40 Facts About Marsal Maun

Marsal bin Maun was a civil servant and educator.

In 1933, Marsal founded the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association.

Marsal Maun was the first of the "Three M's" or "Three Musketeers" feared by the British government, alongside Pengiran Muhammad Ali and Pengiran Muhammad Yusuf.

Marsal Maun was widely credited with shaping Brunei's negotiating position in refusing to join the Federation of Malaysia in 1962, which contrasted with the views of many Legislative Council members who supported Malaysia's inclusion, despite concerns over Kuala Lumpur's demands.

Marsal bin Maun was born on 8 November 1913 in Kampong Pulau Ambok, now known as Kampong Pintu Malim, Brunei Town.

Marsal Maun received his early education at the Jalan Pemancha Malay School from 1923 to 1929.

Marsal Maun became one of the first two Bruneians to qualify as a teacher from the institution in 1933.

Marsal Maun continued teaching until January 1935, when he was appointed acting superintendent of education, a position he was officially confirmed in by 1936.

Marsal Maun made significant improvements to religious education in Brunei, incorporating it into the daily school schedule and increasing its frequency to twice a week instead of just once.

On 9 March 1948, as a key opposition figure, Marsal Maun pointed out that many civil servants hesitated to challenge British policies due to fear of repercussions.

Marsal Maun noted widespread distrust of British efforts to integrate Brunei with Sarawak, as many locals favoured federation with the Federation of Malaya instead, reflecting the conservative outlook of Brunei's population.

Marsal Maun played a crucial role in Brunei's resistance against British colonial rule in the early 1950s.

Marsal Maun became an outspoken critic of the government, using this platform to challenge its policies in the State Council, where he was appointed as an observer that same year.

Marsal Maun was reappointed as an unofficial member of the State Council in 1957.

In 1959, Marsal Maun joined the Brunei delegation to London for constitutional negotiations, led by the sultan.

Marsal Maun was part of the Brunei delegation at the London Conference on 23 March 1959, where discussions focused on the future constitutional arrangements for Brunei.

Marsal Maun attended six plenary sessions, contributing alongside senior officials like Ibrahim Mohammad Jahfar, Pengiran Ali, and legal advisers.

The conference aimed to address issues such as the administrative separation of Brunei and Sarawak, with Marsal Maun playing a key role in shaping the discussions.

On 23 April 1960, Marsal Maun was appointed as one of the seven members of the Regency Council.

Marsal Maun played a key role in maintaining government stability during the turmoil of late 1961 and early 1962.

In July 1961, when the sultan faced pressure over the presence of Malayan officers in Brunei, Marsal Maun helped resolve a personnel issue.

On 1 August 1961, after the incumbent took leave for health reasons, Marsal Maun was appointed acting chief minister by the sultan.

Marsal Maun's promotion marked a shift towards increasing local Bruneian leadership in the civil service, reducing reliance on expatriates and Kuala Lumpur, particularly on the Malaysia issue.

Marsal Maun became involved in a dispute with Pengiran Ali over the Malaysia commission's report and made disparaging remarks about the Malayan officers, which strained his relationships with them.

However, after reconciling with Pengiran Ali, Marsal Maun shifted his position, moving from opposition to support for Malaysia, leaving only Noor Abdul Razak opposed.

On 9 April 1962, Marsal Maun stated that the Malaysia issue should not be discussed in the Legislative Council, emphasising that it was the sultan's responsibility to decide on the proposal.

Marsal Maun's wavering support for the Malaysia Plan made him a key figure whose influence, particularly among the PGGMB, raised concerns about opposition, which led to discussions about reinstating the former chief minister, Ibrahim.

Marsal Maun was appointed chief minister on 1 August 1962, following Ibrahim's retirement, making him the second person to hold the position.

Marsal Maun quickly alerted the sultan, who instructed the police to exercise caution.

Marsal Maun instructed PRB central executive member Pengiran Metussin Lampoh and Vice President Abdul Hapidz to engage with him instead of attempting to meet with the sultan directly.

Marsal Maun called for assistance, and a team led by Inspector Ahmad was dispatched.

Marsal Maun was escorted back to the station, which, though under attack, remained secure.

On 10 December 1962, Marsal Maun declared the PRB an unlawful society under the Societies Enactment, citing its actions as contrary to its stated goals and incompatible with the state's peace, order, and welfare.

In 1964, several detainees, including Zaini, Yassin Affandi, and Momin Ahmad, wrote to Marsal Maun, requesting their release.

On 17 April 1965, Marsal Maun wrote to the Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, reminding them of the sultan's previous letters regarding Brunei's claim over Limbang, which had not been replied to.

Marsal Maun explained that Brunei had rightful claims to Limbang and had never accepted its annexation by Sarawak's Rajah Brooke.

Marsal Maun emphasised that both Brunei and Malaysia were Muslim countries, giving Brunei a responsibility to claim the territory as part of its borders.

Marsal Maun stated that the British government had no objection to Brunei directly raising the issue with Malaysia.

Marsal Maun retired on 4 November 1968 to pursue private business ventures.

Marsal Maun was married to Datin Zubaidah binti Othman, and together they had several children, including Zainuddin, who served as the chairman of PetroBru, and Abdul Jalil.