Ariffin Abdul Wahab

In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Abdul Wahab is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Mohammad Ariffin. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.

Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Indera Negara Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Dato Paduka Ariffin Abdul Wahab DPMB SLJ
Pehin Ariffin in 2024
Native name	عريفين عبدالوهاب
Birth name	Mohammad Ariffin bin Abdul Wahab
Born	1927–1928
Allegiance	Brunei
Service / branch	Royal Brunei Land Force
Years of service	1962–1979
Rank	Lieutenant colonel
Unit	First Battalion RBMR
Commands	'A' Company 'D' Company Training Institute RBAF
Other work	Chairman of United Motors

Mohammad Ariffin bin Haji Abdul Wahab is a Bruneian aristocrat, businessman and retired military officer, who served as the commander of the Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces (TI RBAF) from 1975 to 1979. In 1976, he became one of the first two local personnel to be promoted to lieutenant colonel alongside Sulaiman Damit.

Military career

At the age of 34 in 1962, Ariffin was commissioned into the support unit of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment (RBMR) after completing his studies in Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College and recruit training at the Federation Military College (FMC) in Port Dickson. He would hold several position across different units serving as a platoon commander, intelligence officer, motor platoon commander and commanding officer of 'A' Company. In 1970, he was promoted to the rank of major. Mohammad Daud would be replaced by him as the commander of the training depot in May 1975. He would stay in that capacity until January 1979. In addition, he would also serve as the commanding officer of 'D' Company and training officer of First Battalion RBMR. On 27 January 1976, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

Later life

Upon retirement, Ariffin became the primary Proton distributor in Brunei while serving as chairman of United Motors. Additionally, he is also the president of the Ex-Soldiers' Association of Brunei Darussalam (ESAB) and vice president of the Veterans Confederation of ASEAN Countries (VECONAC).

Honours

Main article: Orders, decorations, and medals of Brunei

Ariffin was awarded the Manteri title of Pehin Duta Indera Negara. Honours awarded to him are;

• Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Second Class (DPMB) – Dato Paduka
• Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Third Class (SLJ)
• Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal First Class (PHBS)
• Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
• Coronation Medal (1 August 1968)
• General Service Medal
• Inauguration Medal