Basir bin Taha was born on 3 November 1913 in Kampong Pengiran Pemancha Lama, Brunei Town (now Bandar Seri Begawan).

[5] However, with the outbreak of World War II, the PSPB was disbanded, and its members, including founders Marsal Maun and Basir, shifted their focus to contributing articles to Malayan newspapers like Utusan Melayu and Saudara.

[9] Following his training, Basir was tasked with improving Brunei's administrative and educational systems,[8] working alongside Marsal Maun to develop a more structured and organised schooling framework.

Basir played an integral role in overseeing this educational restructuring, collaborating with figures like Harun Mohd Amin, Marsal, Nordin Abdul Latif, and Othman.

[9] Additionally, Bruneian students, including Idris Hamzah, Tuah Hitam, Basir, Jamil Al-Sufri, and Marsal, received teacher training under the Japanese administration.

[15]In 1944, Basir advanced his education at the prestigious 'Kochu Sunsi' and 'Shi Gakko' colleges, renowned teacher training centres for headmasters and inspectors in Brunei Town.

[15] Upon graduating, Basir was appointed chief school inspector for Miri, Labuan, and the fourth and fifth divisions of Sarawak, while also overseeing the coastal borders of Sabah.

[7] Alongside his contributions to education, Basir was active in welfare initiatives through Barisan Pemuda (BARIP), an early left-wing political party established after the Japanese occupation of Brunei.

[16] Basir was one of the founders of the Kampong Birau Mosque, established in 1963,[16] and was appointed as a voluntary imam alongside Marsal Hassan, under the leadership of Abdul Kadir Talip, a religious teacher.

His ancestry is believed to trace back to the royal family, with evidence of this reflected in his character, conduct, and the legacy he carried, which embodied the dignified traits of his elders.

Due to his resolute nature, the sultan of Brunei at the time honoured him by granting him a tract of land known as 'Pandam' as a residence, as well as acknowledging his connection to the Johor royal family with this tribute.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Colonel (Retired) Dato Paduka Haji Abdu'r Rahmani distinguished himself as the commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force from 2003 to 2005,[19] while Pehin Orang Kaya Leila Perkasa Colonel (Retired) Dato Paduka Haji Mahdini is recognised for his aristocratic status as a member of the Manteri social class.