The Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah is currently the subject of widespread condemnation for making homosexuality punishable with the death penalty.

The torrent of criticism got so loud Bolkiah backpedaled on Sunday, promising the law would never be enforced, but it still exists as legislation.

But he was once a young, liberal "playboy" who embraced hedonism and freedom, despite being the head of the Muslim faith in the small southeast Asian nation.

Spurred on by his profligate brother Prince Jefri, the sultan spent billions on yachts, cars, statues, casinos, and almost everything else money can buy.

Here's an inside look at what his life is like.

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The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, was widely condemned in April for ushering in new laws to punish homosexuality with death by stoning as part of a move to align the country with Sharia law, a strict interpretation of Islam.

After a huge backlash from celebrities and Western governments alike, the sultan backpedaled this week, promising that the punishment will not be enforced. Brunei will, however, keep the law on its statute books, the Sultan added.

Before becoming an advocate for the strictest form of Islam, the 72-year-old sultan was once known for his lavish, liberal, and western lifestyle.

At one point the richest man on the planet, worth as much as $40 billion, his exploits included reportedly racing Ferraris at midnight through Brunei's capital, commissioning a 1,788 room palace, and spending $20,000 to get his hair cut.

Here's a look at the Sultan of Brunei's extravagant, fabulous life.