Matnor McAfee

Matnor McAfee (born Patrick G. McAfee; 30 September 1922 – 15 February 1973) was a Labuan-born administrative officer and civil servant in the Government of Brunei who formerly took office as the acting State Secretary from 1972 to 1973 and was a member of the Council of Ministers. He had a distinguished career in government of Brunei, having served in various departments across Brunei before and after World War II.

Early life and education Patrick G. McAfee, later known as Matnor McAfee, was born in Labuan (now part of Malaysia) on 30 September 1922. in Labuan from 1917 to 1920 and in Brunei from 1921 to 1928. He received his education at an English school in Labuan.

Career In 1939, McAfee began working at Brunei's Public Works Department (JKR) as a multi-day meter reader. He began working as an office assistant a year later, and in 1941 he was given a promotion to monthly wage clerk. The Japanese detained him in Labuan from 1944 until 1946 during World War II. While there, he worked for the Australian Army's 9th Division of the Australian Military Police at that period as an interpreter. Later, he started working for the Health Office in Labuan, but in late 1946, he went back to Brunei and rejoined the JKR as a class "B" clerk. He moved to the Customs Department three years later to take up the same position. During their tour, they aimed to gather public feedback and explain the local government plan. Despite their efforts, the initiative faced considerable opposition, largely fueled by concerns from Malay schoolteachers regarding potential taxation and fears of colonial dominance. Many Bruneians were apprehensive that their influence would diminish under the new system, especially given the rising popularity of the Parti Rakyat Brunei (PRB). Subsequently, McAfee was appointed as the district officer for Tutong, effective 11 March 1959.

He was put to work in the Personnel Department upon his return, and in 1956 he went to Kuching for a Local Government Conference. After that, he started working in the office of the resident assistant, acting as Brunei Town's secretary until 1957. He was temporarily named acting District Officer of Brunei later that year, and from December 1957 to March 1958, he was District Officer in Seria, where he also held the position of Class II judge. In September 1958, McAfee received a promotion to Level II Administrative Officer. From March to April 1959, he also held the temporary post of Tutong District Officer. McAfee was among those dispatched to watch general elections with the introduction of 1959 Constitution of Brunei. He was moved to the Secretariat Office later that year, and in 1961 he was appointed Supervisor of Elections. McAfee spent two years in Temburong before being reassigned in 1964 to supervise the General Election Office.

On 1 November 1970, he transitioned to the Immigration Department as deputy Immigration Controller. Later in his career, he was a member of the Council of Ministers,

Personal life McAfee's notable children include Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Ahmad, who served as the director of the Narcotics Control Bureau from 1988 to 1992, Senior Superintendent (Retired) Johari, who is the Chief Secretariat of the Safety and Traffic Committee within the Royal Brunei Police Force, and Hajah Fatimah.

Honours McAfee has been bestowed the following honours: