Hassanal Bolkiah Biography, Education, Career, Controversies, And Net Worth
|Hassanal Bolkiah, born on July 15, 1946, in Istana Darussalam, Brunei Town (now Bandar Seri Begawan), is the reigning Sultan of Brunei since 1967 and has served as the Prime Minister since the country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. He is known for his absolute monarchy and extensive wealth, ranking among the wealthiest individuals globally.
Hassanal Bolkiah Profile
Name | Hassanal Bolkiah |
Real Name | Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien III |
Date of Birth | 15 July 1946 |
Age | 78 years |
Nationality | Bruneian |
Occupation | Politician |
Religion | Sunni Islam |
Marital Status | Married |
Net Worth | $30 Billion |
Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Born during the reign of his uncle, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin, Hassanal Bolkiah was named Pengiran Muda Mahkota (Crown Prince). He received his high school education at Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur and pursued further studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, graduating in 1967.
Career
Following the abdication of his father, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, in 1967, Hassanal Bolkiah ascended to the Bruneian throne, becoming the 29th Sultan. His reign has been marked by significant economic growth and modernization efforts in Brunei.
Controversies
In 1997, allegations of mistreatment and abuse surfaced when Shannon Marketic sued Prince Jefri Bolkiah, Hassanal Bolkiah’s brother. The lawsuit highlighted issues of exploitation and human rights abuses. The collapse of the Amedeo group, owned by Prince Jefri, led to financial turmoil and allegations of misappropriation of state funds, causing significant controversy within the royal family.
Hassanal Bolkiah spearheaded legislation introducing severe penalties, including death by stoning, for homosexuality and adultery, drawing widespread international condemnation and boycotts.
Hassanal Bolkiah Social Media Handles
Hassanal Bolkiah is active on social media, he can be found on Instagram@.
Personal Life
Hassanal Bolkiah married his first cousin, Princess Pengiran Anak Saleha, in 1965. Despite divorcing his second wife, Mariam Abdul Aziz, in 2003, he remarried Azrinaz Mazha in 1981. The sultan has multiple children and grandchildren, with Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah being his heir.
The sultan has a keen interest in sports, particularly polo, badminton, and squash. He has played competitively and continues to attend polo matches regularly, showcasing his passion for the sport.
Hassanal Bolkiah Net Worth
As of 2024, Hassanal Bolkiah is estimated to have a net worth of $30 Billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally.