A/HRC/13/14 China. The current system of monarchy dates back to the 15th century, which was also when Islam was established as the official religion of the country. 8. In 1888, Brunei Darussalam became a British protectorate, gaining its full independence on 1 January 1984. After the Second World War, rehabilitation took place with the help of the British and the Australians. In 1959, a written Constitution was promulgated which provided the process of election, but in 1962, an armed rebellion took place and that dark episode of its history showed that the introduction of new institutions required time. His Majesty the Sultan, who acceded to the throne in 1967, established a Committee in 2003 to look at the 1959 Constitution and make necessary amendments with the passage of time. 9. In 2004, the Legislative Council was reconstituted with 19 members and in 2005, membership increased to 21, and in 2006 to 29 members. Such developments illustrated His Majesty’s commitment for people to be more involved in the decision-making process, the delegation stated, adding the emphasis on good governance. His Majesty also practiced informal consultations by meeting people when he visits villages, prays in different mosques on Fridays and by opening his palace for three days during Eid. On these occasions, people often deliver their requests and complaints in an envelope and these are attended to immediately. 10. Brunei Darussalam society revolves around its Malay culture and Islamic faith, the delegation stressed. The majority of the population is Malay and the dominant aspect in the Malay world is the institution of the family. The concept of a large extended family forms the foundation of the social fabric of society and forms the social safety net. Islam is the official religion and a way of life for the people of Brunei Darussalam. This was enshrined in the 1959 Constitution and again reflected in the amendment in 2004. However, nonMuslims can practice their religions in peace and harmony, as also enshrined in the Constitution. The harmonious inter-religious and inter-ethnic relations in Brunei Darussalam can be witnessed during Eid and during the Chinese New Year celebrations. The question of understanding and tolerance is very important. His Majesty’s government therefore supports the idea of the Alliance of Civilisation, and participated in many interfaith dialogues organized by both regional and international organisations. 11. The delegation stated that looking after the welfare of his people is a simple and fundamental policy of His Majesty’s government, including provision of a peaceful environment, a first-class health system, a top class educational system, adequate housing, providing for people in need, addressing poverty, ensuring food security, and jobs for the people. 12. Education remains a top priority, taking up 12 per cent of the national budget. Providing universal access to education has always been a fundamental objective of Brunei Darussalam’s education policy and all levels of education in Government schools are freeof-charge. In 2007, the Compulsory Education Order was enforced to ensure all children from the age of six are in school for at least nine years, though parents in fact realize that the future of their children lies in educating them. Even after establishing many secondary schools, technical colleges and universities, the Government is continuing with its scholarship system, where students who make the grades are sent overseas to sixth form colleges and universities. This important policy of providing free education to all has led to Brunei Darussalam having one of the highest literacy rates of 94.9 per cent in Asia. The percentage of women’s participation in education has also increased, with 73 per cent of the total graduates in 2007 being female. 13. The provision of a comprehensive free health-care system for the people is another priority, in urban and rural areas. The delegation cited the provision of flying medical services and the recent adequate supply, free-of-charge, of the H1N1 vaccine for the whole 4