The world’s longest-serving leader who was in charge when Lyndon Johnson was president | World | News

When it comes to long-serving world leaders still in power today, one man rises above the rest.

He’s worth $30bn, has seen 13 British prime ministers, and 11 US presidents. He is: The Sultan of Brunei.

Hassanal Bolkiah has been the Sultan of the tiny south-east Asian country since 1967. He took power after his father abdicated when he was just 21-years-old.

The Sultan, celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 2017 – marking the 50th anniversary of his reign.

The 78-year-old is one of the few remaining absolute monarchs in the world, meaning here are no real democratic institutions or political parties in the country.

Although crime under the Sultan is relatively low, Brits travelling to his country should be aware that it’s a very religiously conservative state.

Sultan Bolkiah introduced capital punishment for same-sex relationships in 2019. Under the rules, same-sex couples can be stoned to death.

At present, there is a moratorium on the death penalty. However, whipping and imprisonment is commonplace. Sex between women under the Sultan is punishable by caning or jail.

The Sultan prohibits the sale of alcohol and tobacco, and possession of pornographic material is illegal.

Further, a relationship in private between an unmarried man and woman is illegal if one of the people involved is a muslim.

Visitors should also note that criticism of the Sultan or any member of his family is taboo in the Brunei, and is likely to cause severe offence.