Dato’ Abdullah bin Jaafar was the first Chief Minister of Johor who received military training. He joined the JMF in 1897, rose to the rank of Captain, and was later promoted to Major when he was assigned as the Commanding Officer of the JMF Muar Garrison.

In 1903, he was appointed Muar Police Commissioner. Three years later, Sultan Abu Bakar appointed him as State Commissioner for Muar. Due to his experience and excellent performance, he was appointed Acting Chief Minister in 1922 and, in 1926, was confirmed as the third Chief Minister of Johor till his retirement in 1928.

References:

• • Shahrom Husain - History of Johor, Its Connection with the Malay States, Publisher Fajar Sakti Sdn. Bhd. 1995.
  • Dato’ Hj Mohd Said - The Second Chronicle of Johor in the History of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim