Appointment by Sultan of Brunei of James Brooke to Govern as His Representative, 1842.

In the era of the prophet – God grant him peace! – the year one thousand two hundred and fifty-eight, the year Alip, the twenty-fourth day of Jamadalachir, the day being Monday and the time ten o’ clock: -

His Highness Sultan Omar Ali Saifu’d-Din son of the late Sultan Mahomed Jamalu’l-Alam appoints James Brooke Esquire to be his representative and in that capacity to govern the privince of Sarawak, and James Brooke Esquire covenants and undertakes to observe the orders, custom, laws and regulations of His Highness the Sultan. James Brooke Esquire is responsible for all the affairs of the province of Sarawak, and no one at all may interfere upon any pretext except on the express command of His Highness the Sultan. Regarding the affairs of the other districts within our coasts James Brooke Esquire is not to exercise authority or concern himself in any way, but only within the province of Sarawak. So it is agreed between His Highness and the Tuan Besar.

And with regard to the province of Srawak the Tuan Besar alone is appointed our representative to govern it, and no other European of any nationality may except only after submission to His Highness and Pangeran Muda Hassim, and only with their permission.

Regarding the revenues of the province of Sarawak the Tuan Besar undertakes to pay as tribute every year to His Highness one thousand dollars, to Pangeran Muda Hassim one thousand dollars, to the Patinggi three hundred dollars to the Bandar one hundred and fifty dollars to the Tumunggong one hundred dollars annually. If the trade of the province of Sarawak becomes flourishing and the province obtains a large revenue the Tuan Besar shall increase the tribute to be paid to His Highness and the Pangeran Muda Hassim.

Further with reference to the Sapang and Sambok Kongsies which have been working in the province of Sarawak taxation is to be in accordance with the size of their undertaking whether large or small for this is a matter which is excluded from the control of the Tuan Besar.

The above is the Agreement between His Highness and the Tuan Besar aforesaid and contained in this written contract for the province of Sarawak.