Government quarters in Simanggang

Between 1962 to 1964 I lived in a government quarter in Simanggang. My father was a clerk in the treasury department.



The piece of land that used to be civil servant government quarters today has been turned into a new town expansion of about 400 shop houses.

The quarters have historical values as it was built during the British colony rule.

In 1960, the United Nation Charter required all Western powers to give up their oversea possessions and Sarawak is no exception.

Malaya obtained its independence from the British in 1957.

The three Borneo territories, 1) colonies of Sarawak and 2) North Borneo and the 3) British protectorate state of Brunei were asked to form political parties to get ready for independence.

But the head of the sole political party in Brunei was Sheik A.M Azahari who opposed the formation of Malaysia.

He was pro-Indonesia and wanted the three Borneo territories to be part of Indonesia.

The rebellion spilled over to the neighbouring  Limbang, Lawas and Bekenu.

SheikAzahari command little support from the local population and his poorly armed rebels were quickly defeated by the British troops.