Shariah Penal Code Order, 2013 of Negara Brunei Darussalam: Its Implementation and Challenges

Abstract

Shariah, or Islam law, is not foreign to Negara Brunei Darussalam. Its implementation started since the conversion of Awang Alak Betatar to the Islamic faith and assumed the royal name of Sultan Muhammad Shah (1363-1402 M).[1] Brunei, then, had officially accepted Islam as the religion of the ruler and the ruled; and thenceforth the birth of a new nation known as “Negeri Brunei”, a Malay Islamic Monarchy state (Kerajaan Kesultanan Melayu Islam.[2] The monarchy system was officially established since early 15th century with the conversion of Awang Alak Betatar and this Islamic Monarchy State has remained till today.