Fair and noble. Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah

   The state of Brunei became a subject of international law relatively recently. On 1st of 1984 spelled the countdown to its independent existence after holding the status of Protectorate of Great Britain for almost a century. Hassanal Bolkiah has ruled continuously over all these years. The fame of his country in the modern world is directly linked to this state actor’s personality. Today, the ‘Sultan of Brunei’ sounds like a metaphor for riches and flourishing. And it really is so; the small nation constantly ranks high in world ratings for living standards and is a leader in government social expenditure. But it was not always like this; the nation had to overcome its underdevelopment.

   The author shows that the road to independence and a high level of prosperity was thorny. The small state of Brunei found itself in the epicentre of combating superpowers during the Second World War. What had been destroyed during the war had to be restored and even more problems arose with the need to catch up with neighbouring countries. Once a rich and mighty nation, having lost its independence and expertise in state leadership in the mid XX century, Brunei’s existence was balancing on a knife-edge during the decolonialization process. Hassanal Bolkiah who was called the Crown Prince in his youth, soon came to the throne of Brunei and demonstrated consistency and firmness in asserting the seedlings of statehood that he had inherited from his predecessors. Having become the 29th representative of a dynasty in rule since XIV century, he breathed new life into the ancient institutions of power while keeping in line with the traditions bequeathed to him by his ancestors. He was able to create a modern, effective administrative apparatus and make fundamental social reforms.

   Today the monarch, in power for already half a century, has set large aims for small Brunei: a highly-educated nation based on a knowledge economy, making sensible use of rich natural resources in harmony with environmental safety and founded on the comprehensive development of enterprises. This is what the sultan sees as the future for his country. He has already created the bedrock which gives us hope that future generations will also make sure that Brunei thrives and protect its authenticity despite the temptations of globalization.