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Omar Ali Saifuddien III

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(Redirected from Omar Ali Saifuddin III) Sultan of Brunei from 1950 to 1967

In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Muhammad Jamalul Alam II is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Omar Ali Saifuddien III. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.
Omar Ali Saifuddien III
عمر علي سيف الدين ٣
Official portrait of Omar Ali Saifuddien III prior to his abdication on 4 October 1967
Sultan of Brunei
Reign4 June 1950 – 5 October 1967
Coronation31 May 1951
PredecessorAhmad Tajuddin
SuccessorHassanal Bolkiah
Minister of Defence
Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces
In office
1 January 1984 – 7 September 1986
MonarchHassanal Bolkiah
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byHassanal Bolkiah
BornOmar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien
(1914-09-23)23 September 1914
Istana Kota, Brunei Town, Brunei
Died7 September 1986(1986-09-07) (aged 71)
Istana Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Burial8 September 1986
Kubah Makam Di Raja, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Spouse
Dayang Siti Amin ​ ​(m. 1937; div. 1944)​
Pengiran Anak Damit ​ ​(m. 1941; died 1979)​
Pengiran Anak Hajah Salhah ​ ​(m. 1980)​
Issue List
HouseBolkiah
FatherMuhammad Jamalul Alam II
MotherPengiran Anak Siti Fatimah
ReligionSunni Islam
Signature

Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien (Jawi: عمر علي سيف الدين سعد الخير والدين‎; 23 September 1914 – 7 September 1986) was the 28th Sultan of Brunei, reigning from 1950 until his abdication in 1967 to his oldest son, Hassanal Bolkiah.

Over the course of his 17-year reign, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III significantly altered Brunei. He also created the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) philosophy, which is the country's guiding ideology. In order to prepare his people for the restoration of the state's sovereign rights—which had been started by his predecessor and spurred by the Brunei nationalist movement toward the close of World War II—he also started social and economic reform. He became known as the Architect of Modern Brunei, Royal Poet, Father of Brunei Negara Zikir and Father of Independence.

Early life and education

Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien was born at Istana Kota, Kampong Sultan Lama, Brunei Town on 23 September 1914. He was the seventh child out of ten of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II and Raja Isteri Fatimah. Following his birth, Pengiran Sharbanun binti Pengiran Muhammad raised him along with his older sister, Pengiran Anak Puteri Besar. Like the other royal children of Brunei, he received an education centred on Islamic customs, etiquette, and good manners in the palace.

Unbeknownst to those seeking guidance, the household nannies subtly instilled the Bruneian spirit and courtly manners, carefully structured around Islamic principles. This early upbringing explains why Omar Ali Saifuddien’s behaviour and traits from a young age closely aligned with Islamic teachings. He began learning to read the Quran at the age of ten, under the guidance of carefully selected tutors, and successfully completed his studies, performing forty formal recitations. It was customary for the princes and princesses of the royal family to study under various Quranic scholars to receive their blessings and favour. As Omar Ali entered his teenage years, he continued his religious education, deepening his understanding of Islamic law. The teachings of Abdul Mokti Nasar, one of his most influential mentors, had a profound impact on Omar Ali, shaping his vision for modernising Brunei’s religious institutions and strengthening the role of Islam in governance.

From an early age, Omar Ali was entrusted with elders who imparted knowledge and skills necessary to finish his upbringing, specifically about Islamic rules and the traditions and rituals that the royal family had followed in the past. Regular instructors for him included Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Anak Abdul Kahar, a specialist in Islamic customs and ceremonies and knowledgeable about the faith.

At the palace, he was instructed in English language, religious knowledge, customs, and traditions while he was in the palace. Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim, Shaykh Haji Abdul Halim, and T. F. Stalley were among his tutors. While he was still receiving training at the palace, he studied "Dikir Brunei" every day after supper until he became an expert in it. It is clear that his four years of formal education would not be considered sufficient to qualify him as a writer of distinction if one considers his education.

On the recommendation of T. F. Carey, the British Resident, the then 18 years old prince enrolled together with two of his cousins, Pengiran Anak Mohamed Alam and Pengiran Anak Abdul Kahar, at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) in Perak, British Malaya from 1932 to 1936. Additionally, Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim accompanied him to the college. As a result, he was the first of the Brunei sultans to receive formal education in a foreign institution.

Early adulthood

After just one week of arriving in Brunei Town, he returned from Malaya in 1936 and was invited by Sir Roland Evelyn Turnbull, the British Resident, to Kuala Belait, where he would work as a cadet officer in the Forestry Department, which was then led by Mr. Smith. After spending just one week in Kuala Belait, he together with Awang Abdul Hamid, Awang Maidin, and Awang Ludin relocated to Bukit Puan where they spent three months surveying the forest reserve. He got to know the forestry industry by working with Dusun, Belait, Tutong, and Iban labourers. Subsequently, he received invitations to work in many locations, including Bukit Sawat, Pengkalan Siong, Kuala Melayan, Sukang, Melilas, and Ingai.

In 1937, he was transferred to the Judiciary Department, also became an administrative officer in 1938. He traveled by sailing boat to Lawas in 1939. Some of his friends warned him that sailing a boat and depending only on favorable winds may be hazardous. But he did not follow this advise, continuing to sail the sailing boat toward that goal until it came to shallow seas near the Island of Sari.

He was instructed by Hughes Hallet, the Assistant British Resident in Kuala Belait, to examine the Criminal Procedure Code that was in effect in Brunei at the time. The technique of implementing the law's provisions was also deeply entrenched in his mind. Originally, his plan upon returning from Kuala Belait to Brunei Town was to relax, but this was modified to studying certain parts of Islam. Events that took place during the Japanese occupation of Brunei from 1941 until 1945, when he was employed by State Secretary Ibrahim bin Mohammad Jahfar at Somobucho. Under his supervision, he was encouraged to study, review, and analyse the Criminal Procedure Code, which he had started to learn at Kuala Belait, as well as the tale of him and the District Officer Ibrahim bin Andor trying a case together.

After the Second World War, in 1947, he was subsequently appointed a member of the State Council and chairman of the Syariah Court. He had the Wazir (Vizier) title Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuara conferred on him by his brother, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin on 15 July 1947. Following his appointment as Wazir, he frequently traveled to Brunei's interior regions in particular to get insight into the living circumstances and customs of the country's population. Following his trip to the interior, he prepared reports that he sent to his brother, the Sultan. He also provided the British Resident with the information so that issues raised in the reports might be addressed. He said that the government always acted with his suggestions, especially when Eric Ernest Falk Pretty was serving as the British Resident.

One early important contribution of Omar Ali Saifuddien was to regularise Islamic administration in Brunei. In 1948, a religious council, comprising the Mohammedan Religious Advisers was formed. Due to his initiative, the council met for the first time on 31 January 1948. He himself was appointed chairman of this council. After examining several laws on Islamic affairs in the Malay Peninsula, the board made new proposals regarding the religious administration in Brunei. The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a testament to his commitment to advancing and bolstering the Islamic faith in Brunei.

Reign

Accession and coronation

Omar Ali Saifuddien (right) seen at his coronation on 31 May 1951Omar Ali Saifuddien with his wife, Pengiran Anak Damit, at his coronation

Upon the sudden death of his brother in Singapore, who left no male heirs, on 4 June 1950, he was proclaimed by Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Yasin as the next Sultan at the Hall Government Office on 6 June 1950. Omar Ali Saifuddien embraced his new role and asserted his authority by directing his late brother's burial at the Kubah Makam Di Raja upriver, contrary to Tengku Raihani's preference.

At 2:30 p.m., British Resident Pretty formally declared him as Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and the 28th sultan of Brunei, with the decision's origin remaining unclear between Sarawak's Governor Anthony Abell and Brunei's Council of State. Later, it was revealed that Pretty had installed Omar Ali Saifuddien as sultan "against significant local opposition." During a news conference held in Singapore early on 7 June 1950, Gerard MacBryan stated that the intended coronation of Omar Ali Saifuddin would not be possible without the elements of the Brunei royal regalia he had obtained.

Omar Ali Saifuddien was crowned as the Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan in the Lapau on 31 May 1951. In conjunction of the coronation, he was conferred with the Honorary Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) by Queen Elizabeth II. He performed the Hajj pilgrimage later in September of the same year.

Early reign and educational reforms

Upon his ascension to the throne, Omar Ali Saifuddien also became the head of the Islamic religion in the country. Sending locals to study overseas was one of his initiatives to raise the caliber and aptitude of the native student body. Three Malay fifth-graders were transferred to Singapore's Al-Juned Arabic School in 1950. As a result, the number went up every year. In 1963, one of the first local students to graduate from Al-Azhar University did so thanks to this scholarship. Three Bruneians graduated from Al-Azhar University under his reign.

When Omar Ali Saifuddien went to the United Kingdom in May 1952, he went for a walk with Pengiran Anak Tua Omar Ali, not knowing where they were going to walk from the Sheldon Park Hotel until they arrived in Croydon, despite the fact that they had just arrived at their destination and were therefore unfamiliar with their new surroundings. He later attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, London on 2 June 1953. On 9 June, he was conferred with the Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (KCMG) by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Bruneian government spent B$10.65 million in total on educational issues. In 1954, this policy on education was first presented. The equipment of educational institutions, including secondary schools, adult education, and vocational training, is to be determined by this policy for Brunei. This plan calls for the development of thirty schools, and starting in November 1953, free meals will be served at each school. The English-language Raja Isteri Girls' High School in Brunei Town was finished in 1957, but only goes up to Form 3. These children will go to Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College to sit for Forms 4 and 5 after completing the Lower Secondary Certificate Examination. Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School in Brunei Town, Muda Hashim Secondary School in Tutong, and Sultan Hassan Secondary School in Temburong were the secondary schools that were finished in 1966.

The Department of Religious Affairs, which oversees all national administrative concerns pertaining to Brunei's Islamic Constitution, was established on 1 July 1954, by the Sultan. Aspects of Islam are included in the plan, including legal issues, educational issues, religious message-related activities, and social administration. Two religious officials from Johor were brought to Brunei on 25 September 1954 in conjunction with that. Haji Ismail bin Omar Abdul Aziz and Haji Othman bin Mohammad Said are those individuals. The Bruneian government started holding an evening religious school in September 1956. Additionally, the government provides scholarships to a limited number of students to pursue further education overseas at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt; Islamic College in Klang; and Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah in Singapore.

On 11 October 1956, seven religious schools were established in Brunei utilising the premises of both Malay and English schools, based on the officers' findings and suggestions. Nine religious instructors who were invited from the State of Johor to teach in Brunei were involved in the religious studies program. After Zuhur, the religious schools opened in the afternoon. These religious schools were administered by the Department of Religious Affairs, and their director and administrator were the highest ranking officials in the department.

Constitutional journey of Brunei

Omar Ali Saifuddien formed a commission to get feedback from locals in various regions, which was the first step towards drafting a written constitution for Brunei. The commission, which had seven appointed members and was called Jawatankuasa Menyiasat Perlembagaan (JKPP) or Tujuh Serangkai, demonstrated his willingness to take into account the opinions of the people in spite of his absolute power. They were tasked with gathering public feedback, creating an extensive report, and offering the Sultan advice on creating district councils, reorganising the State Council, and creating the Constitution.

The Tujuh Serangkai created a report detailing the public's support and agreement with the Sultan's constitutional goals after touring all four districts of Brunei. Under the direction of the Sultan, Brunei's constitution was drafted based on their findings, and on 23 March 1954, the Tujuh Serangkai presented a 50-page Malay report to the Sultan.

The first draft of Brunei's constitution, drafted by Sir Anthony Abell and his peers, protected Brunei's sovereignty and was in line with the goals of the country's Malay constitutional committee. Abell, the Sultan, and his two Wazirs, Pengiran Bendahara and Pengiran Pemancha, met with British Resident John Orman Gilbert on 16–17 December 1954, in Istana Darul Hana. These negotiations resulted in minor changes that were submitted to the Colonial Office, where they were unanimously accepted.

District Advisory Councils were formed in each of the four districts in 1955. By mid-1955, Omar Ali Saifuddien's demands to secure roles for his Wazirs in the Legislative and Executive Councils complicated the drafting of Brunei's constitution and disrupted British plans for parliamentary re-organisation.

In 1956, A. M. Azahari's Brunei People's Party (PRB) was popular in Brunei because it supported the Sultan's status as a constitutional monarch while promoting independence through constitutional means. Colonial authorities supported the goals of the PRB, but they believed that the organisation's demands for equal pay, worker welfare, ministerial governance, and public elections were too extreme. The Sultan's resistance to British proposals led to a strong opposition, which made him more determined to maintain his local control. As a result, the draft constitution underwent major changes and deletions.

In 1957, Omar Ali Saifuddien sent a team to London to negotiate the constitution with the British Government. The principal subject of the 1957 London Negotiations was the Rang Undang-Undang Perlembagaan Negeri Brunei, 'Brunei State Constitution Bill', drafted by Panglima Bukit Gantang in Brunei House in Singapore. Azahari made an effort to communicate with British officials, but the Sultan's opposition made the PRB's recommendations unconsidered. Consequently, Azahari said that the British were disregarding the aspirations of the populace, which set the stage for the revolution in 1962.

In 1958, the 1957 London discussions were revisited in Brunei. Omar Ali Saifuddien and Sir Anthony Abell met on 27 October in Istana Darul Hana to review the outcomes of the London discussions. The objective was to finalise the key concepts from the previous talks. Later, on 2 November 1958, a special meeting chaired by the Sultan's adviser resolved to send a delegation led by the Sultan himself to London for further constitutional negotiations. Dato Panglima Bukit Gantang and Neil Lawson were chosen to accompany the delegation because of their legal expertise and roles as consultants on constitutional matters.

Alan Lennox-Boyd and Omar Ali Saifuddien at the signing of the Brunei Agreement in London, 1959

Following the Merdeka Talks, Brunei's constitutional problems became the attention of British authorities, who summoned the Sultan to London in early 1959 to finalize the document with the Colonial Secretary. On 14 March, Omar Ali Saifuddien traveled via Singapore with ten members of his team to London for constitutional talks. As a consequence of the discussions, the Brunei Agreement was obtained on 6 April 1959, marking a significant advancement toward the implementation of Brunei's constitution. The outcome of the deal that satisfied the main requests of the Brunei Constitutional Committee in 1954, which included the appointment of a Menteri Besar and the adoption of staggered implementation measures beginning on 1 July.

At the Lapau in 1959, Omar Ali Saifuddien giving the country's first Menteri Besar his instrument of office

The Menteri Besar (Chief Minister), the State Secretary, the General, the State Finance Officer, and the Religious Advisor are the five administrators chosen under this constitution. Dato Ibrahim bin Mohammad Jahfar was Brunei's first Menteri Besar. On 29 September 1959, the constitution of Brunei was signed in Brunei Town. The agreement was signed by the sultan and Sir Robert Scott, the Commissioner-General for Southeast Asia. The British delegation was led by Alan Lennox-Boyd, 1st Viscount Boyd of Merton who was the Secretary of State for the Colonies. The British Government later accepted the draft constitution.

Among the things stated in the constitution were: The Sultan was made the Supreme Head of State. Brunei was responsible for its internal administration. The British Government was now responsible for foreign and defence affairs only. The post of Resident was abolished and replaced by a British High Commissioner. Additionally, the five councils that were set up are: Executive Council, Legislative Council (LegCo), Privy Council, Council Of Succession and the State Religious Council.

...The success which we had get in this year (1959) had attract and made us happy, especially as a victory which our people had dreamed of, that is the Written Constitution for Brunei. With this Constitution, our country now faced one great change. With the enforcement of this Written Constitution, which, hopefully, can be enforced, this mean Brunei will had its internal self government.

— Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, on his Titah on his 43rd Birthday celebration on 23 September 1959

Economic growth and infrastructure

Brunei saw fast growth in its oil industry between 1950 and 1967, with the first oil platform in Brunei was constructed off Seria in 1952. Omar Ali Saifuddien officially opened the B$14 million gas pipeline installation three years later. The Seria oil field produced 114,700 tons of oil per day a year later. Initiated in 1953, the first National Development Plan (RKN) lasted five years. E. R. Bevington served as the National Development Commissioner during the time. He was designated to present Brunei with any new plans. The LegCo allocated $100 million for this project in July 1953. One of the primary goals of this plan is to supply enough water, create bridges, telephones, buildings, and electric power plants for the convenience of Bruneians, and widen highways for communication.

A deepwater Muara Port was also constructed under the plan. Power requirements were met and studies were made to provide electricity to rural areas. Efforts were made to eradicate malaria, with the help of the World Health Organization, under the plan. Efforts were successful, bringing the down the cases of malaria from 300 cases in 1953 to only 66 cases in 1959. The death rate was also brought down from 20 per thousand in 1947 to 11.3 per thousand in 1953. This has been attributed to public sanitation and improvement of drainage and the provision of piped pure water to the population.

The newly built Brunei Airport as seen in December 1962
Omar Ali Saifuddien inspecting the newly formed Royal Brunei Malay Regiment Band in 1962

Developments on education were made, as well as a written policy on education in 1952. By 1958, expenditure on education totaled B$4 million. Communications were also improved with new roads built and reconstruction works at Brunei Airport being completed at 1954. A $14 million gas industrial plant was built under the plan. In 1954, survey and exploration works were undertaken by Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) on both offshore and onshore fields. By 1956, production reached 114,700 bpd. The BSP was founded in 1957. With 705,000 tons of natural gasoline (gasoline) produced from gas pipeline planting in Seria, the yield of crude oil has reached 39.5 million tons.

Aerial photograph of Brunei Town in 1960

The Second RKN was launched in 1962. This strategy aims to propel Brunei's economic and social development to new heights. One obvious indicator of economic growth is the area that has been turned over to commercial rice farming, which will improve the nation's agricultural sector and lessen the need to import rice from overseas. For their own knowledge and as a result of exporting goods outside, people can also learn how to grow coffee, bananas, wheat, peanuts, and other crops. The plan also saw an increase of production of meat and eggs. The fishing industry increased its output by 25% throughout the course of the plan.

Brunei's first state election was held on 30 and 31 August 1962. This was to elect members to sit in the Brunei LegCo. These elected members would then be involved in discussions of governmental policies. Despite this, the Sultan still held absolute power and authority in the government. Among the political parties which contested in the election were PRB, Barisan Nasional Organisation (BNO), and Brunei United Party (BUP). The polling went on for two days, which ended with the PRB winning the election.

A major oil and gas field was discovered in 1963, with this discovery, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) became important. Developments in the oil and gas sector has continued actively and oil production has steadily increased since then. He had launched the first delivery of a 10-inch oil pipeline from the seabed off the coast of the Seria oil field on 28 October 1964.

Omar Ali Saifuddien delivering a titah through Radio Brunei in 1962, from Istana Darul Hana

Merger with Malaysia and the 1962 revolt

When Tunku Abdul Rahman, the prime minister of the Federation of Malaya announced his proposal for a merger of Singapore, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien saw this as an opportunity for Brunei to achieve independence from British influence. He sent a congratulatory telegraph to Tunku Abdul Rahman, showing his support for the merger. For him, Brunei as a small country, still needed a protection of a larger country; the only way to achieve this was by merging with Malaysia and the rest of the states. This view was also shared by Lee Kuan Yew, the then-prime minister of Singapore. The Sultan considered the Federation of Malaya's proposals more carefully before making the ultimate decision because it may have an impact on Brunei's nationality, the country, and the future of religion. When the Malaysian Solidarity Consultative Committee (MSCC) initially convened in Jesselton in August 1961, Brunei abstained from the proceedings. The MSCC had its second debate in Kuching in December 1961, followed by the third debate in Kuala Lumpur, in January 1962.

Personnel of the Queen's Own Highlanders on a river patrol around Seria in 1962

The PRB, including its leader who had considerable popular support, Azahari was against the merger. According to them, if Brunei was to join the Federation, Brunei would not have achieve full independence as it was viewed as a transfer of power from Britain to Malaya. On 8 December 1962, the PRB led a rebellion against the government. With British military aid deployed from Singapore, the rebellion was later crushed and the PRB were defeated. Notably, the 2nd Gurkha Rifles was sent to Brunei in 1962, the year the Brunei Revolt started. Omar Ali Saifuddien and his son, Hassanal Bolkiah was saved from his palace by Digby Willoughby and a small group of Gurkha soldiers, earning the Sultan's unwavering gratitude.

After the rebellion, the discussion of joining the proposed North Borneo Federation continued. Omar Ali Saifuddien sent a delegation to attend meetings of the Malaysian Solidarity Consolidation Committee (MSCC). The views of the people were sought by the committee, which was chaired by Chief Minister of Brunei Dato Marsal bin Maun. Notably, Omar Ali Saifuddien decided in 1963 to open religious classes for adults. It aims to provide a better understanding for the people about the importance of obeying Allah, the Prophet and the Ruler. This practice, initiated by an emergency meeting of the Religious Affairs Committee on 7 January 1963, aimed to foster and protect loyalty to the Sultan.

Angus Mackintosh and Omar Ali Saifuddien leaving the Brunei Airport Building in late 1963

In 1963, a meeting was held to discuss the prospect of Brunei joining Malaysia. Still, arguments arose due to differences about taxes. Omar Ali Saifuddien considered the discussion and held off on making a fast decision since he was offended by Tunku Abdul Rahman's proposals. Singapore and Brunei were not present when the Malaysia Agreement was signed in London in July 1963. The Federation of Malaysia was established in September 1963, but Brunei chose not to join the federation for its own reasons. Even the initial date for the federation (which was 31 August 1963) was postponed to 16 September, no agreement was reached between the two sides.

First of all, Omar Ali Saifuddien disagrees with the Federal (Central) Government, which only permits Brunei to retain and profit from its oil production for ten years, following which the Federal Government will acquire the oil production proceeds. Furthermore, because the Head of the Association regarded him as holding the lowest status among the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, he disapproved of the planned rotational structure for the Agong's appointment. The proposed five-year term for Omar Ali Saifuddien to serve as Malaysia's Yang Di-Pertuan Agong is another point of contention for the people of Brunei.

Establishment of Islamic education

Omar Ali Saifuddien established a school where students may only learn Arabic, carrying on his tradition of developing Islamic education. On 24 September 1964, he laid the "foundation stone" for the Hassanal Bolkiah Boys' Arabic Secondary School, which would become the nation's first Arabic-language institution. At this occasion, he discussed his goals for the institution:

The government is interested at this time to establish religious secondary schools with appropriate educational policies in accordance with the progress of time. They must learn Islamic knowledge, Sharī’ah, and Arabic language as well as knowledge of the country and the modern sciences.

— Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, 24 September 1964

Omar Ali Saifuddien had just brought a walking stick and the hotel room key with him on a June 1965 vacation to Washington, D.C., so he could stroll about and see the city when he came across an Afro-American who was trying to steal from him. Nevertheless, the attacker left after taking a whack from his walking stick.

The creation of local religious instructors from pupils who finished seven grades was one of the direct results of Omar Ali Saifuddien's religious education program. These "trained religious teachers" had to pass a specific exam and attend weekly sessions in order to become "Untrained Teachers." On 22 May 1966, evening religious training sessions were instituted five days a week for a year in order to improve their abilities and enable them become completely qualified "Trained Religious Teachers."

Under his seventeen-year rule from 1950 to 1967, Brunei prospered and expanded quickly. He gave the government orders to revitalise the people's livelihood through national progress and development programs, which were effectively carried out and improved the welfare of the populace as well as their quality of life. Mosques, suraus (prayer halls), religious halls, government office buildings, and schools were built all across the country to further the spread of the Islamic faith.

Abdication

Omar Ali Saifuddien seen at his son, Hassanal Bolkiah's coronation in 1967

On 4 October 1967, after 17 years in reign and a protracted illness, Omar Ali Saifuddien declared his voluntary abdication in favour of his 21-year-old oldest son, Crown Prince Hassanal Bolkiah, when his son reached teenage years and had gained some understanding of the affairs of the country's administration. The announcement was made during an assembly of Wazirs, Cheterias, Pehin Manteris, including Manteri Pendalaman, which took place in the Balai Pemanjangan Indera Kenchana of the Istana Darul Hana.

Whereas I am happy to tell from the feelings of my word in declaring to the Government and all the citizens and residents of Brunei is that I will abdicate the Throne on 4 October 1967 is fixed and final and irrevocable.

— Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III announced his abdication on 4 October 1967

Following the announcement, the Crown Prince went back to Brunei before completing his education at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to take over his father's position as head of state and people. The news was made on Radio Brunei at night by Pengiran Pemancha Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, the Ketua Adat Istiadat. Following the declaration of abdication, Pengiran Haji Muhammad Yusuf bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim, the Acting Menteri Besar, issued the following announcement on 5 October, in his capacity as head of Brunei's administration:

The President of the Council of Succession announced that on 4th October 1967 His Majesty Al-Sultan Sir Omar 'Ali Saifuddien has in accordance with Section 19 of the Succession and Regency Proclamation 1959, proclaimed his intention which cannot be withdrawn of abdicating from the throne of the Government. The Council of Succession, at its meeting on 4 October 1967 has confirmed the accession of His Royal Highness Prince Hassanal Bolkiah, The Crown Prince, D.K., as the Sultan of Brunei in accordance with the laws as the lawful to His Majesty Maulana Al-Sultan Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien.

— Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Haji Muhammad Yusof bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim, on 5 October 1967

The 29th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Muiz'zaddin Wad'daulah, was formally proclaimed to his throne and crowned the next day, 5 October 1967, at 3:00 p.m. in the Balai Singgahsana of Istana Darul Hana. During the event, state dignitaries like the Wazir, Cheteria, Acting Menteri Besar, and members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) were present. The Peristewa 4hb. Oktober (4th October Event) is the name given to the historic night that shocked the entire nation. Apart from abdicating the throne, Omar Ali Saifuddien has chosen to become Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (His Highness the Retired Sultan). His spouse, Pengiran Anak Damit, will become Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Suri Seri Begawan. He would hold this title until his death in 1986.

Later life

Hassanal Bolkiah and Omar Ali Saifuddien (seated, middle) at the opening of the 1967 LegCo

Even after his abdication in 1967, Omar Ali Saifuddien continued to be involved in matters pertaining to the lives of the people, counselling and mentoring his oldest son in the roles of both a politician and a father.

On 23 November 1971, Omar Ali Saifuddien was there when the 1959 Agreement modification, Brunei–British Friendship Agreement, was signed in Bandar Seri Begawan. He was conferred with the Honorary Grand Commander of the Victorian Order (GCVO) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Brunei on 29 February 1972. In 1978, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah headed a delegation to London with Omar Ali Saifuddien to discuss Brunei's independence with the British government. As a consequence, Britain was relieved of its responsibility for overseeing Brunei's military and foreign policy with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation on 1 January 1984.

At the stroke of midnight on 31 December 1983 in a public event held at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah officially proclaimed that Brunei Darussalam had achieved its independence and sovereignty after 97 years of British protection. Soon after the reading of the declaration, Omar Ali Saifuddien led masses of people chanting Allahu Akbar (God is Great) three times. This was followed by the singing of the national anthem, a 21-gun salute by the Royal Brunei Land Forces and a prayer was read by the State Mufti for God to bless the newly independent nation.

Although he had abdicated for years and Brunei had achieved its independence, he continued to play an important role after his appointed by the Sultan as Minister of Defence in Brunei's first cabinet ministers and consequently conferred the rank of Field Marshal in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. He also welcomed the arrival of Yasser Arafat, the Chairman of Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) on his official visit to Brunei on 26 July 1984. Additionally, he granted audience from both Commander Thomas Anthony Boam and Commander L. B. Moerdani in 1985.

Death and funeral

Istana Darussalam in 2022

On 7 September 1986 at 8:45 p.m., Omar Ali Saifuddien passed away in Istana Darussalam at the age of 71. It was reported that he has been sick for weeks prior to his death. Brunei started 40 days of mourning following the death. The news of his passing was released at 12:25 a.m. on 8 September 1986. The initial announcement of a royal death reached Bruneians through the disruption of regularly scheduled television and radio shows including readings from the Quran. On the same day was the state funeral, where his body was in Istana Nurul Iman's Green Room for eight hours.

Hassanal Bolkiah and his brothers brought their father's coffin, which was covered in green velvet with Quranic inscriptions, to its resting place. Prayers and heartfelt tributes were presented throughout the day as hundreds of Bruneians and international dignitaries, including President Wee Kim Wee and Brig-Gen Lee Hsien Loong, paid their final respects. While religious leaders prayed nonstop, four guards from the Royal Brunei Police and Armed Forces kept watch over his coffin. The casket was placed beneath crystal chandeliers on a pedestal wrapped with golden drapes and adorned with Quranic calligraphy.

The casket was carried out of the palace, with President Wee, the Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, Brig-Gen Lee, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and his eldest son positioned behind it. The casket was transported in a hand-drawn carriage to the tomb, where a gun salute was fired, while hundreds of people lined the streets in the pouring rain, and the Hassanal Bolkiah-led 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) funeral procession from Bandar Seri Begawan to the Kubah Makam Di Raja was further clarify with members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and bearers of royal regalia. Pallbearers were Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Prince Jefri Bolkiah.

At the mausoleum, Hassanal Bolkiah and his brothers placed their father's body in the grave, along with his wife, father, grandfather, and eldest brother. The State Kadi, Abdul Hamid Bakal, led the funeral rites, with Quranic verses recited. President Wee, the Sultan of Pahang, and the Tunku Ibrahim Ismail joined mourners, and Brig-Gen Lee sat behind them. After a 90-minute service, the Sultan led the sprinkling of holy water on the grave. A prayer service was held that night at the palace, with nightly prayers continuing for the 40-day mourning period. Foreign dignitaries and statesmen that traveled to Brunei to pay their tributes, prayers, and final respects to the late Omar Ali Saifuddien were:

In addition to messages of condolences, several heads of state and governments have given their quotes. Omar Ali Saifuddien holds a "unique position in the history of Brunei and in the hearts of all who knew him in Britain," according to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Presidents Suharto of Indonesia, Zia Ul Haq of Pakistan, and Corazon Aquino of the Philippines all expressed shock at his passing, describing it as an irreparable loss for Brunei. In addition to his exceptional contributions to his people, President of Bangladesh, Hussain Muhammad Ershad expressed his deep appreciation for him for his vision, foresight, and wise leadership. A number of foreign heads of state have also contributed quotes, the most notable of them being:

The late Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien was a special friend of Britain. His passing away is deeply felt by the United Kingdom.

— Queen Elizabeth II, Borneo Bulletin, 13 September 1986

That personal bond is a result of history. It is very personal. It started off when the then Sultan, the present Seri Begawan, invited me here and I got to know him, and the relationship continued and we were both negotiating to join Malaysia. We entered (Malaysia) in '63 and Brunei did not. By August 1965, we were out and I think the Seri Begawan was kind enough never to mention to me that 'I told you so!' There was a certain understanding of common interests and common attitudes. He never said to me, 'I am right'. I came to the conclusion that he was right. But that's the way we learn.

— Lee Kuan Yew, The Straits Times, 9 September 1986

Several other heads of state and governments sent condolences, including Sir Geoffrey Howe, Ja'afar of Negeri Sembilan, Ismail Nasiruddin of Terengganu, Putra of Perlis, Ismail Petra of Kelantan, Abdul Halim of Kedah, Salahuddin of Selangor, Sharafuddin of Selangor, Azlan Shah of Perak, Muhammad Khan Junejo, Qaboos bin Said, Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Hussein of Jordan, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Hosni Mubarak, Ronald Reagan, Fahd of Saudi Arabia, Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Birendra of Nepal, Hafez al-Assad, Saad Al-Salim Al-Sabah, Agatha Barbara, Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Hirohito, Bhumibol Adulyadej, Zaid Rifai, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Richard von Weizsäcker, Helmut Kohl and Chun Doo-hwan.

In a speech delivered on 20 October 1986, live on RTB from Istana Nurul Iman, on the occasion of the Council of Cabinet Ministers of Brunei's reorganisation, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah mourned the death of his father, saying he could never be replaced. He was quoted stating:

Although the period of official mourning of 40 days has ended, nevertheless, as a son of his beloved father, I still suffer the feeling of sadness and grief, and I shall always suffer them, that is to say, there is no time limit. This is because the passing away of Al-Marhum represents a very great loss, which is irreplaceable and has brought the greatest sadness to me and my family. The more so as Al-Marhum was not only just a father who poured out his love and affection, full of tenderness, towards his children, Al-Marhum was also a mentor who was constantly and without stopping giving guidance, showing the way and giving words of advice to me until the very end of his life.

— Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddien Waddaulah, 20 October 1986

Foreign policy

In 1959, the Duke of Edinburgh (left) admiring a silver cigarette box produced in Brunei at Istana Darul Hana

Limbang dispute

Upon his accession to the throne, Omar Ali Saifuddien maintained his predecessor's stance that the territories of Labuan and Limbang be returned to Brunei. Although Sarawak and Sabah had been a long time ago separated from Brunei, he advocated for their possible reunification into the Sultanate as well and a recreation of the old territorial extent of British Borneo. The Bruneian administration continued to demand the district's restitution from the Malaysian government until 1950. The Limbang dispute resurfaced in 1973 following the escape of Zaini Ahmad of the PRB together with seven other detainees via Limbang. Zaini was granted political asylum in Malaysia and was also permitted to open an office of the PRB. In response, the government of Brunei revived their claim to the Limbang.

In actuality, Omar Ali Saifuddien was able to gather petitions from residents of the Lower Limbang expressing their wish to join Brunei by sailing up the Limbang River in a launch. As a result of the Sarawak government's anti-Brunei protests and Brunei's recall of all its students enrolled at Malaysian universities, there was a negative impact on relations between the two countries. This advocacy continued even after he abdicated.

Notable visits during his reign

Tuanku Abdul Rahman (left) and Omar Ali Saifuddien (right) in 1959

Personal life

Family

Family photo of Omar Ali Saifuddien in 1965
Omar Ali Saifuddien (right) at the wedding of his son, Hassanal Bolkiah, on 29 July 1965

Omar Ali Saifuddien wed Dayang Siti Amin binti Awang Hashim upon his return from Kuala Belait to Brunei Town in 1937. The couple later divorced in 1944. He wanted to get married again because the first marriage ended without children in 1944. At Istana Banderung Kayangan on Saturday, 6 September 1941, he married his cousin as his second wife, Pengiran Anak Damit binti Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, the great-granddaughter of Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin.

Omar Ali Saifuddien had the chance to get a variety of viewpoints from the elders who were knowledgeable about the royal family's still-practiced customs and ceremonies during the royal wedding, which was held in accordance with all of the ceremonial customs of the royal family, including the custom of bertunggu tunang (waiting for the fiancé). A selection of Syair Rakis (Rakis Poetry) written by Pengiran Shahbandar Pengiran Muhammad Salleh, Syair Yang Di-Pertuan written by Pehin Siraja Katib Awang Abdul Razak, a poem written by Pengiran Damit Sikitri bin Pengiran Sariful, Syair Awang Semaun, and a couple of Syair Rajang whose authors were unknown were read aloud during the customary Istadat Berjaga-jaga held every night.

After an earlier meeting with a representative of the Limbang pengirans and Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin in February 1941, MacBryan was able to effectively arrange settlements with both parties, resulting in Omar Ali Saifuddien receiving Straits $2,000 as a wedding present. They had 10 children:

On 13 September 1979, his wife, Paduka Suri Seri Begawan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit died. After that, for the last time, he married Pengiran Bini Pengiran Anak Hajah Salhah binti Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, who was also his sister-in-law.

Personal interests

Sir Edward Hallstrom and Omar Ali Saifuddien (carrying a koala) at Taronga Park Zoological Gardens in Sydney, 1964

Omar Ali Saifuddien was known for being an Anglophile. He enjoyed playing traditional Bruneian activities as a kid, including pancak silat, main tatak garis, kuit, and main gasing. Furthermore, as a means of passing the time, he occasionally assisted his father Sultan Mahammad Jamalul Alam in his carpentry work, a pastime that was uncommon among regular kids at the time. In addition, he enjoyed playing hockey, football, chess, hunting, speedboat racing, squash, badminton, tug of war, and swimming. These were just simply pastimes; he described things that happened when he was playing with his friends. In addition, he enjoyed collecting items that that spark his curiosity such as weapons, walking sticks, keris, and firearms. In addition to the quantity of walking sticks he has amassed, he was particularly fascinated by the artistic craftsmanship and ornamental patterns on them.

In his free time, especially following the Isyak prayers, he enjoyed reciting zikir songs with Pehin-Pehin Manteri Ugama to become proficient with the ones he already knew and to pick up new ones. He also enjoyed paying surprise visits to people he knew at their residences. He never explained the reasons for these abrupt visits, thus it was hard for those there to grasp them. He occasionally used to till the lawn and excavate the area in order to do some gardening. Typically, Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim, Pengiran Haji Abdul Kadir, and Pengiran Haji Sulaiman were there on his trips to Muara to go net fishing. Apart from that, he was also known for designing the national medals. Additionally, he has written numerous poems that express his majesty's desire to struggle for the nation's independence are among his well-known works:

  • Syair Nasihat [Verses of Advice] (in Malay).
  • Syair Asli Rajang Hari [Traditional Horoscope Poem] (in Malay). 1967.
  • Syair Rajang Jenaka (in Malay).
  • Syair Perkakas Pekarangan (in Malay).
  • Syair Perlembagaan Negeri Brunei [Brunei State Constitution Poem] (in Malay). 1960.
  • Rampaian Laila Syair (in Malay). 1966.
    • Syair Laila Hasrat
    • Syair Laila Cinta
    • Syair Laila Jenaka
  • Syair Rajang Jawi (in Malay).
  • Syair Kemerdekaan [Independence Poem] (in Malay). 1984.

Legacy

With his commitment to social welfare, healthcare, and education, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien made Brunei a modern Islamic state, gaining him the moniker "Architect of Modern Brunei." The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque stands as a permanent homage to his long legacy, and the people of Brunei continue to be moved by his magnanimous reign and visionary leadership. His son, Hassanal Bolkiah, emphasised the contributions made by Omar Ali Saifuddien to the development of the nation and country during his 2007 titah honoring the 22nd National Day. There is no comparable for Omar Ali Saifuddien's national development efforts, which he made selflessly and without external pressure.

Admiration of Winston Churchill

He was a keen admirer of the wartime British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. It housed the only museum in the whole world devoted exclusively to the former British prime minister. Now that Churchill's famed Victory sign monument, which stood at about 8 feet (2.4 m) tall. In 1971, his admiration became clear when his son opened the world's only museum solely dedicated to Winston Churchill and it was named the Churchill Memorial Building, Bandar Seri Begawan which costed an estimated $5 million. The opening ceremony was attended by Churchill's daughter Mary Soames. Since its opening, it had been a notable tourist attraction in Brunei and also became well known throughout Southeast Asia. In 1992, in conjunction with Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's Ascension to the Throne celebrations, the memorial had become the Royal Brunei Regalia Building. The monument is now in storage. Also in 2017, the building was renamed to Royal Regalia Museum in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee.

Things named after him

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
Jalan Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien

Appearance in currency

  • His portrait is depicted on the obverse of the 1967 issue of coins. The reverse of these coins, and all subsequent series, was designed by Christopher Ironside OBE. The coins issued were 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent.
  • His portrait appears on all the first issue notes (dated 1967) in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 ringgit/dollar.
  • His portrait is also depicted on Brunei's current issue 500 ringgit/dollar notes dated 2006 and 2013.
  • An image of him crowning his son as his successor appears on the reverse of the commemorative 25 ringgit/dollar note dated 1992.

Honours

Omar Ali Saifuddien wearing his ceremonial dress in 1964

The honours given to him is as follows:

National

Main article: Orders, decorations, and medals of Brunei

Foreign

Notes

  1. Later known as Dayang Siti Amin binti Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Laila Diraja Awang Haji Hashim

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Bibliography

Omar Ali Saifuddien IIIHouse of BolkiahBorn: 23 September 1914
Regnal titles
Preceded byAhmad Tajuddin Sultan of Brunei
1950–1967 		Succeeded byHassanal Bolkiah
Political offices
New title
Position established 		Minister of Defence of Brunei
1 January 1984 – 7 September 1986 		Succeeded byHassanal Bolkiah
Bruneian royalty
Preceded byAbdul Rahman Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuara
1947–1950 		Succeeded byMuhammad Yassin
List of sultans of Brunei
by order and date of accession
14th century
15th century
16th century
17th century
18th century
19th century
20th century
Style and titles – House of Bolkiah – Succession to the Bruneian throne
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