History Of Brunei

Q&A: South China Sea dispute

What is the argument about?

It is a dispute over territory and sovereignty over ocean areas and the Paracels and the Spratlys - two island chains claimed in whole or in part by a number of countries. Alongside the fully fledged islands, there are dozens of uninhabited rocky outcrops, atolls, sandbanks and reefs.

Who claims what?

China claims by far the largest portion of territory - an area stretching hundreds of miles south and east from its most southerly province of Hainan. Beijing has said its rights to the area come from 2,000 years of history, where the Paracel and Spratly island chains were regarded as integral parts of the Chinese nation.

In 1947 China issued a map detailing its claims. It shows the two island groups as falling entirely within its territory. Those claims are mirrored by Taiwan, because the island considers itself the Republic of China and has the same territorial claims.

Vietnam hotly disputes China's historical account, saying China never claimed sovereignty over the islands until the 1940s. Vietnam says both island chains are entirely within its territory. It says it has actively ruled over both the Paracels and the Spratlys since the 17th Century - and has the documents to prove it.

The other major claimant in the area is the Philippines, which invokes its geographical proximity to the Spratly Islands as the main basis of its claim for part of the grouping.

Malaysia and Brunei also lay claim to territory in the South China Sea that they say falls within their economic exclusion zones, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982. Brunei does not claim any of the disputed islands, but Malaysia claims a small number of islands in the Spratlys.

Why are so many countries so keen?

The Paracels and the Spratlys may have vast reserves of natural resources around them. There has been little detailed exploration of the area, so estimates are largely extrapolated from the mineral wealth of neighbouring areas.

Chinese officials have given the most optimistic estimates of resource wealth in the area. According to figures quoted by the US Energy Information Administration , one Chinese estimate puts possible oil reserves as high as 213 billion barrels - 10 times the proven reserves of the US. But American scientists have estimated the amount of oil at 28 billion barrels.

Book on Brunei's tradition of monarchic culture and history ...

By Lyna Mohamad, 22 May 2011

The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation yesterday held a ceremony for the distribution of its publication the ‘Brunei: Tradition of Monarchic Culture and History’ (RH Hickling’s Memorandum upon Brunei Constitutional History and Practice) book, as it becomes part of another relevant library reference resource collection.

The guest of honour was the Minister of Education, who is also the Chairman of the foundation’s Board of Directors, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong.

Yesterday’s event began with the recital of surah al-fatihah and a welcoming remark by the Managing Director of the foundation, Dato Paduka Hj Awg Ali Hashim bin Hj Daud, who noted that in the process of the nation’s and country’s development, studies on the history of the country itself is seen as important in instilling the country’s ideology.

Thus, in this regard, the publication of the book that contains the notes of the Brunei Constitution 1959 Memorandum is hoped to open the minds of readers in getting in-depth knowledge on the history of the country and stimulate the national spirit, particularly in opening the path for studying the values of ideology and philosophy, which is the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).

Following the welcoming remark, the event continued with a brief review of the book by a history enthusiast who is also active in writing articles on Brunei History, Hj Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos, Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development.

Meanwhile, the writer, Associate Professor Dr Hj BA Hussainmiya, in his speech, gave a brief overview of the book and pointed out the need to accelerate the publication of moreBruneiprimary sources such as the Brunei State Council Minutes from 1907 until 1959 and the various letters wrote by Al-Marhum Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.

At present, he added, there is much discussion about MIB in the country and very often both locals and foreigners want answers to what is MIB.

MIB, in the writer’s view, essentially embodies the ideals and values that reflect the world view of the Bruneians in general and their commitment to retainBruneias a true Abode of Peace.

“This edition unwittingly reveals a body knowledge, albeit historically, about the political dimension of MIB in highlighting the pre-modern system and the unwritten constitution of the monarchic State of Brunei.

A history of Brunei

History of Brunei, for lower secondary schools

History of Brunei, Indonesia-malaysia Confrontation, Kingdom of Tondo, Brunei Revolt, Borneo Campaign Order of Battle, Sultanate of Sulu

Brunei

A history of Malaysia