[6] Born in 1888/1889,[a] Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II rose to power during a turbulent political era marked by ongoing territorial disputes, particularly between the Brookes and the British North Borneo Company.

[11] As one of Abdul Mokti Nasar's most distinguished pupils, Jamalul Alam greatly benefited from his mentor’s teachings, which profoundly influenced his commitment to advancing Islamic education and religious customs in Brunei.

[12] Brunei's status as a British protectorate, formalized in 1888, further complicated the political landscape by granting Britain authority to intervene in succession disputes while allowing the sultan to retain control over internal affairs.

[11] Initially, this arrangement created tension, as the regents, influential figures in Brunei's traditional administration, sought to maintain certain customary practices and limit British influence.

Over time, however, Jamalul Alam grew into his role, eventually moving beyond the regents' influence to embrace a more progressive approach to governance, although British authority continued to shape the monarchy's direction.

Even though English acquired considerable significance in government, it was still mostly limited to the highest levels of Brunei's administration, and the usage of Malay and Arabic as prestige languages in official communication persisted.

[16] The sultan petitioned the British high commissioner, at the behest of the regents, to amend a number of administrative modifications that Resident Malcolm McArthur had proposed.

When Jamalul Alam and his regents finally gave in, Brunei's monarchy made a major concession on long-standing traditions, laws, and government under British protection, advancing the country's modernisation.

[19]Jamalul Alam, after initial tension with British authorities over the implementation of the Land Code—which even led to a deposition threat from Sir John Anderson—grew into a more progressive ruler following the passing of the older generation of wazirs.

[23] The coronation or installation of Jamalul Alam as the Yang Di-Pertuan on 15 May 1918[24][25] marked a significant turning point in Brunei's history, as it symbolised the end of the co-regency and the restoration of the sultan's direct authority.

[28] Embracing new ideas like education and vaccination programs, he was recognized for his efforts with a honorary knighthood in the 1920 Birthday Honours,[d] and his untimely death was deeply mourned by the British.

His involvement inspired Kampong Ayer residents to consider mainland resettlement, and relocation efforts in the 1920s began expanding beyond the city centre to areas like Tungkadeh and Kumbang Pasang, marking a significant shift in Brunei's urban development.

[30] In 1922, Jamalul Alam sent a troupe of traditional Bruneian artists to Singapore as part of his retinue for the Malaya and Borneo Cultural Festival, held in celebration of the Prince of Wales' visit.

The sultan arrived just before the public was restricted from the area, dressed in gold silk robes and accompanied by ministers, advisers, and an honor guard, positioning himself at the prince's landing point.

[36] His passing marked the beginning of a new regency period during the minority of his eldest son and successor, Pengiran Muda Besar Ahmad Tajuddin,[10][37][7] which further strengthened the British Resident's authority in Brunei.