I quote one sentence from the media report entitled "US Criticism of Brunei ‘too harsh' -"Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, however, declined to comment"

They actually did a lot of stuff behind, raiding Sheraton new year party last year and questioning all the tourists there was one of them (and they wonder why Brunei tourism has failed) They see others as a threat and are less tolerant.

The US State Department report is correct if compared Brunei with Malaysia or Indonesia (except Aceh). Some aspects here has indeed, deteriorated. That could be due to some minor officials becoming over enthusiastic. These people should be kept in check and should be punished for their misbehavior and for giving Brunei a bad name.

Indeed some law enforcement officers are getting out of hand. An inquiry should be instituted to find out who really was behind the misguided raid on Sheraton during New Year. He should be made accountable for giving Brunei a bad name. He and others in his "gang" should be punished.

The US State Department does not publish something that it did not do intensive research on. It is no surprise that a member of the Legislative Council, a high government post, protested against the raid. It cannot be hidden that race and racial discrimination exist. That is so in all countries. Look at US for example. Brunei is no exception.

The peace and stability of the country is due to Brunei's tolerant and peace-loving people, however.

Comments (9)

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Dirty little secret
written by Temb , November 18, 2009

now im ashamed

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written by Cataract , November 18, 2009

oh mine, i cant even recognize my this post, it was edited so much and included so much of the editor's own opinion that the meaning changed. anyway my point is that they raided Sheraton Hotel and questioned the tourists there last year in their New Year Party. The 'religious tolerance' image of Brunei is certain to suffer from this, the report is meant to refer to the authorities not the people of Brunei.

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written by sme , November 19, 2009

I agree with your comment. Brunei has too many Man In Black running around at night. Any decoration for Christmas and New Year 2010 is always not allowed. The police will always ask you to apply for celebration, but they never reply your request.

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written by nocross , November 19, 2009

Both Ah Goh and Ah Lau were out of touch with the reality in Brunei. May God forgive all their sins for telling lies.

It is well known that Brunei is not a friendly country. HM may not be aware that some islamic fanatics within his government may be upto something.

As a Malaysian working in Brunei for many years, it is a known fact that you are not able to buy a cross at the jewelly shops. You may able to buy pirated software or movies everywhere in Brunei. But if you are to ask for Bible or Christian movies you will be told that these are banned items.

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written by QT , November 19, 2009

Yeah how about letting people building bigger temple? this is not mean to speard religion but to accommodate the growing population. Come on this is not a bad activity. People nowaday has less religion value thus less moral values. Why not let other religion build bigger church and temples so more people can pray. I know this is Muslim country and i respect that but thinking of large number of people squeeze in a limited space of building to pray....is not right

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written by schools , November 19, 2009

the Chinese schools are over crowded too.

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Sekadar
written by c awg semaun , November 20, 2009

nocross, I have to say, that's a strong statement that you have made.

"it is well known that Brunei is not a friendly country"
Yet you have been in Brunei for many years, working in Brunei for many years. For such an unfriendly country you sure do feel comfortable still being in Brunei. With all the Islamic Fanatics around. Is that what your church is labeling Muslims now?

My friend consider yourself blessed being in such a peaceful nation. Brunei is far more liberal compared to other Islamic states. If Brunei was as unfriendly as you would have said, you would be punished.

Even compared to other "free nations" Brunei is still by far a Better, Safer, Tolerable country. No one is subjected to racial abuse and taunts, or living with fear in Brunei. Its far more safer in Brunei then it is in Malaysia or even the US.
Bruneians are far more tolerable towards other religions then other "free nations". There are laws, guidelines for all, in order to maintain the peace and harmony for Brunei. Brunei has every right to enforce their laws, to police residents abide by their law. as have any country to enforce their laws. If you cant take it, doors are always open

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written by ten , November 20, 2009

just go home if you dont like it here

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written by brains , November 24, 2009

Come on raykats, let others know we have brains too, ok.

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