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CHAPTER 6

THE REIGN OF SULTAN ABDUL MOMIN 1852 - 1885

“And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-treated, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah…” (Al-Imran:159)OFF

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BRUNEI’S RELATIONS WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENTBRUNEI’S RELATIONS WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT6.1When Sultan Abdul Momin ascended the throne, James Brooke wanted to sign a new treaty with the Sultan.

1853: A treaty was signed that strengthened Brooke’s control of Sarawak and gave him more territory (Batang Lupar)

1855: Another treaty was signed giving Brooke seven more districts

Sultan Abdul Momin

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Brunei Sultanate by 1861

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BRUNEI’S RELATIONS WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENTBRUNEI’S RELATIONS WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT6.126th Nov 1856: Treaty of Friendship and Commerce of 1847 reconfimed

1861: More territories stretching from Rajang to BintuluRajang to Bintulu ceded to the British

1863: Charles Brooke, James Brooke’s nephew was made new Raja of Sarawak

1883: Charles Brooke was given areas from Tanjong Kedurong to Baram for $3 000 a year

1884: Charles Brooke obtained districts from Tanjung Puan to Terusan River

Charles BrookeOFF

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CONCESSIONS IN NORTH BORNEOCONCESSIONS IN NORTH BORNEO6.2

Between 1865 and 1878, three foreign groups encroached upon the territory of North Borneo.

• 1864: C.L. Moses was appointed American Consul General in Brunei. • He signed a treaty with the Sultan obtaining territories from Sulaman River to the Paitan River• C.L. Moses also leased districts from Paitan to Kimanis• Rights to these lands were subsequently transferred to Baron von Overbeck

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He was the Austrian Consul-General in Hong Kong

He faced financial problems and had to sell his share to Alfred Dent.

1881: British government granted British North Borneo Company a royal charter.

CONCESSIONS IN NORTH BORNEOCONCESSIONS IN NORTH BORNEO6.2

1877: Went to Brunei to negotiate new lease with Sultan. New treaty signed.

Alfred Dent set up British North Borneo Company in London

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REACTION OF THE EUROPEAN POWERSREACTION OF THE EUROPEAN POWERSTO THE CONCESSIONSTO THE CONCESSIONS

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Agreed to British control over northern Borneo because British accepted Spanish control of Sulu Archipelago.

Accepted British control of Sabah because British accepted German control of New Guinea.

1879: Tried to claim some land near Sandakan, but unsuccessful. Dutch and British agreed to divide Borneo into British area in north and Dutch area in south.

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THE AMANAT 1885THE AMANAT 18856.4

Sultan Abdul Momin realised that if the expansionist activities of the West continued, Brunei would cease to exist as sovereign state.

The Amanat was ineffective. In the years to follow, more territories continued to be taken.

20th February 1885, the Sultan declared the Amanat. It was an agreement with the Wazirs, Manteris and holders of Tulin rights not to cede anymore territories to the West.

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CHAPTER 6: SUMMARY

Reign of Sultan Abdul Momin

1852 - 1885

James Brooke called for confirmation as Raja of Sarawak

1853: New treaty signed between the Sultan and James Brooke

1868: Charles Brooke signed a few treaties with the Sultan

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CHAPTER 6: SUMMARY

Concession of North Borneo in 1865. Brunei encroached by three foreign

groups in 1878

Americans

C.L. Moses – American Consul General in Brunei

Austrian

Baron von Overbeck – transfer

of concessions

Spanish, Germans and Dutch claims of

North Borneo

The Amanat 1885: Agreement not to cede any of the remaining Brunei territories to foreigners