Jump to content

Abdul Aziz Umar

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 DPMB SLJ PJK PKL
عبدالعزيز عمر
Abdul Aziz as the president of the Brunei Youth Council in 1967–1968[1]
Minister of Education
In office
30 November 1988 – 24 May 2005
MonarchHassanal Bolkiah
DeputyAhmad Jumat
Preceded byAbdul Rahman Taib
Succeeded byAbdul Rahman Taib
Minister of Health
Acting
In office
25 March 1998 – 17 May 2002
MonarchHassanal Bolkiah
Preceded byJohar Noordin
Succeeded byAbu Bakar Apong
Minister of Communications
In office
20 October 1986 – 30 November 1988
Preceded byPengiran Bahrin
Succeeded byZakaria Sulaiman
Minister of Education and Health
In office
1 January 1984 – 20 October 1986
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byAbdul Rahman Taib (Minister of Education)
Johar Noordin (Minister of Health)
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
Relatives
Education
Alma materUniversity of Birmingham (BSS)
Occupation
  • Civil servant
  • politician
Signature

Abdul Aziz bin Haji Umar (born 20 March 1936) is a Bruneian aristocrat and politician who held a wide range of positions in the government of Brunei. Before that, he served as the minister of communications, minister of education, and minister of health. Beginning his career in the civil service with his first appointment in 1964, he held various roles until Brunei's independence in 1984, including serving as the acting Menteri Besar of Brunei.

Abdul Aziz is recognised as Brunei's first minister of education and its last colonial Menteri Besar. As one of the nation's 'founding leaders,' he was part of a group of Bruneians with Western educations who significantly contributed to the country's development after gaining independence.[2] A leading advocate for adopting Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) as Brunei's national philosophy, Abdul Aziz played a pivotal role in integrating this concept into the nation's educational system. He also held prominent positions, including chairman of the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), and was a member of the Royal Succession Council, the Privy Council, and the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB). Since 15 May 1998, he has served as the vice-chairman of the board of trustees at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, University of Oxford.[3]

Early life and education

[edit]

Born in Brunei Town on 20 March 1936 to the aristocrat Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Umar, he began his early education at the Roman Catholic St. George's School in Brunei Town. He continued his studies at the Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Malay School from 1950 to 1956. After completing his primary education, he spent a year at Batu Lintang Teachers' College in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaya. He then returned to Brunei to finish his secondary education at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College. In 1957, he resumed his studies at Westminster College of Commerce in London and at Woodchester School in Gloucestershire, England. He later graduated from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Social Science degree in economics, politics, and sociology in 1964.[4]

Political career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]
Abdul Aziz (left) during the 1965 ECAFE conference

Abdul Aziz began his career in the Bruneian government on 20 October 1964, when he was appointed as an administrative service officer.[5] In March 1965, he represented Brunei at the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) conference in New Zealand, where he served as the deputy head representative and representative secretary. During the conference, he contributed to discussions on Brunei's development challenges and progress, fostering greater understanding and collaboration with other nations.[6]

Over the years, Abdul Aziz held a variety of significant positions in the government, including director of resettlement in 1966, controller of customs and excise in 1967, director of public works in 1970, and director of establishment in 1971. He was also appointed commissioner of lands from 30 March to 7 April 1972, commissioner of development in 1972,[7] chairman of the municipal board in 1973, state secretary of Brunei from 1974 to 1981, and acting Menteri Besar from 1 September 1981 to 31 December 1983.[5] In January 1982, Abdul Aziz made an official visit to Kuala Lumpur,[8] which helped to strengthen ties between Brunei and Malaysia, focusing on administrative training, educational collaboration, and representative exchanges.[9]

Minister of Education and Health

[edit]

Following Brunei's full independence, Abdul Aziz was appointed as minister of education and health on 1 January 1984.[10] In April of the same year, he announced that Brunei would implement a bilingual education system, teaching both English and Malay from January 1985.[11] To prepare for this shift, 400 teachers attended a MIB teacher training course in October 1984, which included lectures on Islam, customs, and national education. Abdul Aziz emphasised the importance of spreading the ideals of MIB throughout the community. Throughout the year, Islam, as the official state religion, was prominently highlighted, and Muslim holidays were strictly observed.[12]

The concept of Brunei as MIB was clarified in 1985. Abdul Aziz stated that the ultimate goal was for all Bruneians, regardless of race or religion, to understand and uphold the values of MIB. This was highlighted during the country's May admission to the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for events commemorating the first anniversary of independence on 23 February 1985, "United in support of the concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy," further underscored the government's commitment to advancing this concept.[13] When Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah officially opened the B$11.6 million Islamic Da’wah Centre in Kampong Pulaie, he reaffirmed his dedication to spreading Islamic teachings. The educational system also adopted this commitment to Islamic values. Abdul Aziz outlined the three guiding principles—Islamisation of knowledge, MIB, and bilingualism—that would shape the development of national educational programmes.[14] That same year, he was appointed vice-chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), a role he held until 1986.[15]

In 1986, Abdul Aziz highlighted the growing issues of drug abuse, alcohol consumption, and vandalism in the nation. He attributed these problems to employment and underemployment challenges within a limited economy, where many young Bruneians worked in the public sector. Despite the government offering higher pay and benefits, private companies struggled to recruit workers due to a lack of dedication and experience. Abdul Aziz's remarks reflected his growing concern about the spread of these societal issues, such as an increase in drug-related convictions, which had not been a significant problem just a few years earlier.[16] On 20 October 1986, Abdul Aziz was transferred to the Ministry of Communications. As a skilled administrator and a firm conservative Muslim, he began to exert influence over government education policy.[17]

Minister of Communications

[edit]

Following the death of his father, the sultan announced a new cabinet on 20 October 1986 via Radio Television Brunei.[18] This reorganisation resulted in the creation of thirteen ministerial positions, including the appointment of Abdul Aziz as minister of communications. Despite these changes, the sultan emphasised that government policies would remain unchanged.[19] On 11 August 1988, the sultan issued a directive for the implementation of the Post Office Act (Chapter 52), which was to take effect on 1 September of that year.[20]

Minister of Education

[edit]

On 30 November 1988, Abdul Aziz resumed his role as minister of education.[4] In 1989, he was reappointed as vice-chancellor of UBD.[15] In April 1990, he announced the gradual phasing out of coeducational schools to align with Islamic principles and introduced the concept of MIB into the education system, establishing it as a core subject for all students.[17] These actions can be seen as cautious steps towards solidifying MIB as the national narrative while laying the groundwork for a gradual shift towards constitutionalism, provided the monarchy continues to uphold its image as the protector of Malays and the guardian of the Islamic faith.[21]

Under his leadership, the school curriculum incorporated MIB, and the enforcement of Islamic law became notably strict.[22] His tenure as vice-chancellor concluded in 1991.[15] By 1992, Abdul Aziz further emphasised Islam's foundational role in Bruneian values, reaffirming its centrality within the MIB philosophy.[23]

The component 'I' (Islam) has two main functions: while Islam becomes the guiding principle (teras), it also acts as a form of fortification or shield (benteng). The presence of 'I' makes the other two components 'M' (Malay) and 'B' (Ber-aja or Monarchy) to act in accordance with the command of Allah (God the Almighty).

— Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Abdul Aziz, Brunei Darussalam Newsletter (30 November 1992)

In his speech at the 31st general meeting of the Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1996, Abdul Aziz urged Malay business leaders to enhance the bumiputera presence in the economy, emphasising the importance of improving their financial standing, competitiveness, and entrepreneurial spirit. However, efforts to unite six major Malay business associations to form a new Council for Malay Commerce and Industry encountered difficulties.[24]

Abdul Aziz also chaired Global Evergreen, a business established to address the fallout from the Amedeo Development Corporation (ADC) crisis, which was headed by Prince Jefri Bolkiah. At the time, Abdul Aziz was acting minister of health and co-currently minister of education.[a] He had previously chaired the task force set up by the sultan to investigate ADC's 1997 collapse.[26] Following a shift in government leadership in 1998, Abdul Aziz was appointed acting head of the BIA. Some speculated that this change reflected the rise of more conservative factions around the sultan, coinciding with an increased public profile and influence of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah in the nation's political and economic affairs. The resignations of several key figures further fuelled rumours of a power struggle. While official sources denied these claims, Abdul Aziz's appointment was seen as a consolidation of conservative elements in the government.[27] His control of the BIA, alongside his religious authority, reinforced the monarchy's power.[28]

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 (Dr.) Haji Abdul Aziz, The Sunday Times (14 May 2000)

Abdul Aziz served as the chairman of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah's administrative committee for two terms, from 2000 to 2004 and from 2004 to 2008.[29] On 1 January 2001, he enacted the Emergency (Public Health) (Food) Order, 1998.[30] On 8 August 2001, Abdul Aziz expressed concern over Brunei's low breastfeeding rate of 12.4%, emphasising the benefits of breastfeeding, including improved memory and emotional traits in children. He advocated for exclusive breastfeeding in accordance with WHO guidelines and Islamic teachings and presented awards for initiatives promoting breastfeeding.[31]

On 1 May 2002, Abdul Aziz addressed the issue of rising youth unemployment, stressing the need for stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors, particularly with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He also highlighted the importance of a unified education system in shaping Brunei's national identity.[32] On 10 April 2003, Abdul Aziz signed a memorandum of understanding in Jakarta, focusing on defence cooperation on behalf of Brunei.[33] With the consent of the sultan, he established the Education (School Associations) Regulations, 2004, on 6 January 2004.[34] Abdul Aziz concluded his tenure as education minister on 24 May 2005.[5]

Later life

[edit]

On 31 August 2020, Abdul Aziz was appointed as a member of MUIB for a three-year term, spanning from 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2023.[35] On 11 April 2021, he emphasised the need for the Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB), established 82 years ago, to adapt to modern demands in order to support national progress. Speaking at the opening ceremony of PGGMB's 71st delegates general meeting for the 2020–2021 session, held at the PGGMB School in Kampong Sungai Akar, he remarked:[36][37]

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 (Dr.) Haji Abdul Aziz, Borneo Bulletin (13 April 2021)

Personal life

[edit]

Abdul Aziz is married to Datin Paduka Hajah Zaharah binti Haji Idris, and they have five children,[4] including Anita Binurul Zahrina, who later married Hamzah Sahat.[38] He had an elder brother, Haji Mohd Tahir (1923–2014), who also served in the government and as a public prosecutor.[39] Additionally, Abdul Aziz is the half-brother of Jamil Al-Sufri, principal of Brunei History Centre, and uncle to Abdul Latif, president of Brunei National Democratic Party.[40] The family resides at 16, Simpang 23, Kampong Serusop.[41]

Titles, styles and honours

[edit]

Titles and styles

[edit]

On 5 September 1977, Abdul Aziz was honoured by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah with the manteri title of Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya, bearing the style Yang Dimuliakan.[42]

Awards

[edit]

He has been given the following awards:[4]

  • Belia Berjasa (2006)[43]
  • Outstanding Health Award
  • Prominent Religious Award (2009)
  • Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Education Award (24 September 2011)[44]
  • SEAMEO 50th Anniversary Recognition Award (7 May 2015)[5][45]
  • Distinguished Fellow Award, International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET)

Honours

[edit]

Abdul Aziz has been bestowed the following honours:[4][46]

National

Foreign

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ On 25 March 1998, Abdul Aziz, then serving as the minister of education, was appointed acting minister of health following the removal of Johar Noordin, the health minister.[25]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Perkembangan Belia di-Brunei sa-umpama pokok yang tumboh-nya sa-makin subur" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. 15 January 1969. p. 2. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  2. ^ Khor 2013, p. 89.
  3. ^ "Title of Talk: MIB" (PDF). www.mbras.org.my. Bandar Seri Begawan: Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. 8 December 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d e "His Excellency Pehin Dato (Dr) Haji Abdul Aziz Umar" (PDF). www.seameo.org. SEAMEO. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d "Mantan Menteri Pendidikan terima anugerah" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. 11 May 2015. p. 5. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  6. ^ "Persidangan E.C.A.F.E. Di-New Zealand Berjaya" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. 21 April 1965. p. 8. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  7. ^ "Land Commissioner Since 1960". www.tanah.gov.bn. Lands Department. Archived from the original on 3 March 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  8. ^ Nani Suryani 2016.
  9. ^ Thambipillai 1983, p. 222.
  10. ^ Siddique 1985, p. 99.
  11. ^ Siddique 1985, p. 107.
  12. ^ Siddique 1985, p. 101.
  13. ^ Siddique 1986, p. 45.
  14. ^ Siddique 1986, p. 47.
  15. ^ a b c "UBD People". ubd.edu.bn. Tungku: Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Archived from the original on 4 October 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  16. ^ Menon 1987, p. 85–86.
  17. ^ a b Burton 1990, p. 196–197.
  18. ^ 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). Bandar Seri Begawan: Jabatan Penerangan. 2017. p. 105. ISBN 978-99917-49-94-5.
  19. ^ Menon 1987, p. 93.
  20. ^ "Post Office Act (Chapter 52)" (PDF). www.agc.gov.bn. Bandar Seri Begawan: Attorney General's Chambers. 11 August 1988. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  21. ^ Review of Indonesian and Malaysian Affairs. Vol. 40. Sydney: Department of Indonesian and Malayan Studies. 2006. p. 120. ISSN 0034-6594. OCLC 310953014.
  22. ^ Far Eastern Economic Review. Hong Kong: Far Eastern Economic Review Limited. April 1993. p. 22. ISSN 0014-7591.
  23. ^ Mani 1993, p. 105.
  24. ^ Saunders 1997, p. 71.
  25. ^ Mohamad Yusop 2002, p. 86.
  26. ^ Mohamad Yusop 2002, p. 82.
  27. ^ Cleary & Francis 1999, p. 73.
  28. ^ Mani 1998.
  29. ^ "Jemaah Tadbir". yshhb.org.bn (in Malay). Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Archived from the original on 25 December 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  30. ^ "Emergency (Public Health) (Food) Order, 1998 (S 17/98)" (PDF). www.agc.gov.bn. Bandar Seri Begawan: Attorney General's Chambers. 16 September 2000. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  31. ^ Haji Ahmad HS (22 August 2001). "12.4 peratus saja amal susu ibu" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 10. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  32. ^ Samle Haji Jait (8 May 2002). "Pihak swasta perlu bantu kerajaan: Mengatasi pengganguran" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 1. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  33. ^ Abdullah Asgar; Dayangku Hajah Saidah PHOA (16 April 2003). "Brunei - Indonesia tandatangani MOU bidang pertahanan" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn. Pelita Brunei. p. 11. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  34. ^ "Education Order, 2003: Education (School Associations) Regulations, 2004" (PDF). www.agc.gov.bn. Attorney General's Chambers. 6 January 2004. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  35. ^ Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama (2 September 2020). "Pelantikan Ahli MUIB, 2020 - 2023" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 11. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  36. ^ Hakim Hayat (13 April 2021). "Call to adapt to changing world". Borneo Bulletin Online. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  37. ^ Nooratini Haji Abas (12 April 2021). "PGGMB: Pupuk kepentingan negara bukan sendiri" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 15. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  38. ^ "RBAF Holds Sentuhan Kasih Ramadhan Ceremony For The Year 1442H/2021M". www.mindef.gov.bn. Bandar Seri Begawan: Ministry of Defence. 23 April 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  39. ^ Horton, A. V. M. (1 January 2014). "Negara Brunei Darussalam: obituary 2014". Borneo Research Bulletin. 45. Retrieved 10 January 2025 – via TheFreeLibrary.com.
  40. ^ Singh 1986, p. 173.
  41. ^ "Gallery". Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (in Malay). Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  42. ^ Haji Timbang Bakar (14 July 2004). "Pendekatan Mengenai Istiadat Mengurniakan Gelaran Di Negara Brunei Darussalam" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 10. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  43. ^ "Penerima Anugerah: Penerima-Penerima Anugerah Belia Kebangsaan Tahun 2006". www.hbk.gov.bn (in Malay). Hari Belia Kebangsaan. Archived from the original on 6 December 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  44. ^ Hajah Zubaidah Haji Salat; Pg. Hajah Fatimah Pg. Haji Mohd. Noor; Bolhassan Haji Abu Bakar; Hajah Siti Zuraihah Haji Awang Sulaiman (26 September 2011). "Tiga tokoh negarawan menerima Anugerah Pendidikan Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. p. 3. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  45. ^ "Award Ceremony of SEAMEO Recognition Award in conjunction with SEAMEO 50th Anniversary celebration" (PDF). www.seameo.org. Bangkok: SEAMEO. 7 May 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  46. ^ "Senarai Nama-Nama Gelaran Dan Orang-Orang Yang Dikurniai Gelaran: Manteri-Manteri Berchiri" (PDF). adat-istiadat.gov.bn (in Malay). Bandar Seri Begawan: Jabatan Adat Istiadat Negara. 7 February 2024. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  47. ^ "Istiadat Mengurniakan Bintang2 Dan Pingat2" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Pelita Brunei. 28 October 1970. p. 1. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  48. ^ ประกาศสำนักนายกรัฐมนตรี เรื่อง พระราชทานเครื่องราชอิสริยาภรณ์ให้แก่ชาวต่างประเทศ (PDF) (in Thai). Vol. 115. Bangkok: Royal Gazette. 26 August 2002. p. 3. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
Political offices
Preceded by Minister of Education
30 November 1988 – 24 May 2005 		Succeeded by
Abdul Rahman Taib
Preceded by Acting Minister of Health
25 March 1998 – 17 May 2002 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister of Communications
20 October 1986 – 30 November 1988 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Office established
 Minister of Education and Health
1 January 1984 – 20 October 1986 		Succeeded by
Abdul Rahman Taib (Minister of Education)
Johar Noordin (Minister of Health)
Preceded by Acting Menteri Besar of Brunei
1 September 1981 – 31 December 1983 		Succeeded by
Office abolished
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
Abdul Rahman Taib
Abu Bakar Apong
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abdul_Aziz_Umar&oldid=1269006478"