cover single page - Universiti Brunei Darussalam

Preface
When the Weekend Edition of the Borneo Bulletin carried a series of my articles
(in ten parts) on “Why did Brunei accept British Protection in 1906” published
from March to June this year, the response from the public was once again
overwhelming. I present this book as a revised and improved version of the
articles due to popular demand. Six years ago, Brunei Press released a similar
compilation of my articles in a book entitled The Brunei Constitution of 1959:
An Inside History that sold out in two editions within a short period of time after
its release. That too, was an indication of how much Bruneians look forward to
reading books about their past. Despite this interest, bookstores in the country
carry very few books on history, especially in English, for interested locals and
visitors to the country.
The idea to write this book occurred early in the year as Brunei commemorated
the centenary of Residency Rule. The Brunei History Centre held a special history
seminar at the International Convention Centre, from 1 st to 3 rd March. Scholars
from Brunei presented papers delving into many aspects of British presence in
Brunei. The seminar highlighted the fact how Brunei, on the eve of Residency
rule, presented a fascinating example of a small state’s determination to ward off
an avalanche of overpowering imperial designs. It is a familiar story related in
many books, articles and dissertations. This book attempts to recapture the story
for a general reader, minus the frills of footnote references and citations, and aims
at a popular audience seeking entertainment as much as enlightenment. I believe
that the study of the past can be made fun as well as informative. In writing this
book I have consulted relevant writings by Nicholas Tarling, Pehin Dato Haji
Jamil al Sufri, L. R. Wright, A. V. M. Horton, Graham Irwin, R. H. Reece, D. S.
Ranjit Singh, Graham Saunders, K. G. Tregonning and others.
I am sure there will be criticisms for the way in which the facts are presented and
interpreted in this work. In view of its brevity, needless to say, discussions have to
be succinct and selective. Specialist readers who want to know the story in its
entirety should the consult primary sources and academic writings cited in the
bibliography.
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