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Archived Articles  Simeon Mitropolitski is a Canadian analyst, of Bulgarian descent, and former syndicated columnist with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). He is the author of several hundred articles dealing with the hot political and economic topics, both Bulgarian and international. ("A Royal Solution." World Press Review. June 1997, provides English versions). He was part of the first group of Bulgarian intellectuals that began the opposition movement that finally put an end to the communist regime in the country, and in 1996-1997 participated in the international monitors' teams during the elections in several Balkan countries - Romania, Albania and Bulgaria. In 1999 he was among the few Bulgarian journalists that supported NATO military operation against Yugoslavia. In 2002 Simeon and his family emigrated from Bulgaria to Canada where they now live in Montreal, Quebec.
Global Real Estate Project
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Brunei: Benevolent autocracy and tradition
 Brunei is a very small country in Southeast Asia, and usually it makes international headlines only in connection to its ruler's fabulous personal wealth. What doesn't often appear on the international media screens is that this small nation is among the richest in the world per capita, as rich as an average West European state. This progress has been done within approximately one generation not because but despite its conservative political and social regulations. As a matter of fact, the government would like to keep the traditional way of life as long as possible. Even with some better housing alternatives almost a quarter of the capital city population still prefers living in ancient water villages. This is seen as a sign that people care about their roots. The government doesn't want to see its small territory turning into another Singapore. Suggesting turning Brunei into Thailand-like tourist paradise may be considered as a serious offense. Yet tourists are welcomed as far as their numbers don't exceed certain limitations that may harm the traditional way of life and environment. Some of these visitors may even decide to stay for more than just a short trip. The problems for them may come from the fact that the local properties aren't appreciating as fast as in some other neighboring countries. On the other hand, some social norms in Brunei may look much more conservative. The majority of the population in Muslim, and even if it doesn't follow a very radical interpretation of the Islam, more traditional way of dressing and general behavior makes foreigners been regarded more favorably. The lack of retail outlets selling alcohol may also be a problem for some foreigners. The high temperatures and humidity for most of the year may not be appreciated well by many accustomed to more temperate climates. Politically, Brunei represents an interesting mixture of socially sensitive autocracy and governmental efficiency. The ruling dynasty is in power for hundreds of years despite the semi-colonial status during most of XX c. These long-established relations between rulers and subjects produce political stability high above the average for a country officially still part of the Third World. In fact introducing a radical democratic system will lead to instability; so the only civilized alternative to the current autocracy is a gradual empowerment of representative government controlled by the monarch following the Westminster model. Giving freedoms to the citizens, e.g. freedom of expression, should in no way destroy what seem to lie in the positive side of the balance, i.e. relatively independent judiciary, limited corruption and relatively high bureaucratic efficiency. Brunei may not become another Singapore if this is the will of its population, what it may become is a more open society matching its wealth with more freedoms.
Brunei country profile: --------------------
See also the directory of companies providing real estate services in, and general real estate information of Brunei.
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