to Malaya. This was called as neo-colonisation. On 8 December 1962, the PRB led a rebellion against the government. With British military aid deployed from Singapore, the rebellion was later crushed and PRB were defeated. North Borneo Federation After the rebellion, the discussion of joining the proposed North Borneo Federation continues. Omar Ali Saifuddien sent a delegation to attend meetings of the Malaysian Solidarity Consolidation Committee (MSCC). The views of the people were sought by the committee, which was chaired by Marsal Maun, Chief Minister of Brunei at that time. In 1963, a meeting was held to discuss the prospect of Brunei joining Malaysia. They failed to reach an agreement on the issues of Brunei's oil revenue and federal rights to taxation. Even the initial date for the federation (which was 31 August 1963) was postponed to 16 September, no agreement was reached between the two sides. Religious Affairs and Education Upon his ascension to the throne, Omar Ali Saiffudien also became the head of the Islamic religion in the country. One important contribution of the Sultan was to regularise Islamic administration in Brunei. In 1948, a religious council, comprising the Mohammedan Religious Advisers was formed. Due to the Sultan's initiative, the council met for the first time on 31 January 1948. He himself was appointed chairman of this council. After examining several laws on Islamic affairs in the Malay Peninsula, the board made new proposals regarding the religious administration in Brunei. According to his speech during the Opening Ceremony of the Shariah Council, He was also responsible for the formation of the Department of Religious Affairs on 1 July 1954. The department was responsible for all the important decisions made on Islam in Brunei. All aspects of Islamic activities such as community life, laws, education, missionary activities and social administration were supervised by these two religious bodies. Notable visits by foreign leaders during reign On 21 October 1952, Brunei was visited by Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent. On 25 September 1958, the Sultan received the visit of Syed Putra of Perlis, Hisamuddin of Selangor; Abu Bakar of Pahang and Sir Anthony Abell Governor of Sarawak, who attended the Berkhatan (circumcision) ceremony of the Sultan's sons, Prince Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince Mohamed Bolkiah. On 6 July 1959, the Sultan received the visit of Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan, the first Yang Di Pertuan Agong of the Federation of Malaya