The government has been extremely concerned about “outsiders" preaching Islamic fundamentalist or unorthodox teachings. Orthodox Islamic leaders in the country have organized study seminars for people who have been influenced by these ideas to show them the “error of their ways.” In many cases those required to attend these seminars are students returning from foreign countries.
Since 1991, the government has been promoting the national ideology known as Malaya Islam Beraja. This ideology, reportedly dating from the 15th century, is taught to support the legitimacy of the hereditary monarchy and traditional Muslim values.
In 1993, the government participated in the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, which affirms freedom of religion as well as other human rights. However, proselytizing is forbidden, foreign clergy are occasionally denied entry to the country, importation of non-Muslim scriptures and teaching materials is banned and permission to repair or build new churches, temples and shrines is often denied.
The Ministry of Education requires all schools to teach courses on Islam or Malaya Islam Beraja. On the other hand, it restricts the teaching of courses in the history of religion or other courses in religion even in non-Muslim schools. The only school in the country which is free of these restrictions is the Bandar Seri Begawan International School, which citizens and permanent residents generally can not attend.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Brunei
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