Meet man who owns world's biggest house, 7000 cars, private jets, his name is...., now in news due to....
Meet man who owns world's biggest house, 7000 cars, private jets, his name is...., now in news due to....
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei has been admitted to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur after complaining of fatigue. At 78, he holds the record as the world's longest-serving living monarch and is also among the wealthiest individuals globally. Sultan Hassanal became the ruler of Brunei in 1967 when he was just 21 years old. He comes from a royal family that has led the nation for over six centuries. Despite his age, he remains deeply involved in running the country, holding key roles such as Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Defense Minister, and Foreign Affairs Minister. In addition, he serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the military and oversees the national police.
During his long reign, Brunei gained independence from British rule in 1984 and rose to become one of the world's richest nations, thanks to its oil wealth. While he no longer holds the title of the richest person in the world, the Sultan still ranks among the wealthiest. Tales of wealth and style
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is known not just for his long rule but also for his extravagant lifestyle. His lavish wealth has made headlines around the world. According to the Guinness World Records, his official residence, Istana Nurul Iman, is the largest residential palace in the world. The Sultan is also believed to own the biggest private car collection globally, with over 7,000 luxury vehicles valued at more than USD 5 billion.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the Sultan and his younger brother, Prince Jeffrey Bolkiah, were also famous for hosting extravagant parties. These events were known for their opulence, with reports suggesting millions of dollars were spent to bring international celebrities like Michael Jackson to perform. Surrounded by controversies
Despite his immense wealth and status, Sultan Hassanal's reign has not been without controversy. His decision to implement strict Islamic laws in Brunei sparked international criticism. In 2019, Brunei became the first country in Southeast Asia to fully enforce Sharia law nationwide, including punishments such as death by stoning for certain offenses. These laws drew sharp backlash from human rights groups and global leaders.
Another major controversy involved a high-profile family dispute in the 1990s. The Sultan and Prince Jeffrey were embroiled in a legal battle over the alleged misappropriation of USD 15 billion during Prince Jeffrey's time as the country's Finance Minister. The scandal damaged the reputation of Brunei's royal family and drew global media attention.
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