History Of Sarawak

Sarawak's history is like a story out of a novel filled with enthralling characters that played important roles in its past set against a colourful yet beautiful background. From the Sarawak River banks where James Brooke first landed to the interior and coastlines of the state, its past had always exuded a mysterious and alluring time.

James Brooke

The Brooke era chronicles the time ruled by three generations of an English family whose first foray into Sarawak came with James Brooke, the first White Rajah. In 1839, James Brooke arrived in Kuching to deliver a letter to the governor of Sarawak, Rajah Muda Hashim. At the time, Sarawak was under the rule of the Brunei Sultanate and in a state of mayhem and rebellion from the Malays and Bidayuh who had been forced into hard labour by the Governor. With the Brunei power deteriorating and Rajah Muda Hashim unable to control the uprising, he requested for James Brooke to intercede and bring about a peaceful settlement with the natives. Brooke's success was rewarded with a sizable territory in Sarawak. He was also installed as the White Rajah of Sarawak in 1842. Rajah Brooke died in 1868 but not before expanding his territory.

Charles Brooke

His nephew Charles Brooke succeeded him. It is recorded that Charles Brooke was a capable, organized ruler who brought about a proper system of government and extension of Sarawak's borders. During the Japanese occupation from 1941 - 1945, Charles and his family fled to Australia. Throughout this time, the economic and administrative infrastructure of the state suffered, affecting, as well, the people of Sarawak.

The Japanese's hold on Sarawak began to unravel upon the arrival of the British and Australian troops, who landed in the Kelabit Highlands. By 1945, the Japanese surrendered. The return of Sir Charles Vyner Brooke to Sarawak saw his resumption of his role as the White Rajah on 15 April 1946 - Sarawak had been placed under the Australian Military Administration prior to his return.

Charles Vyner Brooke

Sir Charles' announcement to relinquish Sarawak to Britain resulted in the matter being brought up before the Council Negri. For three days the issue was discussed and thus, the council agreed by 19 votes against 16. Sarawak's colonization by the British on 1 July 1946 caused a division amongst the people while hundreds of government officers and teachers resigned from government service in protest. In 1949, Rosli Dhobi assassinated the second British Governor of Sarawak, Duncan Steward. The former was executed for his role in the anti-cession movement.