Asia's most lavish royal wedding just happened last week in Brunei. Brunei is a country in South Asia that is run as "an absolutist Muslim monarchy" by a sultan named Hassanal Bolkiah. Apparently, the Sultan's son married a young woman in her 20s who carried a bouquet, not made of flowers but, of gems and gold, wore Christian Louboutin shoes, and a dress with diamonds on it, and not to mention the huge necklace of diamonds and emeralds adorning her neck. The couple had about 6, 000 exclusive guests who were all treated to full course meals.
My original thought when I read this was that the sultan of Brunei could be using all this money for something else. However, it seems the country doesn't need it. Brunei is a small oil nation that is doing fairly well. People are okay with their high standard living and free education and health care. Although, Brunei has been criticized by spectators because last year in May the Sultan introduced a very controversial law. Before we discuss this law, we must know that the Sultan is the head of state and government, Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Finance Minister and also oversees the religious beliefs in Brunei. This law he passed, the Shariah Law, allows for criminals to be punished with stoning, whipping, and amputation. Apparently, he has been slowly working for a country that has more of an orthodox interpretation of Islam. It seems to me that Brunei is a complex country. It seems to be progressive with its high standard of living and rich economy but kind of backwards with its Shariah Law. What do you think?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/brunei/11531950/Sultans-of-bling-Gem-encrusted-wedding-for-Brunei-prince.html
http://www.dw.de/magnificent-wedding-for-brunei-prince/g-18386135
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