BROOKWOOD CEMETERY

Abdul Rahman Andak (Dato Amar DiRaja Abdul Rahman Andak), was a champion of Johor's independence during the period when the British were trying to extend their influence throughout Malaysia. A commoner, he was recruited into the Johor civil service.

Abdul Rahman Andak helped draft the Anglo-Johor Treaty with the British Governor, Sir Frederick Weld. Under this treaty the British recognised Abu Bakar as Sultan of Johor, and it became a protection for Johor against further British colonial designs. He was bestowed the title “Dato Amar DiRaja”.

Abdul Rahman Andak became the private secretary to the Sultan, and was later appointed State Secretary of Johor. For twenty years he was the expert and trusted advisor to Sultan Abu Bakar (1833-1895, Sultan of Johor 1862-1895); and Sultan Ibrahim (1873-1959, Sultan of Johor 1895-1959) for their dealings with the British in Singapore and in London. Abdul Rahman Andak also single-handedly drafted the Johor Constitution, the first created amongst the Malay States, which became law in 1894.

In retaliation, the British tried to prevent the government of Johor receiving advice and direction from its advisory board in London, they tried to construct a railway line across Johor, and they tried to engineer Abdul Rahman Andak's resignation. In the end they succeeded in the latter, for he was dismissed and sent into enforced exile in London in April 1909.