A. M. Azahari facts for kids

A.M. Azahari (born Sheikh Azahari bin Sheikh Mahmud on 3 September 1928 – died 20 April 2002) was an important political leader from Brunei. He is remembered for his efforts to change Brunei's government and unite territories in Borneo.

Historians have debated where Azahari was born. Some say he was born in Labuan, but Azahari himself always said he was born in Brunei Town. He claimed his birthplace was where the Royal Regalia Museum now stands.

Who Was A.M. Azahari?

A.M. Azahari was a key figure in Brunei's history. He led a political party that wanted to make big changes. His goal was to give more power to the people and less to the Sultan.

Early Life and Education

Azahari was born with a mix of Arab and Malay heritage. He studied in Java, which is an island in Indonesia. While there, he joined the fight against the Dutch. He even took part in important battles like the Battle of Palembang and the Battle of Surabaya. During this time, he met Mohammad Hatta, another important leader.

A Political Leader in Brunei

Azahari became the leader of the Brunei People's Party. This party wanted the Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III, to become a constitutional monarch. This means the Sultan would still be the head of state, but his power would be limited by a constitution and elected government.

His party won all 16 elected seats in the legislative council. Azahari was a left-leaning politician, meaning he supported ideas that focused on equality and social justice.

The Idea of North Kalimantan

Azahari strongly disagreed with Brunei joining the new country of Malaysia. Malaysia was planned to include Malaya, Singapore, Sabah (then British North Borneo), and Sarawak.

Instead, Azahari proposed his own idea: the North Kalimantan federation. He had developed this idea with Ahmad Zaidi Adruce in Java. This plan aimed to unite all British-ruled territories on Borneo. These included Brunei, British North Borneo, and Sarawak. Azahari wanted them to form one independent state. He imagined the Sultan of Brunei as the constitutional monarch of this new federation.

Brunei's Future: Malaysia or Independence?

The Brunei People's Party had a condition for joining Malaysia. They wanted Brunei, Sarawak, and British North Borneo to join as one strong group. This way, they hoped to avoid being controlled by Malaya or Singapore.

Many people in Borneo also opposed the Malaysia plan. They had different economic, political, and cultural views. They did not want to be controlled by leaders from the Malay Peninsula. The North Kalimantan idea was seen as a way for these territories to become independent after British rule.

The Brunei Revolt

In 1962, the Brunei Revolt happened. This was an armed uprising against the British and the Sultan's government. At the time, Azahari was in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. This meant he avoided being captured by British and Commonwealth forces. These forces helped to stop the revolt. Azahari was also involved in the Limbang raid during this period.

Life After the Revolt

After the revolt failed, Azahari went to Jakarta, Indonesia. In 1963, President Sukarno gave him asylum. This meant Azahari could live safely in Indonesia. He lived in Bogor, West Java, until he passed away in 2002. He was 73 years old.

Azahari was a strong voice against the formation of Malaysia. He believed in a unified state of Brunei, Sarawak, and North Borneo. He led the Brunei People's Party from 1956 until it was disbanded in 1962. He was survived by his wife and more than ten children.

See Also

• Brunei People's Party
• Brunei Revolt
• North Borneo Federation