Omar Ali Saifuddien III

Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien was born at Istana Kota, Kampong Sultan Lama, Brunei Town on 3 Zulkaedah 1332 Hijrah, corresponding to 23 September 1914. He was the second of ten children of Muhammad Jamalul Alam II and Raja Isteri Fatimah. His older brother, Ahmad Tajuddin later became Sultan. His other siblings were; Pengiran Muda Besar, Pengiran Muda Tengah, Pengiran Anak Puteri Besar, Pengiran Anak Puteri Tengah, Pengiran Anak Puteri Damit, Pengiran Muda Anum, Pengiran Muda Laila Gambar and Pengiran Muda Bongsu.

Omar Ali Saifuddien, under the behest of his British mentor and father-figure Sir Roland Evelyn Turnbull, studied at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar in Perak, British Malaya from 1932 to 1936. As a result, he was the first of the Brunei sultans to receive formal education in a foreign institution.[3]

After finishing education in Malaya, he returned to Brunei in 1936 to work in the Forestry Department, Kuala Belait as a Cadet Officer. This job enabled him to be closer to the people in villages and remote areas. As such he was also able to understand the people's problems and their needs.

In 1938, he was transferred to the Judiciary Department, also in Kuala Belait in 1937. Here, he was able to learn about the Criminal and Civil Procedure Code from the Assistant British Resident, Hughes-Hallet. He remained there until 1938.

In 1941, he worked as an administrator in the British Resident's office. It was here that he studied English language under the guidance of H.F. Stalley. During the period of Japanese Occupation and the Second World War, he worked at the Japanese Governor's office as a secretary to the Japanese Sub-district commander, Tsuyoshi Kimura(木村強).

After the war, in 1947, he was subsequently appointed a member of Brunei State Council and chairman of the Syariah Court. He was the first member of the royal family to suggest fact-finding visits to the rural villages.

He had the title Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuara conferred on him by his brother, Ahmad Tajuddin on 15 July 1947.

Upon the death of his brother, who left no male heirs, on 4 June 1950, he was proclaimed the next Sultan on 6 June 1950.

Omar Ali Saifuddien was crowned as the Sultan Dan Yang Di-Pertuan 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. In September 1951, upon becoming Sultan, he performed his first pilgrimage to Mecca, and made another in April 1962.

Under Omar Ali Saifuddien's leadership, Brunei gradually gained self-rule while its external affairs and defence remained under the charge of Britain. The introduction of the 1959 Constitution effectively brought to an end to the Resident's rule in Brunei and reinstated the Sultan's internal sovereignty, making him the supreme executive head of government in Brunei. He was increasingly able to make his own decisions in finance and administration.

In 1959, the post of the British Resident was replaced with that of High Commissioner. The High Commissioner was still required to give advice to the Sultan on all matters concerning the administration of the state except on matters pertaining to religion and customs.

He promoted the use of English extensively among his people. He was instrumental in setting up the first English government school in 1953 namely SOAS College followed by STIPRI girls school and Anthony Abell College. He introduced the scholarship scheme and sent his people to study in the UK to prepare his people to lead the country’s administration. Even though the first Bruneian only got a degree in 1959, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin III was quickly able to educate and train enough local people to manage the state affairs.

His other contribution was in raising the inherited monarchy to a height of prosperity. After he came to power, he faced formidable challenges from within the sultanate as well as from the British Government to bring Brunei in line with the status enjoyed by other Southeast Asian countries.

Upon his ascension to the throne, Omar Ali Saiffudien also became the head of the Islamic religion in the country. His influence over religion guaranteed the continued beliefs and practices of Islam among the people. He was also pragmatic in ensuring that the brand of Islam promoted in the country would not conflict in the secular development of the state. He was especially keen to modify and modernise Islam in fears that Wahabism may become a threat to the monarchical structure, noting that the ideology does not recognise Kingship given the egalitarian nature of the religion.

One important contribution of the Sultan was to regularise Islamic administration in Brunei. In 1948, a religious council, comprising the Mohammedan Religious Advisers was formed. Due to the Sultan's 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.

According to his speech during the Opening Ceremony of the Shariah Council,

The purpose of the Shariah Council is to develop policies and teachings of Islam and to promote and defend the sovereignty of the holy religion of Islam. With the purposes of which are embedded in the minds of all of us, God-willing, Islam will be stepped-up, developed, keel and wide.

— Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III

He was also responsible for the formation of the Department of Religious Affairs on 1 July 1954. The department was responsible for all the important decisions made on Islam in Brunei. All aspects of Islamic activities such as community life, laws, education, missionary activities and social administration were supervised by these two religious bodies.

He was also concerned about the insufficient time allocated for religious instruction in government schools, and authorized the government to request for assistance from Johore. In 1954, two religious officers from Johore were sent to Brunei. They were Haji Othman Mohammad Said and Haji Ismail Omar Abdul Aziz. (The latter, also known as Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja, was appointed as the State Mufti in 1962, and from 1967 his death in 1993). As a result of their recommendations, in September 1956, religious schools operating in the afternoon were established.

The Bruneian government also offered religious scholarships to students with potential to continue their higher education overseas. This was limited to Aljunied Arabic School in Singapore at first, but from 1956 onwards, students were also sent to the Islamic College in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia (then the Federation of Malaya) and Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt for degree courses.

Omar Ali Saifuddien granted permission to build mosques and surau throughout the country in his efforts to expand and strengthen the Islamic religion. The most significant of all his achievements was the completion of a new state mosque named after him, Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque on 26 September 1958. He was also responsible for making Islam the state religion of Brunei. This was stated in the 1959 Constitution Agreement. Islam's position was therefore strengthened in Brunei.

• On 21 October 1952, Brunei was visited by Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent.
• On 25 September 1958, the Sultan received the visit of Syed Putra of Perlis, Hisamuddin of Selangor; Abu Bakar of Pahang and Sir Anthony Abell Governor of Sarawak, who attended the Berkhatan (circumcision) ceremony of the Sultan's sons, Prince Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.
• The Sultan received the visit of guests: Abu Bakar of Pahang, Hisamuddin of Selangor, Syed Putra of Perlis, Tuanku Munawir of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman and his deputy, Abdul Razak Hussein, who attended the official opening ceremony of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
• On 6 July 1959, the Sultan received the visit of Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan, the first Yang Di Pertuan Agong of the Federation of Malaya and, Tunku Kurshiah, the first Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaya.
• On 1 March 1965, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh visited Brunei.

In 1952 the Sultan worked for the implementation of the constitution as the foundation of governance and the achievement of independence from the United Kingdom. On 9 June 1953, he was conferred with the Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (KCMG) by Queen Elizabeth II.

Under the Constitution, the Sultan remained the supreme executive authority in the state. Five councils were created to assist him. They were the Executive Council, Privy Council, State Religious Council, Legislative Council and the Council of Succession.

Five principal administrative posts were also created. They were the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister), State Secretary, Attorney-General, State Financial Officer and Religious Adviser.

During his reign, 3 chief ministers was appointed according to the Constitution. They were Ibrahim Mohammed Jaafar, Marsal Maun, and Pengiran Mohd Yusof Pengiran Abdul Rahim.

Brunei's first state election was held in 1962. This was to elect members to sit in the Brunei Legislative Council. These elected members would then be involved in discussions of governmental policies. However, beside this, the Sultan still held the absolute power and authority in the government.

Among the political parties which contested in the election were Brunei People's Party (PRB), Barisan Nasional Organisation (BNO), and Brunei United Party (BUP).

The polling went on for two days on 30 and 31 August 1962. The Brunei People's Party won the election.

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 Malaya and the rest of the states. This view was also shared by Lee Kuan Yew, the then-Prime Minister of Singapore.

After ruling for 17 years, on 4 October 1967, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien willingly abdicated in favour of his eldest son, Crown Prince Hassanal Bolkiah.[12] At the time of the announcement, the Crown Prince was in England, training as a cadet at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. The Prince returned immediately to Brunei.

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

The President of the Council declared that on 4 October 1967, His Royal Highness Maulana Al Sultan Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien has, pursuant to Chapter 19 of the Proclamation of the Coronation of King and Regent in 1950, declared that his intention cannot be withdrawn, to retire from the throne. The National Assembly, in its conference session on 4 October 1967 confirms the installation of His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Hassanal Bolkiah, the Crown Prince as the rightful heir under the law to His greatness as the Sultan of Brunei.

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

After his abdication from the throne at the age of 53, he took the title of Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (referred to the former sultan after the abdication), a title he held until his death in 1986. 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.

After his abdication, his eldest son, Crown Prince Hassanal Bolkiah ascended the throne to become the 29th Sultan of Brunei.

The coronation ceremony began with the flying of the yellow flag at Bukit Panggal and the red flag at Bukit Sungai Kebun in February 1968. The announcement was also made throughout the country by Radio Brunei. The new Sultan rode to his coronation at the Lapau Diraja on 1 August 1968, on a royal carriage drawn by fifty specially selected soldiers of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment.

Omar Ali Saifuddien placed the crown on the head of his son, and handed him the Keris si-Naga, symbol of supreme power in Brunei.

Like his father before him, the new Sultan took vows to maintain peace and prosperity of the nation. He also promised to improve the standard of living of his subjects through various development projects and the protect and uphold Islam and Brunei's customs and traditions.

After the crowning ceremony, the new Sultan proceeded in procession through the capital, passing lines of school children cheering Daulat Tuanku (Long live my King).

Among the foreign dignitaries who attended the ceremony were, the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, the Malaysian Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, and the British High Commissioner to Brunei, A.R. Adair, who represented Queen Elizabeth II.

Although he had abdicated and all his responsibilities to his country had been handed over to his son, Hassanal Bolkiah, he became his son's personal adviser. As a father, he still held the lead responsibility towards his son's perfection. That is why he always held open discussion together with his son, both in Council or anywhere, including in London. He wanted to see his son's success in leading the administration of the State. He always led and guided his son in carrying out the duties as the Sultan in preparation for the time Brunei would eventually become an independent and sovereign country.

• He witnessed the signing of the amendment and revision of the 1959 Agreement at the Lapau, Bandar Seri Begawan on 23 November 1971.
• He accompanied his son, Hassanal Bolkiah to London to initial the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation on 29 September 1978.
• He attended the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation to assume full responsibility towards the independence and sovereignty of Brunei Darussalam, and responsibility for foreign affairs and defence from the United Kingdom. He became one of the signatories of the treaty which was held at the Lapau, Bandar Seri Begawan on 7 January 1979.
• He also attended the opening ceremony of Brunei's own national stadium, which named as Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium at Berakas on 23 September 1983. It was one of the most modern stadiums in Southeast Asia during that time.

At the stroke of midnight on 31 December 1983 at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, Hassanal Bolkiah in his speech proclaimed that Brunei Darussalam had achieved its independence and sovereignty after 97 years of British protection. Soon after the speech, Omar Ali Saifuddien was honoured by the Sultan to lead the masses of people chanting Allahu Akbar (God is Great) three times. This was followed by the singing of the national anthem, the 21-gun salute and a prayer was read by the State Mufti to give God's blessings to the newly independent nation. Although it was raining that night, the people's spirit and determination did not fail them to attend the celebration.

Although he had abdicated 17 years ago and Brunei had achieved its independence, he did not retire completely from all duties in his country, instead continued to play an important role both as a mentor to the sultan, and as a loving father to his son. He was 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 attended the first celebration of Independence Day on 23 February that year at the national stadium. He would continue to attend the celebrations until his death in 1986.

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.

Yasser Arafat, the-then chairman of Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).

As Defence Minister, he attended the official opening ceremony of the Reconnaissance Armoured Vehicle Squadron of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces on 30 July 1984. He also attended the opening ceremony of the International Literary Festival IV on 9 December 1985.

Omar Ali Saifuddien died on 7 September 1986, several weeks before he would have his 72nd birthday. On that day, the Grand Chamberlain officially announced his death.

On 8 September, a state funeral was held. A large number of world leaders attended the funeral, including Malaysian Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Iskandar of Johor and fellow Malay Rulers such as Ahmad Shah of Pahang, Tuanku Jaafar of Negeri Sembilan, Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah of Terengganu, Tuanku Syed Putra of Perlis, Abdul Halim of Kedah, Salahuddin of Selangor and Azlan Shah of Perak. Also in attendance were US Vice President George H. W. Bush (representing Ronald Reagan), Corazon Aquino of the Philippines, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Suharto of Indonesia, Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq of Pakistan, Hussain Muhammad Ershad of Bangladesh, Secretary of British Foreign Affairs and the Commonwealth, Sir Geoffrey Howe, and many others.

His body was laid in state at the "Lapau" (the former Legislative Building at Bandar Seri Begawan) before being moved to nearby Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque for a funeral prayer. A casket draped with his royal standard flag was placed on a hand-drawn carriage for the funeral procession around the Capital. He was buried in the Royal Mausoleum in Bandar Seri Begawan, alongside his wife, and his father, Muhammad Jamalul Alam II, his grandfather, Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin and his eldest brother and predecessor Ahmad Tajuddin.

... As a son of a dear father, I still feel the feelings of sadness and grief, and will always be felt, which is not limited to a period of time. Because his death is a great loss for me and my family. Moreover, he is not only a father who always pour a friendly affection to his children, he always gave me advice up to the end of his life.

— Hassanal Bolkiah, in his speech broadcast by Radio and Television Brunei, October 20, 1986

Several foreign leaders had given their quotes about Omar Ali Saifuddien,

I know the Paduka Seri (Sir Omar) since 1959. My late father was so close to him. I also highly respect him because to me he was a brilliant man

— Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang, in an interview with Utusan Malaysia journalist, 25 April 1984

I highly respect Al Marhum because of his heartfelt character which becomes memories which will not easily be forgotten. I consider him as my own father ...

— Sultan Iskandar of Johor, then reigning 9th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia

The Late Highness had a vision, for sightedness and wise leadership coupled with his outstanding services to his people

— President Hussain Muhammad Ershad of Bangladesh praising His Highness on his speech

The Late Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien III is a honourable special friend to Britain. His death were deeply felt by the United Kingdom.

— Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain

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The Late Highness had a unique position in the history of Brunei and in the hearts of all who knew him in Britain.

— British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher

A Surah Yassin book was published with the consent of Hassanal Bolkiah, to mark the 40th day of the passing away of his late father.

He was a keen admirer of the wartime British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. This can be seen in the way he dressed in several occasion.

He also ordered the construction of Churchill Memorial at Bandar Seri Begawan. 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. Also in 2017, the building was renamed to Royal Regalia Museum in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee.

He had an interest in writing poems. Apart from that, he was also known for designing the national medals. He also made a design of flowers on his clothes, the "Tenunan Brunei" which he wore on several occasions.

Also, he was interested in self-defence martial arts such as silat and kuntau.

• Omar Ali Saifuddien is regarded as the Architect of Modern Brunei.[1]
• On 13 July 1991, he was proclaimed as the 'Religious Paramount Figure (Tokoh Agung Agama) for Brunei Darussalam.
• An annual exhibition known as Paduka Anakanda Julangan Kasih Ayahanda was held in 2005, in memory of Omar Ali Saifuddien. The exhibition was held on 27 July to 6 August 2005.
• By the consent of his son, Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Brunei Darussalam, organised an annual Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Memorial Lecture that started on 25 February 2009 to commemorate the late monarch, who is seen as an exemplary statesman. In the first Memorial Lecture, Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew was invited to give a speech titled "The Legacy of Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien". The second memorial lecture was held on 7 October 2010 and the speech was given by Dr Mohd Yusof bin Abdul Rahim.
• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Education Award, introduced on 23 September 2012.

• His date of birth, 23 September was declared as Teachers Day Celebration.
• The date he was installed as the 28th Sultan of Brunei, 31 May has been declared as Establishment Anniversary of Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
• The date 29 September 1959, when the Proclamation Written Constitution for Brunei Darussalam took place, has been declared as Public Service Day.

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

• The capital, Brunei Town, was renamed Bandar Seri Begawan in his honor, on 5 October 1970, by his eldest son, Hassanal Bolkiah. "Begawan" was Omar Ali Saifuddien's title after he abdicated.
• Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque was named after the sultan, completed in 1958.
• Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien at the capital.
• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College.
• The Seri Begawan Religious Teaching University.
• The Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Institute of Islamic studies of Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
• The Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College.
• The Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Kampong Katimahar.

His portrait is depicted on the obverse. 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 sen.[13]

His portrait also depicted in Brunei's $500 note. On the $25 note depicting the picture of him crowning his son as his successor to Sultan.

• History for Brunei Darussalam: Sharing our Past. Curriculum Development Department, Ministry of Education. 2009. ISBN 978-99917-2-372-3.

• Hussainmiya (1995). Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Britain "The Making of Brunei Darussalam". Oxford University Press. ISBN 967-65-3106-5.
• Pehin Jamil Al-Sufri (2010), The Biography of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (Malay version) (PDF), Brunei Historical Centre, retrieved 27 October 2011
• Naimah S. Talib. 2020. "Refashioning the monarchy in Brunei: Sultan Omar Ali and the quest for royal absolutism." in Monarchies and decolonisation in Asia. Manchester University Press