It was believed that his family's move to Brunei began around the turn of the 20th century, when his father, he started attending English school in Labuan in 1914.

During the previous British rule, it was rare for experienced local officers to be promoted to such high positions or kept in their current roles.

[9] It was at this time, he was conferred the title Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri on 11 May, making him head of the non-noble traditional ministers.

He went to accompany the Sultan on his hajj pilgrimage in Mecca,[8] and to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and official visit to Europe.

In order to support Brunei's growth, the conference sought to strengthen collaboration in shared services including health, education, and law enforcement.

His contribution strengthened Brunei's participation in these regional projects, which were steered by the diplomacy of individuals such as Malcolm MacDonald and Anthony Abell.

[13] Following these negotiations, during the pivotal constitutional debates of the late 1950s, the Sultan strategically selected Ibrahim as Brunei's first Menteri Besar on 29 September 1959.

To prevent political infighting and to avoid giving an advantage to the British or the Partai Rakyat Brunei, the Sultan kept Ibrahim's appointment secret until the last moment.

[17] His funeral was attended by family members and several high ranking officials such as Arthur Adair, Yusuf Abdul Rahim, Menteri Besar of Brunei, and many nobilities.

Additionally he was also awarded Order of the Rising Sun Third Class by the Japanese Government during World War II.