Abdul Jalil bin Haji Ahmad is a Bruneian aristocrat, diplomat and retired naval officer who served as the sixth Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) from 1995 to 2002. In addition, he later became the ambassador and high commissioner to several other countries.
Early life and education
His early years were spent in Kampong Ayer, where he remained until he enlisted at the recruiting office of Bolkiah Camp of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment (RBMR) in 1972. On 21 February 1972, when RBN was still known as 1st Boat Company RBMR (ALP AMDB), Abdul Jalil enlisted in the RBMR. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant on 13 December 1973. Both the Royal College of Defence Studies and the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth trained him to become an executive officer. He spent three months in the Mediterranean Sea serving on board the British warship HMS Intrepid (L11). In addition to making visits to cities like Gibraltar, Malta, Famagusta, Istanbul, Athens, and Naples.
Military career
Upon completing his training, Abdul Jalil was assigned to the 30-person crew KDB Pahlawan as a gunnery and navigation officer. He organised a missile launch exercise utilising SS.11 and SS.12 at the time, using Pelong Rocks as the target. He took on his first command as KDB Masna's commander in 1975, a position he maintained for 23 years. After his time on KDB Masna, Abdul Jalil was given honorary command of KDB Seteria.
In Brunei's waters in the early 1970s, He came across illegal immigrant ships, particularly from Vietnam. As a result, all ships in the fleet at the time were always on guard duty. During one of his patrols, the ship he was aboard dragged a boat carrying illegal immigrants for security reasons. Unfortunately, the towing line had to be broken in order to prevent accidents due to the poor weather and sea situation.
The RBN Commander was Abdul Jalil from 5 February 1995 until 13 June 2002. Under his administration, he witnessed a great deal of progress, particularly in the areas of administration and maritime mobility.
Diplomatic career
Pehin Abdul Jalil completed his term as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan's High Commissioner for Brunei. On 26 February 2013, the Sultan of Brunei presented him with a letter of credence confirming his appointment as Brunei's ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany. On 24 August 2013, he was among the Bruneian representatives to at the launching ceremony of KDB Daruttaqwa (09), and also the ship's acceptance ceremony on 12 May 2014.
Books
- Kolonel (B) Abdul Jalil Hj Ahmad, Pehin Datu Panglima (2008). Memoir Wira Samudera di Muara (in Malay). ISBN 9799991792322.
Personal life
Abdul Jalil has a daughter named Norlila, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS). Furthermore, Haji Edy Jofren, his son, is a commander in the RBN.
Honours
Abdul Jalil holds the Manteri title of Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Penglima in 2003. Additionally, he has earned the following honours:
National
- Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Second Class (DPMB) – Dato Paduka; Third Class (SMB)
- Order of Setia Negara Brunei Third Class (SNB)
- Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
- Proclamation of Independence Medal (10 March 1997)
- General Service Medal (Armed Forces)
- Long Service Medal and Good Conduct (PKLPB)
- Royal Brunei Armed Forces Silver Jubilee Medal (31 May 1986)
- Sultan of Brunei Silver Jubilee Medal (5 October 1992)
- Sultan of Brunei Golden Jubilee Medal (5 October 2017)
- National Day Silver Jubilee Medal (23 February 2009)
Foreign
- Indonesia:
- Navy Meritorious Service Star, 1st Class (BJSN, 17 August 1995)
- Singapore:
- Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) (PJG; 11 December 1996)
References
