Brunei in 2004

Brunei in 2004

Area: 5,765 sq km (2,226 sq mi)
Population (2004 est.): 351,000
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Head of state and government: Sultan and Prime Minister Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muʿizzaddin Waddaulah

In Brunei 2004 was an eventful year. During his 58th birthday speech on July 15, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muʿizzaddin Waddaulah made a landmark announcement on the revitalization of the Legislative Council, which was suspended in 1984. He also stated that the 1959 constitution was being reviewed and draft amendments would soon be debated by the Legislative Council. The sultan appointed 21 Legislative Council members on September 6. Eleven were state officials, including the sultan himself and selected government ministers, while 10 were nominated members; few had served in the 1960s Legislative Council. Meanwhile, in mid-August a revised and broadened succession and regency law was announced.

A gala royal wedding took place with much pomp and pageantry as Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah married Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahman, the daughter of a Bruneian father and a Swiss-born mother. The festivities were attended by world dignitaries, including Prince Naruhito of Japan, the king of Malaysia, the duke of Gloucester from Great Britain, and luminaries from neighbouring countries.

Malaysia and Brunei sought to finalize their maritime boundary issue. The sultan met privately with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi while senior officials worked out the details of a settlement.

B.A. Hussainmiya