BRUNEI - Ethics, Equity & Social Justice

ETHICS, EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 

BRUNEI 

Cultural Sensitivity Notes

BRUNEI (Negara Brunei Darussalam) 

Brunei is located 442 km north of the equator in the northwest 

corner of Borneo and is bordered by Malaysia and the South China 

Sea. The country is physically divided by the Malaysian state of 

Sarawak. Brunei is probably most famous for the renowned wealth 

of its Sultan. 

Population and Ethnicity 

Brunei has a population of approximately 343,653 (July 2001 est.) 

with an ethnic mix of Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, Indigenous 6%, 

other 12%. 

Language 

Malay and English are the official languages of Brunei. Some 

Chinese dialects are also used. 

Religion 

The official religion of Brunei is Islam 67% (predominantly the Sunni 

sect). Other religions practiced include Buddhism 13%, Christianity 

10%, Indigenous beliefs and other, 10%. 

Currency 

Bruneian dollar (BND) 

The Bruneian dollar is on a par with the Singapore dollar and the 

currencies are interchangeable. 

$US1 = 1.69680 BND 

$A1 = 1.22170 BND 

Accurate as at November 2003 

Time 

Time in Brunei = GMT + 8 hours = WST. 

Brunei is in the same time zone as Western Australia. 

Physical Features and Climate 

The terrain consists of a flat coastal plain rising to mountains in the 

east and hilly lowland in the west. Three quarters of the land mass 

is covered in rainforests. The climate is typically equatorial - tropical, 

hot, humid and rainy. There is no dry season. 

Major Cities: 

Capital city: Bandar Seri Begawan 

Other towns are: Muara, Seria, Tutong, Kuala Belait, and Bangar. 

Most of the population live in the Brunei-Muara district, in or near 

Bandar Seri Begawan. The major oil and natural gas installations 

are located around Seria and Kuala Belait.

Political and Legal System 

Brunei is a constitutional sultanate (monarchy). The monarch, 

Sultan Sir Hassanal Bolkiah, is the Head of both State and 

Government and rules by decree. He presides over an advisory 

Council of Cabinet Ministers, a Religious Council and a Privy 

Council. 

There have been no national elections in Brunei since the 

declaration of a state of emergency in December 1962. 

The legal system is based on English common law. For Muslims the 

Islamic Shari'a law supersedes civil law in areas relating to family 

and marriage. 

Economy 

Brunei has a relatively wealthy economy in which exports of crude 

oil and natural gas account for over half of its GDP. Substantial 

income from overseas investment supplements income from 

domestic production. Residents of Brunei enjoy a generally high 

standard of living and the government provides for all medical 

services and subsidises rice and housing. 

Since the 1980s, the Government has been implementing a 

diversification program in an attempt to shift economic activity from 

oil and natural gas to agriculture, fishing, and tourism sectors. 

Brunei belongs to the Association of South East Asian Nations 

(ASEAN), the Commonwealth and the OIC (Organisation of Islamic 

Countries). It joined the International Monetary Fund and World 

Bank in 1995. 

Exports 

The main exports are crude oil, natural gas and refined products 

Imports 

The main imports are machinery and transport equipment, 

manufactured goods, food and chemicals. 

History 

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Brunei was a considerable 

regional power, controlling not only most of Borneo but parts of the 

Philippines as well. The Spanish and the Portuguese were the first 

Europeans to arrive, but it was the British, who arrived in the region 

in the 17th and 18th centuries, who began to erode Brunei's 

influence. Sarawak was ceded to the British in the 19th century and 

a series of 'treaties' were forced on the Sultan as James Brooke, the 

first White Rajah of Sarawak, consolidated his power base. In 1888, 

Brunei became a British protectorate.

Brunei was gradually whittled away until Limbang was ceded to 

Sarawak in 1890, thus dividing the country in half. In 1929, just as 

Brunei was about to be swallowed up entirely, oil was discovered. 

British plans to make Brunei a part of the Malaysian Federation 

were upset by a revolt in 1962. The Sultan suspended the 

constitution and opted for independence. The country has been 

under emergency laws ever since and mooted elections have never 

eventuated. In 1984, Brunei regained full independence, and 

underlined its new independence from Britain by joining the 

Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Since then, it 

has moved towards Islamic conservatism. In 1991, the sale of 

alcohol was banned and stricter dress codes have been introduced. 

CULTURE 

Brunei adheres to the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy, known 

by its Malay abbreviation MIB. This influences all aspects of life, 

especially culture. However, with the influence of the mass media 

and technology, Bruneians are also exposed to western cultural 

influences. Bruneians are accustomed to receiving visitors from 

overseas, and are very tolerant of unwitting transgressions of 

cultural norms. 

Communication 

Malay is the national and official language. As English is widely 

spoken, the services of a translator will not usually be required. 

Greetings 

Society in Brunei is highly stratified and hierarchical, so the correct 

use of titles is very important and a sign of respect. A person should 

be addressed by their title, followed by their first name. Haji (male) 

and Hajah (female) denote those who have performed the 

pilgrimage to Mecca. 

The Brunei equivalents of titles are as follows: 

• ‘Awang’ (abbreviated to Awg) is equivalent to ‘Mr’ 

• ‘Dayang’ (abbreviated to Dyg, no reference to marital status) 

is equivalent to ‘Ms’ 

• ‘Pengiran’ denotes members of the hereditary nobility 

• ‘Pehin’ and ‘Dato’’ are titles bestowed by the Sultan, 

equivalent to ‘Lord’ and ‘Sir’ respectively 

• ‘Datin’ is equivalent to ‘Lady’ 

• ‘Bin’ means ‘son of’ 

• ‘Binte’ (abbreviated to bte) means ‘daughter of’ 

A married woman might not necessarily take her husband’s name. 

As in many Islamic countries, patronymics are used. Thus: 

Awang Othman bin Haji Puteh should be addressed as ‘Awang 

Othman’ – Haji Puteh is his father’s name;

Dayang Hajah Surianah binte Dato Alwi should be addressed as 

‘Dayang Hajah Surianah’ – Dato Alwi is her father’s name. 

While it is common to abbreviate a person’s name when speaking 

with them, full titles are used in formal documentation or at official 

occasions, such as when acknowledging officials within a speech. 

In Brunei a man will shake hands lightly and will sometimes bring 

his hands to his chest. Women are not normally expected to shake 

hands with members of the opposite sex. 

Conversation Topics 

Conversations about religion, politics or sex should be avoided. 

Safer topics of conversation include home, children, sports and 

movies. Visitors find that Bruneians tend to speak slowly and softly, 

and pause frequently. 

Body language and Gestures 

Pointing is considered rude, especially with the foot. If there is a 

need to point, use the thumb of the right hand with the four fingers 

folded inwards or wave the whole hand in the direction you wish to 

indicate. Never use the forefinger. 

The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm. 

It is considered impolite to show the soles of the feet to a person 

seated opposite. 

Touch 

Casual touch should be avoided, particularly between members of 

the opposite sex. Muslim or ethnic Indian children and adults should 

not be touched or patted on the head as the head is considered to 

be sacred. 

For a Malay Muslim, contact with the wet nose or fur of a dog is 

considered unclean and is forbidden (haram). 

Personal space 

It is advisable to keep a reasonable distance when talking, 

especially with those of the opposite sex. 

Eye contact 

It is best to avoid direct eye contact, as this can be taken as an 

invasion of personal space. Bruneians tend to look away or 

downwards as a sign of respect or modesty.

HOSPITALITY - BUSINESS AND SOCIAL CONTEXT 

Business cards 

When offering a business card, it is polite to offer it with the right 

hand at all times, supported by the left if necessary. (It is considered 

rude to slide or push business cards across the table.) The same is 

applicable when receiving or giving any other item. The left hand is 

considered unclean. 

Appointments 

Appointments may be changed at short notice, especially where 

senior personnel are involved. 

Hospitality 

Shoes should be removed when entering Muslim homes and 

institutions. Visitors should not pass in front of a person at prayer, or 

touch the Koran (the Muslim Holy Book). 

It is considered discourteous to refuse refreshments when offered 

by a host. The manner for polite refusal is to touch the proffered 

plate or cup lightly (with the right hand). 

Punctuality/time 

Bruneians have a more relaxed attitude towards punctuality than 

westerners, and meetings may start 10-15 minutes later than 

planned, especially if senior government officers are involved. 

Nonetheless it is advisable for a visitor to arrive in good time. 

Negotiation 

There is a tendency to begin meetings and discussions with small 

talk, leaving weighty matters until last. As in other Asian countries, 

one may come across a reluctance to say ‘No’ directly in response 

to a proposal. Bargaining and negotiation over prices is normal 

practice at all levels. 

Eating 

The consumption of pork and other meat not slaughtered in the 

Islamic tradition (halal) is forbidden (haram). The consumption of 

shellfish is not encouraged (makruh). 

Local food, such as fish and rice, is very similar to Malay cuisine 

although it may be less spicy. If food is served without cutlery, eat 

with the right hand only. In such situations, a bowl of water is 

provided for washing the hand. 

Drinking 

As Brunei is predominantly a Muslim country the consumption of 

alcohol in public should be avoided.

Behaviour in public 

The public display of affection such as hugging or kissing is not 

usual in Brunei. 

Gift Giving 

Much of the etiquette of gift giving is based on traditional beliefs. 

Gifts such as alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided as should 

sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, and clocks, wine 

glasses, handkerchiefs, shoes or white flowers. 

Red, pink, orange and yellow are considered to be good colours, but 

gifts in black or white should be avoided. 

Dress 

Dress is mainly informal, except on special occasions. Men are 

advised to dress more formally and wear a jacket for business 

meetings. Smart casual wear for men would include a long sleeved 

shirt without a tie, and dark trousers. Women are advised to dress 

modestly in loose-fitting clothes and keep their knees and arms 

covered in respect of the Muslim dress requirements. Yellow is 

considered a royal colour and should be avoided at functions where 

members of the Royal Family are in attendance. 

RELEVANT LAWS THAT GOVERN BEHAVIOUR 

Illicit Drugs 

Drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances are 

serious offences in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty. 

Smoking 

Under Islam, smoking is tolerated but not encouraged. 

Alcohol 

The sale and public consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Brunei. 

There are no licensed restaurants. 

Social customs 

Items should be given and received with the right hand. Muslims 

and ethnic Indians would consider the use of the left hand to pass 

objects as insulting as this hand is used for ablutions in Muslim and 

Hindu societies. 

A non-Muslim should not be found in the company of a Muslim of 

the opposite sex in private unless they are married. Compromising 

behaviour can lead to deportation.

DATES OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE 

Public Holidays 

Jan 1 New Year's Day 

Usually February Chinese New Year 

Feb 23 National Day; Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the 

Sacrifice) 

Usually March Hijrah (Islamic New Year) 

May 25 Maulud (Birth of the Prophet) 

May 31 Anniversary of Royal Brunei Malay Regiment 

Jul 15 Sultan's Birthday 

Usually early Oct Israk Mikraj (Ascension of the Prophet) 

Usually early Dec Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan) 

Dec 25 Christmas 

The dates of Muslim festivals are set according to local sightings of 

various phases of the moon; hence these will normally advance by 

11 days each year of the Gregorian calendar. During the lunar 

month of Ramadan that precedes Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims fast 

during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may 

be interrupted. Restaurants are closed and Muslims are prohibited 

from smoking and drinking during daylight hours. Some disruption 

may continue into Hari Raya Puasa itself. Hari Raya Puasa and Hari 

Raya Haji last for a whole month, but are generally celebrated 

during the first two weeks. 

VISAS 

Australian passport holders can enter Brunei and stay for a 

maximum of 14 days. To stay in Brunei for a longer duration, 

application for a visa should be made to the Brunei High 

Commission prior to travelling. 

CONTACTS 

Brunei High Commission 

10 Beale Crs 

Deakin, ACT 2606 

Tel: (02) 6285 4500

Sources and Acknowledgements 

CIA World Fact Book, World Wide Web 

Culture Meets Commerce, WA Department of Commerce and Trade 

Lonely Planet World Guide, World Wide Web 

World Travel Guide – Brunei Darussalam 

Explore Brunei: a Visitor’s Guide, Tourism Development Unit, Brunei 

Darussalam 

Sharifah Nurul Huda Dato Syed Hussein, PhD student, DOLIE; 

Lecturer, University Brunei Darussalam 

James McLellan, PhD student, DOLIE; formerly Senior Lecturer, 

University Brunei Darussalam

BRUNEI - Ethics, Equity & Social Justice

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