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Chapter 5

BRUNEI 1945 - 1950

“… Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression…” Surah Ar-Maidah, Verse 2

OFF

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5.1 POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION

The years 1945 - 1946 saw efforts being made by the British to rebuild Brunei and to revive its economy.

• Brigadier Macaskie in charge of BMA• Not many locals in the administration (exception – Enche Ibrahim bin Mohammad)• 6 July 1946 – administration of Brunei Government handed to the Civil Administration. Brunei State Council also revivedSultan Ahmad Tajuddin and the

British Resident

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5.1 POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION

Oil industry

• Reopening of oil fields in Seria • BMPC was able to restore 113 wells and drill 17 new wells• As the oil industry picked up, commercial activities and government revenue increased

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5.1 POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION

During the war, there was widespread malnutrition and a shortage of medical care

After the war, the police force was re-established.

People were less resistant to diseases such as malaria

After war, hospitals were rebuilt. Anti-malaria measures were also taken.

Buildings were rebuilt

1947: New town plan for Brunei Town was prepared. Other towns followed.

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5.2 POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

British – Borneo Federation Proposal

• After liberation in 1945, British wanted to have a federation of the states of Malaya and Brunei • Brunei opposed the Federation - seen as threat to sovereignty of Sultan• May 1947: Confirmed that Brunei was not in Federation

British Government still wanted the three northwest Borneo territories to come under one administration

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5.2 POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

July 1947: Governor-General MacDonald visited Brunei to hold discussions with His Royal Highness Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin. The talks were successful.

Issues for Discussion

• Brunei would be administratively linked with Sarawak (but not be a part of Sarawak)• Governor of Sarawak would act as the High Commissioner for Brunei• The relationship of the Resident to the Sultan would remain unchanged

Governor-General MacDonald

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5.2 POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

Formed on 12 April 1946

Aimed to preserve sovereignty of Sultan and to defend the rights of the Malays

Was very popular and had many highly-respected members

First President was Awang Abdullah bin Awang Jaafar. Second president was Awang Mohammad Salleh bin Haji

Masri

H. M. Salleh

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5.2 POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

It was through BARIP’s efforts that the Brunei state flag was allowed to be flown beside the British flag.

• BARIP contributed to the lyrics of the state national anthem. • The music was composed by Awang Besar bin Awang Sagap.• The lyrics were composed by Pengiran Mohammed Yusuf bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim.

Pengiran Mohammed Yusuf bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim

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5.2 POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

Reasons for BARIP’s decline in 1948:

• Some of its leaders had to return to MPSI in Perak to resume their studies• The British became suspicious of BARIP’s activities. Those in government service were transferred away• Other BARIP members were promoted and given secure jobs so they would not voice anti-British sentiment

BARIP’s activities increased national awareness among the Brunei Malays

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CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY

Post War Reconstruction

Civil Administration

Reviving the Economy

Health and Social Studies

Political Developments

After 1945: Brunei opposed being part of the Federation

In 1947: Brunei became linked with other British Borneo territories until 1959