rename of Bandar Brunei in 4th October 1970

(image from CNN online)

Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei Darussalam, used to be Bandar Brunei prior to 4th October 1970. It was renamed in commemoration of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien who was well-known as 'The Architect of Modern Brunei'. Under the reign of Al-Marhum Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, there were rapid economic, social and political development as he introduced the 5-year First National Development Plan in 1953.

Quoting from the Lower Secondary History Guide for Brunei Darussalam:

from p102:

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III was the first member of the royal family to suggest fact-finding visits to the rural villages. People began to respect and were confident in him. He also showed commitment towards improving the socio-economic standards and welfare of his people.

from p111:

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III directed his time and energy to nation-building which were reflected in the two National Development Plans.

His Royal Highness' greatest achievement was the signing of the 1959 Constitution Agreement*. The positions of the Malay Language and Islam were strengthened through his determination. The Malay Language was to be the State Official Language and Islam, the State Religion.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III set up primary and secondary schools throughout the country to increase literacy. Scholarships for higher learning and overseas training were given to students.

In May 1961, The Royal Brunei Malay Regiment was set up. Brunei Currency Board issued its first currency note in 1967.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III voluntarily abdicated in favour of his eldest son, Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Seri Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Hassanal Bolkiah on 4 October 1967.


-----
*On 29 September 1959, The Constitution Agreement was signed at the Lapau between Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Sir Robert Scott, the Commissioner-General for Southeast Asia.

The significance of the 1959 Constitution Agreement:

• The Sultan as Supreme Head of State.
• Brunei was responsible for its internal administration.
• The British Government was responsible for foreign and defence affairs only.
• The post of Resident was abolished and replaced by a British High Commissioner.
• A new post of Menteri Besar was created. (The First Menteri Besar was Pehin Dato Perdana Menteri Dato Seri Laila Utama Awang Haji Ibrahim bin Mohammad Jahfar)

Reference:
Lower Secondary History Guide for Brunei Darussalam, 2003, SNP Panpac.