Pengiran Muhammad Salleh

Pengiran Muhammad Salleh bin Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad (1890 – 22 February 1969) was a Bruneian nobleman, religious figure and politician who formerly held several high-ranking positions which included being a member of the State Council, Privy Council, Legislative Council, and the Chief Kadi. He spent practically his whole life fighting for the advancement of Islam and was well-known for being one of the nation's top religious activists.

Early life and career

Pengiran Muhammad Salleh was born in 1890, at Kampong Pemancha Lama of Kampong Ayer. He became the nation's Chief Kadi on 1 January 1940, under the rule of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin. Additionally, he was also the Brunei State Religious Advisor. He was a member of the State Council from in July 1941 and from 1946 to 1959.

The first stage in creating Brunei's proposed constitution was the creation of the ''Tujuh Serangkai'' (seven branches), a committee that Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III established in July 1953 to gather public opinion across the country. Wazirs, Cheteria, Manteri, and State Council members were among the seven appointments tasked with offering counsel on the drafting of the Constitution, the creation of district councils, and the restructuring of the State Council. Pengiran Muhammad Salleh was one of the committee members whose job it was to compile feedback from the general public and a constitutional analysis into a fifty-page report that was sent in on 23 March 1954. The report was met with unexpected positive reception from the authorities.

Pengiran Muhammad Salleh later served as a member of Religious Council from 1955 to 1969, and from 1960 to 1966, he was an official member of Legislative Council and Executive Council. Politically, he involved with the founding of the ''Persatuan Sahabat Pena Brunei'' (PSPB) along with other Bruneian politicians such as Hasbollah Daud and Marsal Maun.

On 9 May 1968, Pengiran Muhammad Salleh officially became a member of Wazir after he was bestowed the title of ''Pengiran Di-Gadong Sahib Mal'' by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The last person to have the title was Pengiran Anak Muhammad Hassan, who held it during Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin's reign from 1900 to 1968. The title was out of usage for more than 50 years after 1900 as a result of a mix of political and economic circumstances. Finally, the title was restored and given to Salleh prior to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's coronation in 1968, marking the resuscitation of one of Brunei's oldest titles.

Pengiran Muhammad Sharifuddin interviewed Salleh in 1968 and 1969 regarding Brunei's ancient royal wedding custom. 'Royal Weddings', an article published in the 1969 Brunei Museum Journal, is a highly significant source on the topic.

Death and funeral

Pengiran Muhammad Salleh died on 22 February 1969, at the age of 79. The Sultan has also declared a week-long period of mourning and ordered all flags to be flown at half staff as a sign of respect. 24 February, was designated as a public holiday on Monday. In observance of his passing, Bruneian theatres were ordered to all closed on Saturday night and reopened them on Sunday night.

From Saturday night till Monday night, Radio Brunei did not transmit regular programming, with the exception of newscasts, announcements, Quran recitals, and Egyptian music. The customary arrangements were unveiled on Tuesday. Officials wearing royal regalia led the funeral procession from his Batu 5 residence, Jalan Tutong, to the burial site, which commenced at 11:00 a.m. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, retired Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, Arthur Adair, Wazirs, Cheteria-Cheteria, Manteri-Manteri, Pengiran Muhammad Yusuf, senior and junior government officials, the deceased's family, and members of the public also accompanied the funeral procession in accordance to the royal customs.

In order to organise the last foot procession from the Customs Building, the motorcade briefly paused in front of the Brunei Government Offices. State dignitaries escorted the deceased's body, which was covered in a vibrant, traditional green carriage. The Royal Brunei Police personnel formed up on the left and right of the entry to pay their final respects to the late Pengiran as the funeral procession went through the Customs Building entrance gate.

At noon on Sunday, 23 February, the his remains were transferred from the wharf of the Customs Building to the Kubah Makam Di Raja aboard a "gegandung" boat adorned with royal regalia. Throughout the procession, a band played traditional music while numerous government boats and ships followed along the boat. Ismail Omar Abdul Aziz led the prayers and ''talqin'' (guidance) reading, and Pengiran Muhammad Yusuf oversaw the burial of the deceased's bones.

Titles and honours

Titles

As the Chief Kadi, he held the honorary title of ''Yang Berhormat'' ( The Honourable) on 1 January 1940, and the cheteria title of ''Pengiran Shahbandar Sahibul Bandar'' on 2 August 1958. Upon taking up as one of the Wazirs of Brunei, Pengiran Muhammad Salleh was bestowed the title of ''Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Di-Gadong Sahib Mal'' on 9 May 1968, in which he would hold until his death.

Things named after him

* Pengiran Digadong Haji Mohd Salleh Religious School, a school in Kampong Sungai Kedayan 'B'
* Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque, a place of worship in Bangar Town

Honours

Pengiran Muhammad Salleh has earned the following known honours;
* Family Order of Laila Utama (DK; 23 September 1967) – ''Dato Laila Utama''
* Family Order of Seri Utama (DK; 23 September 1962) – ''Dato Seri Utama''
* Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei First Class (SPMB; 7 September 1964); Second Class (DPMB; 23 September 1956) – ''Dato Paduka''; Third Class (SMB)
* Omar Ali Saifuddin Medal (POAS)
* Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
* Campaign Medal (22 April 1965)
* Omar Ali Saifuddin Coronation Medal (31 May 1951)
*''Pingat Bakti'' (23 September 1959)

Notes

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Bruneian politicians
Bruneian royalty
Bruneian Muslims
1890 births
1969 deaths
Members of the Privy Council of Brunei
Members of the Legislative Council of Brunei
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