Abdul Aziz Umar | |
---|---|
عبدالعزيز عمر | |
Minister of Education | |
In office 30 November 1988 –24 May 2005 | |
Monarch | Hassanal Bolkiah |
Deputy | Ahmad Jumat [2] |
Preceded by | Abdul Rahman Taib |
Succeeded by | Abdul Rahman Taib |
In office 1 January 1984 –21 October 1986 | |
Preceded by | Office established |
Succeeded by | Abdul Rahman Taib |
Minister of Communications | |
In office 21 October 1986 –30 November 1988 | |
Preceded by | Pengiran Bahrin |
Succeeded by | Zakaria Sulaiman |
Minister of Health | |
In office 1 January 1984 –21 October 1986 | |
Preceded by | Office established |
Succeeded by | Johar Noordin |
Menteri Besar of Brunei | |
Acting | |
In office 1 September 1981 –31 December 1983 | |
Preceded by | Pengiran Abdul Momin |
Succeeded by | Office abolished |
State Secretary of Brunei | |
In office 1 July 1974 –1 September 1981 | |
Preceded by | Matnor McAfee (Acting) |
Succeeded by | Abdul Rahman Taib |
Personal details | |
Born | Brunei Town,Brunei | 20 March 1936
Spouse | Zaharah Idris |
Parent(s) | Umar Rendah (father) Hitam Abdul Jalil (mother) |
Relatives | Jamil Al-Sufri (half-brother) |
Alma mater | University of Birmingham (BSS) |
Profession |
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Signature | |
Abdul Aziz bin Haji Umar (born 20 March 1936), also sometimes referred to as Pehin Abdul Aziz Umar, [3] is a Bruneian aristocrat and politician whom had a wide range of positions in the Government of Brunei. Before to that, he served as the Minister of Communications, the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Health. His last position was as Minister of Education, which he held from 1988 until 24 May 2005. He served in the civil service beginning with his first appointment in 1964 and held a number of roles from that time until Brunei's independence in 1984, including acting Chief Minister (Menteri Besar). [4]
Pehin Abdul Aziz was one of the leading advocates for adopting Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) as Brunei's national philosophy in the early years following Independence, when the country's socio-political direction was still being fully defined. He also played a key role in introducing the idea into Brunei's educational system. [5] As of 2015, he currently serves as a member of the Privy Council of Brunei, the Islamic Religious Council of Brunei, the Customs Council of Brunei, the Religious Teaching University College Meeting in Seri Begawan, the Board of Trustees of the Oxford Center in the United Kingdom, and Rabitah Al-Alam in Saudi Arabia. [6]
Abdul Aziz is born on 20 March 1936 at Brunei Town, and his early education was received at the Roman Catholic St. George's School in Brunei Town. He continued his education at the Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Malay School from 1950 to 1956. After finishing his primary education, he spent a year studying at the Batu Lintang Teachers' College in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. He then came back to Brunei to finish his secondary education at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College. In 1957, he resumed his education at the Westminster College of Commerce in London and the Woodchester School in Gloucestershire, England. At the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, he received a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Economics, Politics, and Sociology in 1964. [7]
Abdul Aziz worked for the Bruneian government for almost 41 years, holding a number of significant positions, including Administrative Service Officer from 20 October 1964, Director of Resettlement in 1966, Controller of Customs and Excise in 1967, Director of Public Works in 1970, Director of Establishment in 1971, Commissioner of Lands from 30 March 1972 to 7 April 1972, [8] Commissioner of Development in 1972, Chairman of the Municipal Board in 1973, State Secretary of Brunei from 1974 to 1981, and Acting Chief Minister of Brunei from 1 September 1981 to 31 December 1983. [6]
Representatives from Brunei participated actively in the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) conference held in Wellington, New Zealand in 16–29 March 1965. They were able to effectively explain the challenges facing our development and its progress, as well as comprehend the challenges faced by other nations for the sake of shared interests. This was said by a spokesperson attending the meeting on behalf of the Bruneian delegation. The individuals who represented Brunei at the conference were J. S. Gould, the UN Economic Advisor to Brunei (advisor to delegation); Othman Chua Kwang Soon, the Controller of Customs and Customs (head of delegation); and Abdul Aziz, Officer of the Department of Secretaries (deputy head representative and representative secretary). [9]
The Malaysian government provided the Bruneian government with training on a number of courses, particularly in education, to support Brunei's aspirations to teach more of its citizens in various skills and abilities. A week-long trip to Malaysia in January 1982 by Pehin Aziz Umar, the Acting Chief Minister of Brunei. [10]
After the Independence of Brunei, he would go on to serve as Brunei's first Minister of Education and Health from 1 January 1984 to 21 October 1986 in the country's first ever cabinet, where on 22 April 1986, he signed the guest book at Kent Ridge National University during a visit. [11] He was reappointed as the second Minister of Communications from 21 October 1986 to 30 November 1988. On 11 August 1988, he commanded the commencement of the Post Office Act (Chapter 52) on the 1st of that following month. [12] From 30 November 1988 to 24 May 2005, he finally returned to the role of Minister of Education. [7] [6]
A number of actions were taken in 1985 to make Brunei's status as a MIB more clear. Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Education and Health, stated that "it is our ultimate objective that every Bruneian, irrespective of his or her religion and race, will understand and practise the virtues of a Malay Islamic Monarchy" on the occasion of Brunei's admission to the World Health Organization (WHO) in May. [13] The actions of Abdul Aziz, may be interpreted as hesitant moves in the direction of strengthening the philosophy's viability as the national narrative going forward and laying the foundation for a gradual shift towards constitutionalism. If the monarchy keeps up its image as the protector of Malays and the guardian of the Islamic faith. [14] Under his direction, the curriculum at schools currently includes MIB, and the practice of Islamic law has been extremely strict. [15]
During the Amedeo Corporation scandal in 1998, Abdul Aziz-led government investigation seized control of all 27 of the businesses run by Prince Jefri Bolkiah's Amedeo Corporation on the grounds that they may have received money that was not theirs. Brunei and Prince Jefri engaged in an unusual three-month legal battle, but on 13 May 2000, it was revealed that the Prince had settled out of court with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's administration. [16] When the pious Pehin Abdul Aziz Umar was given control of the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) in place of Prince Jefri, religious authority was added to buttress the monarchy. Then Minister of Education, Acting Minister of Health and Head of the Financial Task Force, Abdul Aziz would go on to state, [17]
With this settlement, Insha Allah (God willing), all assets such as hotels, buildings, lands, shares and other similar assets in Brunei Darussalam and overseas, which were acquired with money derived from BIA and are at present under the control of his Highness (Prince Jefri) and his family, will be returned to the BIA.
— Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Umar, The Sunday Times (14 May 2000)
Additionally, Pehin Abdul Aziz also held other special positions both nationally and internationally in addition to the primary portfolio. Within the nation, he was a member of the State Legislative Council, member of the Council of Succession, [5] member of the Council of Ministers, member of the Privy Council, [5] member of the Islamic Religious Council, [5] member of the Brunei Investment Advisory Board, first deputy chairman of the Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) board of directors, non-executive director of Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), non-executive director of Brunei Liquefied Natural Gas (BLNG), chairman of the National Development Committee, secretary to Brunei Defence Council, chairman of Brunei Defence Council, vice-chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (1985–1986; 1989–1991), [18] chairman of the Supreme National Council of Malay Islamic Monarchy of Brunei Darussalam, chairman of the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council, president of the Brunei Youth Council, chairman of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Council, chairman of the National Education Council, chairman of Yayasan's administrative committee from 5 October 2000 to 31 December 2008, [19] [20] chairman of the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), [5] and lastly the chairman of the Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institution. [7]
Outside of Brunei, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies United Kingdom (OXCIS) since 15 May 1998, [5] deputy chairman of the ISESCO (Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), and a mmeritus member of the International Council of Education for Teaching. [7]
Abdul Aziz stated on 12 April 2021 that the Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB), which was founded 82 years ago, must work to keep up with modern demands to support national progress. During the opening ceremony of PGGMB's 71st Delegates General Meeting for the 2020–2021 session at the PGGMB School Sungai Akar, he stated: [21]
How can PGGMB shape itself to be relevant in this age? Because PGGMB today cannot justify itself on the needs and goals of the community 82 years ago. This is our challenge today, on how we can inculcate PGGMB to be of noticeable significance in today’s community, so that the community will not turn away, except for its vital role in developing our beloved nation. Relevance will only be visible through unity of Malay teachers in the country, that is revolved around the national interest and the community at large.
— Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Umar, Borneo Bulletin
Born on 20 March 1936, to an aristocrat, Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Umar. Abdul Aziz is married to Datin Paduka Hajah Zaharah binti Haji Idris and together they have 5 children; [7] including Anita Binurul Zahrina, [22] who went on to marry Major General Hamzah. [23] He had an elder brother named, Tahir Umar (1923–2014), whom also served with the government and as a public prosecutor. [3] Notably, he is also the half brother of Jamil Al-Sufri.
Pehin Abdul Aziz was bestowed the Manteri title of Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya on 5 September 1977, [24] styled as Yang Berhormat . Moreover, he has earned the following honours; [7] [25]
He has been given the following awards: [7]
Abdul Aziz was awarded the following honours: [7]
National
Foreign
Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien was the 28th Sultan of Brunei, reigning from 1950 until his abdication in 1967 to his oldest son, Hassanal Bolkiah.
Ismail bin Omar Abdul Aziz was a Malaysian aristocrat and politician who became the first State Mufti of Brunei under the Ministry of Religious Affairs office, later State Mufti Office. He was a well-respected Malaysian expatriate ulema whom have contributed greatly to Islam and the people, notably for the State of Johor and Brunei.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA or MoRA; Malay: Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama, KHEU) is a cabinet-level ministry in the government of Brunei which is responsible for the propagation of Islam and its upholding as the state religion, as well as oversees the Islamic religious education in the country. It is currently led by a minister and a deputy minister, whereby the incumbents are Badaruddin Othman and Pengiran Mohammad Tashim respectively. The ministry is headquartered in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien College (SOASC), natively known as Maktab Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (MSOAS), is a government boys' secondary school in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is the first English secondary school in the country. The school is also one of the only three boys' secondary schools nationwide, with the other two being Muda Hashim Secondary School and Ma'had Islam Brunei. The school provides five years of secondary education leading up to GCE 'O' Level and IGCSE qualification.
The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei, also translated as The Most Honourable Order of the Crown of Brunei, is an order of Brunei Darussalam. It was established on 1 March 1954 by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
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Isa bin Haji Ibrahim is a Bruneian aristocrat and politician, currently serving as Special Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan and Minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) since January 2018. His distinguished career began in 1962, when he started as an assistant legal adviser, later becoming Deputy Menteri Besar of Brunei and General Adviser to the Sultan. Over the years, Pehin Isa has held numerous high-profile positions, including chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), member of the Privy Council, and Speaker of the Legislative Council.
Mohammad Jamil Al-Sufri bin Umar, pen name Wijaya, was a Bruneian aristocrat, historian and teacher who served as a member of the Royal Council, member of the Royal Succession Council, member of the Islamic Religious Council, and member of the Privy Council. He has also been referred to as the National Historian. He wrote works on the country's history, ancestry, customs and traditions, royal titles, Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), education, writings on Brunei heroes, and other topics.
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Abdul Hapidz bin Haji Abdul Razak, also sometimes referred to as Pehin Hapidz, was a Bruneian aristocrat, politician and businessman who formerly was the managing director of Abdul Razak Holdings (ARH), President of Malay Brunei Darussalam Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 1964 to 1999, the director of Laksamana College of Business (LCB), a member of the country's executive council, and legislative council.
Mohammad Zain bin Haji Serudin, pen name Shukri Zain, is a Bruneian aristocrat, politician and poet who formerly held the position of Minister of Religious Affairs from 1986 to 2010. He has traveled abroad and made significant literary contributions to Malay-Islamic literature, including Islamic poetry and usage of his own Malay language to convey his poetic ideas. He also was the leader or president of the Brunei Youth Council (BYL), and a member of the Privy Council.
Mohammad Abbas Al-Sufri bin Haji Ibrahim was an aristocrat, civil servant and courtier from Brunei who previously served as the acting personal secretary to Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. He had a career in the government service of Brunei, in which he held a number of important positions such as being a member of the Privy Council of Brunei from 1972 to 2014.
Zakaria bin Haji Sulaiman was a Bruneian aristocrat and politician who took office as the Minister of Communications from 1988 to 2005, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1986 to 1989.
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Pengiran Muhammad Ali bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad Daud, commonly known as Pengiran Ali, was a Bruneian nobleman, teacher, and politician. He served as the first Deputy Menteri Besar from 1962 to 1965 and was a member of the Legislative, Executive, and Privy Councils. Pengiran Ali played a pivotal role in Brunei's history, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. He was the first of the "three M's" feared by the British government, alongside Pengiran Muhammad Yusuf and Marsal Maun. He was also the father-in-law of Princess Amal Nasibah, daughter of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III.
Pengiran Muda Hashim was a Bruneian nobleman and politician who held several significant positions, including membership in the Privy Council, Legislative Council, and the Brunei Islamic Religious Council. As a member of the Bruneian royal family, he was the husband to Pengiran Anak Puteri (Princess) Besar, the daughter of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II. He was named Wazir in 1952 and served on the executive committee for the coronation ceremony of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, acting as Sultan during the late Sultan's foreign tours.
Mohd Jaafar bin Haji Abdul Aziz is a Bruneian aristocrat, businessman and former military officer who served as the third Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) from 1999 until 2001, and the sixth Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) from 2001 to 2003.
Ya'akub bin Haji Zainal (born 5 July 1941) is a Bruneian aristocrat, politician and former police officer who served as the police commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) from 1997 to 2001, and member of Legislative Council (LegCo) from 2011 to 2015. Notably, he is the advisor of Retired Personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force Association (POLSARA).
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