Brunei, like all other countries in the region, has been affected by the financial crisis. The price of oil dropped over the past year. Brunei depends on oil and gas, so Brunei's financial reserves were affected. Fortunately, the price of oil has now gone up again. Brunei is now looking at diversifying its economy so that it is not dependent on oil and gas alone.
Some reports say Brunei is almost broke.
Those stories are remiss in a sense, because if you don't know the real situation, then it is difficult for you to assess it. If you come to Brunei and go around town, you will see that it is quite normal. Everyone is quite happy. Some are unhappy at the impact of Western culture on the youth of Brunei. I do not see any contradictions or differences over the years among the young people.