Brunei's political system is governed by the constitution and the national tradition of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja; MIB). The three components of MIB cover Malay culture, Islamic religion, and the political framework under the monarchy.[116] It has a legal system based on English common law, although Islamic law (sharia) supersedes this in some cases.[71] Brunei has a parliament but there are no elections; the last election was held in 1962.[117]
Under Brunei's 1959 constitution, the Sultan, currently Hassanal Bolkiah, is the head of state with full executive authority. Following the Brunei Revolt of 1962, this authority has included emergency powers, which are renewed every two years, meaning that Brunei has technically been under martial law since then.[91] Hassanal Bolkiah also serves as the state's prime minister, finance minister and defence minister.[118]