Brunei

Brunei’s recorded history begins with the Sultanate of Brunei in the 14th century. However, historical references in Chinese and Hindu chronicles refer to an earlier trading kingdom situated at the mouth of the Brunei River.

The first sultan, Alak Betatar, embraced Islam and changed his name and title to Sultan Muhammad Shah. He ruled from 1363-1402. Over the next 200 years Brunei’s power and influence increased, controlling all of Borneo and parts of the southern Philippines.

During the 17th and 18th centuries Brunei’s influence waned as European colonial power increased in Asia. In 1839 the English adventurer and former soldier James Brooke helped the Sultan of Brunei to put down a rebellion. As a reward he was made Rajah and Governor of Brunei (later known as the “White Rajah”). Brunei lost territory during his time in office.

In 1888 Brunei became a British protectorate and in 1946 Sarawak was ceded to the British government as a crown colony. Brunei became a self-governing state in 1959 and the fully independent state of Brunei Darussalam in 1984.

Oil was discovered in 1929 in Seria, on the northwestern coast, and the kingdom’s economic rise began. The 28th sultan, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, led Brunei towards prosperity and modernity during his rule from 1950-1967. His son, Hassanal Bolkiah, is the present sultan.

The sultan is absolute monarch, serving as head of the government, prime minister, minister of home affairs, commander and chief of the armed forces and head of Islam in Brunei. He is widely respected by the people.

While there are no general elections and no criticism of the government is permitted, small democratic changes have been introduced recently. While all democratic structures were suspended in 1962 and a “state of emergency” still exists, there have been recent moves to reinstate a measure of democracy. The legal system is based on English common law, but for Muslims, Shari’a law supersedes civil law in some areas.

The population of Brunei is considered among the wealthiest in Asia, with an average annual income in excess of US$25,160. The kingdom’s immense wealth largely results from the income from its oil and natural gas fields. For Brunei citizens, education and health care is free. There is also no income tax, and housing subsidies are readily available. There is no poverty. Large numbers of Malays, the majority people group, are employed in government jobs, as well the oil industry. Malays are given preference when applying for government jobs. However, many are still found in traditional roles as fishermen and boatmen.

The Malays of Brunei value family and community life and many enjoy a traditional lifestyle. They are renowned for their generous and gracious hospitality. A strong commitment to Islam is very obvious in Brunei, but in common with Malays across Southeast Asia, they live in harmony with those of other faiths.

The pervasive concept of the “Malay Muslim Monarchy” seeks to integrate Islam, Malay language and culture, and the monarchy.

The Borneo Church Mission (later absorbed into SPG) was established in England in 1846, with the aim of sending Anglican missionaries to Borneo, the island where Brunei is located. The first missionaries arrived in 1848 at the invitation of James Brooke, and Brunei was absorbed into the Diocese of Labuan (a nearby island and British crown colony). Brunei is still part of an Anglican Communion Diocese within the Anglican Province of Southeast Asia.

The Roman Catholic Church has also been established in Brunei for over 100 years. However, all Catholic monks and nuns were expelled in 1991.

Three Australian missionaries, Hudson Southwell, Frank Davidson and Carey Tolley, established the Borneo Evangelical Mission in Sarawak in 1928 (a work that led to the birth of Sidang Injil Borneo, or SIB Church). Today, SIB churches are also found in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, but the SIB has no legal presence in Brunei.

A significant number of Christians in Brunei attend one of several Anglican churches in Brunei, while others are affiliated with a growing number of independent congregations. The majority of these independent congregations are not officially registered as “churches,” but have been creative in registering themselves with the authorities. Some Christians do meet secretly. It has happened that Christian meetings in homes have been raided by the religious police in an effort to close down such illegal activities. Thus, the religious atmosphere in Brunei is repressive. Evangelical Christians number 6.1 percent of the total population.

The Chinese population largely follows Chinese religions but approximately 15 percent are Christian. Among the various indigenous peoples, many have converted to Islam. Others, notably in jungle villages, are Christian.

The Malay population is Sunni Muslim. Brunei is an Islamic state and Islam is obligatory for all Malays. The Religious Affairs Department actively and strictly regulates the practices of Islam, as well as monitoring the activities of other religions.

Christian witness and work by foreigners is not permitted and while Christians may convert to Islam, Muslims are forbidden to convert to another religion. Although religious tolerance is enshrined in the constitution, Christian activities are carefully controlled. Witnessing to Muslims is illegal. There are only a handful of Malay believers in Brunei and they face severe persecution if found out.

The Education Department is at the forefront of actively and vigorously pursuing the complete Islamization of Brunei by insisting that Islam be taught to all pupils at every level. This is something the traditional “mission” or church schools have tried to resist.

• The Sultan of Brunei is reputed to be the world’s second wealthiest person. Pray for him and his family, and all those in authority. Pray for political liberalization.
• Pray for the thousands of Muslims who go to the magnificent Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque to pray each day—that they would have a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Pray for Malays to hunger after God.
• The church in Brunei has endured some difficulties in recent years. Foreigners are not permitted to carry out Christian work in Brunei, even on a short visit. Pray for Brunei’s Christians and churches, that they may demonstrate the love of Christ.
• Pray for unity, courage and wisdom. Operation World says, “Harsh treatment has drawn together most of the churches and birthed a holy determination among many.”
• Pray especially for St Andrew’s Church. Several congregations meet under its roof and its influence is strategic.
• Pray for Christian leaders in Brunei. Ask the Lord to provide mature leaders and Bible teachers.
• It is illegal to import Bibles and Christian literature into Brunei. Pray that existing Bibles, books and materials may be used wisely and may reach all who need them.
• Pray for the non-Christian majority of Brunei, including the Malays, the Chinese, indigenous peoples and expatriates. The Chinese are largely regarded as foreigners, even those who have been born in Brunei.
• Bruneian students attend university in countries such as Malaysia, Australia and the UK. Pray that they will be welcomed by Christians and may have the opportunity to hear the gospel. Pray for those who commit their lives to Christ abroad and return home to live and work in Brunei.