Brunei Government
US Department Of State Post Report
Brunei’s open storm drainage system can sometimes produce unpleasant odors, but does not present health problems. Indiscriminate dumping of waste and garbage mars some town and residential areas. The Municipal Department provides garbage collection services for a reasonable fee in residential areas; the landlord for all Embassy residences arranges garbage collection services. Preventive MeasuresLast Updated: 12/2/2003 10:29 AM Clean fruits and vegetables well before eating. Cook meat thoroughly. Although local water is potable, Embassy personnel use bottled water and do not drink tap water as it is sometimes discolored. Insect control can be rudimentary. The Embassy maintains a pest control contract for all U.S. Government-leased quarters. Malaria suppressants are not necessary in ... [Read More]
Brunei
The Ministry requires that all students, including non-Muslims, follow a course of study on the Islamic faith and learn the jawi (Arabic script). The International School of Brunei and the Jeurdong International School are exempt from these restrictions. Private mission schools are not allowed to give Christian instruction and are required to give instruction about Islam; however, the Government does not prohibit or restrict parents from giving religious instruction to children in their own homes. In January 2000, the Government responded to objections from parents and religious leaders and set aside tentative plans to require that more Islamic courses be taught in private, non-Islamic parochial schools. There were no indications that the Government would again propose these plans for non-Islamic schools. ... [Read More]
Brunei
There were problems in the Government's human rights record, particularly in the area of civil liberties; however, there was some improvement in government transparency and tentative steps toward a more representative government. Citizens did not have the right to change the government, and they generally avoided political activity of any kind because of the official atmosphere of disapproval concerning such activities. Citizens did not exercise freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, or freedom of association. The Government used the Internal Security Act (ISA) to detain persons. Other human rights problems continued, including restrictions on religious freedom. Occasional spousal violence against women remained a concern, although the Government addressed the matter at many levels. Discrimination against women was a problem. Labor rights were circumscribed, and foreign workers sometimes were subjected to exploitation, although the Government took steps ... [Read More]
Brunei
The government's tolerance of political criticism was not tested because there was no organized opposition. However, the English language newspaper, the Borneo Bulletin was advised by police not to publish any stories about the activities of the Consumers' Association of Borneo's (CAB), a quasi-human rights organization (see Section 4). During the year, citizens generally made almost no criticism of the Government for fear of official disapproval and risk of surveillance. In the past, the Government did not hesitate to arrest those who attempted to propagate unwelcome political views. The Government placed no apparent restrictions on Internet use, which was widespread. Two popular electronic bulletin boards contained postings that sometimes were critical of government actions. The country's primary Internet service provider was state owned. ... [Read More]
Background Notes Archive - East Asia and the Pacific
Background Notes: Brunei, October 1998Released by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific AffairsU.S. Department of StateOFFICIAL NAME: Brunei DarussalamPROFILEGeographyArea: 5,769 sq. km. (2,227 sq. mi.), slightly larger than Delaware.Cities: Capital--Bandar Seri Begawan.Terrain: East--flat coastal plains with beaches; west--hilly with a few mountain ridges.Climate: Equatorial; high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall.PeopleNationality: Noun and adjective--Bruneian(s).Population (1998 est.): 320,000.Annual growth rate: 2.5%.Ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, other indigenous.Religion: Islam.Languages: Malay, English, Chinese; Iban and other indigenous dialects.Education: Years compulsory--9. Literacy--90%. (1996)Health: Life expectancy--74 years. Infant mortality rate(1996)--6.9/1,000. GovernmentType: Sultanate.Independence: January 1, 1984.Constitution: 1959.Branches: Executive--Sultan is both head of state and prime minister, presiding over an 11-member cabinet. Judicial (ba ... [Read More]
Brunei
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 15, 2004, to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security Information, Customs Regulations, Criminal Penalties, Children's Issues, and Registration/Embassy Location. Other Government Websites First Gov Service Locator ... [Read More]
Brunei
The Government generally respected its citizens' human rights in several areas; however, its record was poor in other areas, particularly with regard to civil liberties. Citizens did not have the right to change the Government, and they generally avoided political activity of any kind because of the official atmosphere of disapproval concerning such activities. Citizens did not exercise freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, or freedom of association. Labor rights were circumscribed and foreign workers sometimes were subjected to exploitation, although the Government took steps to protect foreign workers. Other human rights problems continued, including restrictions on religious freedom. Occasional spousal violence against women remained a problem, although the Government addressed the issue at many levels. Discrimination against women was a problem. In October 2002, a reform nationality law was passed that allows women to pass on their nationality to their children. ... [Read More]
Brunei Facts
Brunei Notes of Interest [Read More]
Brunei (03/05)
In the 1970s, Brunei invested sharply increasing revenues from petroleum exports and maintained government spending at a low and constant rate. Consequently, the government was able to build its foreign reserves and invest them around the world to help provide for future generations. Part of the reserve earnings was reportedly also used to help finance the government's annual budget deficit. Since 1986, however, petroleum revenues have decreased, and government spending has increased. Until 2000, the government ran a budget deficit since 1988. ... [Read More]
Brunei
There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period covered by this report. The official religion is Islam. Other religions, such as Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, also are practiced; however, practitioners of non-Muslim faiths are not allowed to proselytize, and Christian-based schools are not allowed to teach the Christian religion. All schools, including eight non-government Chinese schools and four Christian-based schools, must give instruction in the Islamic faith to all students. The Government uses a range of municipal and planning legislation to restrict the expansion of all religions other than official Islam. The Government detained several Christians in late 2000 and 2001 for alleged subversive activities. These individuals subsequently were released, the last of them in October 2001 after taking an oath of allegiance to the Sultan. ... [Read More]
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