Summary
Highlights
The video opens at the Nur-ul-Iman palace, the world's largest, for Princess Azima's marriage to her first cousin. This ten-day event, a rare glimpse into a secretive country, highlights a tradition dating back to the 14th century. Brunei, a tiny, oil-rich nation on Borneo, is ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world's wealthiest monarchs with an estimated fortune exceeding $18 billion. His reign, the longest globally, sees him as an absolute monarch, revered by a populace without opposition. Over the years, he has imposed an increasingly extreme form of Islam, culminating in Sharia law in 2019, which carries the death penalty for homosexuality and adultery, sparking international outcry.
Back at the palace, the royal wedding ceremony is in full swing. The camera crew, allowed only after months of negotiation and accompanied by security, showcases the opulent interiors adorned with real gold. The throne room, reserved for royalty, is a symbol of the Sultan's sacred authority. Guests, including international dignitaries and members of the royal family like Crown Prince Matn and Prince Jeffrey, arrive for the closing banquet. Bernard Chandran, the royal couturier for 27 years, designed the bride's dress, taking nine people four months to create, reflecting both tradition and contemporary style.
Days after her wedding, Princess Azima is seen at the polo field, a royal privilege. The stables, housing 200 air-conditioned Argentinian thoroughbreds, emphasize the royal family's extravagance. Prince Jeffrey, the Sultan's brother and the groom's father, introduced polo to Brunei and remains a competitive player at almost 70. Farid, another of Princess Azima's brothers, owns an Argentinian restaurant at the polo club, featuring luxury electric cars in its car park, a rarity in petrol-cheap Brunei. Despite his royal status, Farid is actively involved in his business, emphasizing hard work instilled by his mother.
The capital, Bandar, presents a stark contrast to mega-cities with its quiet pace. The family of Ishkanda, a Ministry of Religious Affairs employee, exemplifies the daily life of Brunei's middle class, guided by Islam. Morning prayers are a routine shared in the car with his son, Ayub, who attends a Quranic school financed by the royal family. Education and healthcare are free, and no one pays taxes. The strict adherence to Islamic principles is evident in everything from dress codes for women (loose-fitting clothing) to family dynamics where wives give their wages to their husbands, receiving pocket money in return.
Brunei's national television studio offers a glimpse into the country's restricted freedoms. Actors like Akhil, an amateur in the limited entertainment sector, navigate strict rules: no discussion of sex, politics, religion, or the royal family. While social media provides a rare outlet for expression, public displays are curtailed. The country's commitment to preserving its rainforests, untouched by exploitation due to oil wealth, contrasts sharply with its neighbors. Temburong National Park, accessible only by boat, showcases Brunei's natural beauty and a nascent eco-tourism industry.
The video highlights the Sultan's influence on indigenous tribes. The Iban, a tribe living in unique 'long houses,' were swayed to convert to Islam in exchange for financially supported modern housing. The children attend schools funded by the Sultan, where Islamic law dictates compulsory hijab and the curriculum focuses on Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) to integrate them into Bruneian culture. However, the Poonan tribe, who resisted conversion, live in destitute conditions, receiving no government aid, showcasing the consequences of not adhering to the state's religious push.
Many Bruneians seek respite from the country's strict laws by crossing into neighboring Malaysia, specifically the town of Miri. Here, alcohol, vibrant nightlife, and a wider array of consumer goods are available, offering a stark contrast to Brunei's austerity. This weekly exodus reveals the pervasive desire for freedom and modernity among citizens. Back in Brunei, a surprising counter-cultural movement exists among motorcycle clubs, offering a sense of community and escape through shared passion, reflecting a yearning for personal liberty within a highly controlled society.