Long before modern states, the peoples of Sarawak and Sabah already had their own systems of local government. Communities organised themselves under respected local leaders, and were also linked to two great regional sultanates.
Overlordship of two sultanates
Much of coastal Sarawak lay under the influence of the Brunei Sultanate, which governed through nobles called Pengiran who collected tribute as a sign of loyalty. The eastern part of Sabah came under the Sulu Sultanate, while other coastal areas were also tied to Brunei. These sultanates did not rule daily life directly; local communities kept their own leaders.
Leaders of the community
Among the Iban, each longhouse (rumah panjang) was headed by a Tuai Rumah, who settled disputes and led ceremonies. A group of longhouses over a wider area might follow a Penghulu. Coastal groups such as the Melanau had their own chiefs. In Sabah, a village (kampung) was led by a Ketua Kampung, chosen for his wisdom and respected by the people. Indigenous peoples such as the Kadazandusun, Bajau and Murut each governed their own communities, making decisions by discussion and following their own customs (adat). Leadership often depended on courage, experience and the trust of the community rather than on birthright alone.
Key idea
Local government in Sarawak and Sabah grew from the community upward — through leaders like the Tuai Rumah and Ketua Kampung — while the Brunei and Sulu sultanates held wider overlordship.
Remember
- Sarawak — under Brunei; Pengiran collected tribute.
- Sabah — east under Sulu; also linked to Brunei.
- Iban longhouse head: Tuai Rumah; village head: Ketua Kampung.