Sultan of Brunei bans Christians from celebrating Christmas in show of absolute arrogance

PACIFIC oil-rich island the Kingdom of Brunei has passed new laws prohibiting Christians from celebrating Christmas in any shape or form which including banning the erection of trees and singing festive songs.   A former British colony that did not gain
full independence from the UK until 1984, Brunei is located on the north coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

It has since been governed as a unitary Islamic absolute monarchy ruled by a paramount ruler Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah who is the island's prime minister, finance minister and defence minister.   In the latest display of his absolute powers, Sultan Bolkiah decreed that the propagation of any other religion apart from Islam, has been prohibited.

In his latest decree he banned Christmas celebrations, including putting up Christmas trees, singing religious songs and sending Christmas greetings, threatening celebrators with five years in jail.  

While non-Muslims are allowed to celebrate the holiday within their own communities, they must not disclose their plans to the nation’s Muslims, who make up 65% of the 420,000-strong population.

However, Christians in the country are kicking back by showing their love for the festive period.   Around 20% of Brunei’s residents are non-Muslim, including substantial Buddhist and Christian communities. Some of these Brunei residents are risking jail time by still celebrating Christmas and uploading pictures to social media as part of a #MyTreedom campaign that celebrates religious freedom.


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