Malay, Muslim and Monarchy: An Introduction to Brunei Darussalam and Its National Identity

Abstract

Brunei is a Muslim-majority country with Islam as the state religion, but the presence of other religions makes it multi-religious and multicultural. Brunei employed a national governing philosophy called Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) or Malay Islamic Monarchy to create a sense of belonging and maintain peaceful coexistence within the society. This chapter discusses the nature and implications of MIB, which is a blend of the Malay language and culture, the teaching of Islamic laws and values, and the system of monarchy. It provides a theoretical insight into the underpinnings of MIB, its impact on the country’s national development, particularly knowledge production and education, and the everyday discourses and aspirations of the Bruneians. Additionally, this chapter introduces key themes and issues that readers will encounter in the ensuing chapters relating to the successes and challenges involved in preserving the MIB philosophy amid rapid modernisation of education.