Brunei’s Hudud –A Model for Us?

Brunei’s implementation of Syariah law and Hudud punishment has grabbed international headlines. While Western celebrities like Virgin’s Richard Branson announced a boycott of the Sultan’s hotels, back in Malaysia Brunei’s decision has it enthusiastic supporters. Important to note the Sultan visited Kelantan in December last year for a 3-day visit. In the blogosphere the Sultan is quoted as saying “Who are we before God to say No or Wait since these laws are part of the Quran and Hadis.” But what’s also noted in other conversations is that the Sultan is constitutionally exempted from these laws. We need a deeper understanding of the Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace, as it is officially known, if its going to provide an adequate model for hudud in Malaysia. Gunn is the author of “Language, power, and ideology in Brunei Darussalam”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.