I may have to review some of the things I have said about Brunei and Bandar Seri Begawan. My conclusion is as follows, there are no poor people in Brunei. These people are so well looked after. They have no taxes, no fuel bills, petrol is 51 cents a litre (25p). They pay a dollar and can have any medication and health service available, schools are free. They can get a degree and then the Brunei government will pay for them to go and live and be educated abroad, all young people speak English so are bi-lingual, unemployment is virtually nil, everyone is much happier than we are, offering a smile and much laughter. They have large houses, plenty of material wealth, but they still have to work hard, take out loans etc. There is a prison which has 5 inmates, only two of whom are local. The police are called lazy because they have nothing to do. There is very little private enterprise, most jobs are through the government, which provides houses and short working hours. Shopping is popular and there are loads of shopping streets and malls. Everything is up to date as far as technology is concerned. What an ideal situation. I have tried really hard to see underneath it but have not succeeded. I do know that the Sultan looks after his people but rules them rigorously through himself and the Islam religion. There is no alcohol, gambling, drugs, clubbing or discos in this country. The young swarm around the shopping centres and up market coffee shops, the cinemas and other public places, laughing with each other and happy together, drinking mainly milk shakes. It is a pleasure to see. ...and it is safe.
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