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Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar
 Ibrahim bin Mohammad Jahfar (17 September 1900 – 19 February 1971) was an aristocrat and politician who became Brunei's first Menteri Besar, serving from 29 September 1959 to 1 August 1962. He played a key role in advising Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III on significant developments, including the National Development Plan and the drafting of Brunei's written constitution. Throughout his career, Ibrahim held several important positions, including private secretary to the Sultan, Speaker of the Legislative Council, member of the Privy Council, and Secretary of State to the British Resident. Early life and educationIbrahim was born in Labuan on Friday, 17 September 1900.[1] His origin can be traced from the Malay Peninsula and Lingga archipelago His father was Tengku Mohammad Jaafar bin Tengku Mohammad Saad bin Tengku Besar Wok Daud bin Sultan Abdul Rahman Syah I (Sultan of Lingga-Riau-Johor Pahang) bin Sultan Mahmud Syah III (Marhum Daik Lingga). It was believed that his family's move to Brunei began around the turn of the 20th century, when his father, he started attending English school in Labuan in 1914.[2] CareerIbrahim first worked as a clerk and a store supervisor. At this time, he also got an opportunity to learn English Language from A. V. Lingam. Six months after that, he worked as a dresser for six-months. In June 1917, he went to Brunei,[2] accompanying Geoffrey Cator, the British Resident of Labuan who got transferred to Brunei. He then worked as trainee at the Financial Office, and later, as a clerk at Custom Department till January 1918. While pursuing his studies, he worked at Singapore Audit Office. He returned to Brunei in December 1918. On his return, he worked as assistant post office clerk until December 1918. He then worked at the Resident Office and Land Department as a clerk. In March 1922, he led a delegation to Singapore to represent Brunei in the Borneo Malaya Conference.[3] In November 1928, Ibrahim was appointed Administrative officer at the Resident's office.[4] In March 1930, he was appointed Assistant Land Tax Collector. In June 1932, he was appointed Class 2 Magistrate for Brunei–Muara District and not long after that, he became the District Officer of Brunei Muara until January 1936. After that, he continued to serve as an interpreter and Secretary to the British Resident until 1945.[5] With Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin's approval, General Kiyotake Kawaguchi gave Ibrahim, who served as the State Secretary during the Japanese occupation,[1] administrative authority over the country until Japanese administrative personnel could arrive. During the previous British rule, it was rare for experienced local officers to be promoted to such high positions or kept in their current roles.[6] He held the position of State Secretary or Chief Administrative Officer from 1941 till 1945.[7] He assisted the Allied Forces in restoring peace and stability in Brunei. Due to health concerns, he retired from his government position in 1949.[8] After the death of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin on 4 June 1950 and the ascension of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III to the throne, Ibrahim was appointed private secretary to the Sultan on 15 February 1951.[9] It was at this time, he was conferred the title Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri on 11 May, making him head of the non-noble traditional ministers. He went to accompany the Sultan on his hajj pilgrimage in Mecca,[8] and to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and official visit to Europe. In 1957, he was appointed as a member of the State Financial Authority.[10] Alongside the Sultan and British Resident J. C. Barcroft, Ibrahim represented Brunei as the Sultan's secretary during the inaugural Sarawak-North Borneo-Brunei Conference in 1953. His involvement was crucial when talking about the three areas' administrative growth and cooperation. In order to support Brunei's growth, the conference sought to strengthen collaboration in shared services including health, education, and law enforcement. His contribution strengthened Brunei's participation in these regional projects, which were steered by the diplomacy of individuals such as Malcolm MacDonald and Anthony Abell.[11] During his tenure, Ibrahim advised the Sultan on Brunei's development, including the National Development Plan and the proposal to draft a written constitution during the 1959 Brunei Negotiations.[12] Following these negotiations, during the pivotal constitutional debates of the late 1950s, the Sultan strategically selected Ibrahim as Brunei's first Menteri Besar on 29 September 1959. To prevent political infighting and to avoid giving an advantage to the British or the Partai Rakyat Brunei, the Sultan kept Ibrahim's appointment secret until the last moment. His role was crucial to ensuring the successful implementation of Brunei's first constitution, as British officials, such as Anthony Abell, might have otherwise retained more power for the British Resident, delaying needed reforms.[13] In 1957, he was appointed as a member of the State Financial Authority.[10] His tenure as Menteri Besar ended on 1 August 1962, when he was succeeded by Marsal Maun.[14] In 1963, he was appointed speaker of the legislative council, which was then dissolved on 30 January 1965. When the Legislative Council was reconvened on 31 January 1965, he was reappointed as speaker until his death.[8] DeathPehin Ibrahim died on Friday, 19 February 1971,[15] after Subuh prayer. He was laid to rest at Kianggeh Dagang Cemetery, Bandar Seri Begawan.[16] His funeral was attended by family members and several high ranking officials such as Arthur Adair, Yusuf Abdul Rahim, Menteri Besar of Brunei, and many nobilities.[1] Personal life Ibrahim married Saadiah binti Mohd Tahir on 22 December 1923. Together they have several children, among them are:[1]
Titles, styles and honoursTitles and stylesOn 11 May 1951, he was awarded the title of Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri.[19] HonoursIn recognition of his service during World War II, he was awarded the O.B.E. by the British Government for saving several important documents from being destroyed by the Japanese. It would then be promoted to C.B.E. by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960 Birthday Honours. Additionally he was also awarded Order of the Rising Sun Third Class by the Japanese Government during World War II.[1] Throughout his career, he has earned the following awards;[20] National
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