Brunei prepares for APEC international media circus

November 9, 2000
Web posted at: 12:23 PM HKT (0423 GMT)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Reuters) -- Asia Pacific leaders descend on Brunei next week, putting the conservative oil-rich sultanate on Borneo island under the unfamiliar glare of the international media.

Brunei is best-known for being run by one of the world's richest men and for the bad press meted out to some of his relations over their lifestyles and lavish spending.

But on November 15-16 the smallest member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) club plays host to presidents Bill Clinton for the United States, Vladimir Putin for Russia and Jiang Zemin for China.

Twenty-one countries will be represented at the summit, which is not expected to yield any great results, but the presence of those three presidents alone should ensure global television networks and hordes of foreign journalists pour into Brunei.

The strictly Islamic state, with a population of 330,000, is no democracy, but the oil wealth has kept away desires to challenge the autocracy.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who was the world's richest man until computer czar Bill Gates took top spot, will be hoping APEC goes smoothly, and the country, with its beautiful beaches and virgin rainforests, gets favourable write-ups.

The Sultan's estranged brother Prince Jefri brought enough bad publicity Brunei's way earlier this year following the collapse of his financial conglomerate Amedeo.

The big-spending Jefri settled out of court after being charged by the government with misuse of funds, but the episode gave a chance to rake over tales of the playboy prince who owned 2,000 cars, 17 aircraft and a yacht called Tits.

Difficult venue for would-be protesters

At least the summit in Brunei should be spared the violent demonstrations by anti-capitalist groups and non-governmental organisations, which accompanied several other recent international gatherings.

"Brunei is a peaceful country and we do not expect any ugly incident," Mohammad Daud, executive director of logistics for the APEC meeting, told Reuters.

Aside from being hard to get to, would be protesters would find it tough finding somewhere to stay.

Brunei asked its fellow APEC members to downsize their delegations for the meeting, but an expected influx of 4,500 diplomats, business people and journalists means hotels are likely to be fully booked.

Sultan Hassanal, whose golden-domed palace has 1,788 rooms, is putting up the visiting heads of state in royal guest houses and villas.

The capital Bandar Seri Begawan has been spruced up and roads decorated with flashy, colourful lights which are usually put up during the Sultan's birthday, officials said.

Brunei River, home to the centuries-old collection of floating villages, has been cleaned up for visitors to enjoy cruises and catch a glimpse of traditional lifestyle which has remained unchanged for generations.

"I think it is important to showcase Brunei and show our areas of strength to the rest of the world," said Chang Kin Hui, executive director at the APEC Business Advisory Council.

Brunei is trying to wean itself off total dependence on oil, and has plans to develop as a global financial hub and tourist destination.

It might appeal to eco-tourists and adventure vacations, but a ban on alcohol and absence of nightclubs and discos will put off rowdier holidaymakers. Journalists and diplomats should take note.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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