Customer Reviews

A History of Brunei

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Brunei is a tiny country that is one of the richest per capita in the world. Due to its vast reserves of oil and gas. Located on the island of Kalimantan, it bears closer resemblance to Kuwait and the Emirates of the Middle East, than to anywhere in south east Asia. Saunders gives us an indepth look at its history. How its royal family managed to keep the country independent. A notable achievement, considering that Malaysia and Indonesia are its neighbours. Malaysia managed to absorb its sultanates prior and during its independence from Britain. But even under British rule, Brunei was considered somewhat different from Malaya.

Saunders also describes the society that has emerged under the mostly benevolent rule of the Sultan of Brunei. Again, like the Emirates, the Sultan delivered a broad prosperity that garnered continuing consent to his rule. Certainly, the contrast between the average income in Brunei and that of Indonesia or Malaysia is vast. Of course, the small population and area of Brunei greatly aided the efficient dissemination of wealth.

The escapades of Prince Jefri are outlined. Some details are murky, due to veils of financial secrecy. But there was a period of heavy free spending that has now been sharply curtailed.