A young virgin and downfall of Rentap
When you take risks, you learn that there will be times when you succeed, and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important. – Ellen DeGeneres, American comedian One factor against Rentap was that he had committed a ‘pemali’ or ritual prohibition by marrying a girl old enough to be his […]
Untold stories of Sarawak’s brave Bidayuh
Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed. — Bob Riley, aboriginal activist I’m surprised that Sarawak, with its rich culture, has not been able to honour the Bidayuh in our history books. As early as 1837, Skrang Sea Dayak (Iban) aligned to warlord Pengiran Mahkota […]
SUPP Youth chief: Important for Sarawakians to know rights
KUCHING: It is important for Sarawakians to know their special rights enshrined in both federal and state constitutions, says Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief Michael Tiang. “July 22 was gazetted as Sarawak Independence Day on May 20, 2016. This shows the Sarawak government’s commitment in safeguarding our autonomy. “In 2016, July 22 was […]
Rajah Charles Brooke’s secret life revealed
The true story of Rajah Charles Johnson Brooke and his ‘Eurasian’ son from Malay aristocrat Dayang Mastiah and a jealous step-mother The forgotten son We always think we know everything about Sarawak’s rich Brooke history. In fact whatever knowledge we have provided in the old history books are just the tip of the iceberg. If […]
Legacy of better communications
The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist When Englishman James Brooke sailed into Kuching, Sarawak was better known as the Land of Headhunters. No community was safe as pirates from as far as the Philippines roamed the high […]
Curse of the White Rajah
Black magic operates most effectively in preconscious, marginal areas. Casual curses are the most effective. William S. Burroughs, American writer and visual artist Sarawak’s Astana and its surroundings is a treasure trove of history going back to the days when it was the bastion of Brunei sovereignty. It was “Raja Muda” Hashim, the heir-apparent to […]