History Time

SOAS III's Early life and Career Experiences

• He was the 28th Sultan who succeeded his elder brother, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin.
• He was born on 23rd September 1914 in Kampong Sultan Lama, Brunei Town.
• He ruled Brunei from 1950 to 1967.
• He was the 7th child of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Siti Fatimah.
• He received an informal education in the palace like traditional Islamic education (based on reading and memorising the Holy Quran), trained in the traditional Malay self-defense or silat, handicwork and skilled in carpentry, weaving and silversmithing.
• He began his formal education at the age of 18.
• In 1932, he studied at Malay College in Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
• After completing the course at the college (in 1936 - 4 years formal education), he returned to Brunei.
• 6th September 1941, he married Pengiran Anak Damit, who became the Raja Isteri who was the daughter of Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman and the granddaughter of Sultan Hashim (25th Sultan).
• His Royal Highness was known as "Penyair Diraja" (Royal Poet) because he showed an interest in Malay Poetry.
• Syairs written by His Royal Highness were: Syair Nasihat, Syair Kemerdekaaan, Syair Asli Rajang Hari, Syair Perlembagaan Negeri Brunei and others refer to textbook. :)

1. He started his career in 1936 as a cadet officer in Forestry Department in Kuala Belait. This job enable him to be closer to the people in villages and remote areas. He was also able to understand the people's problems and their needs.
2. After a year (1937 to 1938), he joined the Judicial Department. Here, he learned about the Criminal and Civil Procedure Codes from the Assistant British Resident, Hughes-Hallet.
3. In 1941, he worked as an administrator in the British Resident's office. He studied English from H.F.Stalley.
4. During the Japanese Occupation, he worked at the Japanese Governeor's Office as a secretary to the Japanese Sub-district Commander, Kimura.
5. In 1947, he was appointed chairman of the Syariah Court and member of Brunei State Council.