Ahmad Tajuddin

Ahmad Tajuddin Akhazul Khairi Waddien احمد تجا الدين
File:Ahmadtajuddin.jpg Sultan Sir Ahmad Tajuddin Akhazul Khairi Waddien
Sultan of Brunei
Reign	September 11, 1924 - June 4, 1950
Coronation	March 17, 1940
Predecessor	Muhammad Jamalul Alam II
Successor	Omar Ali Saifuddien III
Born	(1913-08-22)August 22, 1913 Brunei Town, Brunei
Died	June 3, 1950(1950-06-03) (aged 36) Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
Burial	Kubah Makam Di Raja
Spouses	Kadayang Amas Tengku Ampuan Raihani ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ala'uddin Sulaiman Shah (1934–1950 his death)
Issue Detail	4 children (4 daughters), 1. YTM Pengiran Anak Datin Seri Setia Hjh Siti Saerah (Belabab Basar) 2. YTM Pengiran Anak Siti Zubaidah (Belabab Tangah) 3. YTM Pengiran Anak Datin Seri Setia Hjh Siti Halimah (Belabab Damit) 4. YTM Pengiran Anak Puteri Hjh Noorehsani
Father	Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II
Mother	Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Fatimah
Religion	Sunni Islam

Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Sir Ahmad Tajuddin Akhazul Khairi Waddien ibni Almarhum Sir Sultan Mohammad Jamalul Alam II (commonly referred to as Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin), KBE, CMG (August 22, 1913 – June 3, 1950) was the 27th sultan of Brunei from September 11, 1924 until his death.

His reign represented the start of a new era in Brunei. The discovery of oil changed the whole course of Brunei's history and enabled faster development in all sectors of the country. The expansion and improvement of formal education and his encouragement of religious education were some of his additional contributions to Brunei Darussalam.

Biography

Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin was born on August 22, 1913 at the Palace in Brunei Town. He is the fifth child of 10 children to the late Sultan Sir Muhammad Jamalul Alam II and his wife, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Siti Fatimah. His younger brother Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien will became his future successor.

Early Education

He received his early education in the palace. Teachers who had been assigned to teach him is Cikgu Salleh Hj Masri. Salleh Haji Masri was one of the famous freedom fighters with anti-colonial sentiments. His relationship with Salleh is close and good. Not only him, there are also the sons of the chiefs of state also accompanied him learn.

In those days, has become a tradition, the royal family will receive their early education at the Palace of adapting themselves with the knowledge of modern education before they step into the realm of more formal schooling. In contrast to him, he did not enter formal schooling because of the influence of the royal custom that is still strong at that time, which did not allow him to learn along with the common people despite the fact that the system of modern education was started in Brunei since 1914.

In terms of religious education, since early childhood, he was educated in a variety of knowledge about the religion of Islam. His parents also invite scholars and intellectuals in the Palace of religious knowledge to teach the royal family, reading the Quran and anything related to religion.

Ascension to the Throne

Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin ascended the throne on 21 September 1924, after the death of his father, Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II. Due to his young age of 11, the reign was temporarily held by a Council of Regency which consisted of Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammad Yassin from September 11, 1924 to September 19, 1931.

The ceremony was attended by the British Resident in Brunei at that time, Mr. E.E.F. Pretty.

Studying in England

He sailed for England in 1932. Before that, he had learned English from Mr. H.F. Stalley. He was in England for a year to learn the English language and a description of the western civilization. He was the first Sultan in history, went to explore the western world, more than his father, who had sailed to Singapore and Labuan.

Marriage

Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin was married to Tengku Raihani, the eldest daughter of Sultan Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah of Selangor on 30 April 1934, when he was 20 years old. Tengku Raihani was crowned as Tengku Ampuan of Brunei on 17 March 1940. In conjunction with his wedding ceremony, he has ordered a new palace to be build and named 'Istana Mahkota Khairani', where he and his wife lived. He also intends to change the name of Masjid Brunei became Ahmedia Mosque. However, upon completion of his wedding ceremony, a new palace was named Istana Mahkota and Brunei Mosque retained its name.

Family

His marriage to Tengku Ampuan Raihani, saw them welcome a daughter, named Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Puteri Noor Ehsani, born on 15 October 1935. According to her husband, Tengku Pengiran Abdul Aziz, the actual name given by Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin to his eldest daughter was Pengiran Anak Puteri Niswanil Ehsanil Burniah.

Before he married Tengku Ampuan Raihani, he was already married with Kadayang Amas (Maskaton) binti Ampuan Salleh, came from an ordinary family, from Kampong Sultan Lama. They were blessed with 3 daughters,

• Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Datin Seri Setia Siti Saerah (Balabab Besar), born in 1928.
• Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Datin Seri Setia Siti Zubaidah (Balabab Tengah)
• Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Datin Seri Setia Siti Halimah (Balabab Damit), born in 1935, died in 2009.

As he did not have a son, he had taken two adopted son. They were,

• Awang (later Haji) Samat bin Mudim Yahya.
• Awangku Bakar (died in Tantaya during the Japanese Occupation in Brunei).

Descendants

• Tengku Putra Muhammad Fawzi, eldest son of Pengiran Anak Puteri Noor Ehsani.
• Tengku Farouk, second son of Pengiran Anak Puteri Noor Ehsani.
• Tengku Putra Muhammad Harris Fadzillah, youngest son of Pengiran Anak Puteri Noor Ehsani.

Coronation ceremony

The Coronation ceremony of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin as Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam was held on March 17, 1940. Before that, he appoint and bestow titles to the chiefs of the country, particularly to those who served the country. In conjunction with his coronation ceremony, King George VI bestowed on him The Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, CMG, as had been suggested by Sir Shenton Thomas, High Commissioner for the Malay states to the British government.

A few days after completion of the coronation ceremony, the Sultan and the royal family visited Singapore, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang.

Important events during His Highness's reign

It was during the reign of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin that saw Brunei Darussalam having her own national anthem "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" or "God save the Sultan". In 1947, the national anthem was composed by Awang Besar Sagap and lyrics written by Pengiran Mohammad Yussof Bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim.

That same year, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin bestowed the title "wazir" to his brother, Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien.

The Japanese Occupation in Brunei

During the Japanese Occupation in Brunei, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin approve the establishment of Brunei Volunteer Force (BVF) and Special Police Force in preparation for the British to stop the Japanese invasion to Brunei. He was appointed as Honorary Colonel of BVF.

After BVF surrendered to Japanese forces, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin was forced to hand over his powers to the army of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese recognize him as the head of the Islamic religion and the Royal Customs. It is as long as he is still working with them. He advised to retire and receive a monthly pension from the government of Japan. Endorsed his position under the control of a governor, who was appointed as an advisor. This means that the Sultan of loss of power and authority. During the Japanese rule, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin was awarded medals of honor by the Emperor of Japan.

Retreat to Tantaya, Brunei liberation from Japanese rule

In mid-1945, when the Japanese forces were almost to be defeated, a plan was made to save the Sultan and the royal family from the Japanese military violence that increasingly rampant. Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and the royal family have retreated together with loyal palace officials, hiding and saving themselves in Awang Haji Kasim bin Awang Hj Tamin, Tantaya's village headman.

In Tantaya, he had built a small palace, and he lived in the palace for about 3 months. The palace was guarded and protected by the villagers to prevent a surprise attack from Japanese forces by air. While he was in Tantaya, he lived like ordinary citizens and protected by the villagers. While at Tantaya, he liked to eat 'Pulut Mangat' which was often given by Awang Kasim.

After the Japanese surrender, and Brunei is ruled by the Allied Forces, His Majesty and the royal family returned to Brunei Town, from Tantaya on Thursday at about 3:00 am. He was immediately taken to the British Army Headquarters at Bubongan Dua Belas, Residency Road. From here, he went to Istana Parit, KM2, Jalan Tutong.

Silver Jubilee celebration

Four years after the end of World War II, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin celebrated his silver jubilee celebrations, in conjunction with the 25th year of his reign. It took place on 22 September 1949. In conjunction with his Silver Jubilee, he bestow the Silver Jubilee Medal to Abang Haji Mustapha Datu Bandar bin Abang Haji Moasili, for recognition of his merits in the celebration of his Silver Jubilee celebration.

Political ambitions

In early June 1950, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin went to the United Kingdom via Singapore, to hold talks with British Colonial Secretary and King George VI, to pave the way for negotiations in making Brunei a sovereign state in the international arena. The main agenda is considered important by him, was to discuss the rise in crude oil royalty, and for the future of politics Brunei, and subsequently revised 1906 Agreement. During his stay in England later, he also wanted to have some medical examination on his health condition.

In the meantime, he will also negotiate some elements related to the sovereignty of Brunei, among others, raised the question of Brunei territories which have been submitted to the British Government, such as Labuan, Sarawak and Limbang. He once said about this to Mr. Gerald MacBryan,

...the cession of Sarawak by the Rajah of Sarawak was quite wrong and that my authority for it was never asked nor even given

— Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin

In addition, he also intends to negotiate the establishment of a unified Borneo, including Sarawak, North Borneo and Brunei.

Sickness and Death

When Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin made a stopover in Singapore, before proceeding to the United Kingdom, he fell ill, and admitted to the Singapore General Hospital on June 3, 1950. His arrival at the hospital accompanied by Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, the British Commissioner-General for Southeast Asia. According to Dr. Monteiro who treated him, because of his deteriorating health at the time, so his departure to London must be postponed or canceled because he had bleeding in the stomach and it requires a blood transfusion. His Highness passed away on Saturday, June 3, 1950, because of no reaction to blood transfusion which was performed on him. He went into a coma, a few hours before his death.

Funeral

When news of his death spread, the Crown Prince of Johor, Tengku Ismail went to Singapore General Hospital, to bring the body to the late Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin to Istana Besar, Johor Bahru. As a sign of respect on his death, the Singapore government declared all government buildings in Singapore to fly the flag at half mast for two days. In Johor Bahru, his body was washed and covered with white cloth by Syed Salim bin Syed Hasan, the Chief Qadhi of Johor while the funeral prayer, led by the Mufti of Johor, Syed Alwi Al-Hadad. Upon completion of his funeral, His body was laid in state at the foyer of the Istana Besar Johor Bahru, to provide opportunities for national dignitaries, senior government officials and local community leaders from different ethnic and religious, to pay their respects to the late king, and give condolences to his wife. These includes;

• Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, the British Commissioner-General for Southeast Asia.
• Sir Henry Gurney, British High Commissioner to Malaya.
• Sir Franklin Charles Gimson, the Governor of Singapore.

On June 5, 1950, his coffin was taken to the Singapore Airport to be flown to Labuan with the British Royal Air Force, RAF Dakota, accompanied by his wife and the royal family. Before the plane took off to Labuan, many national dignitaries and foreign ambassadors, present at the Singapore Airport, to pay their respects to the late king. Among them were;

• The Sultan of Selangor, his wife and the Crown Prince of Selangor.
• Mr. A.D. York (on behalf of Malcolm MacDonald).
• F.J. Mellersh, A.O.C. Malaya.
• Mr. R.J. Curtis, British advisor to Selangor.
• The Crown Prince of Johor and his wife.
• Mr. Bradley and Mr. G.T. MacBryan.
• Dato Wan Idris, Acting Chief Minister of Johor.

In the state of Kelantan, all government departments, have been directed flying the flag at half mast for three days in a row, as a sign of mourning over his death. Meanwhile, in Penang, most merchant ships were ordered to fly the flag at half mast today Monday, June 5, 1950. As soon as the plane that carries his coffin, arrived at Labuan Airport, coffins were met with a parade of honor, composed of members of the Police Force to pay their respects to the late king. His coffin was then taken to the jetty, to be brought to Brunei, using ship.

When the ship carrying his coffin, arrived in Brunei Town, it was greeted with sorrow and sadness by the Royal Family, State Dignitaries, VIPs, senior government officials, and the people in attendance, and his coffin was then taken to the Palace with special vehicles. His coffin was laid in state at Istana Mahkota, and then, at the General Office of the Government of Brunei, to give a last chance to the State Dignitaries, VIPs, senior government officials, and the people to pay their last respects to the late Sultan before the funeral ceremony take place.

Before the interment ceremony, on June 6, 1950, his brother, Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuara Pengiran Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, was installed as the 28th Sultan of Brunei. The coffin of the late king, was carried out of the Palace, head to the Royal Mausoleum, accompanied by his younger brother, the new sultan, the royal family, dignitaries of the country, and the people, to be laid to rest at the Royal Mausoleum. His Highness was laid to rest beside his father,Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II and his grandfather, Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin.

Mr. Malcolm MacDonald once speak about His Highness Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin,

He was one of the most colurful personages whom I have ever met and we had many interesting times together. I shall always miss his lively personality of future visits to Brunei. He was the scion of an ancient royal house. For centuries it has ruled the State of Brunei which is historic and of great importance in the annals of South East Asia. Today our sympathy goes out to the late Sultan's consort and family and to his people who mourn his passing.

— Letter fro Malcolm MacDonald to the British Resident in Brunei, 5 June 1950

Aftermath

After his death, his wife and daughter, settled in Kuching, before returning back to Selangor. In 1960, In 1960, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III was informed by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah, that Tengku Ampuan Raihani will marry Raja Kamaluddin bin Raja Haji Harun, A member of Perak's royal family. He stated that if Tengku Ampuan Raihani was married to someone else, then she can no longer wear the Royal Regalia, and her monthly allowance will be terminated. Tengku Ampuan Raihani died in mid-1990.

Books

• Panduan Keselamatan (Safety Guides), written in 1939.
• Reign of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin - Government, Community, and Change, written in 2011 by Haji Muhaimin bin Haji Mohamed.

Honours

• King George V Silver Jubilee Medal - 1935
• King George VI Coronation Medal - 1937
• Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) - 1940
• Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) - 1949