How is Islam in Brunei different from Islam in the Middle East?

It is different in Brunel because they recently won their independence. They are simply looking for a better way. They are different from anyone anywhere because they are setting their standards now. This includes their law and their religion too.

It is not being forced on them anymore. So, this sets them apart, and they are mostly Islamic, so they have Sharia law which they choose to have. They push forward too though, modern in some ways.