By Khairil Hassan
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah attended the funeral of Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abidin bin Orang Kaya Perwira Abdul Rashid yesterday at his residence in Kampong Lambak.
Born on August 10, 1939 in Kampong Danau, Tutong District, he went to Sekolah Melayu Danau (1948-1952), enrolled in Seria English School (1953-1955) and furthered his studies at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College (1956-1957).
He obtained the Public Administration Special Course Certificate from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada (1962-1963) and Public Administration Special Course Certificate from Manchester University, England (1966-1967).
The late Pehin's first service in the government was in April 1957 as an officer at the Information Department. Two years later, he joined as a Cadet Officer, Brunei Administration Services.
The late Pehin was promoted to several administrative positions as a senior government officer. From 1963 to 1974, he was appointed as Senior Administrative Officer, and then as Land Transport Controller from 1974 to 1979.
He was transferred to the post of Immigration, Registration Status of Citizenship Controller and National Registration Commissioner from 1979 to 1986.
After retiring from public service, the late Pehin was appointed as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs from October 1986 to August 2002.
The late Pehin is survived by his wife, six children and many grandchildren. He was laid to rest at the Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Cemetery in Kampung Kiarong.
- Borneo Bulletin
(23rd November 2010)
