Abdul Aziz Umar

In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Umar is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Abdul Aziz. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.

Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia
Abdul Aziz Umar
PSNB DSLJ DPMB PJK PKL GBE
عبدالعزيز عمر
Abdul Aziz as the President of the Youth Council in 1967–1968[1]
Minister of Education
In office
30 November 1988 – 24 May 2005
MonarchHassanal Bolkiah
DeputyAhmad Jumat[2]
Preceded byAbdul Rahman Taib
Succeeded byAbdul Rahman Taib
In office
1 January 1984 – 20 October 1986
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byAbdul Rahman Taib
Minister of Communications
In office
20 October 1986 – 30 November 1988
Preceded byPengiran Bahrin
Succeeded byZakaria Sulaiman
Minister of Health
In office
1 January 1984 – 20 October 1986
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byJohar Noordin
Menteri Besar of Brunei
Acting
In office
1 September 1981 – 31 December 1983
Preceded byPengiran Abdul Momin
Succeeded byOffice abolished
State Secretary of Brunei
In office
1 July 1974 – 1 September 1981
Preceded byMatnor McAfee (Acting)
Succeeded byAbdul Rahman Taib
Personal details
Born (1936-03-20) 20 March 1936 (age 88)
Brunei Town, Brunei
SpouseZaharah Idris
Parent(s)Umar Rendah (father)
Hitam Abdul Jalil (mother)
RelativesJamil Al-Sufri (half-brother)
Alma materUniversity of Birmingham (BSS)
Profession
  • Politician
  • civil servant
Signature

Abdul Aziz bin Haji Umar (born 20 March 1936) 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).[3]

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.[4] 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.[5]

Early life and education

[edit]

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.[6]

Political career

[edit]

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,[7] 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.[5]

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).[8]

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.[9]

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 20 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.[10] He was reappointed as the second Minister of Communications from 20 October 1986 to 30 November 1988.[11] 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.[6][5]

Melayu Islam Beraja

[edit]

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]

Amedeo crisis

[edit]

During the Amedeo Development 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)

Other appointments

[edit]

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,[4] member of the Council of Ministers, member of the Privy Council,[4] member of the Islamic Religious Council,[4] 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),[4] and lastly the chairman of the Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institution.[6]

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,[4] deputy chairman of the ISESCO (Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), and a mmeritus member of the International Council of Education for Teaching.[6]

Later life

[edit]

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

Personal life

[edit]

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;[6] 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.[24] Notably, he is also the half brother of Jamil Al-Sufri.

His residence is located at 16, Simpang 23, Kampong Serusop.[25]

Titles, styles and honours

[edit]

Titles and styles

[edit]

Pehin Abdul Aziz was bestowed the Manteri title of Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya on 5 September 1977,[26] styled as Yang Berhormat. Moreover, he has earned the following honours;[6][27]

Awards

[edit]

He has been given the following awards:[6]

  • Youth Leadership Merit (2006)[28]
  • Outstanding Health Award
  • Prominent Religious Award (2009)
  • Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Education Award (24 September 2011)[29]
  • SEAMEO Recognition Award (7 May 2015)[5][30]
  • Distinguished Fellow Award, International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET)

Honours

[edit]

Abdul Aziz was awarded the following honours:[6]

National

See also: Orders, decorations, and medals of Brunei

Foreign

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Perkembangan Belia di-Brunei sa-umpama pokok yang tumboh-nya sa-makin subur" (PDF). Pelita Brunei. 15 January 1969. p. 2.
  2. ^ "(PDF) BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Hon. Pehin Dato Dr Awang Hj. Ahmad bin …€¦ · • Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, University of the Philippines. • Bachelor of Science and Jurisprudence". dokumen.tips. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  3. ^ "BRUNEIresources.com – Pehin Aziz". www.bruneiresources.com. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "PERSATUAN ASIA DIRAJA BAHAGIAN MALAYSIA THE MALAYSIAN BRANCH OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY" (PDF). MBRAS.
  5. ^ a b c d "Berita – Mantan Menteri Pendidikan terima anugerah..." www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h "Curriculum Vitae" (PDF). SEAMEO. 2014. pp. 1–4.
  7. ^ "Lands Department – Land Commissioner Since 1960". www.tanah.gov.bn. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  8. ^ "Persidangan E.C.A.F.E. Di-NEw Zealand Berjaya" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). 21 April 1965. p. 8. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  9. ^ Nani Suryani Abu Bakar (January 2016). "Brunei relations with Malaysia 1963 - 1983". www.researchgate.net. Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Minister of Education and Health of Brunei Darussalam Pehin …". www.nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  11. ^ Kumpulan Titah: Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam Tahun 1984, 1985, 1986 dan 1987 (PDF) (in Malay). Jabatan Penerangan. 2017. p. 105. ISBN 978-99917-49-94-5.
  12. ^ "POST OFFICE ACT (CHAPTER 52)" (PDF). BRUNEI DARUSSALAM GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. 11 August 1988.
  13. ^ Siddique, Sharon (11 June 2018), "Brunei Darussalam in 1985: A Year of Nation-Building", Southeast Asian Affairs 1986, ISEAS Publishing, pp. 45–52, doi:10.1355/9789812306760-006, ISBN 978-981-230-676-0, retrieved 22 April 2024
  14. ^ Review of Indonesian and Malaysian Affairs. Department of Indonesian and Malayan Studies, University of Sydney. 2006. p. 120.
  15. ^ Far Eastern Economic Review. Far Eastern Economic Review Limited. April 1993. p. 22.
  16. ^ Sidhu, Jatswan S. (22 December 2009). Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam. Scarecrow Press. p. 3. ISBN 978-0-8108-7078-9.
  17. ^ "Management of Uncertainties in an Autocratic State: The Case of Brunei Darussalam" (PDF). apu.ac.jp. pp. 4–5, 10–11.
  18. ^ "UBD People – Universiti Brunei Darussalam". 24 October 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  19. ^ YSHHB (16 August 2022). "Jemaah Tadbir | Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah" (in Malay). Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  20. ^ "Sultanate – News | Negara Brunei Darussalam | Royalty lays Yayasan school foundation". sultanate.com. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  21. ^ "Call to adapt to changing world". Borneo Bulletin. 13 April 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  22. ^ "Datin Dr Dayang Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz". UBD BUZZ. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  23. ^ "News - RBAF HOLDS SENTUHAN KASIH RAMADHAN CEREMONY..." www.mindef.gov.bn. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  24. ^ "Negara Brunei Darussalam: obituary 2014. – Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  25. ^ "Gallery". Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (in Malay). Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  26. ^ "Pendekatan Mengenai Istiadat Mengurniakan Gelaran Di Negara Brunei Darussalam" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). 14 July 2004. p. 11. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  27. ^ "SENARAI NAMA-NAMA GELARAN DAN ORANG-ORANG YANG DIKURNIAI GELARAN" (PDF). adat-istiadat.gov.bn. 16 July 2022. p. 2.
  28. ^ "HARIBELIA – penerima-anugerah". www.hbk.gov.bn. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  29. ^ "Kesultanan Brunei Darussalam | Kerajaan Nusantara". www.kerajaannusantara.com. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  30. ^ "Award Ceremony of SEAMEO Recognition Award in conjunction with SEAMEO 50th Anniversary celebration" (PDF). SEAMEO. 7 May 2015.
  31. ^ ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง พระราชทานเครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์ให้แก่ชาวต่างประเทศ [เครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์อันเป็นที่เชิดชูยิ่งช้างเผือก ให้แก่ เจ้าหน้าที่ฝ่ายบรูไน จำนวน ๗ ราย ในโอกาสที่สมเด็จพระราชาธิบดีแห่งบรูไนดารุสซาลาม สมเด็จพระราชินีและพระมเหสีเสด็จ ฯเยือนประเทศไทยอย่างเป็นทางการ] (PDF) (in Thai). Retrieved 13 December 2024.
Political offices
Preceded by
Abdul Rahman Taib
Office established
 1st Minister of Education
30 November 1988 – 24 May 2005
1 January 1984 – 20 October 1986 		Succeeded by
Abdul Rahman Taib
Abdul Rahman Taib
Preceded by 2nd Minister of Communications
20 October 1986 – 30 November 1988 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Office established
 1st Minister of Health
1 January 1984 – 20 October 1986 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Matnor McAfee (Acting)
 5th State Secretary of Brunei
1 July 1974 – 1 September 1981 		Succeeded by
Abdul Rahman Taib
Academic offices
Preceded by
Office established
Abdul Rahman Taib
 Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam
1985–1986
1989–1990 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abdul_Aziz_Umar&oldid=1263891877"