Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Brunei, hosted by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, represents a notable development in the 40-year diplomatic ties between India and Southeast Asia. Sultan Bolkiah, the world’s second-longest reigning monarch after Queen Elizabeth II, is renowned for his astounding wealth, estimated at around Rs 2.5 lakh crore.

The Sultan’s immense fortune largely comes from Brunei’s abundant oil and gas reserves. At one time, Forbes listed him as the richest person globally, with a net worth of approximately $30 billion (about Rs 25,19,43,90,00,000 crore). His luxurious lifestyle is marked by extravagant spending, including an extensive collection of over 7,000 high-end cars. His residence, the Istana Nurul Iman, stands as the largest royal palace worldwide, boasting 257 bathrooms, five swimming pools, and more than 1,700 rooms.

Early Life and Education

Hassanal Bolkiah, born on 15 July 1946, is the Sultan of Brunei and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. He is the eldest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and the 29th Sultan of Brunei. His educational journey began at Istana Darul Hana Surau and Jamalul Alam Malay School in Brunei Town. He furthered his education at Jalan Gurney School and Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur, making him the first Brunei Sultan to be educated both domestically and internationally. In 1968, he graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England as an Honorary Captain in the Coldstream Guards.

At the tender age of fifteen, Hassanal Bolkiah was crowned Crown Prince in 1961. His path to the throne was marked by a blend of traditional preparation and modern education. He ascended to the throne on 5 October 1967, following his father’s abdication, and was officially crowned on 1 August 1968. His early reign involved navigating Brunei’s political landscape and negotiating its future, leading to the Brunei–British Friendship Agreement in 1971, which granted Brunei internal independence. Brunei achieved full independence from the UK on 1 January 1984, with Bolkiah as both Sultan and Prime Minister.

Political and Economic Reforms

In the new millennium, Bolkiah’s leadership saw significant political reforms. The Legislative Council (LegCo), which had been dormant since 1962, was reconstituted on 25 September 2004. An amendment to the 1959 constitution proposed expanding the LegCo to 45 seats, with 15 elected members. However, this expansion was short-lived, and the council was dissolved on 1 September 2005, only to be recreated the following day with the revised constitution. The Sultan’s amendments preserved his personal authority, and the state power remained centralized in the royal family.

The Sultan’s legislative changes also included the 2006 amendment to Brunei’s constitution, which made him infallible under Bruneian law. His governance style remained largely autocratic, preserving the traditional power structures while introducing gradual reforms.

Silver Jubilee and Developmental Initiatives

On 5 October 2017, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah celebrated his Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of his reign. The celebrations included a grand parade, a royal chariot procession, and various commemorative events, such as the opening of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge and the inauguration of the Eco-Corridor Park. The Sultan’s 50-year reign was marked by significant developments, including the establishment of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (YSHHB) in 1992, which focused on philanthropy in areas such as education and welfare.

Controversies and Challenges

Hassanal Bolkiah’s reign has not been without controversy. In 1997, Shannon Marketic’s lawsuit against Prince Jefri Bolkiah, the Sultan’s younger brother, alleged drugging and sexual abuse, though the claims were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The Amedeo crisis, involving Prince Jefri’s $10 billion debt and misappropriation of state funds, led to significant legal battles and financial turmoil for the royal family. Prince Jefri’s assets, including numerous properties and luxury items, were eventually returned to the state following prolonged litigation.

In 2014, Bolkiah’s decision to implement strict Islamic criminal penalties, including flogging and stoning, drew international condemnation. The Sultan also banned public Christmas celebrations for Muslims in 2015, though Christians continued to celebrate privately. Despite these controversies, Bolkiah’s leadership remains influential, particularly in the context of Brunei’s conservative Islamic laws.

Pandemic Response and Diplomacy

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s swift response was crucial in controlling the outbreak in Brunei. The Sultan imposed strict lockdown measures, quarantined returnees, and led by example, receiving the COVID-19 vaccination at his royal residence. His leadership during the pandemic reinforced his reputation as a “caring monarch,” committed to the well-being of his people.

On the international stage, Bolkiah has been an advocate for regional cooperation and development. He met with various world leaders, including President Xi Jinping and attended significant events such as the G20 summit in Rome. His diplomatic efforts have strengthened Brunei’s ties with other nations, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Bahrain.

Personal Life and Interests

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s personal life reflects both traditional values and modern interests. He married his first cousin, Pengiran Anak Saleha, in 1965, and they have five sons and seven daughters. His subsequent marriages included Mariam Abdul Aziz in 1981 and Azrinaz Mazhar Hakim in 2005, though both marriages ended in divorce. Bolkiah has an adopted daughter, Afifa Abdullah, and as of 2020, he has 18 grandchildren.

In his personal pursuits, Bolkiah has a passion for polo, which he has played competitively and socially. He also enjoys badminton and squash. His royal duties and personal interests often intersect, as seen in charity polo matches and public engagements.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s Lavish Lifestyle

 Golden Mansion

His residence, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, was built in 1984 to celebrate Brunei’s independence from British rule. It’s recognized as the world’s largest palace, spanning 2 million square feet, with a dome adorned in 22-carat gold. The palace, valued at over Rs 2550 crores, features five swimming pools, 257 bathrooms, and more than 1,700 rooms. It also includes 200 air-conditioned horse barns and 110 garages.

Gold-Plated Private Jet

The Sultan’s private Boeing 747 reportedly cost around Rs 3,000 crore ($400 million), with an additional $120 million spent on luxury features like a gold washbasin. Rumor has it that he gifted his daughter an Airbus A340 for her birthday.

Extravagant Car Collection

Bolkiah is known for having the world’s largest collection of rare cars, including a gold-plated Rolls-Royce. His fleet, estimated to be worth over $5 billion, includes around 300 Ferraris and 500 Rolls-Royces. Notably, his Rolls-Royce is custom-made with an open roof to accommodate an umbrella.

Private Zoo

His private zoo, as reported by GQ, houses about 30 Bengal tigers and a variety of birds, including cockatoos, flamingos, and falcons that can perform tricks like riding bicycles and playing basketball.

Expensive Haircuts

Even as he ages, Bolkiah’s love for luxury remains strong. He reportedly spends $20,000 on a single haircut, flying his preferred barber from London to Brunei. Each trip costs around $12,000 for first-class airfare, and the barber visits every three to four weeks.

Philanthropy and Legacy

The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation reflects Bolkiah’s commitment to philanthropy, focusing on finance, development, welfare, education, and religion. Despite challenges, including allegations of embezzlement from the foundation, Bolkiah’s philanthropic efforts have supported various causes, including education and humanitarian aid.

As the world’s longest-reigning current monarch, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s legacy is a blend of traditional leadership and modern challenges. His reign has seen significant developments in Brunei, from political reforms to economic initiatives, while also navigating controversies and maintaining a prominent role in international diplomacy. His contributions to Brunei’s development and his enduring influence underscore the complex nature of his leadership and the impact he has had on his nation and beyond.