a people loved

Good News for Southeast Asia's Muslims

Top

People Profiles

Brunei Journey

Brunei Malay Resources

Tuesday

Oct282008

Who are the Malay of Brunei?

Malay people make up 67% of the population of Brunei, a tiny nation of only 5,270 sq km on the northwest coast of Borneo. A major exporter of oil and natural gas, Brunei is one of Asia's wealthiest nations. The average income per person is in excess of US$25,000. For Brunei citizens, education and health care are free. There is no income tax, and housing subsidies are readily available. There is no poverty.

Livelihood

Malay people are given many special privileges in Brunei including access to national universities and preference when applying for government jobs. Large numbers of Malays are employed in the government, as well as in the oil industry. Others work as fishermen and boatmen.

Government

The Brunei Malay are proud that their country is a "Malay Muslim Monarchy." Islam, Malay language and culture, and the Sultan affect all aspects of life in this tiny nation. The Sultan of Brunei is an absolute monarch, serving as Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, Head of Police and Head of Islam in Brunei.

Beliefs

Brunei is an Islamic state, and Islam is obligatory for all Brunei Malay. It is estimated that Brunei has more mosques per square kilometer than any other country in the world. The people of Brunei are especially proud of the Jame Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, an imposing marble structure with 25 gold domes and a massive prayer hall, built in commemoration of the Sultan's jubilee in 1992.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Brunei Malay would hunger after God.

Pray that the leaders of Brunei, including the Sultan and his family, would come to know Jesus.

Pray that non-Malay followers of Jesus in Brunei would have an increasing desire to reach out to their Malay neighbors and colleagues. Pray that they would reach out especially to Brunei's troubled youth.