Brunei Darussalam is an independent sovereign Sultanate governed on the basis of a written constitution. His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the 29th monarch in succession to the throne, is the Prime Minister as well as the Defence and Finance Minister and Head of Religion of Brunei Darussalam. As Sultan, His Majesty is advised and assisted by 5 constitutional bodies, namely, the Council of Succession, the Privy Council, the Council of Cabinet Ministers, Religious Council and the State Legislative Council. The State Legislative Council which was reconvened in September 2004, consists of Cabinet Ministers, local dignitaries, people who achieved distinctions in business, religion and society as well as district representatives.