SARAWAK’S FUTURE

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 April 1946, Page 10

SARAWAK’S FUTURE

RAJAH BROOKE ACCLAIMED KUCHING, April 17.

Banners bearing slogans, “We want Brooke rule only,” “Sarawak is our blood and soul,” and “Long live Rajah Brooke,” were waved by cheering crowds when the Rajah of Sarawak (Sir Charles Vyner Brooke) and the Ranee drove through the streets yesterday. Council members told Reuter’s correspondent that the rajah, when he summoned the Supreme Council to inform them that he was reassuming full sovereign rights, did not raise the question of Sarawak’s future. So far the people had not been informed of its proposed cession to the Crown. Malay leaders, however, forecast startling disclosures when the discussions opened.

A London message, of January 19, said that Sarawak was to become part of the British Empire. An agreement had been reached between Sir Charles Vyner Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, and the Colonial Office, whereby the State would become a Crown Colony. Sir Charles Brooke would retain his title till his death, but a British resident-general would probably be appointed to handle the country’s affairs.