This book Brunei Darussalam: The Read to Independence attempts to show the situation of Brunei in the past, and to depict the historical events that occurred during that past era. This includes the affairs of the countries that have established relationship with Brunei Darussalam. In this way it is hoped that it will shed light and give better understanding of the details of these past events as they actually happened, including the value of the sacrifices, efforts and contributions of our forefathers in maintaining the independence of Brunei Darussalam.
The introduction of this book traces briefly the history of Brunei from the 6th Century AD to the 1906 Brunei-Great Britian Agreement, culminating in the declaration of the Independence of Brunei Darussalam on 1 January 1984. Chapter I gives an expose of the rise of nationalism of the race and country. Chapter II discusses the leadership and involvement of His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien in the development of Brunei as well as in achieving its independence.
Chapter III elucidates the drawing up and promulgation of the Written Constitution of Brunei 1959, including the obstacles and challenges it had to face. This is followed by Chapter IV which describes the episode of the bloody revolt of 1962 launched by the TNKU ® PRB. Chapter V discusses the Federation of Malaysia Proposal and the actions of Brunei in not joining it. And the final chapter (Chapter VI) traces the preparation of Brunei in shouldering its responsibility as an independent sovereign country, from pre-independence period to the Proclamation of Independence, right up to its involvement in international bodies and organizations.
In line with its objective of being a source of general reading and reference, it is hoped that other academicians and lovers of Brunei history would cooperate in further scrutinizing, researching, discussing and writing, so as to evolve historical facts that are true and authentic for the good use of study and reference of those interested in the history of Brunei Darussalam.