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Abu Bakar Apong

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Apong is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Abu Bakar. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia
Abu Bakar Apong
PSNB DSLJ SMB PHBS PIKB PKL
ابو بكر اڤوڠ
Minister Abu Bakar in 2006
5th Minister of Home Affairs
In office
22 October 2015 – 7 June 2022
MonarchHassanal Bolkiah
Preceded byBadaruddin Othman
Succeeded byAhmaddin Abdul Rahman
3rd Minister of Education
In office
29 May 2010 – 22 October 2015
DeputyYusoff Ismail[1]
Preceded byAbdul Rahman Taib
Succeeded bySuyoi Osman
4th Minister of Communications
In office
24 May 2005 – 28 May 2010
DeputyYusoff Abdul Hamid
Preceded byZakaria Sulaiman
Succeeded byMustappa Sirat
3rd Minister of Health
In office
March 1998 – 23 May 2005
Preceded byJohar Noordin
Succeeded bySuyoi Osman
Personal details
Born (1948-09-19) 19 September 1948 (age 76)
Kampong Setia Pahlawan, Kampong Ayer, Brunei
SpouseJahrah Mohamad
Alma mater
Profession
  • Politician
  • civil servant
Signature

Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong (born 19 September 1948) is a Bruneian aristocrat and politician whom formerly held the position of Minister of Health (MOH) from 1998 to 2005,[2] Minister of Communications (MOC) from 2005 to 2010,[3] Minister of Education (MOE) from 2010 to 2015,[4] and Minister of Home Affairs (MOHA) from 2015 to 2022. He had served in the government for the second-longest period of time after Pehin Isa Ibrahim.[5]

Notably, he was also the Vice-Chancellor of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) from 1991 to 1998, Deputy Chairman of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) Board of Directors,[6] concurrently the Chairman of the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation.[7]

Early life and education

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Abu Bakar is born on 19 September 1948 at Kampong Setia Pahlawan of Kampong Ayer, and educated at Lela Menchanai Malay School (1955–1957); Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Malay School (1957–1957); Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College (1958–1968); Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the MARA Institute of Technology in Malaya (1972);[8] Diploma In Education in Singapore (1974); Master of Arts from the Lancaster (1980).[9] Moreover, he graduated from Leeds University with a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering (BEE), a Master in Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard University, fellow at the Edward S. Mason Program in Public Policy and Management.[10] Notably, he graduated in class 1964, together with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Eusoff Agaki and Goh King Chin.[11]

Early career

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Abu Bakar held several positions early in his career which consisted of an Education Officer in 1972; teaching staff at Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Malay College and became Principal in 1974; Head of Planning, Research and Guidance Unit, Department of Education (1975–1980); Head of Training Unit, Personnel Office (1980–1981); Senior Administrative Officer in the General Counsel Department of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (1981–1984); Director of Studies (1984). Other appointments he held while in service with the government consisted of Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UBD (1985–1986); Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office (1986–1991); Universiti Brunei Darussalam Vice Chancellor (1991–1999); Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the Ministry of Education (1999–May 2002).[9]

In June 1994, Vice-Chancellor of the UBD, Abu Bakar, visits Library 1 and the Computer Center at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).[12] Additionally, he attended a dinner hosted by the Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Singapore (NUS), Lim Pin.[13]

Ministerial career

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From 17 May 2002 until 23 May 2005, he became the Minister of Health.[2] He was later appointed as the Minister of Communications on 24 May 2005.[14] During the TELMIN + 1 Sessions with ASEAN Dialogue Partners in 2006, Abu Bakar presided. As well as the Secretary-General of ASEAN, ICT Ministers from ASEAN member nations, China, Japan, South Korea, and India were present.[3]

Abu Bakar was again reappointed as the 5th Minister of Education on 28 May 2010.[15] The fifth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Education Ministers Meeting was attended by Abu Bakar, who also paid a working visit to the Republic of Korea from 21 to 23 May 2012.[16] As the 33rd Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow (LKYEF), Abu Bakar will be in Singapore from 1 to 9 April of that same year. Making him the third Bruneian Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow, and would be accompanied by members of the Brunei MOE as well as his wife Jahrah Mohamad.[7] At The Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong, Timor Leste's Minister of Education, Bendito Freitas, and Abu Bakar Apong had a bilateral meeting on 16 March 2014.[17]

On 22 October 2015, Abu Bakar was reappointed for the final time as the 5th Minister of Home Affairs.[18] He remained in his position during the 2018 Cabinet reshuffle which saw the replacing of six ministers.[19] During the 109th International Labour Conference in June 2021, the unemployment rate in Brunei is 6.8%, according to his citation of their 2019 Labour Force Survey. Moreover, the Manpower Planning and Employment Council was founded in 2020, and since then, it has achieved a success rate of 103%, or 12,763 jobseekers employed, increasing local employment to almost four times that of prior years.[20] According to him on 14 May 2022, 1,352 children in the same age range received the COVID-19 vaccine in a second dosage, bringing the total number of second doses given to 8,542, or 20.1%. In the meantime, 68% of the populace as a whole has gotten the third dose of the vaccination.[21] It was during the cabinet reshuffling on 7 June 2022, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announced the replacement of eight ministers, including Abu Bakar, therefore replaced by Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman in his position.[5]

Before 1 February 2022, dog owners must register their animals. According to a press statement issued on 26 January by the MOHA, directed by Abu Bakar, noncompliance would result in a fine or jail. The government also stated that canines older than three months are covered.[22]

Other appointments

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Ahmad served as the Chairman of the Council of the Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC), Secretary of the Brunei Education Council (1975–1979), and Alternate Member of the Board of Directors of the Brunei Shell Petroleum Company and the Brunei National Gas Company (1989–1991). Kuala Lumpur (1987–1988): Participated in the ASEAN Consultant Group for the establishment of the ASEAN University Network (AUN) in 1991; Member of the Board of Governors, SEAMEO Innovation Technology Center (SEAMEO-INNOTECH) in 1984–1986).[23]

In addition, Ahmad was elected to the SEAMEO Regional Institutions of Higher Education Leadership Board (1991–1999), served as President of ASAIHL (December 1996–November 1998), and was a member of the AUN Board of Trustees (1995–1999). Members of the Islamic Studies Council (1990–1999), the Public Service Institute's Advisory Council (1995–1999), the Board of Borneo Research Council (1994–1999), the Secretary of Brunei Research Council (1992–1999), the Member of the Da'wah Center's Advisory Board (1991–1999), the Members of the Royal Malay Muslim Supreme Council (1991–1999), the Brunei Economic Councils (May 1998–19999), the Brunei Darussalam Examination Board (1986–2000), and Refree for Brunei Museum Journal (1991) are among the other appointments.[23]

Ahmad has held additional appointments, including those of Chief Executive Officer of the Fund Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah in May 1999, Managing Director of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) in October 1992, and Chairman of Bank Islam Brunei (IBB) Berhad and its subsidiaries as well as the Director IBB business started in July 2001. The Islamic Religious Council of Brunei Darussalam appointed him in April 1997. He was also a member of the Southeast Asian Research Review Group (SEARRAG) since 1986, the Brunei Darussalam Education Council, the Council of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, the Board of Directors of YSHHB since October 1992, the Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Youth Development Fund for Orphans Board of Trustees in May 1999, and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Directors in 2000.[23]

Deputy Chairman of AMBD Board of Directors, Abu Bakar, attended the Brunei Darussalam Islamic Capital Market (BICAM) Conference 2018 as the honored guest at the Rizqun International Hotel. According to him, these discussions will offer crucial insights into how we may advance together in offering creative and workable ideas to raise the bar for the Islamic capital market and Islamic finances in general.[6]

Personal life

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Abu Bakar is married to Datin Paduka Hajah Jahrah binti Haji Mohamad.[7][24]

Honours

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Abu Bakar, Carlos Domínguez III and Nor Jeludin during the Hari Raya celebration at the Istana Nurul Iman in 2019

Abu Bakar was bestowed the title of Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja on 25 May 1996, and later promoted to Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna on 1 April 2004.[4][25] Moreover, he has earned the following honours;[26][23]

Academic

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Honours

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See also: Orders, decorations, and medals of Brunei

References

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  1. ^ "Cabinet Ministers". The Brunei Times.
  2. ^ a b "Sultanate - News | Negara Brunei Darussalam | Royal audiences to UK, Chilean envoys". www.sultanate.com. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Chairman's Press Statement ASEAN TELMIN + 1 Sessions with Dialogue Partners, Brunei Darussalam". asean.org. 19 September 2006. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Information Department - Ministers". www.information.gov.bn. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  5. ^ a b Bandial, Rasidah Hj Abu Bakar, Ain (7 June 2022). "HM: New cabinet must carry out duties with 'full loyalty and responsibility'". The Scoop. Retrieved 12 March 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ a b Management, Centre For Islamic Banking, Finance And (24 October 2018). "Conference aims to propel Islamic capital market to higher level". Brunei Institute of Leadership & Islamic Finance (BILIF). Retrieved 12 March 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ a b c "Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship Visit of Pehin Dato Haji Abu Bakar Bin Haji Apong Minister of Educ". www.mfa.gov.sg. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  8. ^ Pamit-puda. "Hj Awg Omar & Hjh Aminah family blog: Tahukah Awda? - Merantau ke Malaysia". Hj Awg Omar & Hjh Aminah family blog. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Keluaran Khas Sempena Pelantikan Menteri-Menteri Kabinet dan Timbalan-Timbalan Menteri" (PDF). Pelita Brunei. 12 June 2010. p. 3.
  10. ^ Sidhu, Jatswan S. (22 December 2009). Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam. Scarecrow Press. p. 14. ISBN 978-0-8108-7078-9.
  11. ^ James Kon (30 December 2021). "Walk down memory lane for Class of '64". borneobulletin.com.bn. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  12. ^ "DATO HAJI ABU BAKAR BIN HAJI APONG, VICE-CHANCELLOR, …". www.nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  13. ^ "DATO HAJI ABU BAKAR BIN HAJI APONG VICE-CHANCELLOR, …". www.nas.gov.sg. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  14. ^ "Laksana tugas, kuasa dan kewajipan dengan penuh ikhlas dan amanah" (PDF). Pelita Brunei. 25 May 2005. p. 2.
  15. ^ "MENTERI-MENTERI KABINET NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 2010-2015" (PDF). Pelita Brunei. 2 June 2010.
  16. ^ "Republic of Korea". www.mfa.gov.bn. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  17. ^ "Home - Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam". www.moe.gov.bn. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  18. ^ "MENTERI-MENTERI KABINET NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 2015-2020" (PDF). Information Department.
  19. ^ Scoop, The (30 January 2018). "HM announces surprise cabinet reshuffle - full list of new appointees". The Scoop. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  20. ^ "THE HONOURABLE PEHIN DATO ABU BAKAR APONG MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 109TH INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE JUNE 2021" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs. June 2021. p. 3.
  21. ^ "Media Conference On Latest COVID-19 Situation | Brunei's No.1 News Website". www.brudirect.com. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  22. ^ "Owners must register their dogs by February 1 » Borneo Bulletin Online". Owners must register their dogs by February 1. 27 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d "Biodata Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). 22 May 2002. p. 6. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  24. ^ "Wives of senior gov't officials learn about funeral rites | The BT Archive". btarchive.org. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  25. ^ Abd. Karim HAB (1 April 2004). "Dua menteri dinaikkan pangkat gelaran" (PDF). www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  26. ^ "Jabatan Adat Istiadat Negara - Senarai Ahli majlis Mesyuarat Adat Istiadat (2014-2015)". www.adat-istiadat.gov.bn. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  27. ^ Abu Bakar HAR (15 July 2002). "31 dikurniakan bintang kebesaran" (PDF). Pelita Brunei. p. 5. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  28. ^ "Sultanate - News | Negara Brunei Darussalam | Sultan's ex-classmates recall fond memories". sultanate.com. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
[edit]
Political offices
Preceded by 5th Minister of Home Affairs
22 October 2015 – 7 June 2022 		Succeeded by
Preceded by 3rd Minister of Education
29 May 2010 – 22 October 2015 		Succeeded by
Preceded by 4th Minister of Communications
24 May 2005 – 28 May 2010 		Succeeded by
Preceded by 3rd Minister of Health
March 1998 – 23 May 2005 		Succeeded by
Academic offices
Preceded by Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam
1991–1999 		Succeeded by
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