Latest news with #RoyalBruneiArmedForces
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sultan Hassanal of Brunei, the world's longest-reigning living monarch
Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, recuperating in a Kuala Lumpur hospital after being treated for "fatigue", is the world's longest-reigning living monarch -- and one of its richest people. He ascended the throne at the tender age of 21 in 1967 in the tropical kingdom perched on the northern tip of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Descending from a family that ruled Brunei for more than 600 years, the absolute monarch today at 78 still holds numerous positions in his oil-abundant state. He is the country's prime minister, defence minister, finance and economy minister, as well as foreign affairs supremo. Apart from his political duties, the sultan is also commander-in-chief of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Inspector-General of the Royal Brunei Police Force. Under his stewardship, Brunei became one of the world's richest countries and gained independence from Britain in 1984 after almost a century of colonial rule. While the sultan has long lost the title of the world's richest man to tech billionaires, his wealth remains the stuff of legend. The Guinness Book of World Records says his home, Istana Nurul Iman, which translated in English means "Palace of the Light of Faith" is the largest residential palace in the world. - Lavish lifestyle - The sultan is also renowned for owning the world's largest private car collection. His gigantic fleet boasted at least 7,000 cars, valued at more than five billion dollars. Parties thrown by him and younger brother Prince Jefri Bolkiah in the 1980s and 1990s were said to be extravagant, costing millions of dollars with guests hanging out with stars like Michael Jackson. Brunei's living standards have soared to among the highest globally under his rule. But his reign has also been marked by controversies including the introduction of tough Islamic laws legislating penalties such as the severing of limbs and death by stoning. Brunei was the first country in East or Southeast Asia to introduce sharia law at a national level in 2019 after years of delays. The harsh laws included death by stoning for adultery and gay sex and the amputation of a hand or foot for theft, which rights campaigners branded as "barbaric". Those punishments, however, have not been actively enforced following international backlash. Analysts said at the time the new code might be partly symbolic, as Sultan Hassanal was seeking to burnish his Islamic credentials among conservatives and win more support amid concerns about the economy. The royal family was also deeply embarrassed by a sensational feud between Sultan Hassanal and Prince Jefri over the latter's alleged embezzlement of $15 billion during his tenure as finance minister in the 1990s. During the scandal, salacious details emerged of the prince's jet-set, un-Islamic lifestyle, including allegations of a high-priced harem and a luxury yacht he owned called "Tits". llk-jhe/tc
France 24
27-05-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Sultan Hassanal of Brunei, the world's longest-reigning living monarch
He ascended the throne at the tender age of 21 in 1967 in the tropical kingdom perched on the northern tip of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Descending from a family that ruled Brunei for more than 600 years, the absolute monarch today at 78 still holds numerous positions in his oil-abundant state. He is the country's prime minister, defence minister, finance and economy minister, as well as foreign affairs supremo. Apart from his political duties, the sultan is also commander-in-chief of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Inspector-General of the Royal Brunei Police Force. Under his stewardship, Brunei became one of the world's richest countries and gained independence from Britain in 1984 after almost a century of colonial rule. While the sultan has long lost the title of the world's richest man to tech billionaires, his wealth remains the stuff of legend. The Guinness Book of World Records says his home, Istana Nurul Iman, which translated in English means "Palace of the Light of Faith" is the largest residential palace in the world. Lavish lifestyle The sultan is also renowned for owning the world's largest private car collection. His gigantic fleet boasted at least 7,000 cars, valued at more than five billion dollars. Parties thrown by him and younger brother Prince Jefri Bolkiah in the 1980s and 1990s were said to be extravagant, costing millions of dollars with guests hanging out with stars like Michael Jackson. Brunei's living standards have soared to among the highest globally under his rule. But his reign has also been marked by controversies including the introduction of tough Islamic laws legislating penalties such as the severing of limbs and death by stoning. Brunei was the first country in East or Southeast Asia to introduce sharia law at a national level in 2019 after years of delays. The harsh laws included death by stoning for adultery and gay sex and the amputation of a hand or foot for theft, which rights campaigners branded as "barbaric". Those punishments, however, have not been actively enforced following international backlash. Analysts said at the time the new code might be partly symbolic, as Sultan Hassanal was seeking to burnish his Islamic credentials among conservatives and win more support amid concerns about the economy. The royal family was also deeply embarrassed by a sensational feud between Sultan Hassanal and Prince Jefri over the latter's alleged embezzlement of $15 billion during his tenure as finance minister in the 1990s. During the scandal, salacious details emerged of the prince's jet-set, un-Islamic lifestyle, including allegations of a high-priced harem and a luxury yacht he owned called "Tits".
Int'l Business Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Sultan Hassanal Of Brunei, The World's Longest-reigning Living Monarch
Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, recuperating in a Kuala Lumpur hospital after being treated for "fatigue", is the world's longest-reigning living monarch -- and one of its richest people. He ascended the throne at the tender age of 21 in 1967 in the tropical kingdom perched on the northern tip of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Descending from a family that ruled Brunei for more than 600 years, the absolute monarch today at 78 still holds numerous positions in his oil-abundant state. He is the country's prime minister, defence minister, finance and economy minister, as well as foreign affairs supremo. Apart from his political duties, the sultan is also commander-in-chief of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Inspector-General of the Royal Brunei Police Force. Under his stewardship, Brunei became one of the world's richest countries and gained independence from Britain in 1984 after almost a century of colonial rule. While the sultan has long lost the title of the world's richest man to tech billionaires, his wealth remains the stuff of legend. The Guinness Book of World Records says his home, Istana Nurul Iman, which translated in English means "Palace of the Light of Faith" is the largest residential palace in the world. The sultan is also renowned for owning the world's largest private car collection. His gigantic fleet boasted at least 7,000 cars, valued at more than five billion dollars. Parties thrown by him and younger brother Prince Jefri Bolkiah in the 1980s and 1990s were said to be extravagant, costing millions of dollars with guests hanging out with stars like Michael Jackson. Brunei's living standards have soared to among the highest globally under his rule. But his reign has also been marked by controversies including the introduction of tough Islamic laws legislating penalties such as the severing of limbs and death by stoning. Brunei was the first country in East or Southeast Asia to introduce sharia law at a national level in 2019 after years of delays. The harsh laws included death by stoning for adultery and gay sex and the amputation of a hand or foot for theft, which rights campaigners branded as "barbaric". Those punishments, however, have not been actively enforced following international backlash. Analysts said at the time the new code might be partly symbolic, as Sultan Hassanal was seeking to burnish his Islamic credentials among conservatives and win more support amid concerns about the economy. The royal family was also deeply embarrassed by a sensational feud between Sultan Hassanal and Prince Jefri over the latter's alleged embezzlement of $15 billion during his tenure as finance minister in the 1990s. During the scandal, salacious details emerged of the prince's jet-set, un-Islamic lifestyle, including allegations of a high-priced harem and a luxury yacht he owned called "Tits". A general view of the main gate of Istana Nurul Iman, official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah AFP The National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur on May 27, 2025, after Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was admitted due to fatigue AFP
The Star
24-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Medals conferred on 500 in-service, retired Royal Brunei Armed Forces personnel for loyal, exemplary service
Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Datuk Paduka Seri Muhammad Haszaimi Bol Hassan presenting the medals to the recipients. - Photo: Borneo Bulletin/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: With the consent of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, 500 Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel, comprising both in-service and retired personnel, were conferred with the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Military). Commander of the RBAF Major General Datuk Paduka Seri Muhammad Haszaimi Bol Hassan presented the medals at a ceremony at the Nikmat Hall, Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces (TI RBAF) on Friday (May 23). Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Datuk Paduka Seri Muhammad Haszaimi Bol Hassan presenting the medals to the recipients. - Photo: Borneo Bulletin/ANN The recipients comprised 156 personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Forces, 91 from the Royal Brunei Navy, 102 from the Royal Brunei Air Force, and 151 personnel from other units within the RBAF. The medal conferment serves as a recognition of loyal service, commendable conduct, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the recipients throughout their years of service. Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Major General Datuk Paduka Seri Muhammad Haszaimi Bol Hassan presents the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Military) to 500 RBAF personnel, comprising both in-service and retired personnel, at the Nikmat Hall, Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces. - Photo: Borneo Bulletin/ANN Their dedication and professionalism reflect the core values of the RBAF and serve as an exemplary example for all RBAF personnel. The ceremony also highlighted the significant contributions made by the recipients in upholding excellence and fostering a deep sense of duty in the defence of the nation's sovereignty. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Brunei Sultan welcomes Kosovo President on state visit
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Dr Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu inspecting the guard of honour mounted by members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces on May 5. - BB BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Monday (May 5) welcomed President of Kosovo Dr Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and First Gentleman Prindon Sadriu, who are in Brunei Darussalam for a three-day state visit, marking Dr Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu's inaugural visit to the Sultanate. The state welcoming ceremony was held at the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman, in which Their Majesties, together with the President of Kosovo and First Gentleman proceeded to the special dais to receive the salute of honour, accompanied with the national anthems of both countries and a 21 gun salute. The two leaders inspected the guard of honour mounted by members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). The President of Kosovo and First Gentleman were introduced to members of the royal family while the Sultan was introduced to the official delegation of Kosovo, including the Chief of Staff, Office of the President of Kosovo; and advisers from Office of the President of Kosovo. Following the state welcoming ceremony, Their Majesties received in audience the President of Kosovo and First Gentleman at Cheradi Laila Kenchana, Istana Nurul Iman. Present at the audience ceremony were members of the royal family. Also present were the delegation of Kosovo; Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin, as the Minister-in-Attendance; and spouse. The audience ceremony was also held in conjunction with the Conferment of the 'Order of Independence' presented upon the monarch by the President of Kosovo. The Sultan consented to confer a state decoration, Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati (DK) on the President of Kosovo, which carried the title of 'Datin Laila Utama'. The Sultan then held a bilateral meeting with the President of Kosovo at Cheradi Ratna Kenchana, where both leaders discussed bilateral and international issues of mutual importance, in particular, exploring ways to enhance economic cooperation and people-to-people ties between the two countries especially the signing of a Visa Waiver Agreement which will make easier to pave the way to enhance cooperation between the two countries. The monarch signed an agreement between Kosovo and Brunei on visa exemption for ordinary, diplomatic and official passports with the President of Kosovo. At noon, Their Majesties hosted a state banquet in honour of the President of Kosovo and First Gentleman. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
