His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday received in audience Lord Patrick Stewart Hodge, Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (UK), who is in the country for a working visit to further deepen the longstanding judicial cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the UK.
During the audience ceremony, His Majesty and Lord Hodge discussed the lectures delivered to the judiciary, legal community, government ministries and educational institution on ‘The Impact of the Supreme Court on the Wider Economy’ and ‘The Work of the Privy Council’, as well as the importance of continuing the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices for the benefit of both the Sultanate and the UK.
Accompanying Lord Hodge was Acting British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Captain Jonathan Caple. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong Wan Oon; and Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos were also present at the audience ceremony.
Lord Hodge’s visit marks the first time a senior member of the UK Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) has come to the Sultanate and reciprocates the visit by Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong to the UK Supreme Court in October 2024. The JCPC serves as the final court of appeal for civil matters in Brunei Darussalam.
