BRUNEI - Ethics, Equity & Social Justice

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;