Brooke, Margaret, Lady, 1849-1936; Queens -- Malaysia -- Sarawak -- Biography; Sarawak (Malaysia) -- Description and travel
When King Edward came to the throne, the affairs of Sarawak and status
of its ruler apparently interested him. His Majesty, aware of the
manner Sarawak was governed, and after having made inquiries as to the
prosperity and well-being of its inhabitants, decreed that the Rajahs
of Sarawak should be given precedence at the English Court immediately
after that of the ruling Princes of India. But even then difficulties
arose regarding the position of the Rajah’s sons. Our eldest son,
although heir-apparent, and our younger sons who are heirs-presumptive,
were not allowed to be presented at Court under their Sarawak titles.
Our present King, however, a little while ago saw fit to confirm our
eldest son’s title of Rajah Muda in England, but his brothers, who
have also a certain right in the succession, have not been allowed the
same privilege at the English Court. We all know that in hereditary
properties the younger sons of the actual possessor are recognized as
having a legal interest in the possible succession of their father.
When one realizes that we are dealing with an hereditary State, the
question at stake becomes a doubly important one.
We have had recent and ample opportunities to judge of the dangers
which half-civilized nations run at the hands of exploiting
commercialism. That Sarawak should hitherto have escaped such dangers
is infinitely to the honour of the Borneo Company Ltd., who have
never sought to enrich themselves to the detriment of Sarawak people.
Nor must we forget that immunity from companies of a less scrupulous
character is due to the vigilance and firmness of the Rajahs of
Sarawak, determined as they were that the people who placed themselves
under their rule should have the benefit of European contact without
any of its often terrible drawbacks. We must therefore hope that the
future Rajah and his brothers will consolidate a regime which has
so admirably safeguarded the natives under their two first White
Rajahs. It is therefore consonant with the wisdom of the present
Sovereign that he should have sought to strengthen the position of his
successor, whenever a change in the succession occurs, by arranging
for the assistance of a Consultative Council who would sit in London,
and consisting of his two younger sons, of two highly distinguished
officials in the Sarawak service, and, if possible, of an independent
Englishman experienced in colonial government and in matters dealing
with primitive people and their interests. The Rajah is fully aware
that whatever steps he may see fit to take for the future safety of his
people, the more publicly such precautions are made known, the better
it will be for the success of his schemes. Public opinion is a mighty
lever when used to champion any honest or righteous cause, and it is
with the help of public opinion that the Rajah may gain the necessary
help in order to realize the fulfilment of his dearest wish--that being
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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