Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar

Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim Bin Mohammad Jaafar
Menteri Besar of Brunei
In office 29 September 1959 – September 1961
Monarch	Omar Ali Saifuddien III
Preceded by	post created
Succeeded by	Dato Paduka Haji Marsal Bin Maun
1st Speaker of Brunei Legislative Council
In office June 1963 – 31 January 1965
Monarch	Omar Ali Saifuddien III
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	himself
2nd Speaker of Brunei Legislative Council
In office 31 January 1965 – 19 February 1971
Monarch	Omar Ali Saifuddien III Hassanal Bolkiah
Preceded by	himself
Succeeded by	Pengiran Anak Mohammad Alam
Personal details
Born	(1902-09-27)27 September 1902 Crown Colony of Labuan
Died	19 February 1971(1971-02-19) (aged 68) Bandar Seri Begawan
Resting place	Kianggeh Dagang Cemetery, Bandar Seri Begawan
Spouse(s)	Dayang Saadiah binti Awang Mohd Tahir(1923–1971, his death)
Children	Awang Abbas Al-Sufri Awang Annuar Awang Adinin Awang Isa
Profession	Politician

Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim Bin Mohammad Jaafar (27 September 1902 – 19 February 1971) was the first Menteri Besar (Chief Minister of Brunei, who served from 29 September 1959 until September 1961.

Ibrahim was born in Labuan on Friday, 27 September 1902. His origin can be traced from the Malay Peninsula. His father was Tengku Mohammad Jaafar bin Tengku Mohammad Saat bin Tengku Merandeh. During his early years, he was educated informally from his father and he was known for his brightness. He also interested in reading history and literature, like the 'Panji Semerang', 'Seri Rama', and many other literary works.

In April 1914, Ibrahim went to Labuan with his uncle, Abdul Razak. It was in Labuan that he got his formal education at English School S.P.G. till Primary 5. He was given scholarship of $90.00 by a Chinese merchant named Chee Swee Cheng. He then went to Singapore in January 1918, to further his studies.

Ibrahim 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 month after that, he worked as a dresser for six month. In June 1917, he went to Brunei, accompanying G.E. 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.

He married Dayang Saadiah binti Awang Mohd Tahir on 22 December 1923. His marriage was blessed with four son: 1. Awang Abbas Al Sufri (later known as Pehin Orang Kaya Penggawa), born on 16 July 1926. (deceased) 2. Awang Anuar, born 13 March 1931 (deceased) 3. Awang Adinin, born 29 August 1932. 4. Awang Isa, born 9 May 1935. (later known as Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja).

In November 1928, he was appointed as Administrative officer at the Resident's office. In March 1930, he was appointed as Assistant Land Tax Collector. In June 1932, he was appointed as 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 Secretary to the British Resident until 1945.

During the Japanese Occupation of Brunei in 1941, he was appointed as State Secretary and liaison officer between the locals and the Japanese administration. He was ordered to destroy all the documents kept in the Resident's Office, including the Land Grant Books. Without fear of his safety, not obeying the commands, he managed to save all the documents. His achievements was praised by K.E.H. Kay, a British army officer.

...
Wikipedia