How is It Started
The eastern seaboard of Borneo was charted, though not settled, by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. The area of Sarawak was known to Portuguese cartographers as Cerava. During the 17th century, Sarawak was self-governed under Sultan Tengah. By the early 19th century, Sarawak had become a loosely governed territory under the control of the Brunei Sultanate. During the reign of Pangeran Indera Mahkota in 19th century, Sarawak was facing chaos.[5] Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II (1827–1852), the Sultan of Brunei, ordered Pangeran Muda Hashim in 1839 to restore order and it was during this time that James Brooke arrived in Sarawak. Pangeran Muda Hashim initially requested assistance in the matter, but Brooke refused. In 1841, Brooke paid another visit to Sarawak and this time he agreed to provide assistance. Pangeran Muda Hashim signed a treaty in 1841 surrendering Sarawak and Sinian to Brooke. On 24 September 1841, Pangeran Muda Hashim bestowed the title Governor to James Brooke. He effectively became the Rajah of Sarawak and founded the White Rajah Dynasty of Sarawak, later extending his administration through an agreement with the Sultan of Brunei. Sarawak was thus an independent kingdom from 1841 until 1888, when the state was placed under British protection.
The Brooke Era
The Brooke dynasty ruled Sarawak for a hundred years and became famous as the "White Rajah", accorded a status within the British Empire similar to that of the rulers of Indian princely states. In contrast to many other areas of the empire, however, the Brooke dynasty was intent on a policy of paternalism in order to protect the indigenous population against exploitation. They governed with the aid of the Muslim Malay and enlisted the Ibans and other "Dayak" as a contingent militia. The Brooke dynasty also encouraged the immigration of Chinese merchants but forbade the Chinese to settle outside of towns in order to minimize the impact on the Dayak way of life.Charles Brook, the second White Rajah of Sarawak, established the Sarawak Museum, the oldest museum in Borneo.
Independence
Sarawak was officially granted independence on July 22, 1963,and joined with Malaya, Sabah, and Singapore, in the federation of Malaysia, formed on September 16, 1963, despite the initial opposition from parts of the population. Sarawak was also a Confrontation during the Indonesian Confrontation between 1962 and 1966. After that, they Merge with Tanah Melayu and become part of Malaysia. Until today, Sarawak has become one of the important part the contribute in the economy of Malaysia from industrial and agriculture. all In all, the little history about Sarawak hopefuly will give an important information about this beautiful country.
