Award fitting tribute to Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien.

The seventh son of 10 siblings of Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien possessed significant literary talent. Al-Marhum produced several 'Syair' or poems on religion, education, ethics, humanity and customs of Brunei Darussalam.

At a young age of 10, Al-Marhum had already started to learn to recite the al-Quran and his knowledge on Islam was further increased when he continued his studies in Islamic laws, which shaped his way of thinking.

Al-Marhum's eminence was evident when he was appointed as Duli Pengiran Bendahara, Brunei's first Wazir in 1974, and his appointment also made him a member of the Legislative Council.

Through the Legislative Council meetings, Al-Marhum was able to improve the quality of life and to uplift 'syairs' or poems and Islamic teachings.

In 1947, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien was appointed as Mohammaden Religious Adviser, which dealt mostly with producing fresh suggestions related to Brunei's Islamic administration by studying the enforced Islamic administration laws and regulations in the then Tanah Melayu or today's Malaysia.

Al-Marhum's devoutness and ability in the religious field reflected largely in his rule, which was based on Islam. This was even more strengthened when Al-Marhum consented to declare Islam as the official religion of Brunei.

These facts influenced Al-Marhum's poems, which mostly involved advices and positive life examples based on Islamic and sunnah teachings. His masterpieces include Syair Perlembagaan Negeri Brunei, Syair Nasihat, Syair Rajang Hari and Rampaian Laila Syair.

The 'Tokoh Sasterawan Islam Brunei' or Eminent Islamic Scholar of Brunei award to the late 28th Sultan of Brunei is a fitting tribute to Al-Marhum's magnificent literature works.