"Brunei's Fight for Integrity: Breaking the Chains of Colonial Mentality”
Can Brunei truly embody its vision as a *Negara Zikir*, a state constantly remembering Allah? Despite the ideals of justice, compassion, and integrity deeply rooted in its Malay Islamic Monarchy (M.I.B) framework, the struggle against corruption and lingering colonial influences remains. Dive into the complexities of governance shaped by Syiasah politics, patronising dynamics, and limited electoral participation—where the pursuit of true integrity is both a challenge and an aspiration. Will Brunei break free from the chains of the past and rise as a model of ethical governance?
By Malai Hassan Othman
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, NOVEMBER 2024: Integrity is frequently echoed in Brunei's Friday sermons and official statements, yet it often remains elusive in practice.
Today, 29th November 2024, imams across the nation reiterated the significance of integrity in the workplace — a commendable sentiment, but is it adequate?
Workers were encouraged to carry out their duties with discipline, high moral standards, and dedication.
The sermon addressed the pursuit of halal sustenance, emphasising the importance of contributing positively to the national mission.
However, beneath this moral exhortation lies a more troubling question: Why does integrity continue to be a challenge despite Brunei's proclaimed commitment to Islamic principles?
The imams also discussed corruption, labelling it as a crime and a violation of Islamic values.
They reminded the congregation of the severe penalties for those convicted — B$30,000 in fines and seven years of imprisonment. Nonetheless, how effective are these deterrents when corruption persists, lurking within our institutions?
Since its establishment in 1982, Brunei's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has investigated 2,469 cases of alleged corruption.
As a result, 284 individuals faced criminal charges, resulting in 231 convictions for offences that range from bribery to criminal breach of trust, fraudulent financial claims, cheating, and even receiving sexual favours.
Additionally, 260 public servants have been dismissed or reprimanded for abusing their positions for personal gain.
Administrative sanctions have included suspensions, demotions, and the cancellation of bonuses — indicating that corruption is not merely an abstract issue but a significant threat to governance.
Despite these efforts, Brunei scored only 60/100 on the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 35th out of 180 countries.
While this may seem respectable, it falls short of exemplary, particularly for a nation aspiring to uphold Malay Islamic Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja - M.I.B) values and establish itself as a Negara Zikir —a state that remembers Allah in all aspects of life. So, where is the disconnect?
Negara Zikir: The Path to True Integrity
To grasp the struggle for integrity, we must explore the concept of Negara Zikir as presented in "Falsafah Pembangunan Negara Zikir Memperteguh Stabiliti Konsep Melayu Islam Beraja" by Rasinah Ahim.
The Negara Zikir philosophy seeks to cultivate a society that is profoundly devoted to the remembrance of Allah.
More than just a concept, it serves as a guiding framework that intertwines spirituality and morality with the nation’s development.
The three core elements of Negara Zikir — framework, operational mechanism, and objectives —focus on aligning governance with Islamic values and pursuing mardhatillah (divine satisfaction).
This vision is evident in Brunei's governance model, which strives to balance economic progress with spiritual fulfilment, ensuring that all policies and actions reinforce the nation's moral and ethical foundation.
The Role of the Sultan as Ulil Amri
At the heart of this philosophy is the role of the Sultan as Ulil Amri, a term from the Qur'an meaning "those in authority."
The Qur'anic verse Surah An-Nisa 4:59 instructs believers: “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you…”.
This verse underscores the religious obligation to obey Allah, the Prophet, and the Ulil Amri, highlighting that authority is a divine trust that must be exercised with justice and integrity.
As Ulil Amri, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Wadaullah, serves as both a political and spiritual leader of Brunei, embodying the principles of Adil (justice) and Berehsan (compassion).
His leadership is distinguished by a steadfast commitment to fairness, ensuring that governance is conducted with integrity and that all citizens receive equitable treatment.
Adil signifies that every decision made is anchored in justice, providing a robust framework for respecting citizens' rights and applying the law uniformly.
In contrast, Berehsan reflects His Majesty's compassion and empathy, essential for fostering a harmonious society where the welfare of the people is prioritised.
Negara Zikir and Adil dan Berehsan in Governance
The concept of Negara Zikir is closely connected to His Majesty's leadership, which is based on the principles of Adil dan Berehsan.
These principles ensure that governance extends beyond merely enforcing laws; they also emphasise the importance of cultivating a society where ethical values and spirituality drive development.
His Majesty envisions Brunei as a Negara Zikir —a nation constantly remembering Allah — implying that all aspects of governance, from economic policies to social welfare, must reflect Islamic values.
This alignment is evident in initiatives like the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013, the promotion of mandatory religious education, and a strong emphasis on moral conduct in public life.
These actions aim to establish a governance structure that is both just and compassionate, embodying the dual aspects of Adil dan Berehsan.
By fusing justice with compassion, His Majesty strives to ensure that Brunei's development is not only materially prosperous but also spiritually enriching.
The Interplay of Political Cultures in Brunei
Brunei's governance is shaped by the complex interplay of three political cultures: Syiasah politics, electoral politics, and patronising politics. Understanding the interactions among these cultures elucidates the challenges in fully achieving the vision of Negara Zikir.
1. Syiasah Politics: Grounded in Islamic governance, Syiasah politics prioritises justice, welfare, and adherence to Islamic principles. The Sultan, as Ulil Amri, ensures that governance aligns with Islamic values, focusing on public welfare and moral authority. This approach is vital to Brunei's aspiration to be a Negara Zikir, where every decision reflects the remembrance of Allah.
2. Electoral Politics: Electoral politics in Brunei is limited, with minimal public involvement in decision-making processes. The lack of widespread electoral participation diminishes accountability, which is essential for integrity. Without mechanisms for public input and the ability to select representatives, holding leaders accountable for their actions becomes challenging, potentially obstructing just and transparent governance.
3. Patronising Politics: Patronizing politics involves decision-making driven by loyalty and personal connections rather than competence and merit. This culture can undermine efforts to uphold Adil dan Berehsan in governance, as favouritism may result in unfair practices and diminish public trust. When loyalty takes precedence over competence, it creates obstacles to establishing a meritocratic system that prioritises the welfare of all citizens.
The Struggle for True Alignment
Despite these lofty ideals, the reality of Brunei's governance remains shaped by a blend of colonial mentality, secular thinking, and the interactions of the previously mentioned political cultures.
This combination complicates the efforts to fully realise the vision of Negara Zikir.
Additionally, the influence of patronising politics, where loyalty often supersedes competence, further undermines the principles of justice and fairness.
The concept of Negara Zikir, alongside Syiasah politics, outlines a framework for a society that prioritises justice, morality, and welfare.
However, achieving this vision requires overcoming the systemic barriers that impede progress.
The teachings of the Qur'an emphasise the importance of obeying the Ulil Amri, provided they govern in alignment with Allah's commands.
Therefore, both leadership and the public must actively ensure that governance remains free from corruption and is rooted in Islamic values.
A Call for Transformation
To genuinely uphold the ideals of M.I.B and become a Negara Zikir, Brunei must confront these systemic challenges.
This entails cultivating a political culture that truly reflects Islamic values, prioritises public welfare, and fosters an environment of transparency and accountability.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has made progress, but authentic transformation necessitates more than merely enforcing regulations; it calls for a cultural shift that establishes integrity as the foundation of governance.
The message from the imams is clear: integrity is not solely an individual responsibility; it is a societal obligation integral to the nation's pursuit of becoming a Negara Zikir.
His Majesty's leadership, defined by Adil dan Berehsan, exemplifies how governance should be conducted—with justice, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to Islamic principles.
However, sermons and leadership alone will not suffice; true change will manifest when integrity is instilled within the structures of governance, when Syiasah politics is genuinely practised, and when every action taken by leaders and citizens alike is imbued with the motto “In Service with God’s Guidance” — a phrase enshrined in Brunei's state emblem. Only then can Brunei thrive under Allah's guidance and realise the potential of Syiasah politics and the vision of Negara Zikir. (MHO/11/2024)
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