Not to be confused with Andrew Ibrahim, later named Isa Ibrahim after converting to Islam.
In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Ibrahim is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Isa. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.
Isa bin Haji Ibrahim (born 9 February 1935) is a Bruneian aristocrat and politician, currently serving as Special Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan and Minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) since January 2018. His distinguished career began in 1962, when he started as an assistant legal adviser, later becoming Deputy Menteri Besar of Brunei and General Adviser to the Sultan. Over the years, Pehin Isa has held numerous high-profile positions, including chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), member of the Privy Council, and Speaker of the Legislative Council.[1]
In March 1962, Isa began his government service as an assistant legal adviser (assisting counsel) and deputy public prosecutor at the Department of Legal Affairs. Then from April to December 1962, he was attached to the Attorney General's Chambers in Kuala Lumpur as Deputy Public Prosecutor, Federation of Malaya. In February 1963, he was the Secretary to Brunei Delegation at negotiations on merger with Malaysia.[7] In September 1965, he was appointed assistant AG and promoted to deputy AG in January 1968. He served as acting AG multiple times in the absence of the AG. In October 1970, Isa was appointed Deputy Menteri Besar and, in October 1971, General Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.[1]
Isa was also a member of the Adat Istiadat Council and the chairman of RBA's board of directors from its founding in November 1974 to January 1984.[1][7] He later became Special Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the PMO, concurrently serving as Minister of Home Affairs from 21 October 1986, to 24 May 2005. At the same time, he served as a member of the Council of Cabinet Ministers from 20 October 1986 to 24 May 2005,[8] and as a member of the Privy Council until 24 May 2005.[1]
On behalf of Brunei's Government, Isa Ibrahim and on behalf of the Malaysian Government, Mohamed Rahmat signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Information and Broadcasting on 14 February 1992.[9] On 10 February 2011, he was appointed as the Legislative Council's speaker.[2] Pehin Isa has taken on the role of Minister at the PMO since 30 January 2018, in which he had remained at post through the 2023 council reappointment.[10]
Personal life
Married to Seri Laila Pengiring Di-Raja Datin Seri Utama Hajjah Rosnah binti Abdullah, and they have five children; two sons and three daughters. His hobbies include photography and golf.[11] A notable child of his is Ahmad, Attorney General of Brunei.[12] For a period of time, his daughter, Siti Mariam, would be married to Ivica @ Adam Kalebic,[13] founder of Fratini franchise.[14] The former couple would give birth to Anisha Rosnah[15] and Danial Deen Isa-Kalebic,[16] founder of The Potato Habit.[17]
Isa was bestowed by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah the Manteri title of Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja on 11 May 1968,[7][18] referred to by Yang Berhormat as honorific.
Things named after him
Jalan Pehin Dato Isa, a road in Bandar Seri Begawan.[19]
Honours
Pehin Isa has earned the following national and foreign honours;[7][1]
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