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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

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 colorful 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.



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.




His nephew Charles Brooke successded him. It is recorded that Charles Brooke was a capable, organized ruler who brought about proper system of government and extension of Sarawak's borders. in 1917, Charles Vyner Brooke(1874-1963). the eldest surviving son of Charles, succeeded his father. Rajah Vyner(always known as Vyner) did not interfere with local customs, but drew the line at headhunting, which was practiced by Dayak tribesmen.




During the Japanese occupation from 1941-1945, Charles and his family fled to Australia. The Japanese's hold on Sarawak began to unravel up on the arrival of the British and Australian troops, who landed in the Kelabit Highlands. By 1945, the Japenese surrendered. The return of Sir Charles Vyner Brooke to Sarawak saw his role as White Rajah on 15 April 1946, Sarawak had been placed under the Australian Military Administration prior to his return.




Sir Charles' announcement to relinquish Sarawak to Britain result in the matter being brought up before the Council Negeri. For three days the issue was discussed and thus, the council agreed by 19 votes against 16.


Source
http://sarawakstamps.com/


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