Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin

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Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin
ڤڠيرن انق محمد يسٓ
OBE
Duli Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Yasin in c.1948.jpg
Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin, c.1948
Died1951
Burial place Royal Mausoleum, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
SpousePengiran Nor Alam
Children Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar
Pengiran Anak Kemaluddin
Pengiran Ahmad
Parents
  • Pengiran Tua Omar Ali (father)
  • Pengiran Anak Tengah (mother)
Relatives

Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin bin Pengiran Tua Omar Ali [a] (died 1951) was a Bruneian nobleman who held the position of Pengiran Pemancha in Brunei. Serving from 1914 until 1950, and later becoming the Pengiran Bendahara from 1950 to 1951, these titles marked him as the third and first most senior rank within the wazir class of state officials respectively. He has served under the reign of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II, Ahmad Tajuddin and Omar Ali Saifuddien III.

Contents

He served as joint regent of Brunei alongside Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman during Ahmad Tajuddin's minority from 11 September 1924 to 19 September 1931. The two were referred to as "the two wicked uncles" and were alleged to have exerted a negative influence on the young sultan. [3] Accusations include impeding his overseas education, arranging a concubine for him at thirteen, and fostering such an atmosphere of fear that he cooked his own meals in soda water to avoid poisoning. [4]

Career

Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin was installed as the new Pengiran Pemancha in July 1914, in accordance with traditional adat customs. His appointment was marked by a formal ceremony attended by state noblemen. Significantly, the elderly Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman was present to provide guidance on the correct ceremonial procedures, being the only individual who still remembered them in detail. The installation formed part of a broader revival of historic titles initiated by the sultan, a move that was met with widespread approval. [5]

On 15 February 1919, during the presentation of a silver cup from the British Court of Directors to Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II, Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin, together with Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, formally represented the sultan in a state capacity. They arrived with full ceremonial honours, including a black umbrella and sword bearer, in keeping with Bruneian custom. Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin took part in welcoming the British envoys, attended the State Council meeting at the Lapau Kajang, and was seated to the left of the sultan during the proceedings. After the sultan's address, Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman delivered a speech of thanks on behalf of Brunei’s chiefs and people. This was followed by an expression of agreement and additional gratitude from Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin, reinforcing the solemnity and decorum of the traditional state ceremony. [6]

Prince of Wales (left) and Muhammad Jamalul Alam II (middle) in 1922 Prince of Wales (Prince Edward) with Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II ibni Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin, 1922. 01.jpg
Prince of Wales (left) and Muhammad Jamalul Alam II (middle) in 1922

On 10 June 1921, Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin, together with Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, accompanied the sultan on a formal visit to Governor Sir Laurence Guillemard in Brunei, during the presentation of the sultan's honorary knighthood insignia. [7] Following the death of Muhammad Jamalul Alam II on 19 September 1924, Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin was proclaimed joint regent alongside Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman during the minority of the late sultan's 12-year-old son and heir, Ahmad Tajuddin. [8] In this capacity, they jointly received F. Richards, Secretary to the High Commissioner for the Malay States and Brunei, during his official visit to the Lapau Kajang on 19 October 1925. [9] Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin continued to fulfil his ceremonial and administrative duties, accompanying the young sultan on a visit to Labuan on 11 August 1927 [10] and later receiving Sir Hugh Clifford during his official visit to Brunei in May 1928. [11]

Ahmad Tajuddin and McKerron in 1930 Ahmad Tajuddin (1930).jpg
Ahmad Tajuddin and McKerron in 1930

On 19 September 1931, following Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin's assumption of full sovereignty, Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin took part in the official reception held at the Lapau in Brunei Town after the installation ceremony. He was among several distinguished figures present, including Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien and the British Resident, Patrick McKerron. [12] On 15 February 1932, he and Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman attended a luncheon at Government House with Eric Ernest Falk Pretty, Thomas Carey, and other officials. [13] Later that year, when the sultan departed for London to pursue his studies, both Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin and Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman resumed their roles as joint regents, overseeing the affairs of state during the sultan's absence. [14] On 4 August 1933, the two regents, along with Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, attended a formal dinner at Government House, joined by the sultan, Pengiran Anak Besar Bagol, and other British and local officials as part of a series of social functions for visiting dignitaries. [15] In July 1936, Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin became the head of Persatuan Sahabat Pena Brunei, a non-political organisation founded before the Second World War to promote intellectual and social engagement. [16] The association was one of several formed by educated youths surrounding the crown prince, Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien. [2]

On 17 March 1940, during the coronation of Ahmad Tajuddin, Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin played a key ceremonial role by presenting the plumed yellow crown to Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, who then placed it on the sultan's head—an act that symbolised the formal investiture of royal authority. [17] Later that year, in September, both Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman and Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin demonstrated their support for the regional war effort by each donating $10 to the Singaporean war fund. [18] Following the country's liberation from the Japanese in 1945, only three official vehicles remained in Brunei. Of these, one was reserved for the sultan, while the other two were allocated to Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien and Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin, underscoring their continued prominence and trusted positions in the state's post-war leadership. [19]

Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin crowning Omar Ali Saifuddien in 1950 Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Muhammad Yasin placing a crown on Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien.jpg
Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin crowning Omar Ali Saifuddien in 1950

On 6 June 1950, following the sudden death of Ahmad Tajuddin two days earlier—who had left no male heir—Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin formally proclaimed Omar Ali Saifuddien III as the new sultan of Brunei during a solemn ceremony at the Lapau. [20] [21] Less than a year later, on 31 May 1951, he played a central role in the coronation of the new monarch by placing the crown upon Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III's head, symbolising the formal commencement of his reign and reaffirming the continuity of Brunei's royal tradition. [22] He died in 1951 and was later buried at the Royal Mausoleum in Brunei Town. [23]

Personal life

Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin was born into a noble family. His father, Pengiran Tua Omar Ali, was the son of Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Muhammad Salleh I, while his mother, Pengiran Babu Raja Pengiran Anak Tengah, was the daughter of Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Anak Abdul Kahar. [24] His paternal great-grandfather was Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II. [23] Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin later married Pengiran Nor Alam, [b] [26] and together they had several children.

Among his children was Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, a civil servant who chaired the Tujuh Serangkai ("seven branches") committee from 1953 to 1954. [27] Another son, Pengiran Anak Kemaluddin, served as Brunei's state religious affairs officer from 1962 to 1970. He later became the speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei (LegCo), holding the position from 1981 to 1984 and again from 2004 to 2011. [28] Another son, Pengiran Ahmad, was a member of the cheteria , a noble class in Brunei. [29]

Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin was the brother-in-law of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II through his sister, [5] Pengiran Anak Siti Fatimah, who became the raja isteri (queen consort) to the sultan. [30]

Titles, styles and honours

Titles and styles

Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin (centre) is seen wearing his ceremonial uniform during the coronation of Omar Ali Saifuddien III in 1951 Malcolm MacDonald, the UK Commissioner-General in South-East Asia, delivering a felicitation speech on the occasion of the coronation of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin, 31 May 1951.jpg
Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin (centre) is seen wearing his ceremonial uniform during the coronation of Omar Ali Saifuddien III in 1951

In July 1914, Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin was honoured by Muhammad Jamalul Alam II with the wazir title of Pengiran Pemancha Sahibul Rae' Wal Mashuarah. [5] [c] He was later elevated to the title of Pengiran Bendahara in 1950. [d] Each of these titles carries the style Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka. [34]

Honours

Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin has been bestowed the following honours:

Notes

  1. The alternate spelling of his given name is "Pengiran Anak Mohamed Yassin" [1] or "Pengiran Anak Mohammed Yasin" [2] rather than "Pengiran Anak Muhammad Yasin," while his patronymic is written as "Pengiran Omarali" instead of "Pengiran Tua Omar Ali.
  2. During the Japanese occupation, his wife was an active member of the Brunei Malay Women's Association, which focused on improving women's welfare, particularly in education. [25]
  3. After his death, the title was shortened to "Pengiran Pemancha." In English, the title translates to "Lord of Counsel." [31] Pengiran Pemancha held the highest authority in matters of adat istiadat, customs, and state laws, and the authority to validate any action deemed necessary, should it be considered appropriate. [32]
  4. After his death, the title was shortened to "Pengiran Bendahara." In English, the title translates to "Prime Minister." [33] Pengiran Bendahara held the highest authority in matters of governance, the judiciary, and Islamic affairs, serving as regent in the sultan's absence. [32]

References

  1. State of Brunei Annual Report: 1956. London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office. 1957. p. 187.
  2. 1 2 Vienne, Marie-Sybille de (2015). Brunei: From the Age of Commerce to the 21st Century. NUS Press. p. 103. ISBN   978-9971-69-818-8.
  3. Horton, A. V. M. (1985). The Development of Brunei During the British Residential Era 1906-1959: A Sultanate Regenerated (PhD thesis). Hull: University of Hull. p. 622. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  4. Reece, Bob (2009). ""The Little Sultan": Ahmad Tajuddin II of Brunei, Gerard MacBryan, and. Malcolm Macdonald" (PDF). Borneo Research Bulletin. 40. Borneo Research Council: 83. ISSN   0006-7806.
  5. 1 2 3 "A Year in Brunei: Review by the British Resident". The Straits Times . 19 September 1914. p. 11. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  6. "The Sultan of Brunei". Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle. 14 March 1919. p. 3. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  7. "Brunei en Pete". The Straits Times. 14 July 1921. p. 7. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  8. "The Late Sultan of Brunei". The Straits Times. 16 May 1925. p. 10. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  9. "A correspondent writes to the Straits Times from Brunei as follows". The Straits Echo (Mail Edition). 6 October 1925. p. 1063. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  10. "Labuan Notes". Malaya Tribune. 16 August 1927. p. 10. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  11. "Brunei Notes: Visit of H.E. Sir Hugh Clifford". Malaya Tribune. 13 June 1928. p. 12. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  12. "On Sept. 19 H. H. the Sultan of Brunei assumed full sovereignty on ..." The Straits Budget. 1 October 1931. p. 18. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  13. "Government House". The Straits Times. 25 February 1932. p. 16. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  14. "The Sultan of Brunei". The Straits Times. 19 August 1932. p. 11. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  15. "Government House". The Straits Times. 10 August 1933. p. 10. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  16. Sidhu, Jatswan S. (2009). Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam. Scarecrow Press. p. 180. ISBN   978-0-8108-7078-9.
  17. "A Brunei Sultan is Crowned". The Straits Times. 27 March 1940. p. 13. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  18. "Donations to War Fund". The Straits Budget. 19 September 1940. p. 6. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  19. Watson, A. C. (1982). "Notes On The History Of Bubongan Dua-Belas The British High Commissioner's Residence In Brunei". Brunei Museum Journal . 5 (2). Bandar Seri Begawan: Brunei History Centre: 23.
  20. Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Diraja Dato Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Awang Mohd. Jamil Al-Sufri (2010). Royal Poet: Al-Marhum Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien. Pusat Sejarah Brunei. p. 18. ISBN   978-99917-34-74-3.
  21. Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Diraja Dato Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Awang Mohd. Jamil Al-Sufri (1987). Penyair diraja: Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairil Waddien (in Malay). Bandar Seri Begawan: Pusat Sejarah Brunei. p. 32.
  22. "A Sultan is crowned". The Straits Times. 4 June 1951. p. 1. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  23. 1 2 Horton, A.V.M. (2009). "Negara Brunei Darussalam: obituary 2009". Borneo Research Bulletin. Borneo Research Council. Retrieved 15 May 2025 via The Free Dictionary.
  24. Yura Halim (2002). Ririsej Brunei Darussalam (in Malay). Bandar Seri Begawan: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei. p. 34. ISBN   978-99917-0-251-3.
  25. Hussainmiya, B. A. (26 December 2003). "Resuscitating Nationalism: Brunei under the Japanese Military Administration (1941-1945)". Wartime Japanese Anthropology in Asia and the Pacific. Suita, Osaka: Universiti Brunei Darussalam: 289. ISSN   0387-6004.
  26. "Pengiran Isteri meninggal". Berita Harian (in Malay). 26 February 1958. p. 5. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  27. Siti Nor Anis Nadiah Haji Mohamad; Mariam Abdul Rahman (15 November 2021). "Penggubalan Perlembagaan Negeri Brunei 1959: Satu Sorotan Sejarah" [Drafting of The Brunei Constitutions of 1959: A Historical Review]. The Sultan Alauddin Sulaiman Shah Journal. 8 (2): 36–37. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  28. Dk. Hajah Fatimah Pg. Haji Md. Noor (28 February 2011). "Pembukaan Rasmi Mesyuarat Pertama Dari Musim Permesyuaratan Ketujuh" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 11. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  29. Azaraimy HH (20 August 2007). "Pg Anak Hjh Damit passes away". Borneo Bulletin . Retrieved 14 May 2025 via sultanate.com.
  30. Datu Derma Wijaya Haji Tamit, Datin Hajah Saadiah (2010). Transformasi undang-undang keluarga Islam Brunei (in Malay). Bandar Seri Begawan: Language and Literature Bureau. p. 37. ISBN   978-99917-0-755-6.
  31. Sweeney, P.L. Amin (1968). "Silsilah Raja-Raja Berunai". Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 41 (2 (214)). Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society: 1–82. ISSN   0126-7353. JSTOR   41491947.
  32. 1 2 "Adat Istiadat Diraja: Pengurniaan Gelaran2 Oleh D.Y.M.M. Sultan Brunei" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. 21 December 1960. p. 3. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  33. Wilkinson, R. J. (1935). "The Malacca Sultanate". Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 13 (2 (122)). Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society: 30. ISSN   2304-7550. JSTOR   41559839.
  34. "Rengkasan Perkhidmatan Ahli2 Majlis Pemangku Raja" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. 4 May 1960. p. 3. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  35. Brunei Government Gazette (PDF). Bandar Seri Begawan: Brunei History Centre. 1 February 1951. p. 15.
  36. "Coronation Medals for Malaya". Malaya Tribune. 26 May 1937. p. 7. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  37. "King Jubilee Medal Awards in Malaya". The Straits Times. 24 May 1935. p. 13. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
Regnal titles
Preceded by Pengiran Pemancha Sahibul Rae' Wal-Mashuarah
1914–1950
Succeeded by
Preceded by Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuara
1950–1951
Succeeded by