ONE of the interesting islands in Brunei Bay is a small island called Pulau Cermin (cermin means mirror in Malay). Pulau Cermin as many Brunei historians know, is the site of the temporary palace of Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin, the 13th Sultan of Brunei and is the site of the only civil war in Brunei History.Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin stayed there for a while, retreating from Brunei's capital in Kampong Ayer. Another Sultan, Sultan Muhyiddin, took up the throne in Brunei's capital while Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mumin stayed at Pulau Cermin. It was the only time that Brunei had two Sultans.How did the civil war come about? The civil war between the two Sultans was described vividly in a Brunei Malay novel entitled Mahkota Berdarah (The Bloodied Crown). It was in fact quite a bloody time in Brunei history.Yura Halim wrote the book in the mid-1960s and the book was quite popular during its hey days and is considered a classic today.The bloody episode was sparked off by a cock fight between the son of the Sultan, Pengiran Muda Alam, and the son of the Bendahara. The Bendahara was Abdul Hakkul Mubin.The Bendahara, in the old days, is always the Sultan's right hand man. He can be considered as the Deputy Sultan or in these days, the equivalent of the Prime Minister.For Brunei, the Bendahara was the most senior of all the viziers (wazir) until the appointment of the Perdana Wazir in 1970.During the cockfight, the cock belonging to the son of the Bendahara Abdul Hakkul Mubin won. It defeated the cock belonging to the son of the Sultan, Pengiran Muda Alam. Pengiran Muda Alam was so enraged by the loss that he took out his keris and plunged it into the chest of the son of the Bendahara. The son of the Bendahara died from the fatal stabbing.Bendahara Abdul Hakkul Mubin was said to have loved that son so much that he too was enraged when he was informed of his son's death. He marched to the palace to confront the Sultan. The Sultan at that time was Sultan Muhammad Ali. The Bendahara asked for his son's death to be avenged.According to some, he was denied by Sultan Muhammad Ali. Though in the book, Mahkota Berdarah, the Sultan allowed him to enter into the palace to search for Pengiran Muda Alam. By the time he went in, Pengiran Muda Alam had escaped from the palace.The Bendahara was so enraged when he could not find Pengiran Muda Alam. He lost his temper and went amok and started killing people inside the palace including the Sultan's family. The Sultan who waited in the hall was shocked to see the Bendahara on a killing spree. He tried to stop the Bendahara but the Bendahara will no longer listen to reason.The Bendahara and his men took the Sultan and killed him by garroting him to death. His body was left lying on the grass lawn and up to now he is known as 'Marhum Tumbang Dirumput'. This death was to have taken place in November 1661. The Bendahara took the throne for himself. He crowned himself the Sultan of Brunei as Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin, Brunei's 13th Sultan.As Sultan, Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin tried to foster peace between him and the followers of Sultan Muhammad Ali by installing the latter's grandson, Pengiran Muhyiddin, as the new Bendahara.At first there was peace in the country. But underneath the peace, there was still simmering hatred for Sultan Hakul Abdul Mubin. Many of Sultan Muhammad Ali's followers implored to Bendahara Muhyidin to rebel against Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin.At first Bendahara Muhyiddin felt that it was not the right thing to do. But over time, he agreed and plan for the removal of Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin.The first thing he and his men did was to create a disturbance at the palace as well as the houses in the area. They did the disturbances by poking their spears into the palace and houses. This was called 'mengarok'.Since many of these rebels were also working at the palace, it was not difficult for them to carry out the attacks.When Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin asked for Bendahara Muhyidin's advice, he was duly advised that it would be better if he went off to Pulau Cermin while waiting for the attacks to dissipate. The Sultan immediately ordered for a new palace to be built there and move as soon as it was ready.Bendahara Muhyiddin in the meantime was installed as the new Sultan in the capital. When Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin's men came ashore to seek out why the Bendahara has not taken up his residence at the island, they were shocked to see that the Bendahara had raised the Sultan's yellow flag for himself.There was no way that Brunei can have two Sultans. A battle ensued between the two Sultans and at first Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin retreated to Kinarut in Sabah.While in Kinarut, Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin built a fort about 10 miles away from Kota Kinabalu. From here with the assistance of the local Bajaus and Dusuns he managed to repel attacks from Sultan Muhiyiddin even killing a few of Sultan Muhiyiddin's Cheterias.The fort was strategically placed on top of a hill with two rivers flowing beside it and a view that can oversee a few small island in the South China Sea. The fort was so good that according to legend, Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin stayed for about 10 years becoming the Sultan in Kinarut where he among others also managed to curtail piracy activities in that area.There were several attacks carried out by Sultan Muhyddin. In a final attack at Kinarut, Sultan Muhyddin's forces failed to defeat Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin. The two went back to Brunei with Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin going back to Pulau Cermin.Pulau Cermin itself is fairly unremarkable but what makes it a very strong fortress is that it is in the middle of the entry into the Brunei river. Control the island means you control access to the food supply coming in from the sea. In those days, Bruneians were also fishermen and they could not go out to fish during the civil war.Sultan Muhyiddin worried that the war was going to drag on and created more difficulties for the citizens of Brunei, called for the assistance of Sultan Suluk to help defeat Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin promising them independence as well as the territory of Sabah to be given to Sultan Suluk.The Suluks came and took up places at Pulau Keingaran to help bombard the island but according to legends did not do much fighting and only took up the fight towards the very end. While Sultan Muhyiddin's men bombarded Pulau Cermin from Tanjung Kindana before launching a final assault on the island.During the battle, Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin knew that he was going to be defeated and be killed. Rather than surrender the crown and the throne, Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin shot the crown and other royal regalias from Pulau Chermin across the sea. Though some say that these were all still buried somewhere on the island.Pulau Cermin is now protected by the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act and is now inaccessible to visitors unless they have permission to visit the island.The writer runs a website on Brunei at bruneiresources.com
Friday, 22 May 2009
Civil war wrecks chaos in the country
ONE of the interesting islands in Brunei Bay is a small island called Pulau Cermin (cermin means mirror in Malay). Pulau Cermin as many Brunei historians know, is the site of the temporary palace of Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin, the 13th Sultan of Brunei and is the site of the only civil war in Brunei History.Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin stayed there for a while, retreating from Brunei's capital in Kampong Ayer. Another Sultan, Sultan Muhyiddin, took up the throne in Brunei's capital while Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mumin stayed at Pulau Cermin. It was the only time that Brunei had two Sultans.How did the civil war come about? The civil war between the two Sultans was described vividly in a Brunei Malay novel entitled Mahkota Berdarah (The Bloodied Crown). It was in fact quite a bloody time in Brunei history.Yura Halim wrote the book in the mid-1960s and the book was quite popular during its hey days and is considered a classic today.The bloody episode was sparked off by a cock fight between the son of the Sultan, Pengiran Muda Alam, and the son of the Bendahara. The Bendahara was Abdul Hakkul Mubin.The Bendahara, in the old days, is always the Sultan's right hand man. He can be considered as the Deputy Sultan or in these days, the equivalent of the Prime Minister.For Brunei, the Bendahara was the most senior of all the viziers (wazir) until the appointment of the Perdana Wazir in 1970.During the cockfight, the cock belonging to the son of the Bendahara Abdul Hakkul Mubin won. It defeated the cock belonging to the son of the Sultan, Pengiran Muda Alam. Pengiran Muda Alam was so enraged by the loss that he took out his keris and plunged it into the chest of the son of the Bendahara. The son of the Bendahara died from the fatal stabbing.Bendahara Abdul Hakkul Mubin was said to have loved that son so much that he too was enraged when he was informed of his son's death. He marched to the palace to confront the Sultan. The Sultan at that time was Sultan Muhammad Ali. The Bendahara asked for his son's death to be avenged.According to some, he was denied by Sultan Muhammad Ali. Though in the book, Mahkota Berdarah, the Sultan allowed him to enter into the palace to search for Pengiran Muda Alam. By the time he went in, Pengiran Muda Alam had escaped from the palace.The Bendahara was so enraged when he could not find Pengiran Muda Alam. He lost his temper and went amok and started killing people inside the palace including the Sultan's family. The Sultan who waited in the hall was shocked to see the Bendahara on a killing spree. He tried to stop the Bendahara but the Bendahara will no longer listen to reason.The Bendahara and his men took the Sultan and killed him by garroting him to death. His body was left lying on the grass lawn and up to now he is known as 'Marhum Tumbang Dirumput'. This death was to have taken place in November 1661. The Bendahara took the throne for himself. He crowned himself the Sultan of Brunei as Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin, Brunei's 13th Sultan.As Sultan, Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin tried to foster peace between him and the followers of Sultan Muhammad Ali by installing the latter's grandson, Pengiran Muhyiddin, as the new Bendahara.At first there was peace in the country. But underneath the peace, there was still simmering hatred for Sultan Hakul Abdul Mubin. Many of Sultan Muhammad Ali's followers implored to Bendahara Muhyidin to rebel against Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin.At first Bendahara Muhyiddin felt that it was not the right thing to do. But over time, he agreed and plan for the removal of Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin.The first thing he and his men did was to create a disturbance at the palace as well as the houses in the area. They did the disturbances by poking their spears into the palace and houses. This was called 'mengarok'.Since many of these rebels were also working at the palace, it was not difficult for them to carry out the attacks.When Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin asked for Bendahara Muhyidin's advice, he was duly advised that it would be better if he went off to Pulau Cermin while waiting for the attacks to dissipate. The Sultan immediately ordered for a new palace to be built there and move as soon as it was ready.Bendahara Muhyiddin in the meantime was installed as the new Sultan in the capital. When Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin's men came ashore to seek out why the Bendahara has not taken up his residence at the island, they were shocked to see that the Bendahara had raised the Sultan's yellow flag for himself.There was no way that Brunei can have two Sultans. A battle ensued between the two Sultans and at first Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin retreated to Kinarut in Sabah.While in Kinarut, Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin built a fort about 10 miles away from Kota Kinabalu. From here with the assistance of the local Bajaus and Dusuns he managed to repel attacks from Sultan Muhiyiddin even killing a few of Sultan Muhiyiddin's Cheterias.The fort was strategically placed on top of a hill with two rivers flowing beside it and a view that can oversee a few small island in the South China Sea. The fort was so good that according to legend, Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin stayed for about 10 years becoming the Sultan in Kinarut where he among others also managed to curtail piracy activities in that area.There were several attacks carried out by Sultan Muhyddin. In a final attack at Kinarut, Sultan Muhyddin's forces failed to defeat Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin. The two went back to Brunei with Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin going back to Pulau Cermin.Pulau Cermin itself is fairly unremarkable but what makes it a very strong fortress is that it is in the middle of the entry into the Brunei river. Control the island means you control access to the food supply coming in from the sea. In those days, Bruneians were also fishermen and they could not go out to fish during the civil war.Sultan Muhyiddin worried that the war was going to drag on and created more difficulties for the citizens of Brunei, called for the assistance of Sultan Suluk to help defeat Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin promising them independence as well as the territory of Sabah to be given to Sultan Suluk.The Suluks came and took up places at Pulau Keingaran to help bombard the island but according to legends did not do much fighting and only took up the fight towards the very end. While Sultan Muhyiddin's men bombarded Pulau Cermin from Tanjung Kindana before launching a final assault on the island.During the battle, Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin knew that he was going to be defeated and be killed. Rather than surrender the crown and the throne, Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin shot the crown and other royal regalias from Pulau Chermin across the sea. Though some say that these were all still buried somewhere on the island.Pulau Cermin is now protected by the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act and is now inaccessible to visitors unless they have permission to visit the island.The writer runs a website on Brunei at bruneiresources.com
Monday, 20 April 2009
History: The Founding Of Brunei
Long ago in Garang, a place in the Temburong District, lived Awang Alak Betatar and his thirteen brothers. Awang Alak Betatar was chosen by his brothers as their leader because of his intelligence.
Long ago in Garang, a place in the Temburong District, lived Awang Alak Betatar and his thirteen brothers. Awang Alak Betatar was chosen by his brothers as their leader because of his intelligence.
One day, Awang Alak Betatar called his brothers for a meeting. In the meeting they had, they decided to move to another place.A week later, Awang Alak Betatar's brothers, led by Pateh Berbai, began their search. They landed at a site called Butir on the Brunei River.Pateh Berbai and his brothers went back to tell Awang Alak Betatar the good news. A conference was then held and Awang Alak Betatar agreed to his brothers' suggestion.
Weeks later, Awang Alak Betatar and his brothers sailed together with their followers to establish the new settlement which was to become Brunei Town. When they arrived, they began clearing the bushes and cleaning the area.Each of Awang Alak Betatar's brothers set up his own house. Soon, more and more people came to settle there and Awang Alak Betatar became the first ruler of Brunei.
Sultan Sharif Ali
Sultan Sharif Ali (also known as Barkat ALi Ibnu Sharif Ajlan ibni Sharif Rumaithah) was the third sultan of Brunei. He was made Sultan after Sultan Ahmad died without leaving any male descendants, and as such, at the request of the people of Brunei themselves, he became eligible for the throne marrying Sultan Ahmad's daughter, Putri Ratna Kesuma.
Sharif Ali was a very pious ruler and was therefore nicknamed "Sultan Berkat" (Blessed Sultan). He was the first sultan to build mosque, and fortified the defense of Brunei by odering his people to build a stone fortress. Sharf Ali governed Brunei according to Islamic principles and his reign was popular and highly respected. After his death, Sharif Ali was succeeded by his son Sulaiman.
The royal symbol origin came from the world largest seed called "Coco de mer"
Sultan Sharif Ali was the direct-descendant of Muhammad, through his grandchild, Saidina Hassan r.a.
Sultan Sharif Ali was the ancestor of the Brunei & Sulu royal families.
Sharif Ali was a very pious ruler and was therefore nicknamed "Sultan Berkat" (Blessed Sultan). He was the first sultan to build mosque, and fortified the defense of Brunei by odering his people to build a stone fortress. Sharf Ali governed Brunei according to Islamic principles and his reign was popular and highly respected. After his death, Sharif Ali was succeeded by his son Sulaiman.
The royal symbol origin came from the world largest seed called "Coco de mer"
Sultan Sharif Ali was the direct-descendant of Muhammad, through his grandchild, Saidina Hassan r.a.
Sultan Sharif Ali was the ancestor of the Brunei & Sulu royal families.
~END~
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Civil War Wrecks Chaos In The Country
Rozan YunosBANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Sunday, August 24, 2008
ONE of the interesting islands in Brunei Bay is a small island called Pulau Cermin (cermin means mirror in Malay). Pulau Cermin as many Brunei historians know, is the site of the temporary palace of Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin, the 13th Sultan of Brunei and is the site of the only civil war in Brunei History.Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin stayed there for a while, retreating from Brunei's capital in Kampong Ayer. Another Sultan, Sultan Muhyiddin, took up the throne in Brunei's capital while Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mumin stayed at Pulau Cermin. It was the only time that Brunei had two Sultans.How did the civil war come about? The civil war between the two Sultans was described vividly in a Brunei Malay novel entitled Mahkota Berdarah (The Bloodied Crown). It was in fact quite a bloody time in Brunei history.Yura Halim wrote the book in the mid-1960s and the book was quite popular during its hey days and is considered a classic today.The bloody episode was sparked off by a cock fight between the son of the Sultan, Pengiran Muda Alam, and the son of the Bendahara. The Bendahara was Abdul Hakkul Mubin.The Bendahara, in the old days, is always the Sultan's right hand man. He can be considered as the Deputy Sultan or in these days, the equivalent of the Prime Minister.For Brunei, the Bendahara was the most senior of all the viziers (wazir) until the appointment of the Perdana Wazir in 1970.During the cockfight, the cock belonging to the son of the Bendahara Abdul Hakkul Mubin won. It defeated the cock belonging to the son of the Sultan, Pengiran Muda Alam. Pengiran Muda Alam was so enraged by the loss that he took out his keris and plunged it into the chest of the son of the Bendahara. The son of the Bendahara died from the fatal stabbing.Bendahara Abdul Hakkul Mubin was said to have loved that son so much that he too was enraged when he was informed of his son's death. He marched to the palace to confront the Sultan. The Sultan at that time was Sultan Muhammad Ali. The Bendahara asked for his son's death to be avenged.According to some, he was denied by Sultan Muhammad Ali. Though in the book, Mahkota Berdarah, the Sultan allowed him to enter into the palace to search for Pengiran Muda Alam. By the time he went in, Pengiran Muda Alam had escaped from the palace.The Bendahara was so enraged when he could not find Pengiran Muda Alam. He lost his temper and went amok and started killing people inside the palace including the Sultan's family. The Sultan who waited in the hall was shocked to see the Bendahara on a killing spree. He tried to stop the Bendahara but the Bendahara will no longer listen to reason.The Bendahara and his men took the Sultan and killed him by garroting him to death. His body was left lying on the grass lawn and up to now he is known as 'Marhum Tumbang Dirumput'. This death was to have taken place in November 1661. The Bendahara took the throne for himself. He crowned himself the Sultan of Brunei as Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin, Brunei's 13th Sultan.As Sultan, Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin tried to foster peace between him and the followers of Sultan Muhammad Ali by installing the latter's grandson, Pengiran Muhyiddin, as the new Bendahara.At first there was peace in the country. But underneath the peace, there was still simmering hatred for Sultan Hakul Abdul Mubin. Many of Sultan Muhammad Ali's followers implored to Bendahara Muhyidin to rebel against Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
ONE of the interesting islands in Brunei Bay is a small island called Pulau Cermin (cermin means mirror in Malay). Pulau Cermin as many Brunei historians know, is the site of the temporary palace of Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin, the 13th Sultan of Brunei and is the site of the only civil war in Brunei History.Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin stayed there for a while, retreating from Brunei's capital in Kampong Ayer. Another Sultan, Sultan Muhyiddin, took up the throne in Brunei's capital while Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mumin stayed at Pulau Cermin. It was the only time that Brunei had two Sultans.How did the civil war come about? The civil war between the two Sultans was described vividly in a Brunei Malay novel entitled Mahkota Berdarah (The Bloodied Crown). It was in fact quite a bloody time in Brunei history.Yura Halim wrote the book in the mid-1960s and the book was quite popular during its hey days and is considered a classic today.The bloody episode was sparked off by a cock fight between the son of the Sultan, Pengiran Muda Alam, and the son of the Bendahara. The Bendahara was Abdul Hakkul Mubin.The Bendahara, in the old days, is always the Sultan's right hand man. He can be considered as the Deputy Sultan or in these days, the equivalent of the Prime Minister.For Brunei, the Bendahara was the most senior of all the viziers (wazir) until the appointment of the Perdana Wazir in 1970.During the cockfight, the cock belonging to the son of the Bendahara Abdul Hakkul Mubin won. It defeated the cock belonging to the son of the Sultan, Pengiran Muda Alam. Pengiran Muda Alam was so enraged by the loss that he took out his keris and plunged it into the chest of the son of the Bendahara. The son of the Bendahara died from the fatal stabbing.Bendahara Abdul Hakkul Mubin was said to have loved that son so much that he too was enraged when he was informed of his son's death. He marched to the palace to confront the Sultan. The Sultan at that time was Sultan Muhammad Ali. The Bendahara asked for his son's death to be avenged.According to some, he was denied by Sultan Muhammad Ali. Though in the book, Mahkota Berdarah, the Sultan allowed him to enter into the palace to search for Pengiran Muda Alam. By the time he went in, Pengiran Muda Alam had escaped from the palace.The Bendahara was so enraged when he could not find Pengiran Muda Alam. He lost his temper and went amok and started killing people inside the palace including the Sultan's family. The Sultan who waited in the hall was shocked to see the Bendahara on a killing spree. He tried to stop the Bendahara but the Bendahara will no longer listen to reason.The Bendahara and his men took the Sultan and killed him by garroting him to death. His body was left lying on the grass lawn and up to now he is known as 'Marhum Tumbang Dirumput'. This death was to have taken place in November 1661. The Bendahara took the throne for himself. He crowned himself the Sultan of Brunei as Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin, Brunei's 13th Sultan.As Sultan, Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin tried to foster peace between him and the followers of Sultan Muhammad Ali by installing the latter's grandson, Pengiran Muhyiddin, as the new Bendahara.At first there was peace in the country. But underneath the peace, there was still simmering hatred for Sultan Hakul Abdul Mubin. Many of Sultan Muhammad Ali's followers implored to Bendahara Muhyidin to rebel against Sultan Hakkul Abdul Mubin.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Events led to Brunei independence in 1984
On December 31, 1983, thousands of citizens and residents of Brunei congregated at the Taman Sir Omar 'Ali Saifuddien for the proclamation of full independence on January 1, 1984, after the end of British protection for 96 years.
The independence meant a reinstatement of power to rule itself in defence and foreign affairs which was previously handled by Britain.
Hj Matali Jumat, 63, recalled how he stood and prayed in the rain at the Sir Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) mosque in the capital to rejoice the occasion.
The beat of hadrah (traditional drums) together with the thousands of voices of excitement and gratefulness from citizens will be etched in his memory forever, he said.
Suhaili Amat, who was 13-years-old then, said that thousands of students joined adults at the National Stadium to release doves and balloons into the sky at the crack of dawn to celebrate the nation-state's independence.
"Thousands of youths joined in the event. We had a marvelous time celebrating our nation-state's independence and history in the making. I am sad that the unity shown by the youths of our time is not reflected in the youths nowadays," he said, adding that youths must not undermine and forget this historic event.
"Remember that our forefathers worked very hard to achieve independence and we must always remember the significance of being an independent nation."
Hj Rozan Yunos, a senior government official, who was in the United Kingdom (UK) during the proclamation, commented that sadly, he could not attend the historic event. However, he said that the Bruneian students in the UK got together and pondered over expectations on how they could contribute in Brunei.
"I could remember vividly how proud I was when the Brunei High Comission called us to collect our brand new passport. I arrived in the UK with a British passport and returned home in the summer of 1984, proudly, on a Bruneian passport," he said.
"That, to me was the most important symbol of independence. I do not have to rely on another country's passport to travel freely throughout the world," he said, adding that the development of the country has changed immensely for the better ever since.
"I remember coming home every summer to see something new in Brunei. There were new houses being built for the Lambak Kanan Housing Scheme and new buildings keep popping up all over the place. We have developed tremendously since those early independence days," he added.
The proclamation, which was read by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, states that "Brunei shall be forever a sovereign, democratic and independent Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy) philosophy based upon the teachings of Islam according to Ahli Sunnah wal-Jema'ah..."
This was followed by chants of Allahu Akhbar, led by the late Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, and 21 cannon shots were fired. The ceremony ended with a recital of prayers by then Mufti Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja Datu Seri Utama Hj Ismail Umar Abdul Aziz. The first cabinet ministers led by His Majesty was also announced to ensure the execution of the country's administration and development plans.
Brunei will celebrate its National Day Silver Jubilee this year and celebrations will be held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on February 23.
The independence meant a reinstatement of power to rule itself in defence and foreign affairs which was previously handled by Britain.
Hj Matali Jumat, 63, recalled how he stood and prayed in the rain at the Sir Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) mosque in the capital to rejoice the occasion.
The beat of hadrah (traditional drums) together with the thousands of voices of excitement and gratefulness from citizens will be etched in his memory forever, he said.
Suhaili Amat, who was 13-years-old then, said that thousands of students joined adults at the National Stadium to release doves and balloons into the sky at the crack of dawn to celebrate the nation-state's independence.
"Thousands of youths joined in the event. We had a marvelous time celebrating our nation-state's independence and history in the making. I am sad that the unity shown by the youths of our time is not reflected in the youths nowadays," he said, adding that youths must not undermine and forget this historic event.
"Remember that our forefathers worked very hard to achieve independence and we must always remember the significance of being an independent nation."
Hj Rozan Yunos, a senior government official, who was in the United Kingdom (UK) during the proclamation, commented that sadly, he could not attend the historic event. However, he said that the Bruneian students in the UK got together and pondered over expectations on how they could contribute in Brunei.
"I could remember vividly how proud I was when the Brunei High Comission called us to collect our brand new passport. I arrived in the UK with a British passport and returned home in the summer of 1984, proudly, on a Bruneian passport," he said.
"That, to me was the most important symbol of independence. I do not have to rely on another country's passport to travel freely throughout the world," he said, adding that the development of the country has changed immensely for the better ever since.
"I remember coming home every summer to see something new in Brunei. There were new houses being built for the Lambak Kanan Housing Scheme and new buildings keep popping up all over the place. We have developed tremendously since those early independence days," he added.
The proclamation, which was read by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, states that "Brunei shall be forever a sovereign, democratic and independent Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy) philosophy based upon the teachings of Islam according to Ahli Sunnah wal-Jema'ah..."
This was followed by chants of Allahu Akhbar, led by the late Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, and 21 cannon shots were fired. The ceremony ended with a recital of prayers by then Mufti Pehin Dato Seri Maharaja Datu Seri Utama Hj Ismail Umar Abdul Aziz. The first cabinet ministers led by His Majesty was also announced to ensure the execution of the country's administration and development plans.
Brunei will celebrate its National Day Silver Jubilee this year and celebrations will be held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on February 23.
British Residental system in Brunei(1906-1959)
- Introduction in Brunei in 1906.
- Result of the Supplementary Protectorate Agreement signed on 31 December 1905 and on 3 January 1906.
- British Resident appointed to advise Sultan on all matter of administration except those touching on Islam.
- Better Administration
- Social welfare
- economics
- political
- Power of Sultan weakened
- Traditional responsibilities disrupted
- Resident did not work for Brunei's interest
- Locals could not head departments
- Land governed according to traditional land right
- Holders of Tulin and Kuripan territories rarely paid taxes to the Sultan.
- Land exactment Act of 1907
- All personal income earned through payments on territories became state revenue.
- Monopolies mainly controlled by Chinese businessmen
- Monopoly rights abolished(except for the Muara concession)
- Sultan and chiefs as lawmakers
- Police force began in Brunei.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Brunei during the Japanese Occupation
During the second world war,10,000 Japanese troops arrived at Kuala Belait on 16th December 1941.Within six days,they managed to occupy the entire country.Despite the agreement between the british and Brunei,the British did not defend Brunei at all.all they left was a tiny detachment of a Punjab Regiment in Kuching,Sarawak to protect the three territories of British Borneo.
Even though there was no plan to defend the country,there was a contingency plan to deny the Seria oilfields t the Japanese.For that the British did use that tiny detachment of the Punjab Regiment in order to supervise the so called denial measures.Such as,filling in of alll the oil welllsseptamber 1941.The Japanese concluded an agreement with Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin regarding the administration of Brunei.Inche Ibrahim who was the Secretary to the british Resident before the war,was appointed as the cheif Administrative Officer or Secretary acting under Japanese Governor
Pehin Ibrahim managed to protect a number of important state documents related to land titles.In his book 'Brunei Days',TS Monks,describe how Pehin Ibrahim managed to hide the important documents as well as convinced the Japanese of the need to have records of the past.
Japanese reorganized Brunei's administration.Brunei became one of five Japanese Prefectures in the former British Borneo or Kslimantan Utara.The Brunei Prefectures in the former included Baram,Labuan,Lawas and Limbang which were all former Brunei territories.This was the only time during modern times that all these territories were combined to form one Brunei.
Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin retained his throne during the War and was bestowed with a pension and Japanese honours.He had very little to do with the Japanese during the occupation and he together with the Royal family left Brunei to stay at temporary palace at Tantuya in Limbang
Most of the Malay government officers stayed put at their posts.They retained their salriesPehin Ibrahim tried to provide as best an effective government machinery as they could.
The Japanese tried to bring back into operation both the Seria and Miri Oilfields.Finally they did managed to bring 16 wells in these two areas and by the time of the surrender,they had brought output back to half pre-War productions.In Muara they also tried to bring back coal productions but these were fairly unsuccessful.
Dr Reece in is book,described the efforts done by the Japanese.These included creating community councils and women's organization(Kaum Ibu).A number of Bruneians were trained in Japan.
The Japanese tried tried to stir up anti-European sentimens.In schools,Japanese was taught to students as well as Government officers were required to learn Japanese in night classes.
The Japanese brought in a new currency popularly known by the locals as 'duit pisang'(banana money).The paper notes ranged from one cent to $1,000.By 1943,these notes became almost worthless.
Towards the end of the war,the former benevolent Japanese Governor was replaced .The Japanese became increasingly paranoid and life for many Bruneians became harder.Stocks of everything from food to medicine ran out.They suffered from malnutrition and endemic diseases.
From 1943.The Allied Forces attacked many ships and trade was at a standstill.The Japanese turned Brunei Bay and Labuan as a naval base.However it was useless.
On 10th June 1945,the Australians landed at Muara under 'Operation Oboe' to recature Brunei.They were supported by American air and naval units.Brunei town was captured in three days after heavy bombing campaign by the Allied Forces which virtually destroyed and flattened the city including the Mosque.The only thing left standing was a Chinese Temple,then located at the river front wharf.
The British Military Administration took over from the Japanes and stayed on until July 1946.
Even though there was no plan to defend the country,there was a contingency plan to deny the Seria oilfields t the Japanese.For that the British did use that tiny detachment of the Punjab Regiment in order to supervise the so called denial measures.Such as,filling in of alll the oil welllsseptamber 1941.The Japanese concluded an agreement with Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin regarding the administration of Brunei.Inche Ibrahim who was the Secretary to the british Resident before the war,was appointed as the cheif Administrative Officer or Secretary acting under Japanese Governor
Pehin Ibrahim managed to protect a number of important state documents related to land titles.In his book 'Brunei Days',TS Monks,describe how Pehin Ibrahim managed to hide the important documents as well as convinced the Japanese of the need to have records of the past.
Japanese reorganized Brunei's administration.Brunei became one of five Japanese Prefectures in the former British Borneo or Kslimantan Utara.The Brunei Prefectures in the former included Baram,Labuan,Lawas and Limbang which were all former Brunei territories.This was the only time during modern times that all these territories were combined to form one Brunei.
Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin retained his throne during the War and was bestowed with a pension and Japanese honours.He had very little to do with the Japanese during the occupation and he together with the Royal family left Brunei to stay at temporary palace at Tantuya in Limbang
Most of the Malay government officers stayed put at their posts.They retained their salriesPehin Ibrahim tried to provide as best an effective government machinery as they could.
The Japanese tried to bring back into operation both the Seria and Miri Oilfields.Finally they did managed to bring 16 wells in these two areas and by the time of the surrender,they had brought output back to half pre-War productions.In Muara they also tried to bring back coal productions but these were fairly unsuccessful.
Dr Reece in is book,described the efforts done by the Japanese.These included creating community councils and women's organization(Kaum Ibu).A number of Bruneians were trained in Japan.
The Japanese tried tried to stir up anti-European sentimens.In schools,Japanese was taught to students as well as Government officers were required to learn Japanese in night classes.
The Japanese brought in a new currency popularly known by the locals as 'duit pisang'(banana money).The paper notes ranged from one cent to $1,000.By 1943,these notes became almost worthless.
Towards the end of the war,the former benevolent Japanese Governor was replaced .The Japanese became increasingly paranoid and life for many Bruneians became harder.Stocks of everything from food to medicine ran out.They suffered from malnutrition and endemic diseases.
From 1943.The Allied Forces attacked many ships and trade was at a standstill.The Japanese turned Brunei Bay and Labuan as a naval base.However it was useless.
On 10th June 1945,the Australians landed at Muara under 'Operation Oboe' to recature Brunei.They were supported by American air and naval units.Brunei town was captured in three days after heavy bombing campaign by the Allied Forces which virtually destroyed and flattened the city including the Mosque.The only thing left standing was a Chinese Temple,then located at the river front wharf.
The British Military Administration took over from the Japanes and stayed on until July 1946.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
The loss of labuan
The history of Brunei's nearest island, Labuan, just off Brunei Bay had its start in the early days of the Brooke interference in Brunei's affairs. Labuan, until its forcible take over by the British in 1846 had been under the rule of the Sultan of Brunei ever since the Sultanate began.
Similarly, from the 14th century, the territory around Sarawak River (today's Kuching) was a province of Brunei. Its administration was headed by Datu Pattingi Sarawak who reported to a Cheteria, both appointed by the Sultan of Brunei. In 1824, the Cheteria was Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Mohamed Salleh.
Pengiran Indera Mahkota was educated in Batavia (Jakarta) and furthered his studies in Netherlands. In 1827, he was appointed as Governor of Sarawak. Sarawak flourished under him. He also developed its trade and increased its revenue by exporting antimony.
Antimony was used in the making of alloys. To get the antimony, local residents were forced to work in his mines.
In 1839, the residents there rebelled against him because of his oppressive rule. Brunei sent Pengiran Muda Hashim, the son of Sultan Muhammad Kanzul Alam to deal with the rebellion.
James Brooke attracted by the richness of the area also came there. Pengiran Muda Hashim asked for Brooke's assistance because Pengiran Muda Hashim had a long standing resentment against Pengiran Indera Mahkota. Five years earlier, Pengiran Muda Hashim visited Kuching but when he arrived, he was not personally welcomed by Pengiran Indera Mahkota.
Pengiran Indera Mahkota as the Governor of Sarawak opted to wait at the Hall of Audience instead.
At first James Brooke refused to help Pengiran Muda Hashim, but Brooke came back the next year and helped Pengiran Muda Hashim because he was offered the governorship of Sarawak in replacement of Pengiran Indera Mahkota if he could end the rebellion. Brooke managed to end the rebellion but he was not offered the governorship until he forced the issue in 1841. In 1842, Brooke sailed to Brunei to be confirmed Governor in exchange for paying an annual tribute.
In 1845 Pengiran Muda Hashim returned from Sarawak to Brunei, accompanied by a British naval captain, Sir Edward Blecher.
While in Sarawak, Pengiran Muda Hashim had lost his high status at home due to a palace coup in Brunei. His opponent Pengiran Usop has become Bendahara in his absence.
Brooke and the British Naval Forces forcibly re-installed Pengiran Muda Hashim as the Bendahara. Pengiran Muda Hashim also secured official recognition to become the next Sultan of Brunei.
This upset the chances of Pengiran Temenggong Pengiran Anak Hashim, the son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifudin II, who plotted to kill Pengiran Muda Hashim.
As might be expected, the foreign intervention in Brunei caused a great deal of unhappiness in the Brunei Court, Pengiran Muda Hashim was hated as he was regarded to be Brooke's protégé and his family's arrogant manner alienated the other Brunei nobles. In 1846, Pengiran Muda Hashim was murdered. Ranjit Singh in his book, Brunei 1839-1983 argued that the murder was not necessarily because it was an anti-British movement. Another view was that this was the culmination of a long drawn out feud between two branches of the royal family.
However Brooke considered the murder to be an insult to Britain. He asked Rear Admiral Thomas Cochrane that Brunei be punished.
The British hearing of these events, and pressured by British commercial interests, decided that this is a good opportunity for them to occupy Labuan. The other western powers had expanded in the region that Britain too realised the need to have a permanent harbour in northwestern Borneo.
Labuan was considered as a safe shelter and strategically sited to protect British interest in the region especially the China trade route. With the assistance of Brooke, Britain now sought to take over Labuan.
The Rear Admiral sent British warships from Singapore. In Brunei, there were minor exchanges of fire but the British gunships were able to destroy much of Brunei's defences.
The Sultan had to flee to Damuan. But Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II was eventually persuaded to return to accept the terms imposed by Brooke. The Sultan was also forced to sign a treaty on 2nd August 1846 allowing Brooke to become Sarawak's independent ruler and given territories from Tanjung Datu to Samarahan River. James Brooke now became the Rajah of Sarawak.
In a book written by Frank Maryatt, Borneo and the Indian Archipelago published in 1848, the description of the pressure that faced the Sultan was very intense. He, a midshipman with HMS Samarang was part of the party that came to seek an audience with the Sultan.
He was "ordered to lie on her oars abreast of the audience chamber, and to keep her 6-pounder, in where there was a fearful dose of grape and canister, pointed at the Sultan himself during the whole of the interview".
At the same time, in the main street (of the river), "lay the steamer, with a spring on her cable, her half ports up, and guns loaded to the muzzle, awaiting, as by instruction, for the discharge of the gun from the barge, to follow up the work of death. The platform admitted one of the steamer's guns to look into the audience chamber, the muzzle was pointed direct at the sultan, a man held the lighted tow in his hand. Every European on board had his musket ready loaded".
The British was surprised that despite such intense pressure, the Bruneians did not show any sign of fear. Frank Maryatt described the atmosphere "considering the natives were well aware that our guns were directed against them, the self-possession and coolness shared by every one of them were worthy of admiration. They never showed the slightest emotion, their speeches were free from gesticulation, and even their threats were conveyed in a quiet subdued tone; and every thing was carried on with all the calmness and deliberations that might be expected at a cabinet council at St James".
Soon after the signing of the 1846 treaty, the British put pressure on Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II to cede Labuan to the British. The Sultan refused and employed delaying tactics.
However the British navy lined up British warships near the Sultan's palace with cannons ready to fire if the Sultan refused to sign the treaty. The Sultan had no choice.
He signed the Treaty of Labuan on 18th December 1846. Six days later, the British occupied the island. It was on 24 December 1846 when Captain Mundy, commanding HMS Iris, took possession of Labuan, "in the Name of Her Majesty Victoria Queen of Great Britain and Ireland under the Direction of His Excellency Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, C.B., Commander-in-Chief".
The loss of Labuan was a big blog blow to Brunei. Labuan was considered as its only gateway in the sea to the outside world.
Subsequently Labuan became a Crown Colony in 1848 and part of North Borneo in 1890. It joined the Straits Settlements in 1906. During World War II, Labuan was occupied by the Japanese and renamed as Maida Island. Labuan joined British North Borneo in July 1946 and became part of Malaysia as the state of Sabah in 1963. In 1984 Labuan was ceded by Sabah to the federal government and made a federal territory.
Similarly, from the 14th century, the territory around Sarawak River (today's Kuching) was a province of Brunei. Its administration was headed by Datu Pattingi Sarawak who reported to a Cheteria, both appointed by the Sultan of Brunei. In 1824, the Cheteria was Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Mohamed Salleh.
Pengiran Indera Mahkota was educated in Batavia (Jakarta) and furthered his studies in Netherlands. In 1827, he was appointed as Governor of Sarawak. Sarawak flourished under him. He also developed its trade and increased its revenue by exporting antimony.
Antimony was used in the making of alloys. To get the antimony, local residents were forced to work in his mines.
In 1839, the residents there rebelled against him because of his oppressive rule. Brunei sent Pengiran Muda Hashim, the son of Sultan Muhammad Kanzul Alam to deal with the rebellion.
James Brooke attracted by the richness of the area also came there. Pengiran Muda Hashim asked for Brooke's assistance because Pengiran Muda Hashim had a long standing resentment against Pengiran Indera Mahkota. Five years earlier, Pengiran Muda Hashim visited Kuching but when he arrived, he was not personally welcomed by Pengiran Indera Mahkota.
Pengiran Indera Mahkota as the Governor of Sarawak opted to wait at the Hall of Audience instead.
At first James Brooke refused to help Pengiran Muda Hashim, but Brooke came back the next year and helped Pengiran Muda Hashim because he was offered the governorship of Sarawak in replacement of Pengiran Indera Mahkota if he could end the rebellion. Brooke managed to end the rebellion but he was not offered the governorship until he forced the issue in 1841. In 1842, Brooke sailed to Brunei to be confirmed Governor in exchange for paying an annual tribute.
In 1845 Pengiran Muda Hashim returned from Sarawak to Brunei, accompanied by a British naval captain, Sir Edward Blecher.
While in Sarawak, Pengiran Muda Hashim had lost his high status at home due to a palace coup in Brunei. His opponent Pengiran Usop has become Bendahara in his absence.
Brooke and the British Naval Forces forcibly re-installed Pengiran Muda Hashim as the Bendahara. Pengiran Muda Hashim also secured official recognition to become the next Sultan of Brunei.
This upset the chances of Pengiran Temenggong Pengiran Anak Hashim, the son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifudin II, who plotted to kill Pengiran Muda Hashim.
As might be expected, the foreign intervention in Brunei caused a great deal of unhappiness in the Brunei Court, Pengiran Muda Hashim was hated as he was regarded to be Brooke's protégé and his family's arrogant manner alienated the other Brunei nobles. In 1846, Pengiran Muda Hashim was murdered. Ranjit Singh in his book, Brunei 1839-1983 argued that the murder was not necessarily because it was an anti-British movement. Another view was that this was the culmination of a long drawn out feud between two branches of the royal family.
However Brooke considered the murder to be an insult to Britain. He asked Rear Admiral Thomas Cochrane that Brunei be punished.
The British hearing of these events, and pressured by British commercial interests, decided that this is a good opportunity for them to occupy Labuan. The other western powers had expanded in the region that Britain too realised the need to have a permanent harbour in northwestern Borneo.
Labuan was considered as a safe shelter and strategically sited to protect British interest in the region especially the China trade route. With the assistance of Brooke, Britain now sought to take over Labuan.
The Rear Admiral sent British warships from Singapore. In Brunei, there were minor exchanges of fire but the British gunships were able to destroy much of Brunei's defences.
The Sultan had to flee to Damuan. But Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II was eventually persuaded to return to accept the terms imposed by Brooke. The Sultan was also forced to sign a treaty on 2nd August 1846 allowing Brooke to become Sarawak's independent ruler and given territories from Tanjung Datu to Samarahan River. James Brooke now became the Rajah of Sarawak.
In a book written by Frank Maryatt, Borneo and the Indian Archipelago published in 1848, the description of the pressure that faced the Sultan was very intense. He, a midshipman with HMS Samarang was part of the party that came to seek an audience with the Sultan.
He was "ordered to lie on her oars abreast of the audience chamber, and to keep her 6-pounder, in where there was a fearful dose of grape and canister, pointed at the Sultan himself during the whole of the interview".
At the same time, in the main street (of the river), "lay the steamer, with a spring on her cable, her half ports up, and guns loaded to the muzzle, awaiting, as by instruction, for the discharge of the gun from the barge, to follow up the work of death. The platform admitted one of the steamer's guns to look into the audience chamber, the muzzle was pointed direct at the sultan, a man held the lighted tow in his hand. Every European on board had his musket ready loaded".
The British was surprised that despite such intense pressure, the Bruneians did not show any sign of fear. Frank Maryatt described the atmosphere "considering the natives were well aware that our guns were directed against them, the self-possession and coolness shared by every one of them were worthy of admiration. They never showed the slightest emotion, their speeches were free from gesticulation, and even their threats were conveyed in a quiet subdued tone; and every thing was carried on with all the calmness and deliberations that might be expected at a cabinet council at St James".
Soon after the signing of the 1846 treaty, the British put pressure on Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II to cede Labuan to the British. The Sultan refused and employed delaying tactics.
However the British navy lined up British warships near the Sultan's palace with cannons ready to fire if the Sultan refused to sign the treaty. The Sultan had no choice.
He signed the Treaty of Labuan on 18th December 1846. Six days later, the British occupied the island. It was on 24 December 1846 when Captain Mundy, commanding HMS Iris, took possession of Labuan, "in the Name of Her Majesty Victoria Queen of Great Britain and Ireland under the Direction of His Excellency Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, C.B., Commander-in-Chief".
The loss of Labuan was a big blog blow to Brunei. Labuan was considered as its only gateway in the sea to the outside world.
Subsequently Labuan became a Crown Colony in 1848 and part of North Borneo in 1890. It joined the Straits Settlements in 1906. During World War II, Labuan was occupied by the Japanese and renamed as Maida Island. Labuan joined British North Borneo in July 1946 and became part of Malaysia as the state of Sabah in 1963. In 1984 Labuan was ceded by Sabah to the federal government and made a federal territory.
The sultanate of Brunei~
The Sultanate of Brunei was very powerful from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century.[2] Its realm extended over the coastal regions of modern-day Sarawak and Sabah, the Sulu archipelago, and the islands off the northwest tip of Borneo. European influence gradually brought an end to this regional power. Later, there was a brief war with Spain, in which Brunei's capital was occupied. Eventually the sultanate was victorious but lost territories to Spain. The decline of the Bruneian Empire culminated in the nineteenth century when Brunei lost much of its territory to the White Rajahs of Sarawak, resulting in its current small landmass and separation into two parts. Brunei was a British protectorate from 1888 to 1984. Brunei was occupied by Japan from 1941 to 1945 during World War II.
There was a small rebellion against the monarchy during the 1960s, which was suppressed by the United Kingdom. This event became known as the Brunei Revolt and was partly responsible for the failure to create the North Borneo Federation. The rebellion also affected Brunei's decision to opt out of the Malaysian Federation and was the first stage of the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation. Islam was brought to the Sultanate of Brunei by Sharif Ali of Hejadz when he married the local Brunei princess. He became the third Sultan of Brunei and built many mosques in his lifetime.
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