A prominent national figure that has hugely contributed in the fields of education, culture, literature, history and religion, Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Dr Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Umar passed away this morning at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital. He was 99.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam this morning attended the funeral ceremony of the late Pehin Dato Seri Utama Dr Haji Awang Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri at his residence in Kampong Mabohai.
A well-loved public figure who has contributed significantly in the country’s development during his lifetime, he relentlessly renders his services and takes the lead in efforts to improve and expand knowledge for the benefit of the religion, society, nation and country.
A well-known historian and prolific writer who has made significant contributions to the historical documentation of Brunei Darussalam who held prominent positions in the country’s executive branch, the late Pehin, who also held the position of the Head of the Brunei History Centre until his demise, was born on December 10,1921 in Kampong Sungai Kedayan in the capital.
His career began as a teacher from (1939-1947), Assistant Headmaster (1948-1950), Manager of School Gardening from (1951-1955), Advisor of Teaching Methods(1957-1960), Director of Brunei Language Board (1961- 1964), Director of Language and Literature Bureau (1965-1976), Advisor to Language and Literature Bureau (1977-1981) and Chairman of Education Council (1983).
He was also a member of the Brunei Legislative Council from 1959 to 1963. Among the prominent positions he held during his lifetime was as a member of the Privy Council, Council of Succession, Religious Council and the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) Supreme Council.
More details on Friday’s Borneo Bulletin