Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien 111(1950-1967)

Early Life

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien 111 ruled Brunei for 17 years in 1950 until 1967. He succeeded his brother Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin as the 28^th Sultan of Brunei. His Royal Highness

was born on 23 September 1914 in Kampong Sultan

Lama, Brunei Town.Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien became the 29^th Sultan of Brunei.

His Royal Highness received an informal education in the palace. He was taught a traditional Islamic education based on reading and memorising the Holy Quran. In 1932, His Royal Highness left to Malaya to study at the Malay College in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. In 1936, His Royal Highness returned to Brunei. He

had written a number of sy

air. His Royal Highness was known as ‘ Penyair Diraja’(Royal Poet).

Career Experiences

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien111started his career in 1936 as a cadet officer in the Forestry Department stationed in Kuala Belait. This job, he was able to understand the people, problem and their needs.

His Royal Highness joined the Judicial Department and able to learn about the Criminal and Civil Procedure Codes from the Assistant British Resident, he remained there until 1938. In 1941, His Royal Highness worked as an administration in British Resident’s office and he studied the English Language under the guidance of H.F Stalley.

During the Japanese Occupation, His Royal Highness worked at the Japanese Governor’s

office as a secretary to the Japanese Sub-district Commander, Kimura.

In 1947, His Royal Highness was chairman of the Syariah Court and member of the Brunei State Council.

Ascension to the throne

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, was proclaimed the Sultan on 6 June 1950 as the 28th Sultan of Brunei. The coronation took place at the Lapau (Royal Ceremonial Hall) on the 31 May 1951.

His Royal Highness set out to work for an improved standard of living to modern country. The reign of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien 111 was witnessed economic, social and political Development.

His Royal Highness determination had brought Brunei to international attention and recognition and this eared him the title ‘The Architect of Modern Brunei’.

The 1^st National Development Plan (1953-1958)

-Introduced in 1953. -A sum of $100 million was approved by the Brunei State Council for this purpose.

(a) Development of the Oil Industry

-In 1955, the $14 million Gas Plant was completed.

-As early as 1954, survey and exploration work both on land and offshore were carried out by the Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSPC).

-In 1956, production of oil the Seria field had increased.

(b) Development In Education

-In 1954, for the first time Brunei set out a written policy on education. The aim of the policy was to ensure the provision of educational facilities for:

1. Primary and secondary 2. technical 3. vocational training 4. Adult education

(c) Development in Religious Education - In 1959, religious schools operating in the afternoon. - In 1957, efforts were made to train more locals by offering courses locally.

(d) Development in Communications - Road -In December 1958, the building of road linking Belait District to Brunei Town came into operation on completion of the two bridges in Tutong.

-Shipping- Shipping activities linked Brunei with other countries in Southeast Asia.

- Civil Aviation- In September 1953, reconstruction work on airfield at Berakas started. It was completed in 1954. By 1959, aircraft movements increased tremendously.

(e) Development in Health and Welfare Services

-In October 1953, Brunei’s first nursing school began at the hospital in Brunei Town.

The 2^nd National Development Plan (1962-1966)

-was launched in 1962 which aimed at improving the cultural, economic and social infrastructure.

(a) Development of Oil Industry

-In 1963, a major oil and gas filed was discovered at South West Ampa. With this discovery, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

(b) Development in Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry

(c) Commercial Development and Support Structure.

- Two big project namely the Muara Deepwater Port and the international airport were planned.

- Power requirement were met studies were undertaken to provide electricity for rural area.

(d) Development in Health, Education and Welfare

-Became high and good medical, improved education and welfare.
The Issue of Malaysia

-Initially His Royal Highness found the idea acceptable.

-Set up a committee to find out views of people- some were against, others agree, the rest wanted the Sultan to decide.

-Brunei decided not to take part in the Malaysia Agreement.

The Abdication

-The Sultan abdicated in favour of his son in 1967.

-Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah became the 29^th Ruler of Brunei.

-After abdication, his Majesty continued to be active in giving advice and support.