Abdul Aziz Umar

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 (chief minister) from 1981 to 1983.

Abdul Aziz is recognised as Brunei's first minister of education and its last colonial chief minister. 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. A leading advocate for adopting (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.

Early life and education 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, Malaysian Borneo. 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.

Political career Early career

Abdul Aziz began his career in the Bruneian government on 20 October 1964, when he was appointed as an administrative service officer.

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, chairman of the municipal board in 1973, state secretary of Brunei from 1974 to 1981, and acting chief minister from 1 September 1981 to 31 December 1983.

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. 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. Minister of Communications Following the death of his father, the sultan announced a new cabinet on 20 October 1986 via Radio Television Brunei. 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. 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.

Minister of Education On 30 November 1988, Abdul Aziz resumed his role as minister of education.

Under his leadership, the school curriculum incorporated MIB, and the enforcement of Islamic law became notably strict. His tenure as vice-chancellor concluded in 1991. On 1 January 2001, he enacted the Emergency (Public Health) (Food) Order, 1998. 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.

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. On 10 April 2003, Abdul Aziz signed a memorandum of understanding in Jakarta, focusing on defence cooperation on behalf of Brunei. With the consent of the sultan, he established the Education (School Associations) Regulations, 2004, on 6 January 2004. Abdul Aziz concluded his tenure as education minister on 24 May 2005.

Later life On 7 April 2011, Abdul Aziz was appointed as a member of the Privy Council.

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. 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:

Personal life Abdul Aziz is married to Datin Paduka Hajah Zaharah binti Haji Idris, and they have five children, He had an elder brother, Haji Mohd Tahir (1923–2014), who also served in the government and as a public prosecutor. 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. The family resides at 16, Simpang 23, Kampong Serusop.

Titles, styles and honours Titles and styles On 5 September 1977, Abdul Aziz was honoured by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah with the manteri title of , bearing the style .

Awards He has been given the following awards: Outstanding Health Award Prominent Religious Award (2009) (24 September 2011) SEAMEO 50th Anniversary Recognition Award (7 May 2015) Distinguished Fellow Award, International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET)

Honours Abdul Aziz has been bestowed the following honours:

National

Universiti Brunei Darussalam Doctor in Literature (D.Litt.; 1996) Foreign United Kingdom:

University of Birmingham Doctor in Law (LLD; July 1994) Royal College of Surgeons Fellowship (1997) University of Liverpool Doctor in Law (LLD; 3 July 2000) Thailand:

Pakistan:

Jordan:

Malaysia: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Doctor of Engineering (DEng; 1991) India: Aligarh Muslim University Doctor in Letters (D.Litt.; 1999)