Two different Western rulers
In the north of Borneo, two Western powers set up rule during the 19th century. In Sarawak the rulers were the Brooke family, called the "White Rajahs." In Sabah (North Borneo) the ruler was a company, the British North Borneo Company (BNBC). Both areas had once been under the Sultan of Brunei, whose power slowly shrank as these Western powers expanded.
Brooke rule in Sarawak
An Englishman, James Brooke, helped the Sultan of Brunei put down a rebellion. As a reward he was made Rajah of Sarawak in 1841. His nephew Charles Brooke and then Charles Vyner Brooke continued the family rule until the Second World War. The Brookes set up a Supreme Council and, in 1867, the Council Negri (State Council), one of the earliest law-making councils in the region. Sarawak was divided into administrative divisions led by Residents.
Key idea
Sarawak was ruled by a family (the Brookes) while Sabah was ruled by a company (the BNBC). Both used a system of divisions, districts and officers to keep control.
Company rule in Sabah
The BNBC received a Royal Charter in 1881 and ruled North Borneo from 1882, with a Governor and a capital at Sandakan. Like the Brookes, the Company divided the land into Residencies and districts. Both rulers wanted peace and profit, and both faced resistance from local people who disliked new taxes and loss of land.
Remember
- Sarawak: Brooke family (Rajah), James Brooke from 1841.
- Council Negri set up in 1867.
- Sabah: British North Borneo Company, charter 1881, rule from 1882.
- Both replaced Brunei's authority.