University chiefs have recommended stripping a now-controversial honorary degree from a world leader who has passed new laws punishing homosexuals with death by stoning.
Earlier this week the Sultan of Brunei passed strict Islamic legislation which included allowing people in same-sex relationships to be killed.
Lesbians face “40 strokes of the cane” or 10 years in jail, while people found guilty of theft could have their limbs amputated.
And anyone in the small nation on the island of Borneo who commits the offence of “insult or defamation of the Prophet Muhammad” will be put to death.
Hassanal Bolkiah’s decision has been met with international outcry in recent days and pressure has been mounting on Aberdeen University to revoke the honorary degree he was awarded in 1995.
Hundreds of students, lecturers, members of staff and alumni have backed an open letter calling for his award to be immediately removed.
Last night, the university confirmed that its honorary degrees committee has recommended that it should be revoked.
Academic bosses are expected to vote on that next week.
High-profile names from the across the globe have condemned Bolkiah’s new laws, including actor George Clooney and television presenter Ellen DeGeneres.
The pair are among many who have called for a boycott of the 72-year-old’s chain of hotels, which include the Dorchester in London and the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.
Homosexuality was already illegal in Brunei and punishable with up to 10 years in prison.
Bolkiah, who is the world’s second-longest reigning monarch after Queen Elizabeth II, said his new laws will help the country’s Islamic teachings “grow stronger”.
Politics and sociology student Jacob Campbell, who started the open letter, said the university committee’s decision reflects Bolkiah’s “abhorrent” politics.
He added: “Honorary degrees should be given out the basis of personal merit and achievement.
“It is only right, therefore, that calls for the university’s honorary degree process to be reviewed and perhaps overhauled are also welcome.”
A university spokesman said: “The honorary degrees committee has agreed that these strict anti-LGBT laws are totally counter to the university’s founding principles and values of being ‘inclusive and open to all’ and have recommended that the award be revoked.
“Their recommendation now passes to our academic body, the Senate, to consider, which we anticipate to happen next week.”
