1. Briefly discuss the creation of State of Brunei.

Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, is a sovereign state located on the island of Borneo in
Southeast Asia. Its history dates back to the 7th century, but it began to take shape as a state in the
14th century under the rule of Awang Alak Betatar. He converted to Islam and established Brunei as
an Islamic Sultanate in 1370. Brunei reached its peak of power during the reign of Sultan Bolkiah
(1485-1524), expanding its territories and becoming a major regional power. However, the decline of
Brunei started in the 17th century due to power struggles and European colonization.

In the 19th century, Brunei signed a series of treaties with the British to protect it from encroachment
by other colonizers. These treaties gradually eroded Brunei's sovereignty, and by the early 20th
century, Brunei became a British protectorate. (Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation)

Brunei remained under British protection until 1984 when it gained full independence as the State of
Brunei Darussalam. The sultanate declared itself a sovereign state and a constitutional monarchy,
with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as the reigning monarch.

Since gaining independence, Brunei has focused on developing its economy, which relies heavily on oil
and gas reserves.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunei#:~:text=Brunei%20(%2Fbru%CB%90%CB%88,of%20the
%20island%20of%20Borneo.
 https://www.britannica.com/place/Brunei
 https://www.un.int/brunei/brunei/country-facts
 https://unimelb.libguides.com/c.php?g=930183&p=6721965

2. What is the role of Great Britain in the independent Bruneis

governance today?
The British government does not have any official role in the day-to-day governance or decision-
making processes of Brunei. Since gaining independence in 1984, Brunei is no longer under the direct
governance or administration of Great Britain. It became a sovereign state and a constitutional
monarchy with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as the reigning monarch.

However, the legacy of British colonial rule and the historical ties between the two countries have had
a lasting impact on Brunei. The governance structures, legal systems, and administrative practices
implemented during British protection still influence Brunei's institutions.

Additionally, Brunei and the United Kingdom maintain a bilateral relationship and have diplomatic
ties. The two countries engage in matters of mutual interest, such as trade, education, cultural
exchanges, and defense cooperation.

 https://unimelb.libguides.com/c.php?g=930183&p=6721965#:~:text=In%201959%2C%20Brunei
%20became%20self,for%20defense%20and%20foreign%20policy.
 https://freedomhouse.org/country/brunei/freedom-world/2022
3. Identify the primary government departments that helps/ assist the
ruler of Brunei?
In Brunei, there are several government departments and agencies that assist and support the ruler,
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, in the governance of the country. These departments play various roles in
providing advice, implementing policies, and managing different aspects of the government. Some of
the primary government departments that help/assist the ruler of Brunei include:

1. Prime Minister's Office (PMO): The PMO serves as the central coordinating agency for government
policies and programs. It assists the ruler in decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation.

2. Royal Office: The Royal Office directly supports the Sultan in his official duties and engagements. It
manages the Sultan's daily schedule, public appearances, and liaises with other government
departments and agencies on behalf of the ruler.

3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: This ministry plays a crucial role in managing Brunei's diplomatic
relations with other countries. It assists the ruler in international affairs, organizing state visits, and
representing Brunei abroad.

4. Ministry of Finance and Economy: Responsible for economic planning, budgets, and financial
management, this ministry advises the ruler on economic policies, development plans, and issues
related to trade and investment.

5. Ministry of Defense: The Ministry of Defense oversees the country's defense and security matters.
It advises the ruler on defense policies, national security, and military readiness.

6. Ministry of Home Affairs: This ministry is responsible for maintaining law and order, internal
security, and the administration of justice. It assists the ruler in matters related to domestic
governance, public safety, and civil administration.

7. Ministry of Education: The Ministry of Education is tasked with the development and
implementation of educational policies and programs. It assists the ruler in matters related to
education, including the promotion of Brunei's educational system and initiatives.

8. Ministry of Health: Responsible for healthcare services and public health policies, this ministry
assists the ruler in matters related to healthcare management, medical services, and public health
emergencies.

These are just a few examples of the primary government departments that support the ruler of
Brunei. There are several other ministries, departments, and agencies that play important roles in
different areas of governance, such as infrastructure development, social welfare, natural resources,
and religious affairs.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Brunei
4. Can we consider Brunei as a democratic state in terms of
governance? Give your basis for your answer.

No, Brunei is not considered a democratic state in terms of governance. Brunei is known as an
absolute monarchy or an autocratic monarchy. In an absolute monarchy, the ruling monarch holds
absolute power and authority, typically without any constitutional or democratic checks and balances.
The ruler's decisions are final and have little accountability to the citizens. The Sultan has been in
power since 1967 and exercises significant control over the government, legislature, and judiciary.

In Brunei, the Sultan has the final say in decision-making, and the government operates under his
guidance and direction. While there are advisory bodies and government departments, the ultimate
power rests with the ruler.

 https://unimelb.libguides.com/c.php?g=930183&p=6721965#:~:text=In%201959%2C%20Brunei
%20became%20self,for%20defense%20and%20foreign%20policy.

There are several reasons why Brunei cannot be considered a democratic state:

1. Absence of competitive elections: Brunei does not have competitive elections where political
parties and candidates can freely participate. The ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, holds absolute power
and appoints members of the Legislative Council, limiting the ability of citizens to choose their
representatives through democratic processes.

 https://freedomhouse.org/country/brunei/freedom-world/2022 (B2)

2. Concentration of power: The Sultan of Brunei holds significant power and authority, with control
over the government, legislature, and judiciary. The Sultan's decisions are final and have little
accountability or checks and balances. This concentration of power undermines the principles of
democracy, which emphasize the separation of powers.

 https://freedomhouse.org/country/brunei/freedom-world/2022 (C1)

3. Limitations on freedom of speech and expression: There are restrictions on freedom of speech and
expression in Brunei. The government exercises strict control over media, and criticizing the ruling
family or government policies is heavily regulated. This lack of freedom undermines the democratic
principle of open and free public discourse.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_media_in_Brunei

4. Limited civil and political rights: Brunei has limited civil and political rights for its citizens. The
government places restrictions on public gatherings, political activism, and the formation of
independent organizations. This lack of freedom inhibits the active participation of citizens in political
processes and decision-making.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Brunei

5. Limited transparency and accountability: Brunei lacks transparency and accountability in its
governance. There is limited access to information about government activities and decision-making
processes. The absence of independent oversight institutions and mechanisms hinders accountability
and contributes to the lack of democratic governance.

 https://freedomhouse.org/country/brunei/freedom-world/2022 (C3)