Omar Ali Saifuddien III

3.1. Accession and Coronation

Upon the sudden death of his brother, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin, in Singapore on 4 June 1950, who left no male heirs, Omar Ali Saifuddien was proclaimed the next Sultan by `Pengiran Pemancha<sup>Malay</sup>` Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Yasin at the Hall Government Office on 6 June 1950. He asserted his new authority by directing his late brother's burial at the Royal Mausoleum upriver, contrary to Tengku Raihani's preference.

At 2:30 p.m. on 6 June 1950, British Resident Pretty formally declared him as Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei. The origin of this decision, whether from Sarawak's Governor Anthony Abell or Brunei's Council of State, remained unclear. It was later revealed that Pretty had installed Omar Ali Saifuddien as sultan "against significant local opposition." Gerard MacBryan, during a news conference in Singapore on 7 June 1950, stated that Omar Ali Saifuddin's intended coronation would not be possible without the elements of the Brunei royal regalia he had obtained.

Omar Ali Saifuddien was formally crowned as the `Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan<sup>Malay</sup>` in the Lapau on 31 May 1951. In conjunction with his coronation, Queen Elizabeth II conferred upon him the Honorary Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). He later performed the Hajj pilgrimage in September of the same year.

3.2. Early Reign and Educational Reforms

Upon his ascension to the throne, Omar Ali Saifuddien also became the head of the Islamic religion in Brunei. One of his key initiatives was to raise the caliber and aptitude of local students by sending them to study overseas. In 1950, three Malay fifth-graders were transferred to Singapore's Al-Juned Arabic School, a number that increased annually. This scholarship program led to the graduation of the first local students from Al-Azhar University in 1963, with three Bruneians graduating from the university during his reign.

In May 1952, Omar Ali Saifuddien visited the United Kingdom. He later attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, London, on 2 June 1953. On 9 June, Queen Elizabeth II conferred upon him the Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG).

The Bruneian government allocated `10.65 M BND` for educational issues, a policy first presented in 1954. This policy aimed to determine the equipment for educational institutions, including secondary schools, adult education, and vocational training, for Brunei. The plan included the development of thirty schools, and free meals began to be served at each school starting in November 1953. The English-language Raja Isteri Girls' High School in Brunei Town was completed in 1957, offering education up to Form 3. Students would then proceed to Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College for Forms 4 and 5 after completing the Lower Secondary Certificate Examination. By 1966, other secondary schools like Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School in Brunei Town, Muda Hashim Secondary School in Tutong, and Sultan Hassan Secondary School in Temburong were also completed.

On 1 July 1954, the Sultan established the Department of Religious Affairs, which oversees all national administrative concerns pertaining to Brunei's Islamic Constitution. This plan incorporated aspects of Islam, including legal and educational issues, religious message-related activities, and social administration. In conjunction with this, two religious officials from Johor, Haji Ismail bin Omar Abdul Aziz and Haji Othman bin Mohammad Said, were brought to Brunei on 25 September 1954. The Bruneian government also began holding evening religious classes in September 1956 and provided scholarships for a limited number of students to pursue further education overseas at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt; Islamic College in Klang; and Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah in Singapore.

Based on the findings and suggestions of these officials, seven religious schools were established in Brunei on 11 October 1956, utilizing the premises of both Malay and English schools. Nine religious instructors invited from the State of Johor taught in these programs, which commenced in the afternoon after `Zuhur<sup>Arabic</sup>` (noon prayer). These religious schools were administered by the Department of Religious Affairs, with its director and administrator serving as the highest-ranking officials.

3.3. Constitutional Journey of Brunei

Omar Ali Saifuddien initiated the drafting of Brunei's first written constitution by forming a commission to gather feedback from locals across various regions. This commission, known as `Jawatankuasa Menyiasat Perlembagaan<sup>Malay</sup>` (JKPP) or `Tujuh Serangkai<sup>Malay</sup>`, comprised seven appointed members and demonstrated his willingness to consider public opinion despite his absolute power. Their mandate included collecting public feedback, producing a comprehensive report, and advising the Sultan on establishing district councils, reorganizing the State Council, and creating the Constitution.

The `Tujuh Serangkai<sup>Malay</sup>` toured all four districts of Brunei and produced a 50-page Malay report, which they presented to the Sultan on 23 March 1954, detailing public support for his constitutional goals. Brunei's constitution was drafted based on their findings under the Sultan's direction.

The first draft of Brunei's constitution, prepared by Sir Anthony Abell and his colleagues, aimed to protect Brunei's sovereignty and align with the goals of the country's Malay constitutional committee. On 16-17 December 1954, Abell, the Sultan, and his two `Wazir<sup>Malay</sup>`s, `Pengiran Bendahara<sup>Malay</sup>` Hashim Abdul Rahman and `Pengiran Pemancha<sup>Malay</sup>` Alam Abdul Rahman, met with British Resident John Orman Gilbert at Istana Darul Hana. These negotiations led to minor amendments, which were then submitted to the Colonial Office and unanimously accepted.

In 1955, District Advisory Councils were formed in each of the four districts. By mid-1955, Omar Ali Saifuddien's demands to secure roles for his `Wazir<sup>Malay</sup>`s in the Legislative and Executive Councils complicated the drafting of Brunei's constitution and disrupted British plans for parliamentary reorganization.

In 1956, A. M. Azahari's Brunei People's Party (PRB) gained popularity in Brunei by supporting the Sultan's status as a constitutional monarch while advocating for independence through constitutional means. Colonial authorities initially supported the PRB's goals but considered its demands for equal pay, worker welfare, ministerial governance, and public elections too extreme. The Sultan's resistance to British proposals led to strong opposition, which further solidified his determination to maintain local control, resulting in significant changes and deletions to the draft constitution.

In 1957, Omar Ali Saifuddien sent a team to London to negotiate the constitution with the British Government. The main topic of the 1957 London Negotiations was the `Rang Undang-Undang Perlembagaan Negeri Brunei<sup>Malay</sup>` (Brunei State Constitution Bill), drafted by Panglima Bukit Gantang in Brunei House in Singapore. Azahari attempted to communicate with British officials, but the Sultan's opposition ensured the PRB's recommendations were not considered. Consequently, Azahari accused the British of disregarding the aspirations of the populace, setting the stage for the 1962 revolt.

In 1958, the 1957 London discussions were revisited in Brunei. Omar Ali Saifuddien and Sir Anthony Abell met on 27 October at Istana Darul Hana to review the outcomes. On 2 November 1958, a special meeting chaired by the Sultan's adviser decided to send a delegation led by the Sultan himself to London for further constitutional negotiations. Dato Panglima Bukit Gantang and Neil Lawson were chosen to accompany the delegation as legal experts and consultants.

Following the Merdeka Talks, British authorities focused on Brunei's constitutional issues, summoning the Sultan to London in early 1959 to finalize the document with the Colonial Secretary. On 14 March, Omar Ali Saifuddien traveled via Singapore with ten members of his team to London for constitutional talks. These discussions culminated in the Brunei Agreement on 6 April 1959, marking a significant step towards implementing Brunei's constitution. The agreement satisfied the main requests of the 1954 Brunei Constitutional Committee, including the appointment of a `Menteri Besar<sup>Malay</sup>` (Chief Minister) and the adoption of staggered implementation measures beginning on 1 July.

Under this new constitution, five administrators were chosen: the `Menteri Besar<sup>Malay</sup>`, the State Secretary, the General, the State Finance Officer, and the Religious Advisor. Dato Ibrahim bin Mohammad Jahfar was appointed Brunei's first `Menteri Besar<sup>Malay</sup>`. The constitution of Brunei was officially signed in Brunei Town on 29 September 1959, by the Sultan and Sir Robert Scott, the Commissioner-General for Southeast Asia. The British delegation was led by Alan Lennox-Boyd, 1st Viscount Boyd of Merton, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and the British Government later accepted the draft constitution.

The constitution declared the Sultan as the Supreme Head of State, made Brunei responsible for its internal administration, and limited the British Government's responsibility to foreign and defense affairs only. The post of Resident was abolished and replaced by a British High Commissioner. Additionally, five councils were established: the Executive Council, Legislative Council (LegCo), Privy Council, Council Of Succession, and the State Religious Council. In his 43rd Birthday celebration speech on 23 September 1959, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III expressed his happiness with the success of the written constitution, stating that it represented a victory and a great change for Brunei, leading to internal self-government.

3.4. Economic Growth and Infrastructure

Brunei experienced rapid growth in its oil industry between 1950 and 1967. The first oil platform in Brunei was constructed off Seria in 1952. Three years later, Omar Ali Saifuddien officially opened a `14.00 M BND` gas pipeline installation. A year after that, the Seria oil field produced `114.70 K t` of oil per day.

The first National Development Plan (RKN), initiated in 1953, lasted five years. E. R. Bevington served as the National Development Commissioner. The LegCo allocated `100.00 M BND` for this project in July 1953. Key goals of this plan included providing sufficient water, constructing bridges, establishing telephone networks, erecting buildings, building electric power plants for the convenience of Bruneians, and widening highways for improved communication. A deepwater Muara Port was also constructed under this plan, and studies were conducted to provide electricity to rural areas.

Efforts were also made to eradicate malaria with the help of the World Health Organization. These efforts were successful, reducing malaria cases from 300 in 1953 to only 66 in 1959. The death rate also decreased from 20 per thousand in 1947 to 11.3 per thousand in 1953, attributed to improved public sanitation, drainage, and the provision of piped pure water.

Developments in education continued, with a written policy on education introduced in 1952. By 1958, educational expenditure totaled `4.00 M BND`. Communications were also improved with the construction of new roads and the completion of reconstruction works at Brunei Airport in 1954. A `14.00 M BND` gas industrial plant was built under the plan. In 1954, survey and exploration works were undertaken by Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) on both offshore and onshore fields. By 1956, oil production reached 114,700 bpd. The BSP was formally founded in 1957. With `705.00 K t` of natural gasoline produced from the gas pipeline in Seria, the yield of crude oil reached `39.50 M t`.

The Second RKN was launched in 1962, aiming to propel Brunei's economic and social development further. An indicator of economic growth was the increase in land allocated to commercial rice farming, which aimed to improve the nation's agricultural sector and reduce reliance on imported rice. People were also encouraged to cultivate crops such as coffee, bananas, wheat, and peanuts for local consumption and export. The plan also saw an increase in the production of meat and eggs, and the fishing industry increased its output by 25% during its course.

Brunei's first state election was held on 30 and 31 August 1962 to elect members to the Brunei LegCo, who would then participate in governmental policy discussions. Despite this, the Sultan retained absolute power and authority. Political parties that contested included the PRB, Barisan Nasional Organisation (BNO), and Brunei United Party (BUP). The PRB won the election.

In 1963, a major oil and gas field was discovered, making Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) increasingly important. Developments in the oil and gas sector continued actively, and oil production steadily increased thereafter. On 28 October 1964, he launched the first delivery through a `10 in` oil pipeline from the seabed off the coast of the Seria oil field.

3.5. Merger with Malaysia and the 1962 Revolt

When Tunku Abdul Rahman, the prime minister of the Federation of Malaya, announced his proposal for a merger of Singapore, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien initially saw this as an opportunity for Brunei to achieve independence from British influence. He sent a congratulatory telegraph to Tunku Abdul Rahman, signaling his support for the merger. He believed that Brunei, as a small country, still required the protection of a larger nation, and merging with Malaya and the other states was the only way to achieve this. This view was shared by Lee Kuan Yew, then-Prime Minister of Singapore. The Sultan considered the Federation of Malaya's proposals carefully, recognizing their potential impact on Brunei's nationality, its future, and the future of Islam. When the Malaysian Solidarity Consultative Committee (MSCC) first convened in Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) in August 1961, Brunei abstained from the proceedings. The MSCC held its second debate in Kuching in December 1961, followed by a third in Kuala Lumpur in January 1962.

The PRB, led by A. M. Azahari, who enjoyed considerable popular support, was against the merger. They argued that joining the Federation would not grant Brunei full independence, viewing it instead as a transfer of power from Britain to Malaya, effectively a form of neo-colonialism. On 8 December 1962, the PRB led a rebellion against the government. With British military aid deployed from Singapore, the rebellion was swiftly crushed, and the PRB was defeated. Notably, the 2nd Gurkha Rifles were sent to Brunei in 1962, the year the revolt began. Omar Ali Saifuddien and his son, Hassanal Bolkiah, were rescued from their palace by Digby Willoughby and a small group of Gurkha soldiers, earning the Sultan's unwavering gratitude.

After the rebellion, discussions about joining the proposed North Borneo Federation continued. Omar Ali Saifuddien sent a delegation to attend meetings of the Malaysian Solidarity Consolidation Committee (MSCC). The committee, chaired by Chief Minister of Brunei Dato Marsal bin Maun, sought the views of the people, which varied, with some supporting, some opposing, and others leaving the decision to the Sultan. Notably, in 1963, Omar Ali Saifuddien decided to open religious classes for adults. These classes, initiated by an emergency meeting of the Religious Affairs Committee on 7 January 1963, aimed to foster and protect loyalty to the Sultan by providing a better understanding of the importance of obeying Allah, the Prophet, and the Ruler.

In 1963, a meeting was held to discuss Brunei's prospective entry into Malaysia. However, arguments arose over differences regarding oil revenue and the federal government's right to taxation. Omar Ali Saifuddien was offended by Tunku Abdul Rahman's proposals, particularly the condition that Brunei would only retain and profit from its oil production for ten years, after which the Federal Government would acquire the proceeds. He also disapproved of the proposed rotational structure for the appointment of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, as it would place him at the lowest status among the sultans. The proposed five-year term for Omar Ali Saifuddien to serve as Malaysia's Yang Di-Pertuan Agong was another point of contention for the people of Brunei, as it would mean a wait of at least 30 years based on the existing rotation.

Singapore and Brunei were not present when the Malaysia Agreement was signed in London in July 1963. The initial date for the federation, 31 August 1963, was postponed to 16 September, but no agreement was reached between the two sides. Ultimately, the Federation of Malaysia was established in September 1963 without Brunei, as the Sultan chose not to join for these reasons.

3.6. Establishment of Islamic Education

Continuing his tradition of developing Islamic education, Omar Ali Saifuddien established a school where students could learn only Arabic. On 24 September 1964, he laid the "foundation stone" for the Hassanal Bolkiah Boys' Arabic Secondary School, which became the nation's first Arabic-language institution. At this event, he articulated his goals for the institution:
"The government is interested at this time to establish religious secondary schools with appropriate educational policies in accordance with the progress of time. They must learn Islamic knowledge, Sharī'ah, and Arabic language as well as knowledge of the country and the modern sciences."

The creation of local religious instructors from pupils who finished seven grades was a direct result of Omar Ali Saifuddien's religious education program. These "trained religious teachers" had to pass a specific exam and attend weekly sessions to become "Untrained Teachers." To further improve their abilities and enable them to become fully qualified "Trained Religious Teachers," evening religious training sessions were instituted five days a week for a year, starting on 22 May 1966.

Under his seventeen-year rule from 1950 to 1967, Brunei prospered and expanded quickly. He directed the government to revitalize the people's livelihood through national progress and development programs, which were effectively carried out and improved the welfare and quality of life of the populace. Mosques, `surau<sup>Malay</sup>`s (prayer halls), religious halls, government office buildings, and schools were built across the country to further the spread of the Islamic faith.

7.1. Limbang dispute

Upon his accession to the throne, Omar Ali Saifuddien maintained his predecessor's stance that the territories of Labuan and Limbang should be returned to Brunei. Although Sarawak and Sabah had been separated from Brunei long ago, he also advocated for their possible reunification into the Sultanate and a recreation of the old territorial extent of British Borneo. The Bruneian administration continued to demand the district's restitution from the Malaysian government until 1950. The Limbang dispute resurfaced in 1973 following the escape of Zaini Ahmad of the PRB, along with seven other detainees, via Limbang. Zaini was granted political asylum in Malaysia and was also permitted to open an office of the PRB. In response, the government of Brunei revived their claim to Limbang.

Omar Ali Saifuddien actively pursued this claim, gathering petitions from residents of Lower Limbang who expressed their wish to join Brunei by sailing up the Limbang River in a launch. This advocacy negatively impacted relations between the two countries, leading to anti-Brunei protests by the Sarawak government and Brunei's recall of all its students enrolled at Malaysian universities. His advocacy for the return of Limbang continued even after he abdicated.

7.2. Notable visits during his reign

Several notable foreign dignitaries visited Brunei during Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III's reign, reflecting Brunei's growing international engagement:

• On 21 October 1952, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, visited Brunei.
• In 1956, Abdul Razak Hussein visited Brunei.
• In 1957, Sir Christopher Cox visited Brunei.
• On 25 September 1958, the Sultan received visits from Syed Putra of Perlis, Hisamuddin of Selangor, Abu Bakar of Pahang, and Sir Anthony Abell, Governor of Sarawak, who attended the `Berkhatan<sup>Malay</sup>` (circumcision) ceremony of the Sultan's sons, Prince Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.
• On 6 July 1959, the Sultan received visits from Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the first Yang Di Pertuan Agong of the Federation of Malaya, and Tunku Kurshiah, the first Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaya.
• On 1 March 1965, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited Brunei.
• In January 1961, Sir Colin William Carstairs Turner visited Brunei.
• In October 1967, Major General David Noel Hugh Tyacke visited Brunei.

8.1. Admiration of Winston Churchill

He was a keen admirer of the wartime British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. In 1971, his admiration became clear when his son opened the world's only museum solely dedicated to Winston Churchill. Named the Churchill Memorial Building, Bandar Seri Begawan, its construction cost an estimated `5.00 M USD`. The opening ceremony was attended by Churchill's daughter, Mary Soames. Since its opening, it had been a notable tourist attraction in Brunei and gained recognition throughout Southeast Asia. The monument, which included Churchill's famed Victory sign standing at about `8 ft` tall, is now in storage. In 1992, in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's Ascension to the Throne celebrations, the memorial was renamed the Royal Brunei Regalia Building. In 2017, the building was further renamed the Royal Regalia Museum in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee.

8.2. Things named after him

Numerous places, institutions, and landmarks in Brunei have been named in honor of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, reflecting his profound impact on the nation:

• Brunei Town was renamed to Bandar Seri Begawan in honor of Omar Ali Saifuddien III, who later carried the title of `Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan<sup>Malay</sup>` on 4 October 1970.
• Jalan Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien is a prominent road in Pusat Bandar.
• Jalan Sultan Omar Ali is a road in Seria.
• Jalan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, a road in Berakas Camp.
• Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, a state mosque completed in 1958.
• Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Kampong Katimahar.
• Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College.
• Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College, a teacher-training university college in Batu Satu.
• Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia, spanning `19 mile <sup>(30 km)</sup>` and connecting Brunei-Muara District with Temburong District. It was named in recognition of his role as the "Architect of Modern Brunei" on 14 July 2020.
• Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, established on 30 September 2010.
• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College, established on 15 October 1951.
• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Pedestrian Bridge, located at the Eco-Corridor Park, Pusat Bandar.
• Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien is utilized as a major stadium and is a historical landmark where Brunei declared its independence in 1984.

8.3. Appearance in currency

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III's national importance is signified by his depiction on Brunei's currency:

• His portrait is depicted on the obverse of the 1967 issue of coins. The reverse of these coins, and all subsequent series, was designed by Christopher Ironside OBE. The coins issued were 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent.
• His portrait appears on all the first issue notes (dated 1967) in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 ringgit/dollar.
• His portrait is also depicted on Brunei's current issue 500 ringgit/dollar notes dated 2006 and 2013.
• An image of him crowning his son as his successor appears on the reverse of the commemorative 25 ringgit/dollar note dated 1992.

8.4. Honours

Omar Ali Saifuddien III received numerous national and foreign honors throughout his life and reign:

National

• 

  Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei (DKMB)

• 

  Family Order of Laila Utama (DK) - Dato Laila Utama

• 

  Order of Setia Negara Brunei First Class (PSNB) - Dato Seri Setia

• 

  Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei First Class (SPMB) - Dato Seri Paduka

• 

  Order of Islam Brunei First Class (PSSUB) - Dato Paduka Seri Setia

• 

  Order of Paduka Laila Jasa Keberanian Gemilang First Class (DPKG) - Dato Paduka Seri

• 

  Order of Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang First Class (DPKT) - Dato Paduka Seri

• 

  Order of Pahlawan Negara Brunei First Class (PSPNB) - Dato Seri Pahlawan

• 

  Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa First Class (PSLJ) - Dato Paduka Seri Laila Jasa

• 

  Order of Perwira Agong Negara Brunei First Class (PANB)

• 

  Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal (PHBS)

• 

  General Service Medal (Armed Forces)

• 

  Police Long Service Medal (PKLP)

• 

  Long Service Medal (PKL)

Foreign

• United Kingdom:

  • 

    Honorary Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) (1 May 1951)

  • 

    Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) (9 June 1953)

  • 

    Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO)

  • 

    Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (2 June 1953)

• Malaya:

  • 

    Honorary Recipient of the Order of the Crown of the Realm (DMN) (25 April 1958)

• Johor:

  • 

    First Class of the Royal Family Order of Johor (DK I) (11 February 1960)

  • 

    Sultan Ibrahim Diamond Jubilee Medal (1955)

• Selangor:

  • 

    First Class of the Royal Family Order of Selangor (DK I) (1961)

  • 

    Sultan Salahuddin Silver Jubilee Medal (3 September 1985)

8.5. Literary Works

Omar Ali Saifuddien III was renowned for his profound interest and contributions to literature, particularly poetry. His deep passion for literature was evident in his works, which often expressed his majesty's desire to strive for the nation's independence. His motifs and design patterns were integrated not only into fabric designs but also into architectural structures. Among his well-known poetic works are:

• `Syair Nasihat<sup>Malay</sup>` (Verses of Advice)
• `Syair Asli Rajang Hari<sup>Malay</sup>` (Traditional Horoscope Poem, 1967)
• `Syair Rajang Jenaka<sup>Malay</sup>`
• `Syair Perkakas Pekarangan<sup>Malay</sup>`
• `Syair Perlembagaan Negeri Brunei<sup>Malay</sup>` (Brunei State Constitution Poem, 1960)
• `Rampaian Laila Syair<sup>Malay</sup>` (1966), which includes:
  • `Syair Laila Hasrat<sup>Malay</sup>`
  • `Syair Laila Cinta<sup>Malay</sup>`
  • `Syair Laila Jenaka<sup>Malay</sup>`
• `Syair Rajang Jawi<sup>Malay</sup>`
• `Syair Kemerdekaan<sup>Malay</sup>` (Independence Poem, 1984)

9.1. Family

Omar Ali Saifuddien married Dayang Siti Amin binti Awang Hashim upon his return from Kuala Belait to Brunei Town in 1937. The couple later divorced in 1944 without having children. He sought to marry again, and on Saturday, 6 September 1941, at Istana Banderung Kayangan, he married his cousin, Pengiran Anak Damit binti Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, who was the great-granddaughter of Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin.

The royal wedding was conducted according to all traditional ceremonial customs of the royal family, including the custom of `bertunggu tunang<sup>Malay</sup>` (waiting for the fiancé). During the customary `Istadat Berjaga-jaga<sup>Malay</sup>` (night vigil) held every evening, various poems were recited, including `Syair Rakis<sup>Malay</sup>` (Rakis Poetry) by `Pengiran Shahbandar<sup>Malay</sup>` Pengiran Muhammad Salleh, `Syair Yang Di-Pertuan<sup>Malay</sup>` by `Pehin Siraja Katib<sup>Malay</sup>` Awang Abdul Razak, a poem by Pengiran Damit Sikitri bin Pengiran Sariful, `Syair Awang Semaun<sup>Malay</sup>`, and several `Syair Rajang<sup>Malay</sup>` by unknown authors. After an earlier meeting with a representative of the Limbang pengirans and Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin in February 1941, Gerard MacBryan successfully arranged settlements with both parties, resulting in Omar Ali Saifuddien receiving `2.00 K SGD` as a wedding present.

Omar Ali Saifuddien and Pengiran Anak Damit had 10 children:

• Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (born 1946)
• Prince Mohamed Bolkiah (born 1947)
• Princess Masna Bolkiah (born 1948)
• Princess Nor'ain Bolkiah (born 1950)
• Prince Sufri Bolkiah (born 1952)
• Prince Jefri Bolkiah (born 1954)
• Princess Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam (born 1956)
• Princess Amal Rakiah Bolkiah (born 1957)
• Princess Amal Nasibah Bolkiah (born 1958)
• Princess Amal Jefriah Bolkiah (born 1964)

On 13 September 1979, his wife, `Paduka Suri Seri Begawan Raja Isteri<sup>Malay</sup>` Pengiran Anak Damit, passed away. Afterward, he married `Pengiran Bini<sup>Malay</sup>` Pengiran Anak Hajah Salhah binti Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, who was also his sister-in-law, for the last time.

9.2. Personal Interests

Omar Ali Saifuddien was known for being an Anglophile. As a child, he enjoyed playing traditional Bruneian activities such as `pancak silat<sup>Malay</sup>` (a martial art), `main tatak garis<sup>Malay</sup>`, `kuit<sup>Malay</sup>`, and `main gasing<sup>Malay</sup>` (top spinning). He also occasionally assisted his father, Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, in his carpentry work, a pastime uncommon among regular children at the time. In addition, he enjoyed playing hockey, football, chess, hunting, speedboat racing, squash, badminton, tug of war, and swimming. These were simply pastimes he enjoyed with his friends.

He also had a passion for collecting items that sparked his curiosity, such as weapons, walking sticks, `keris<sup>Malay</sup>` (a type of dagger), and firearms. He was particularly fascinated by the artistic craftsmanship and ornamental patterns on his amassed collection of walking sticks.

In his free time, especially after the `Isyak prayers<sup>Malay</sup>`, he enjoyed reciting `zikir<sup>Malay</sup>` songs with `Pehin-Pehin Manteri Ugama<sup>Malay</sup>` to become proficient with those he knew and to learn new ones. He also enjoyed paying surprise visits to people he knew at their residences, the reasons for which he never explained, making them difficult for those present to grasp. He occasionally engaged in gardening, tilling the lawn and excavating areas. Typically, Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim, Pengiran Haji Abdul Kadir, and Pengiran Haji Sulaiman accompanied him on his trips to Muara for net fishing. Apart from these pursuits, he was also known for designing national medals and, as mentioned previously, was a prolific poet.