Brunei Convenes Legislature After 20 Years

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei - Brunei's absolute ruler convened the tiny oil-rich sultanate's legislature for the first time in two decades Saturday to mull constitutional amendments that are expected to further strengthen his rule.

But Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah promised the amendments would also bring more openness and public consultation.

"These changes will enable us to protect and nurture the importance of the people and the country," Hassanal said after swearing in the 21 appointed members of the State Legislative Council.

"We must start this process carefully. I will monitor the work and effectiveness of the creation of the state council ... and will decide whether this process can be continued," he added.

Dressed in full military regalia, Hassanal said the changes were necessary to "strengthen the institution of the monarchy and to enhance the effectiveness of the government and the people." He did not elaborate.

The country's 1959 constitution, introduced under British rule, provides for a multiparty parliamentary system. But after a landslide election victory by a left-of-center party in 1962 and an abortive military revolt, the legislature was dissolved and emergency rule introduced, effectively suspending the constitution.

An appointed legislative council served as the nation's de facto parliament until 1984, when Britain granted Brunei independence and the sultan abolished the council to assume absolute rule. Emergency rule remains in effect.

Hassanal said in July he would reconvene the state council to "widen the opportunities of the public to engage and contribute to national progress."

The council is dominated by royal family members and loyalists. Brunei's citizens are reluctant to criticize the sultan and his family, which control all key government positions and the nation's media.

It was not immediately clear how he would go about inviting more public consultation and democratic debate.

The sometimes extravagant Hassanal is also prime minister, heads the ministries of defense and finance, is supreme commander of the armed forces and leader of the Islamic faith in the country of 350,000 people that sits between Indonesia and Malaysia on Borneo island.

Brunei is one of the world's last absolute monarchies, with vast but dwindling offshore oil and gas reserves that have made it one of the richest countries per capita.

The sultan, the 29th in a line stretching back 600 years, was the world's richest man before the high-tech era _ and a series of financial blunders blamed on his younger brother, Prince Jefri, in the 1990s.

The royal family's extravagance is legendary. While playing polo with Britain's Prince Charles, the sultan once had his polo shoes delivered to him by helicopter at the palace field.