HISTORY OF KUCHING
Kuching,
the capital of Sarawak has an interesting history
as a main trading center and has attracted people
from different places who later settled here. Sarawakians
are mainly made up of Malays, Chinese, Ibans, Bidayuhs,Orang
Ulu Penans and Melanaus.
Before
the 19th century, Sarawak was a typical Malay principality
under the control of the Sultan Brunei. Sarawak
was a peaceful place though many Sarawakians were
mistreated forced to pay high taxes and sacked without
any reason. These caused a large protest against
the Brunei Empire
James
Brooke a rich English Adventurer took the opportunity
to end the dissension in Sarawak upon request by
the Sultan of Brunei. As a sign of appreciation
the Sultan of Brunei appointed him as the Governor
of Sarawak.
However,
James Brooke requested the British Navy’s assistance
to secure his position. He then drove out all of
the Sultan’s entire officer from Sarawak. Enraged,
the Sultan tried to stop James Brooke but Brooke
took the pre-emptive strike. The Sultan was then
forced to sign an agreement to fully hand Sarawak
over to Brooke. From then onwards, James Brooke
became the first English Rajah of Sarawak.
The
reign of James Brooke marked the beginning of Kuching
as an important administrative center and port.
Many of the prominent historial buildings at the
waterfront are attributable to his successor, Charles
Brooke (1868-1917).
Sarawak
became part of the Federation of Malaysia on the
16 September 1963. Kuching has since then changed
and developed into a flourishing modern city.
