected Legislative Council is being considered as part of constitutional reform, but elections are unlikely for several years.
| Members | Seats |
|---|---|
| Members appointed by the Sultan | 20 |
| Total | 20 |
[edit] Political parties and elections
Brunei is currently one of the few countries in the world that does not hold elections at all. A Legislative Council has 20 appointed members with only consultative tasks. Brunei doesn't allow political parties to take part in elections. The following illegal parties exist:
- Brunei National Solidarity Party (PPKB)
- Brunei People's Awareness Party (PAKAR)
- National Development Party (NDP)
Former parties include:
- Brunei National Democratic Party (BNDP)
- Brunei People's Party (Parti Rakyat Brunei)
[edit] Judicial branch
Brunei's legal system is based on English common law, with an independent judiciary, a body of written common law judgments and statutes, and legislation enacted by the Sultan. Most cases are tried by the local magistrate's courts. More serious cases go before the High Court, which sits for about 2 weeks every few months. Brunei has an arrangement with the United Kingdom whereby United Kingdom judges are appointed as the judges for Brunei's High Court and Court of Appeal. Final appeal can be made to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London in civil but not criminal cases.
[edit] Territory Dispute
Brunei claims territory in Sarawak, such as Limbang, and is one of many nations to lay claim to the disputed Spratly Islands. Several small islands situated between Brunei and Labuan, including Kuraman island, are contested between Brunei and Malaysia. However, they are internationally recognised as part of the latter.
