Mohammad Ali bin Mohammad Daud (25 February 1936 – 24 October 2018) was a Bruneian nobleman, politician and diplomat whom formerly served as the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports from 1986 to 1989, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1989 to 2005. Additionally, he was a member of the Islamic Religious Council, director of several Bruneian banks (Islamic Bank of Brunei (IBB), Takaful IBB, and IBB Transport) and the President of the Brunei Scouts from 1974 to 1979.

Biography

Early life and education 
On 25 February 1936, Mohammad Ali was born in Kampong Ujong Tanjong, Kampong Ayer. His early schooling was completed at the Batu Lintang Training Center in Kuching, Sarawak, and afterwards at the Pekan Brunei Malay School. Prior to pursuing legal studies at Birmingham University in the United Kingdom, he furthered his education at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College and the Pekan Brunei English School in the nation's capital. Additionally, he completed a term in the Queen Elizabeth House, Oxford University's Foreign Service Programme.

Career 
In 1958, Mohammad Ali worked for the government as a clerk before being promoted to a number of positions, including assistant legal adviser, deputy public prosecutor, first-class referee, acting chief registrar, senior administrative officer, immigration and national registration controller, and Sir Dennis White's assistant in London. In addition, he served as the interim director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), adviser to the ACB, and senior officer in the Office of the Private and Confidential Secretary to the Sultan. He was also the previous deputy head of the Department of Diplomatic Services. The ACB had a small number of investigators and support employees in its early years after being established on 1 February 1982, with him being named as its first director. Mohammad Ali has served as the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1989 to 2005. On 2 May 1986, launched the Brunei Darussalam Library Association (BLA) at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

Brunei Scouts 
Since Mohammad Ali joined the Brunei Scouts at the age of seven, under his strong leadership, and in close collaboration with other scouts, the Scouts Association has grown by carrying out scout activities that are advantageous to its members, which are young people. He has taken part in several scouting conferences and jamborees both locally and abroad throughout his time with the organisation. For his contributions to the scout movement, he was also given a number of decorations, including the RAKIS Medal and the Merit Medal (England). He was an enthusiastic member of the Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam and had served as its president in Brunei Darussalam.

Later life 
According to Kadhi Court, Chapter 77 and Section 13 of the Islamic Religious Council Act, the Sultan of Brunei gave his approval for the appointment of new members, including Mohammad Ali, to the MUIB for a term of three years, beginning on 1 August 2017, and ending on 31 July 2020.

Death 
At the age of 82, Mohammad Ali passed away in his home at 7.45pm on 24 October 2018, was remembered by the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, during a Abdul Aziz Juned-led Jenazah prayers at his residence in Kampong Serusop, Berakas 'A' on the following day. He was later buried in the Muslim cemetery at Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.

Awards and honours 
Mohammad Ali was bestowed the manteri title of Yang Dimuliakan (The Exalted One) Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Raja on 21 May 1996.

Awards 

 Meritorious Youth Leader Award (2007)

Honours 
has earned the following honours; 
 Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Third Class (SLJ)
 Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei First Class (SPMB) – Dato Seri Paduka 
 Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
 Long Service Medal (PKL)
 Proclamation of Independence Medal (1 January 1984)

References 

1936 births
2018 deaths
Foreign ministers of Brunei
Government ministers of Brunei
Bruneian Muslims
Alumni of the University of Birmingham
Alumni of the University of Oxford