Brunei Darussalam in 2012: Towards a Zikir Nation

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Brunei Darussalam’s preoccupation with an array of issues was evident throughout 2012. While none of the issues were distinctively pressing, they prompted leaders to engage the nation towards realizing Wawasan (Vision) 2035, the vision for Brunei Darussalam national development by 2035. Incremental achievements have gradually progressed towards the vision. As a hereditary monarchy, and with the absence of a contested and confrontational political environment, Brunei Darussalam’s national emphasis is on economic, social, and spiritual goals that can be pursued congenially.

Governing the State

Brunei Darussalam is an MIB (Melayu Islam Beraja or Malay Islamic Monarchy) state. The Malay Islamic Monarchy concept is the core of the national solidarity that ensures harmony, security, stability and well-being of the nation. It is the responsibility of Brunei Darussalam citizens to uphold and to ensure continuity of the values of the Muslim Brunei Malays as well to adhere to and preserve the Monarchical System.

In facing domestic challenges and the turbulent global trends, while upholding the MIB, efforts to better manage and modernize the government are necessary, in particular to make the Civil Service more resilient, dynamic and relevant to accord with the aspirations of the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam. In accordance with his wish is to make the Sultanate a Zikir nation, His Majesty has called for the fulfillment of spiritual obligations while dealing with worldly challenges. (A Zikir nation is one that upholds Allah’s laws, has good moral values among its citizens as well as in its approach to other countries.) The monarch reinforced his commitment to develop the country into a true nation of Zikir in his titah to mark the new Islamic year, 1433 Hijrah. The country has since increased its diligence in upholding Islamic practices. This call is to uphold the image of the nation as an Islamic country through alignment with the syariah or Islamic law and to prevent errant Muslims from skipping the obligatory prayers. Following the titah, the Brunei Ministry of Home Affairs instructed all business premises and offices, centres of entertainments, recreation and sports including cineplexes and playgrounds, foodstalls, markets and other business establishments to close on Fridays from 12.00 noon to 2.00 p.m., effective 2 November 2012, bringing to a halt, the country’s entire commercial activities for two hours every Friday.

Upholding the Law

Syariah Criminal Law will govern most of Brunei’s court cases in the very near future and talks are being conducted by the State Mufti’s department to make the people understand better what Syariah Criminal Law is. Both the Civil Courts and the Syariah Court will soon run in parallel in the country without affecting one or the other.

The year also saw the establishment of the International Property Office (PRO) that will help boost innovation efforts and consolidation. First and foremost, beginning in January 2012, the Patent Order 2011 was enforced to safeguard and protect copyright as well as to promote, among others, investments in research and innovation. The Business Licensing System was established to restore business licences. The Income Tax Act was amended to lower the corporate tax rate to 20 per cent. Further institutional progress was seen, to protect the security of businesses and consumers and laws were introduced relating to Money Laundering in Criminal Assets Recovery Order 2012. The Consumers Protection (Fair Trading) Order 2011 was enforced to create fair transactions to safeguard consumer interests. These measures will hopefully generate growth of the private sector and in turn growth of employment opportunities.

Strengthening Security and Defence

Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines convened their Joint Defence Working Committee on 11 April 2012. Meeting in Brunei Darussalam, defence officials from both countries updated each other on their nations’ respective priorities, such as strengthening the Navy and conducting maritime exercises with partners, the maritime security situation in the West Philippine Sea and the Mindanao peace process. The defence officials also reviewed the bilateral defence cooperation of the two countries and explored means to further enhance their partnership in areas such...