Guide To Hetalia ASEAN Fanfic: Brunei Darussalam

Lunes: The British Residental System

America: What the heck is this British Residential System was all about?

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In 1906, Brunei signed an agreement with England. Under this agreement, Brunei was administered under the British Residential System.

England ruled Brunei indirectly through the British Residential System. A Resident was sent to Brunei as a representative of England.

England: Can you babysit Brunei for me, please?

The British Resident: Uhh...Sure. 😶

His job was to advise the Sultan on all matters except things that involves Islam, and Malay customs and traditions.

America: Why the heck England would introduce this kind of System for Brunei?

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The Residential System was introduced during the reign of Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin (the 25th Sultan of Brunei). There were many reasons why the British Residential System was introduced in Brunei.

- Malcolm McArthur's report
In 1904, Malcolm McArthur's was the British government official who was asked to study the problems of Brunei in greater detail.

He wrote a report in 1904 called the McArthur Rept. In the report, he recommended the Residential System for Brunei.

In 1906, McArthur was later appointed as the first Resident of Brunei. His recommendations solved many problems in Brunei. It also prevented Brunei from being controlled by Rajah Brooke and the British North Borneo Company.

- failure of the Protectorate Agreement 1888
The Residential system was introduced because the Protectorate Agreement with England in 1888 failed to stop Brunei's power from declining. Brunei continued to lose its territories to Brooke's regime and the British North Borneo Company.

- to solve succession disputes
Sultan Hashim wanted to avoid a succession dispute. If the quarrel continued, this would weaken Brunei further. He wanted Brunei's support in having a more peaceful and stable succession system.

- success of the Residential System in Malaya
The Residential System had been very successful in Malaya. It had made many states profitable and also, strengthened the position of the Sultans. It even prevented the Malay chiefs and nobles from quarreling with one another. British officials felt that the Residential System would help Brunei too

- fear of foreign intervention
Germany, France, Netherlands and Russia were actively and aggressively searching for colonies in Asia. England was worried that if he did not help Brunei, other foreign powers would occupy Brunei.

The advantages of the British Residential System on Brunei
1. Political Stability
Under the British control, there were no more succession disputes and internal quarrels.

Due to the relatively stable system of rule, the dynasty line of Sultan Hashim continues to rule Brunei till today.

2. Cash Economy
Under the British Residential System, a new currency was used which was the Straits Dollar. It created a new kind of economy based on a uniform and modern currency used in British territories only.

3. Efficient and Centralized Form of Government
Under the British Residential System, Brunei was divided into 4 districts: Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong.

Government officials were given fixed salaries. A police force was also set up to maintain law and order in Brunei.

4. Export Economy
Under the British Residential System, Brunei also began to develop many goods for the export market.

5. Development in Communication
New transportation and communication methods made Brunei more connected to the world.

6. Improvement in the standard of living in Brunei
England encourage people to build their houses on dry land for health reasons. In 1922, the palace was built on dry land. To increase the level of hygiene, pipes were constructed in 1927. Piped water prevents the spread of diseases.

In 1925, the first hospital was built in Brunei. By the 1930s, people could get modern medicine and basic health care in other parts of Brunei too.

The disadvantages of the British Residential System on Brunei
1. Power of the Sultan weakened
The Sultan was recognized as the ruler of Brunei. However, the British Resident made most of the important decisions and did not always consult the Sultan.

2. Slow economic growth and development
Sometimes, the British Resident did not pay enough attention to developing Brunei. The British were more focused on making Brunei a profitable trading place through its export market. There were only a few roads and railway lines built in the country.

3. Local people were not given opportunities
Due to lack of funds, England did not set up a modern education system for the people. The first formal English-based primary school was opened in Brunei town only in 1912. Secondary school education began in 1954.

Next week, I'll teach you about resources of Brunei.