In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Pengiran Umar is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Pengiran Abu Bakar. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.
Pengiran Abu Bakar bin Pengiran Umar (9 September 1906 – 11 June 1985) was a nobleman, civil servant, and politician who became the fifth Speaker of the Brunei legislative council, serving from 1 December 1974 until his retirement on 14 December 1981.[1] Notably, he is the father-in-lawtoPrincess Masna Bolkiah.[2]
Pengiran Abu Bakar served as a clerk at the office of British Resident in 1920 at the age of 14, and later served at the Kuala Belait Customs Department in 1923 and 1929. He continued serving as a clerk at Brunei Town and Tutong District office from 1926 until 1928.[3] After peace was restored in Tutong District, Inche Awang willingly resigned as Tutong District Officer on 1 January 1946, and his place was replaced by Pengiran Abu Bakar.[4] In 1959, he alongside then-Prince Hassanal Bolkiah and Mohamed Bolkiah visited the Seria oil fieldinBelait District.[5] In 1962, he was elected as the secretary general of Brunei Students' Association in the United Kingdom.[6]
Upon his retirement from government services in 1962, based on his excellent service record Pengiran Abu Bakar was appointed administrative assistant at the Development Department and later at the Election Office. During his tenure, he led a delegation, as chairman, which consisted of Salleh Kadir and Jaya Rajid were sent to attend the 1969 Malaysian general election on 10 May.[7] In 1971, he was appointed District Officer of Belait. On 10 June 1972, he officiated the Students' Day Celebration at the Muhammad Alam Malay School, Seria.[8]
On 1 December 1974 the Sultan appointed Pengiran Abu Bakar as the Speaker of the Legislative Council to replace Alam Abdul Rahman who retired from the position.
Pengiran Abu Bakar died at the age of 78 on 11 June 1985. He was survived by his wife, eight children, 32 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. His body returned to his residence at Kampong Sungai Tilong.[9] He was laid to rest at the Kianggeh Muslim Cemetery in Bandar Seri Begawan.
^Umar (Haji.), Awang Mohd Jamil al-Sufri bin Awang; Awang.), Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri (Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Diraja Dato Seri Utama Haji (1971). Chatatan sejarah perwira2 dan pembesar2 Brunei (in Malay). Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. p. 78.
Family Order of Seri Utama (DK) – Dato Seri Utama
Order of Setia Negara Brunei Second Class (DSNB) – Dato Setia
Omar Ali Saifuddin Medal Second Class (POAS; 23 September 1958)[17]
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal (PHBS)
Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
Campaign Medal (23 September 1967)[18]
United Kingdom:
Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE; 1952)
