Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Akhazul Khairi Waddien
Reign 11 September
1924 – 4 June 1950
Coronation 17
March 1940
Predecessor Muhammad
Jamalul Alam II
Successor Omar
Ali Saifuddien III
Born 22 August
1913 Brunei Town, Brunei
Died 3 June 1950
(aged 36) Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
Burial : Kubah Makam
Di Raja
Spouse :
- 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 (22 August 1913 – 3 June 1950)
was the 27th sultan of Brunei from 11 September 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 22 August 1913 at the
Palace in Brunei Town. He was 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 succeeded him
after his death.
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.
Accession 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 Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman and Pengiran
Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammad Yassin from 11 September 1924 to 19
September 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 civilisation. 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 built and named 'Istana Mahkota Khairani', where he and his
wife lived. He also intended to change the name of Brunei Mosque to 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 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,
- Pengiran Anak Datin Seri Setia Siti Saerah (Balabab Besar), born in 1928, died in November 2013.
- Pengiran Anak Datin Seri Setia Siti Zubaidah (Balabab Tengah)
- 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 sons.
They were,
- Awang (later Haji) Samat bin Mudim Yahya.
- Awangku Bakar (died in Tantaya during the Japanese occupation of Brunei).
Pengiran Anak Datin Seri Setia Siti Halimah was married to
Pengiran Haji Mohd Ya'akub bin Pengiran Temenggong Sahibul Bahar Pengiran Haji
Mohammad.
The grandsons and granddaughters of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin
from this marriage;
- Pengiran Anak Hj Baharuddin
- Pengiran Anak Hjh Roheda
- Pengiran Anak Nooraloyun
- Pengiran Anak Baharulalam
- Pengiran Anak Hisamuddin
- Pengiran Anak Hjh Maharpajun
- Pengiran Anak Ishaq
- Pengiran Anak Hjh Nooraini
- Pengiran Anak Hjh Siti Zainon
Some of the Great grandsons and granddaughters of Sultan
Ahmad Tajuddin;
- Ak Khalil Azim bin Pengiran Anak Baharul Alam
- Dk Maimun Khalilah binti Pengiran Anak Baharul Alam
- Ak Abdul Hafeez bin Pengiran Anak Baharul Alam
- Ak Muhammad Amir Salman bin Pengiran Anak Hisamuddin
- Dk Siti Akmaliah binti Pengiran Anak Hisamuddin
- Dk Naqibah Qistina binti Pengiran Anak Hisamuddin
- Ak Abdul Rahman Muhammad Mustapha bin Pengiran Anak Ishaq
- Ak Hambali Nur Taufiq Minallah bin Pengiran Anak Ishaq
- Ak Muhammad Amirul Rasyiddin bin Pengiran Anak Ishaq
- Ak Muhammad Haqqul Matiin bin Pengiran Anak Ishaq
- Dk Siti Nur Amalina binti Pengiran Anak Ishaq
- Dk Amal Lailatul Amirah binti Pengiran Anak Ishaq
- Ak Muhammad Nur Baaqy bin Pengiran Anak Ishaq
Descendants
- Tengku Putra Muhammad Fawzi, eldest son of Pengiran Anak Puteri Noor Ehsani.
- Tengku Putra Amir 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 of Ahmad Tajuddin as Sultan and Yang Di
Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam was held on 17 March 1940. Before that, he
appointed and bestowed 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 Ahmad Tajuddin's reign
It was during the reign of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin that saw
Brunei Darussalam having its own national anthem "Allah Peliharakan
Sultan" or "God save the Sultan". In 1947, the national anthem
was composed by Besar bin 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
Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and members of his court, 20 April
1941.
With the likelihood of war with Japan increasing, in 1941,
the British began to encourage the establishment of local defence forces in
Brunei, and neighbouring Sarawak and Borneo. Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin approved the
establishment of the Brunei Volunteer Force and Special Police Force to assist
the British stop the Japanese invasion to Brunei. An estimated 200 Bruneians
initially volunteered, but by the time of the invasion few remained and no
Allied troops were stationed in Brunei. The Sultan was appointed an Honorary
Colonel of the force.[1]
After the surrender to the Japanese in December 1941, Sultan
Ahmad Tajuddin was forced to hand over his powers to the Japanese occupation
army. The Japanese continued to recognise the Sultan as the head of the Islamic
religion and the Royal Customs so long as he co-operated with them. He was
advised by the Japanese to retire and offered a monthly pension together with
medals of honour from the Emperor of Japan.
Retreat to Tantaya,
Brunei liberation from Japanese rule
Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin together with his wife and party in
perahu after their journey from the village of Tentayer, whence they fled
during the bombing of Brunei.
By mid-1945 the Japanese were facing defeat and their forces
in Brunei were becoming more violent in their actions toward the populace. A
plan was made to save the Sultan and the royal family from this increased
Japanese military violence. Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and the royal family,
together with loyal palace officials, were hidden by Kasim bin Tamin the
village headman of Tantaya.
A small palace had been built in Tantaya and the Sultan
lived there for about three months until Brunei was retaken by the Australian
army. The palace was guarded by the villagers to prevent any surprise attack by
the Japanese. While the Sultan was in Tantaya he lived like an ordinary
citizen. He liked to eat 'Pulut Mangat' which was often given to him by Kasim.
After the Japanese surrender the Sultan 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.
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 3 June 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 cancelled because he had bleeding in the stomach and it requires a blood
transfusion. The Sultan went into a coma and died a few hours later on 3 June
1950 after his body did not respond to blood transfusions.
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, the
Singaporean 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 Grand
Palace of 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 monarch, and give condolences
to his wife.
These include:
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 5 June 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, 5 June 1950. As soon as the
plane that carries his coffin, arrived at Labuan Airport, coffins were met with
a parade of honour, 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 6 June 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 colourful 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 from Malcolm MacDonald to the British Resident in
Brunei, 5 June 1950
Aftermath
After his death, his wife and daughter, settled in Kuching,
before returning to Selangor. 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.
Places named after
him
Sekolah Rendah Ahmad Tajuddin, a primary school in Kuala
Belait was named after the Sultan.
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
Source : Wikipedia
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