Bahrin Abbas

Pengiran Haji Bahrin bin Pengiran Haji Abbas (born 2 July 1946) sometimes spelled Abas, is a lawyer and politician in the Government of Brunei whom formerly took office as the first Minister of Law from 1984 to 1998, the first Minister of Communications from 1984 to 1986, and the sixth Attorney General of Brunei from 1978 to 1998.

Education
Pengiran Bahrin was educated at Jamalul Alam Malay School and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College in Brunei, Millfield School and later University of Birmingham (LLB with Hons) in 1968, Gray's Inn and the first qualified Bruneian from the University College London (LLM) in 1970. He became a barr-at-law in 1969, Assist Counsel & Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) in the Attorney General's Chambers from 1970 to 1975, Deputy Attorney General from 1975 to 1976, and finally Solicitor general from 1976 to 1978.

Ministerial career
In 1977, Pengiran Bahrin passed the Rang Undang-Undang Perjalanan Udara (Air travel) bill. His ministerial career began on 1 January 1984, when he was appointed as the first and only Minister of Law, and co-currently Minister of Communications. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah gave a contribution of B$210,000 to the United Nations International School (UNIS) in 1985. Pengiran Bahrin, the Sultan's special envoy, presented the gift to Mr. Refauddin Ahmad, chairman of the board of UNIS, on the occasion of the United Nations' 40th anniversary and the first anniversary of Brunei's membership. He enacted the Legal Profession Act on 1 October 1986. Sections 3 and 4 of this act must be met for someone to be admitted to the Brunei Bar (law). On 3 October 1987, a reception was held in the South Korean Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan to commemorate National Foundation Day. The Korean ambassador, Kang Sung Ku, was there to greet guests. Pengiran Bahrin, a government representative, attended the event as the main guest. Foreign ambassadors, prominent government officials, and Korean citizens living in the Sultanate were also present during the event.

The long-standing agreements between Brunei and the United Kingdom regarding judicial cooperation and assistance from Hong Kong that had existed since 1963 were officially terminated in 1993, according to Pengiran Bahrin, who spoke at the opening of the Legal Year on 18 January. He added that Brunei would be able to do this without their support as there are enough retired judges who have consented to continue serving directly in the Supreme Court. According to him, efforts are being made to update the Revised Edition of the Laws as soon as is practical in terms of both major and subsidiary laws. He resigned from his post around 24 June 1998.

During his tenure as minister, he introduced several orders which included:


 * Emergency (Intoxicating Substances) Order 1991
 * Emergency (Kidnapping) Order 1992
 * Emergency (Tabung Amanah Pekerja) Order 1992
 * Emergency (Islamic Banking) Order 1992
 * Emergency (Dissolution of Marriage) Order 1992
 * Emergency (Registration of Marriages Act) (Amendment) Order 1992
 * Emergency (Perintah Nafkah Penguatkuasaan Timbal Balik) Order 1995

Personal life
Pengiran Bahrin married Datin Masni binti Mohd Ali, and together they have two sons and two daughters. A son of theirs is Pengiran Izad Ryan, a counsel and Vice President of Law Society of Brunei Darussalam.

Honours
Pengiran Bahrin was bestowed the title of Yang Amat Mulia (The Most Noble) Pengiran Laila Kanun Diraja on 21 March 1978, making him a member of cheteria. Moreover, he has earned the following honours;
 * BRU Family Order of Brunei 1st Class.svg Order of Laila Utama (DK) – Dato Laila Utama
 * BRU_Order_of_Loyalty_to_the_State_of_Brunei.svg Order of Setia Negara Brunei First Class (PSNB) – Dato Seri Setia
 * Sultan_Hassanal_Bolkiah_Medal.gif Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal (PHBS)
 * Long_Service_Medal_(PKL).jpg Long Service Medal (PKL)